Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Izuku was floating in nothingness. Anguish ran through his body. Sadness cut him down to the bone. His father was dead. He was worse than dead. He was gone, and there was some man walking around with his face and body, with his voice. A man who was going to come after Izuku with everything he had. Now he was here. Alone. 

Not quite, Nephew. 

He found himself standing in a room. Or... half of a room? A place certainly, one hurtling through the darkness of All for One. Before him, the vestiges. Almost all of them lined up in a small half circle, all in chairs. Uncle Yoichi sat in the center, the chairs on either side of him empty. The missing two users were back against the wall, but they were facing him, arms crossed. “Hello, Izuku.” Yoichi said 

“....hi.” Izuku said softly. 

Nana smiled “How are you?” 

He shook his head “Not... not great.” Tears leaked from his eyes “I’m... he-” He covered his face with his hands “I can’t do this... I can’t keep doing this anymore. This isn’t fair.” 

Yoichi stood, walking to Izuku. Gently, he took his hands and lowered them “Hey,” He said “I know.” He held his hands tightly “I know this is hard. I know this is terrible. Izuku, I’m so sorry this happened to you. But your father sacrificed himself to save you. Had he not done that, All for One would be in your body. He’d have One for All. He’d have us. He made sure you can live and fight back.” 

“I... I don’t want to anymore.” He said “I just... I want this to stop. I want to go back- I’d have never taken this stupid quirk if I had known...” 

The ghostly yellow Toshinori shuddered. 

Yoichi squeezed his hands. Izuku looked at him. They were exactly the same height. “I understand.” He said “I didn’t want it. I never wanted this quirk but... You have it. There’s no running. No one can stop Hisashi. No one but you.” He said “...Do you think you can?” 

He cried “I- I can’t... I can’t kill him. I couldn’t-” 

“What if he gives you no choice?” Shun, the second user called “If it means him, or the world what do you do?” 

Kenji, beside him on the wall “There’s got to be another way.” 

“You know as well as I do what that man’s capable of. He killed us. He killed Yoichi, he killed me, and then hunted you down. The only one of us he didn’t murder was Higake and that’s just because Higake hid himself for 2 decades.” 

Higake sighed from his seat “Not for lack of trying. Danger Sense was probably the only reason I was able to avoid him.” 

“Izuku, there might be only one option here and that’s death.” Shun said “You need to understand you might have to make that ugly choice.” 

Nana sighed “Shun, he’s a child.” 

“Didn’t stop you from giving the quirk to a middle schooler.” Kenji argued. 

She stood up from her chair “We all know Toshinori was the obvious choice! Look at how much good he did. For nearly 40 years he held One for All and he changed the world. He made himself a pillar! He’s the reason Japan has had this golden era!” 

En pulled his coat up over his mouth “You could also argue Toshinori is the reason the world is falling so hard. He was the pillar. One for All is a powerful quirk but can one person bear the weight of the world alone like that? No one is infallible. Not even Toshinori.” 

“Oh come on En.” Daigoro called “knock it off with your philosophy.” 

“I thought my philosophy was why you picked me in the first place.” En said smoothly. “I’m a thinker. You said that was what One for All needed when you practically force fed me your blood.”

“Let’s not get off topic, like fucking always.” Shun sighed “Izuku, look at me.” he said and strode forward. Yoichi moved so he could stand in front of Izuku. “If it came down to it, if it meant the end of the world otherwise, could you kill your own father?” He asked.

Izuku wasn’t sure. He loved his father. But... “My father is already dead.” He whispered. 

Kenji huffed “What about killing anyone at all?” 

He shook his head “...There has to be another way.” Izuku said “I don’t want him, or Shigaraki to die. They need to face justice for their crimes, but... I can’t make the call if they live or die. That’s... heroes are meant to protect. Not kill.” He said finally. “...There has to be another way.” Yoichi was right. It didn’t matter what he wanted. He’d already agreed. He’d taken Toshinori’s quirk. This was his burden now. His torch. He would carry it across the finish line. “And I’m going to find it.” He said more determined than ever. 

The users all looked at each other. Kenji pushed himself off the wall and walked to join Shun and Yoichi. “Ok. I already let you have Fa-jin, but... Ok. We’re in.” 

Shun sighed “Gear Shift is yours.” he said “I still can’t say if I agree that there is another option but... I’ll follow you on this one.” 

Nana smiled “Please save Tenko. In whatever way you can.” 

“I admire your philosophy.” En said “I’m by your side.” 

“Fuck yeah!” Daigoro cried, pumping his fist into the air “I’m putting all my money on the little guy solving this peacefully!” 

Higake chuckled “You don’t have money, Daigoro.” He turned his gaze to Izuku “I’ve been with you from the start, trying to keep you safe.” 

“My sweet Nephew.” Yoichi said, ruffling his hair “I’ll always be with you.” He said, and pressed a kiss to his forehead. 

***

Izuku sat up in bed, wide awake. He felt... odd. His body was in mild pain but nothing he hadn’t experienced before. His arms were healed. He lifted his hospital shirt to look down. He had a large scar on his stomach where the spear had impaled him. It was dark out. The room was empty. His phone sat on a charger next to him. He grabbed it and checked the time. Almost midnight. 

He had to leave. Right now. He stood up and looked around the room. His hero outfit was still here. It had seen better days. His gloves had been mangled but- with some quick tears using One for All he managed to salvage the parts that went around his hands, giving him short black fingerless gloves with brass knuckles. The rest of his outfit was mostly in one piece if a little tattered around the edges. His shoes were still together, and his metal soles, while scratched, were usable. 

With his costume however was a familiar yellow scarf. Gran Torino’s. He’d never gotten the chance to check on him after Shigaraki had... Gran Torino must be dead. Someone had given Izuku his cape. He clutched it to his chest. But he did not cry. “Oh Gran...” He mumbled. He got himself dressed, and pulled the scarf over his outfit. He packed his yellow backpack and stopped into the small bathroom in the room. He stopped, staring at his reflection. 

There was a stark white streak in front of his head. His hair was mostly it’s normal green, though much longer and shaggier than he normally kept it, and there in the front, just above his left eye, was a massive streak of white. He touched it gently. It felt smoother than the rest of his hair. It felt like Dad’s. 

He shook his head and finished in there before heading back out into the main hospital room, and headed for the door but-

It slid open. 

Toshinori stood in the doorway, holding a coffee cup. “Izuku!” he cried dropping it to the floor. He crossed the room and pulled him into a tight hug “Oh my god, Izuku.” He said. Izuku found his face being pulled into his thin chest. The smell of linen and misty cologne filled his nose. He sagged into the grip. Long thin fingers ran through his hair “I didn’t... we weren’t sure... Oh Izuku I’m so sorry.” 

He pulled back “Tosh... it’s ok. I mean-” he sighed “It’s not ok. But... It’s not your fault. This is no one’s fault. No one but All for One’s.” He looked up at his step father “But it’s going to be ok. I’m going to stop him. But... I need to get stronger first.” 

Toshinori looked him over “...What do you have planned? Just come back to school, we can train there, keep you safe and-” 

“I’m not going back to UA.” Izuku said “Dad is going to come for me. I can’t risk making anyone else a target. Not you, not Shouto, not Kacchan, not anyone. I have to go alone.” 

He shook his head “Izuku, it’s not safe out there. Hisashi- All for One... we just got word. He broke into Tartarus. There was a mass breakout. Hundreds of the most dangerous villains in Japan are on the streets now.” 

Izuku’s eyes widened “No... no that’s perfect for me.” He said “I mean- terrible they’re out my god that’s gonna be a lot of work rounding them up- fuck we gotta move quick but... All for One basically just gave me ammunition. Hundreds of strong quirks out there. For the taking.” He said. 

Toshinori frowned “...You want to hunt down more quirks?” 

He nodded “I’m going to. Right now.” 

He grabbed Izuku by the shoulders “Are you crazy? Izuku you just went through something horrible! You still need to heal, your father-” Toshinori cut himself off. His eyes watered. 

Right... Izuku hadn’t just lost a father. Toshinori had lost his partner. Izuku hugged him like a vice grip “...I’m sorry Tosh...” 

Toshinori hugged him back. “...I miss him so much it hurts.” 

He nodded “...Me too.” Eventually, Izuku pulled away. “I’m going to slip out. Before everyone wakes up. I’ll hit the streets. Protect people, train, steal villain quirks and get stronger. I can do it. I can defeat Dad, and Shigaraki.” He said “I can do it. I have to do it.” 

“What about your friends? What about Shouto?” He asked. 

Izuku sighed “They’ll be angry I left but... I think they’ll find it in their hearts forgive me after I’m done.” 

“...You shouldn’t just leave without any warning at all.” He said. 

That was a good point. His friends had always said they wanted to be there for him. Shouto hated it when he lied. He lied.... So much. Plus if he ran off no explanation the whole class would come after him. That was the worst case scenario. “I’ll leave them letters. Do you have any paper?” He asked. 

“...No but I can find some.” Toshinori sighed. 

***

It didn’t take long. Izuku soon had a stack of letters. Most of them the same, with slight variations for certain friends. His closest friends got personal letters. All that was left was Shouto and Kacchan- oh fuck Kacchan. 

“...So... Kacchan really lost his quirk?” 

Toshinori, who sat at Izuku’s bedside the whole time, now with a fresh coffee in hand, nodded. “He did.” He said. “He said he’s still going to pursue being a hero. Quirkless or not.” 

Izuku couldn’t help but laugh at the irony. “That filthy hypocrite.” He said “Hold on. I’ll be back.” He hopped up from the bed. 

“Where are you going?” Toshinori asked following him to the door. 

“Gonna go give something to Kacchan.” He said “Which way is his room?” Toshinori pointed the way “Right. I’ll be back.” He said and walked off. Toshinori walked out of the room too, but headed a different way. 

Izuku found the right hospital room and hesitated. What if he was still awake? He had to risk it. Slowly, he slid the door open. Inside he found an odd, but rather endearing scene. Kacchan and Shouto in bed together. They had their hospital beds pushed together, cuddling in the darkness. He bit back a smile at the cuteness of it. 

He desperately wanted to crawl into the bed between them. 

Instead he walked around to Shouto’s side. His boyfriend looked so cute in his sleep. Peaceful and relaxed. Izuku floated above him slightly and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I’ll come back to you. I promise.” He whispered. He moved to the other side of the bed and gently laid all five fingers over Kacchan’s face. 

Pull left his void. 

“Take care of her for me, ok Kacchan?” He whispered. He pulled his hand back, taking in the mental image of the two most important people in his life together. “...bye.” He said and turned away from them, hoping it wouldn’t be for the last time. 

He got back to his hospital room and finished the last two letters, Shouto’s first then one for Kacchan.  

Dear Kacchan, 

I’m sorry. 

If I had been faster, you wouldn’t have lost your quirk. It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry Kacchan. I’m also sorry for leaving with just a note but I know if I tried to say goodbye properly you’d never let me just leave. But I have to go. 

This is between me and my father. He’s going to come after me. I can’t be near any of you. He nearly killed you and the others. I can’t do that. I won’t let anyone else get hurt for me, or die for me. Not ever again. 

I’m taking Gran Torino’s scarf? Is that from you? If so, thank you Kacchan. He... he was a very important teacher to me. He taught me a lot about One for All and how to use it. Thank you. I decided I should leave you with something as well. 

Pull. 

My mom’s quirk. It’s... very special to me, as you know. Please take good care of her ok? I have a whole notebook filled with how my quirks work. Shouto knows where it is. He can help you learn how to use Pull. I’m sure you’ll be great at it. You were always so smart, Kacchan. Smarter than me. 

I decided to tell everyone in class my secrets. About Dad, about my quirks. The whole story. It’s what’s in the rest of these letters. I wrote one for everyone. Can you make sure they all get them? Thank you. 

I’m going to get stronger. All for One whipped us out with just a handful of quirks and not a care in the world. He’s too powerful. The breakout of Tartarus is going to help. I’m going to hunt down as many of them as possible and steal their quirks. Hopefully, I can make it out alive. 

I love you Kacchan. You’ve always been my best friend. I know we’ve had our differences... But when it came down to it I always knew I could depend on you. It’s always been us, hasn’t it? I’ll be back soon, then you can yell at me and beat me up as much as you want ok? 

Love Izuku

He folded the letter and sealed it in the envelope next to Shouto’s. He left them on top. He picked up his phone, only to put it back down again. Phones were traceable. No need for it. Toshinori wasn’t back yet... Maybe he should take this moment to slip out. He walked back to the door only to open it as Toshinori was reaching for the handle. 

“There you are.” Toshinori said “...Are you ready?” 

He nodded “I’m.. I’m gonna go now. The sooner I get out there the better.” He said 

“Izuku-” Toshinori said softly “Please be careful.” He said “I... We’ll be in touch ok? I’m going to support you in this.” He grabbed Izuku’s hand “I can get you support gear- we’ll make this as easy on you as we can. I... I talked to Hawks and Endeavor. I told them everything. About us. They took it well and are going to help. We’re going to get you a communicator and a tracker, a secure one. We’re going to help you find quirks and take them. We have a plan.” 

Izuku blinked “...Wow. That’s-” That would help him actually. “Thank you.” 

Toshinori nodded “Of course.” He pulled something from his pocket “Here.” It was a set of car keys. Dad’s keys. “Something for you.” He said. 

Izuku looked down at the simple keyring, the only chain on it being a faded All Might one Izuku had won in an arcade corner years ago. “...Thank you.” He whispered. He grabbed Toshinori in for a hug and pulled back “I love you.” 

“I love you too.” He said. “We’ll see each other soon.” 

Izuku nodded “Right. Bye... Dad.” He said and ran from the room. He made his way down to the lobby. The night nurses made no attempt to stop him. He supposed Toshinori had taken care of his check out paperwork. 

He walked out of the front doors into the crisp spring night air. 

“Just where do you think you’re going?” A voice asked. Izuku squeaked and turned on his heel. Touya had strolled out of the hospital behind him. He was dressed simply. 

“...I was hoping to just slip out.” He said back. 

“I heard.” Touya remarked and strolled up to him. “Quirk hunting, eh? By yourself?” 

He nodded “I have to go alone. No one else will be able to keep up besides... It’s my dad. I have to be the one to finish this.” 

Touya ruffled his hair “I’m coming.” He said, as if it were obvious. “You don’t want the others to come because you don’t want them to get hurt right? Well I don’t want you to get hurt. You and Shouto are serious about each other right?” 

Izuku hesitated but firmly pressed forward “I’ll marry him someday.” 

“That makes us,” Touya said, pressing closer “Brothers.” He smiled softly. Softer than Izuku had ever seen him. Something about Touya had... changed. “As your new big brother, I’m staying with you. Got it? I can help. I won’t be dead weight. Even if I just section off your fights so no one gets in the way. I’m your...” He sighed “Can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I’m your sidekick.” 

Izuku hesitated. “...Are you sure? Touya, this is going to be very dangerous.” 

“My entire life has been dangerous. Besides, you’re about to be living on the streets. From 16 on I lived on the streets. I know how to hunt and scavenge.” 

“...Fine.” Izuku said “But we’re doing this my way. If things get crazy and I tell you to run, you run, got it? You have to promise me.” 

“Cross my heart.” Touya smiled 

He nodded “Alright then.” He noticed Touya had a bag slung over his back “Already packed?” 

“All Might came into Dad and I’s room to chat and as soon as I heard your plan I got to work packing. The old man gave me stuff. He said he’d have more for me, and they’d be in touch. Keigo is gonna be helping out a lot too.” 

Izuku shifted a brow “Keigo?” 

“Ah-” Touya blushed “Hawks. His given name.” He said. 

He nodded and led Touya through the parking lot “I see. You two are close.” 

“We’re in love.” Touya said right back. 

“That’s nice.” He found what he was looking for. “Here we are. Our ride.” 

They had walked up to his father’s red beat up pick up truck. It was the first thing his father bought after coming home. Izuku had a lot of memories in this thing. The several months they spent picking up Takoba, to the late night drives, all of it. Even the few times Dad had let him drive. Dad wasn’t one to own a lot of things but... 

This was Dad’s last true possession. 

“...This thing looks like it’ll fall apart.” Touya said 

“It runs fine. It just got a big tune up before Christmas so it runs like a dream now. Can you drive stick?” He asked him. 

“I can’t drive at all.” Touya laughed 

Izuku grinned “Looks like I’m driving then. Get in, load your stuff in the back seat.” He held up his dad’s keys, jiggling them. 

***

It was the next afternoon. The entire class had been discharged from the hospital and taken back to their UA dorms. Everyone, but Deku. Ochako chewed on her lip as they all sat around the common room. Hesitantly, she laid her hand over the scar that was on her abdomen. Iida had a matching on. She sat between him and Tsuyu on the same couch. 

Todoroki looked terrible. She did notice though, he was wearing Deku’s favorite sweater. The green one with the rabbit Todoroki had given him for his 16th birthday way back in July. He and Bakugou were the last ones to come back down from changing. They had been through the most. They stood on the other side of the room away from everyone. They were talking quietly and seemed to decide on something. They turned to the class together. “So.” Bakugou started. “...We should all talk about Deku.” 

“Yeah.” Shinsou started. He and Kaminari were pressed together on the floor “Where is Izuku? I heard from a nurse that he woke up last night. Why isn’t he here?” He asked

Todoroki simply opened up the bag he had on his shoulder. He pulled out a large stack of envelopes. He quickly walked around, handing them out to each of them. Everyone got one, all of them reading their names on the back. “...Izuku left you all these.” 

Ochako looked down at hers and ripped it open. Inside was a neat handwritten note from Deku. She read it. 

Dear Ochako,

I’m so sorry. 

I’ve been doing a lot of lying. To you. To almost everyone. But I’m ready to come out with the truth now. You know, my dad and All for One are one in the same. That he was split up into two people. That I have his quirk, All for One. That’s all true. But... I have another quirk. One that I didn’t take with All for One. One that was given to me. 

It’s called One for All. The brother quirk of All for One. 200 years ago, my dad had a younger brother named Yoichi. Yoichi was thought to be quirkless but he had an indivisible quirk. One that could pass the quirk on. Useless on its own. But my dad forced a quirk onto him. A simple strength stockpiling quirk. But combined they made something very special. A quirk you could pass on like a torch. Each user is stronger than the last. 

I am the 9th user. 

All Might was the 8th. 

It’s why he and I’s quirks are so similar. My super strength IS his quirk. He gave it to me. Almost 2 years ago, he gave me One for All so I could be his successor. 

Now it’s time for me to step up into that role. Dad is going to come for me. He will hunt me down. So I have to get stronger. I’m going to gather up as many quirks as I can and try and master One for All so I can use 100% of its power. This is something I have to do on my own. I’m sorry. 

I love you Ochako. You are one of my absolute best friends. Thank you for always being there for me. I promise I’ll come home ok? Then you and the entire squad can beat me up and everything! I’m going to try and do my best to come back. 

Love Izuku.

She lowered the letter. She looked up to Bakugou and Todoroki “...Did you two know?” She asked. 

“Since Kamino.” Bakugou said “Everything.” 

Iida looked down at his own letter “...I had no idea he was dealing with so much. I mean... We knew about his father-” 

“This is insane.” Sero said “He- holy shit do you guys understand what this means for Midoriya?” He asked, “Midoriya is potentially the most powerful person on the face of the planet. All Might’s quirk and the potential to steal any quirk he wants? Wait, are all his ‘mutations’ just stolen quirks?” 

“...Actually.” Todoroki said quietly. “Not all of them.” He held up a notebook. “A few of them are the quirks of the previous users of One for All. The rest are stolen from villains in life or death situations.” 

Iida nodded “He stole Stain’s quirk.” He said “I watched that happen.” 

“Exactly. He also made the quirks he came into contact with stronger. It’s why I can produce blue fire. Back at the Sport’s festival, I asked Izuku to take my fire side. It was impossible to just take one side, so he took both. He gave it back at once but... The damage had been done. My quirk became much more volatile after. The same thing happened with Aizawa-sensei’s quirk back at the USJ.” 

Tsuyu’s eyes lit up “‘I promise as soon as this is over, I will give it back.’ That’s what he meant, kero. He was talking about his quirk.” 

“This is insane.” Ashido said “My god poor Mido... He must be hurting so badly. With his dad and his quirks...” 

“How many does he even have?” Ojiro said. 

Todoroki sighed “I’m not even sure. During the fight he used... I think 2 I had never seen him use before. He had his father’s Fire Breath and he said something about Fa-jin when he took out Giganto Machia. So that would make it, if you include All for One... Fifteen.” 

“Fourteen.” Bakugou said. He held out his hand and summoned the TV remote from the table. It flew right to his hand. “Bastard gave me his mother’s quirk.” 

This time it was Yaoyorozu who spoke up “Wait... Midoriya-kun said that he inherited his mother’s quirk?” 

Bakugou shook his head “He discovered he had All for One when he accidentally stole Pull on her deathbed. The first time he used it was to grab the blanket to pull it up over her corpse.” 

Gasps and cries filled the room. “My god...” Jirou said softly “...Fucking hell so back in Kamino All for One-” 

“Was his dad as well, yeah.” Bakugou said. 

Todoroki looked away. “That’s why it affected him so badly. His own father- or at least someone who looked and sounded like him, tortured him.” 

Ashido and Hagakure were both crying now. Kaminari wasn’t far behind. Shinsou stared down at his letter “...He’s an idiot.” he said finally. 

“We know.” Bakugou sighed. Ochako silently agreed as tears rolled down her cheeks. 

Deku is a fucking idiot. 

Chapter Text

Hisashi felt a sense of high. He was himself. He had one of his children home safe and sound, and he’d broken down the prison that housed his old body. He’d left it there of course, he had no need for the old thing. He had this new body that felt good, it felt.... Right. It had finally acclimated to him. It was the same as his old body before the fight with All Might destroyed it. 

Machia stopped. They had reached their destination. A secret safe house Tomura had set aside for them in the meantime. Deep in the woods and far away from heroes. Not that they’d be a problem for long. With the prisoners of Tartarus out causing as much chaos as they’d like the heroes would have their hands tied. “Tomura, this place is wonderful.” Hisashi said as he jumped from Machia’s back. His metal soles digging into the fresh earth “Where on earth did you find this?” 

Spinner and Tomura hopped off behind him, Skeptic hanging on Spinner’s back. A nearly released Kurogiri followed them down. “We butchered some mutant haters here a while back.” Tomura explained. Hisashi nodded in approval. He never understood those who hated mutant type quirks. Didn’t they know all quirks were gifts? 

“...Is this all we have left?” Skeptic asked 

“Aside from the villains I just let out? No. I don’t think so.” Hisashi said “There’s people here.” 

“He’s right. There’s two people inside.” Tomura said. “I think it’s the remaining generals.” 

“What about Himiko?” Spinner asked “She... she ran off after the Todoroki kid. Do you think Hawks killed her too?” 

“Machia, take a nap.” Hisashi ordered before strolling towards the doors “No, I doubt it. Himiko’s not a big enough threat for Hawks to justify murdering. She’s out there. I’ll find her I just need a moment-” he pushed the two great doors open into the smaller manor. Sure enough, two people stood inside. 

Darude and Grimm. They stood close together, talking in low voiced, their fingers interlocked. Grimm wasn’t wearing their cape, showing their true form. Tall and willowy with waist length silver hair and yellow eyes. Darude looked his normal self, tall and broad with dark hair and tan skin. “Master?” Grimm asked. “Wait- is that really you master?” 

The others had followed behind him.  “It’s me. Truly.” 

Darude grinned and rushed to him, wrapping him into a huge “Oh Master I missed you so much!” He cried, lifting Hisashi off the ground. He pulled back “This is wonderful, I’ll make a Sandstorm in celebration!” 

Hisashi took his hands “Not just yet my friend. I’ve had a very long day.” 

“Yes...” Grimm said softly “...We heard rumors. About Tartarus.” They smiled “It makes me proud to be your possession Master.” They bowed “I want to make your victims dance for you...” 

“Soon.” Hisashi promised “In the meantime, we need rest. Tomura isn’t well. He took a beating today.” He sent a glare over his shoulder “He couldn’t handle a few heroes.” 

His generals nodded “He’ll have to heal the old fashioned way.” Grimm said “The Doctor has been arrested.” 

“I will look after Tomura.” Kurogiri said, his voice deep and wispy. 

Hisashi frowned “Thank you, Kurogiri. I always knew leaving Tomura to you was the right choice. Right...” He sighed “That’s something else I’ll have to take care of. Garaki... Right then. I need sleep. Then I’m heading out for a bit. While I’m out I’ll see if I can’t track down Himiko. She can copy the quirks of those she transforms into now, can’t she?”

“That’s right. She unlocked that ability.” Spinner said “You’ll really try and find her?” 

That made Hisashi smile “Of course. She’s a friend of Tomura’s. I may have been hard on you today, Tomura but I do care about you and your friends. Just like I care about Izuku and his friends. Soon, we’ll all be together.” He turned towards the steps “Get some rest it’s very late.” He ordered them all before walking up the steps. He found a hallway and started searching for a room with a decent bed and shower.

He found a decent one, and let himself inside. The bedroom had an ensuite bathroom. Perfect. He stripped out of his bloodstained hero outfit and into the shower almost at once. The warm water felt heavenly on his skin. He leaned his head back letting the water push his white hair out of his face. 

Today had been a near success. He felt bad about impaling Izuku but his son was tough and medical attention would have been given fairly soon after he left so he wasn’t worried. Knowing his son and healing quirks he was probably awake by now. He smiled fondly. His sweet, stubborn Izuku... He’d always been a trouble maker from the start. It was a good thing he was so cute. 

Big sweet doe eyes, that were the deepest shade of green Hisashi had ever seen. All those fluffy curls. He inherited so much from his mother. Hisashi was glad. He loved the way Inko looked. He’d gotten her amazing smile. The one that made Hisashi’s chest feel full and warm. He wanted that smile for himself. He’d been able to restrain himself with Inko... But Izuku wasn’t just Inko. He was also Yoichi. He was his precious little brother with his stubborn attitude and sense of justice. Admirable qualities. 

Even more so, he was also Hisashi himself. Half of what Izuku was, came from Hisashi. He had his brains, his quirk, his rather fit build, as well as all those adorable freckles. Not to mention their shared quirk. Hisashi couldn’t resist him. Izuku was a walking temptation. Irresistible to anyone who met him. It was like he was a succubus, pulling people in. 

Hisashi’s eyes widened. 

Wait. 

Izuku had always drawn in people. Himself included. Hisashi had never felt this way about a person but... Izuku was his child that had to be why surely? But... Tomura had been drawn to him. Shouto, Katsuki, Tenya, Hitoshi, Ochako... All those villains who seemed to flock to him. They had always joked he was a villain magnet and Hisashi was no fool. Izuku was very well liked not just among his classmates but by others in the school. He remembered hearing talk from girls in the halls about how charming Izuku was. Not to mention the general public seemed to latch onto him almost at once. 

At the time he’d chalked it all up to Izuku being... Izuku. Hisashi had always loved him dearly so it made sense that everyone else did. Even All Might had been drawn to him. Compelled to stay by his side. To offer him his quirk. 

Hisashi turned the water off and stepped out. Surely not... No.... He’d have to confirm it. But how does one go about confirming something like that? It seems so impossible. So far-fetched... But, it had to be it right? 

He had a theory. One he’d have to test. 

After a well earned rest!

***

In the morning Hisashi woke with the sun. He’d only managed to get a few hours but he felt energized. He got up and dressed, and left the manor without a fuss. He had work to be done today. Himiko, and Garaki... best to handle the nasty business first. 

The closest high security holding cell to Jakku was probably where they put him. Garaki had very offensive power on his own so his cell would likely be less advanced. He kicked himself off the ground and flew towards the holding jail. Hopefully, he could be in and out. Do this quickly and cleanly. 

As he suspected the jail was well fortified but all it took was a few quirks to get inside. He used a quirk called Unnoticed to simply slip by the guards. For the cameras, he used one called Static to mess up their display as he walked past them. Then finally, once he found the correct cell, a quirk called Knock. He knocked on the lock, and it opened. Allowing Hisashi to slip inside. All undetected. 

He used a quirk on the door. Soundproof. No sound would leave the room now. 

Garaki was laying in his bed, still asleep. He looked rather beat up. The heroes hadn’t gone easy on him had they? His nose looked like it had been smashed in. He chuckled softly and leaned over his bed. “Good morning.” he said. 

Garaki woke up with a jolt, hands covering his face. His eyes widened in surprise “A-All for One!” He cried. He sat up in the bed “You came back for me! I knew you’d never leave me here.” 

Hisashi smiled sweetly. “Of course I came back for you. I always come back for my most loyal servants.” He reached down and patted his head “And you and I have been together a very long time Garaki. Years and years. I remember when you were a young man.” His smile turned brighter “Don’t you remember?” 

He nodded “Yes- yes... you changed my life forever when you acknowledged my work. You gave me the funding to make you true soldiers- I can get back to work. I can build a new lab and make more Nomu. It’ll take some time but sir I-” 

“No you won’t.” Hisashi said. “I’m sorry but you won’t be able to do that. I’m afraid your work will have to be over. I’m very happy with the High End Nomu. They’re very good. I think they’ll aid me in my final take over. I’m doing it now. The world is going to be mine but... You won’t see it I’m afraid.” 

The Doctor’s eyes widened in fear. He slowly shifted away from Hisashi. “All for One... What are you talking about?” He asked. 

Hisashi stopped smiling. His face turned to a stoney mask. “Did you really think you could get away with it?” he asked, lowering himself down into his space. 

“What- what do you mean?” He asked “I’ve never done anything! I haven’t-” 

“Inko.” 

Garaki’s eyes widened. “No- no Akane is a liar!” 

He tilted his head “I said nothing about Akane.” 

“No- I meant-” 

Hisashi shook his head “Garaki please, the blubbering isn’t a good look for you. So. Please enlightening me why you thought it would be a good idea to give my wife cancer? What possessed you to make that choice? Did you consider the consequences of your actions? Did you think you were strong enough to stop me from getting back at you?” He asked, grabbing Garaki by the neck “Did you think you were more important to me than the love of my life?” 

He shook his head rapidly “No-nonono nothing like that!” 

He snarled, pulling Garaki closer until their noses were touching. “So explain it to me. Please. I’m dying to hear.” 

Garaki was crying “She was a distraction! You... when you first met her you kept slipping away to see her! I had you tailed and you would just go and... do nothing. We had work we had to do! Things we had to complete. We wouldn’t be here right now if she lived!” 

Hisashi felt ill. He’d known... he’d always known deep down he was the reason Inko died. Despair filled his heart. But this would make it easier. Wiping the Doctor from his miserable existence. Everserating him until the pain in Hisashi’s soul subsided. “You know what this means...” 

“And Akane said she’d handle the boy and-” 

“...Wait.” Hisashi asked softly “Are you saying you had arranged to kill Izuku?” He squeezed his neck harder. 

Garaki shook his head “No no only that-” 

Hisashi gave him pain. Nerve Torture. A most wonderful quirk. “Don’t you fucking lie to me Garaki. If you do, I will make this worse for you.”

“YES!” He screamed “I told Akane to kill him but Hisashi- please- if he isn’t killed now he’ll become unstoppable. Even you won’t be able to stop him someday. He’ll never change. He’ll never join you! You have to know that. Hisashi, I'm trying to protect you from that monster!” 

“HE’S MY SON!” He screamed, and used the quirk at its highest level. Garaki screamed in pain, his body twitching under his grasp. “He’s my fucking child.” He snarled “How dare you even think about coming near him.” He inhaled, ready to breathe fire only to remember- right. He’d given that to Izuku. Something to remember him by. Why had he done that? Right. The him at the time felt like he’d been dying. Ah well. He let the doctor go.

Garaki flopped on the bed, his body still twitching. Hisashi closed his eyes and went through some of his quirks in void. He could feel them, swirling and crawling around him. Oh. Oh. That’s an idea. He doesn’t like using this quirk due to the drawback but... For this, it would be worth it. “P-please...” Garaki begged “No more...” 

Hisashi stood “Fine. I’ll end this.” He held out his hand, and from under his skin he could feel the quirk activate. Scarabs. Large shiny scarab beetles were created in his core. They were made from his own blood. He summoned a small blade and cut his hand open allowing the scarabs to crawl out. They fell onto the bed and onto Garaki. 

“No- nonono!” Garaki cried. 

Once the last scarab left him, the cut healed itself. Though Hisashi felt weak in his knees. “I need a fucking coffee.” 

The Scarabs began to devour the doctor alive. 

He screamed in agony. Until there was silence. Hisashi watched and watched until all that lay on the bed were clothes, and bones picked clean. He cut his hand open again and allowed the sarcabs to crawl back inside. They vanished into his blood once more. 

Hisashi felt full. “Thank you for your service, Garaki.” He said and left the cell. 

***

Getting out of the jail was just as easy as getting in. They would find Garaki’s skeleton in due time, but by then Hisashi would be long gone. He had another errand to run today. He had the vial of blood in his utility belt as he made his way around Mustafu. 

It was in chaos. Pandemonium as many of the people were forced to evacuate their homes. Those that didn’t were banned together. Shop owners boarding up their windows. People letting beloved family pets go, no collars attached. Hisashi sat on top of a building breathing it all in. It smelled like the cusp of victory. Soon the world would settle into its correct role. 

A society run by the strong. Where people could do as they wanted so long as they had the ability to do so. A true free society. Someday soon he’d be its head, Tomura and Izuku right behind him. That day was soon, but not here yet. No, today Hisashi had work to do. Toga Himiko... 

He’d done some research into her. Who Himiko was before the League. Before she snapped. She hadn’t come to the agreed emergency safe house so that meant she was having second thoughts... She must be sad. Her encounter with Hawks and Shouto must have had a profound impact on her. She must have gone someplace to clear her head... 

Where would Hisashi go to clear his head? There was only one place. Home. 

Finding the Toga family residence wasn’t hard. It was a mess- clearly abandoned. Even amongst the homes in this area which had been evacuated already it was clear no one had lived there for some time. It was covered in graffiti. Hisashi slipped inside. He could hear crying. 

He made his way up the steps quietly, until he found the source. Himiko was nude, in her room sobbing. She laid on her side, in a pool of her own blood. He could see why. Her hand had been severed. “Oh Himiko.” He said softly. 

She sat up, snarling and grabbing a knife. She swayed on her feet “H-hero-” 

He crossed the room to her “No, no Himiko. I’m not. I’ve regained myself. My name is All for One.” he said. He reached down and grabbed her wrist. “You poor thing...” He activated his healing quirk. He hissed in pain. It felt like his hand was being cut off. He felt all of her agony at once. But her wrist glowed gold, and in a moment a new hand had appeared where the old one was. There was a clear seam around her wrist. “There, all better.” 

Himiko held her hand to her face “You-” 

He smiled softly at her “I’m here to bring you home Himiko. Spinner and Tomura are awaiting your return.” He said “Come home.” 

She looked up at him “Wait... You’re All for One? What... what happened to your face? Why do you look like Izuku’s hero dad-” 

“I’m recompleted.” He said “So I’m Izuku’s father and All for One. All those memories wrapped up in one, healed up body.” 

She nodded “oh...” 

He cupped her cheek “I heard about your friend Jin.” He said “What Hawks and Dabi did to him.” 

Himiko growled low “The-they killed him. Hawks says he’s a hero? He’s a monster!” She cried “How could he? Jin was our friend! I thought we were all friends but they were traitors...” She was sobbing again. She threw herself into Hisashi’s chest. He wrapped his arms around her without hesitation.  “At least... at least I still have the others.. Tomura... Spinner... Mom...” 

“Mom?” He asked “Oh Himiko, do you mean Akane?” He asked her. 

She nodded. “Yeah... she said I could call her mom. She was so nice to me.” 

He sighed “I’m sorry Himiko but Akane is dead as well.” He leaned down slightly “She was a traitor as well.” 

“What?” Himiko asked “No nononono she wouldn’t! She loved you! All she ever did was talk about you and admire the gifts you gave her- no! Mom would never have betrayed you!” 

“I’m afraid she did.” He said “Not in the same way Hawks and Dabi did. Akane... She conspired with the doctor. They arranged to kill my wife. She’s dead because she wanted me for herself. And... She planned to kill Izuku.” 

That made Himiko’s eyes widen “NO!” She cried “Not Izuku! I love Izuku so so so much! She can’t-” 

“She can’t. You’re right. She’s dead. I saw to that. Though Izuku did a very good job getting her most of the way there. You would have loved it. You like Izuku right?” She nodded “Well Izuku burned her to a crisp. I just put her out of her misery.” 

She smiled “Izu did all that?” 

He nodded “He did. I was so proud of him. I think a few more big pushes like that and we might be able to convince him over.” 

Her face flushed as she opened her mouth “Ooooh I’d love that. Having Izuku around all the time. I love him so much. I just want to see him all beat up and bloody. I want to drink his blood and be him.” 

Hisashi almost let his mask slip. Himiko was not a good suitor for his perfect Izuku. No, he was actually quite pleased with Shouto. Shouto who also had to be convinced. But she would be a useful pawn “You’ll make a fine daughter in law, Himiko.” He told her, smoothing her hair out of her face. 

“R-really?” She asked.

“You’ve got my blessing.” He said with a smile. “I hope you’ll take good care of my Izuku. Actually... Himiko can I ask what it is about Izuku you like so much? Why did you end up liking him?” 

She thought for a moment “Well... I fell in love because he looked so cute and all bloodied. He’d been in a fight and his arm was broken and he was covered in blood. It was just too much. Then when I talked to him I realized there was just... Something about him. He’s just... He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Even my first crush I killed a long time ago doesn’t compare to Izuku. He’s just... perfect. He pulls me in.” 

“Thank you. It’s nice to hear such good things about my son.” He reached into his bag “I have a gift for you.” He said and held out a vial of blood. “I know you and Akane were close. Even though she was a traitor, I know I can trust you, Himiko.” He said. 

Himiko took the vial with wide eyes “Is this-” She asked “Can I really have this?” 

“It’s all for you.” he said. 

She uncapped the lid and let a drop fall onto her tongue “Mom...” She whispered. Mud like substance covered her body until the visage of Akane stood before him. She smiled looking down at her gloved hands. She gave a twirl, her long black hair whipping around. “She’s so pretty!” She cried “Thank you All for One!” She said and tossed herself at his feet. “I’ll never forget this.” 

He patted her head “Think nothing of it.” He smiled. “Come on. Your friends are waiting for you. Want me to carry you home?” He asked her. 

She smiled, “That would be great!” 

Hisashi smiled and picked her up bridal style and walked to the window. “Hold on tight ok? I don’t want to drop you.” 

Himiko nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck “You’re really dad like.” 

“I am a father of 2 boys.” He said and took off. 

She leaned into his neck “You must be a great dad. I love both of your sons so much. Izuku is gonna be my husband someday and Tomura is so nice... I love them so much.” 

“...Do you want to call me dad too?” he asked her as they flew through the air. “Since you’re going to marry Izuku, I’ll be your father in law. May as well get a headstart.” 

Tears welled in Akane’s red eyes. “Y-yes!” She cried “D-daddy!” She said, 

Hisashi laughed. Daddy was a bit much but it kept her bound to him, so he’d accept it. At least for now. “Everyone is going to be so happy to see you, kiddo.” He told her as they sped off towards their temporary home. 

***

That night, Hisashi lay in bed thinking. He had his theory... Why did so many people love Izuku so much? A horrible little theory. It made him laugh. If he was right... it would destroy Izuku. And then Hiashi could swoop in and pick up the pieces. To create his perfect prince, he’d have to break the hero he’d raised. 

He smiled at the thought. He had to test it... He sat up and grabbed the phone Kurogiri had procured for him. What a loyal servant... He made a few texts to the numbers he still had memorized. He’d have to apologize to Izuku later. Painting this massive target on his back but... He needed to increase his sample size. He needed more opinions. 

He also needed to talk to Toshinori. 

Hisashi had to know... Had to see how Toshinori felt...

Plus, he missed him. He missed Toshinori’s warmth. His smile. His touch. Hisashi missed him more than he thought possible. He turned his face into his pillow. “Oh Toshinori...” he whispered “I miss you. Do you miss me? Do you think about me?” He asked “I wish we could be together again... 

He still remembered Toshinori’s number. He pulled up his messenger app. He typed out his message only to delete it, only to write it out again. He waffled back and forth. What should he say? What could he do? An idea struck him. Simple, easy... It would get his point across. He didn’t want to overdo it. He had to play it cool. He began to type. 

<3 

He smiled at his phone. Thinking to myself, I love you, Toshinori.

Chapter Text

April.

Touya crouched down on the edge of the building. He might not have Danger Sense like Izuku did but even he could feel and hear the rumbles from the fight from here. He looked up at Izuku. He had one foot forward on the edge of the building ready to hop off. Touya had to admit the new look on the kid was interesting. Made him look a bit spookier. His hair had grown long and wild, he had deep eye bags from the small amount of sleep they were getting. His costume was frayed and repaired haphazardly. Plus the new red arm braces All Might had gotten them. 

“A giant villain.” Izuku said softly. “Think you can box us in around that sewer area?” 

Touya followed his finger to where he was pointing. “Yeah I got it. There’s a shelter community in that building I think so I’ll try and keep them out. Sounds like there are some heroes in the area so I’ll try and get them to stay away.” 

He nodded and pulled his hood up over his head. “Stay safe.” He said and One for All crackled around his body. Man learning about that quirk had been a doozy. Touya hopped off after him, his fire bursting to life to boost him along. Touya was getting better at maneuvering through the air. 

He landed with a roll in front of the building he was sure had become a shelter. As he stood up he dusted himself off. The outfit he’d been given hissed as it cooled off quickly, preventing his body from heating up too much. He liked the new digs the old man had costume made for him. It had taken nearly 3 weeks but now Touya was ready to give the new look a test. So far, he liked it. 

Touya looked up at the building. Out front were a small group of men and a young blond hero girl. She seemed to be trying to keep them back. She and Touya were in the same boat. 

“You need to leave this area! It’s too dangerous!” 

The leader of the shelter growled “We told you we’re not leaving. We’re safe here. We have a community here.” 

Touya thrust his hands into the pockets of his new jacket as he strolled towards them “Oi, oi.” He called, “I’m gonna need all of you to stay put.” As he spoke, purple smoke wafted towards them. “See that? Stay out. There are bigger forces at play here.” 

The survivors all looked at each other “You’re Todoroki Touya! The ex villain!” One of them said. 

The hero girl gasped, covering her face with her mouth “Why are you here?” She asked. 

“I’m here to help save the day.” Behind him, the familiar clanging of metal on concrete. He looked to his right, and sure enough a silhouette of Izuku made its way through the smoke. In his arms he was carrying something. Based on the look, an injured hero. “I got that, you get back to fighting, Deku.” He said and held out his arms. 

Izuku handed over the hero “He’s injured. But he should be ok.” Izuku walked right back into the thick smoke and jumped off. 

Now with an armful of heavy hero, Touya walked back towards the group. “Yo!” The hero girl cried rushing to Touya’s side. “Oh god-” 

Touya gently laid him out in the street. “Anyone have anything to raise his head?” He asked. One of the survivors from the shelter pulled off his jacket, folding it up neatly. Touya raised the young black haired hero’s head up before laying it on the jacket. “Right. Stay safe. Listen, hero girl. If they won’t leave, then let them stay. The UA fortress is the safest place right now but that could change. You’ll all have to live with your choices.” He said and turned to go try and head off Izuku at the large sewer dip. 

“W-wait!” The hero girl called “Thank you!” She said “Te-tell Deku I said thank you to him too.” 

He gave her a thumbs up before running off. He could hear Izuku and the villain fighting before- the villain was thrown over top of him, landing into the sewer dip and “Oh my god.” Touya gaped. 

It was Muscular. 

Izuku landed in front of him. “OH COME ON KID, IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?” Muscular cried. Touya ran to the edge leaning over the railing. “I SAW YOU ON TV KID. YOU WRECKED THAT YAKUZA GUY. I’M TOUGHER THAN HIM SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT!”

“... There it is.” He said “Critical Hit plus One for All 65% plus Own Tempo.”  He jolted forward. The water splashed up obscuring Touya’s vision. Izuku landed on the other side of Muscular. Behind him, the water settled and an unconscious villain lay. “Not bad.” He mumbled. 

Touya hopped the rail, sliding into him. One he stopped he pulled out the small notebook and his pen “Muscular-” He said “His quirk gives him all those gross muscles.” 

“Not useful.” Izuku said “My problems tempering One for All are a mental problem not a physical one. Plus my overall strength gain from his quirk will be little to none. If anything I’ll be more focused on trying to balance it with other quirks.” 

He nodded along, documenting everything. He slipped the notebook back into his jacket. “Back to the truck?” He asked. 

Izuku nodded and leaned down, picking Muscular up. For a tiny kid, Izuku was strong. He tossed the man over his shoulder. He summoned his Black Whip and wrapped it around the railing and flung himself up. Touya followed him with his flames. It wasn’t a long journey to the truck. The old red pickup truck had been stored in a small alley. Izuku loaded Muscular onto the bed of the truck. “Nearest open police station isn’t far.” Izuku said and pulled the keys out from his bag. 

Touya got into the passenger side seat. “Oh, the hero that was with the survivors. She said thanks for saving her friend.” 

“That’s nice.” Izuku said, his lips curling up into a gentle smile. He turned the truck on and pulled out of the alley onto the streets. The roads were eerily empty. 

“How did Critical Hit go?” Touya asked, pulling out the notebook. They’d been keeping a list tracking all of Izuku’s new quirks. So far they only managed to get their hands on two new ones. Critical Hit and Link. 

“Pretty good.” He said and turned down a street “Anyway it was easier than I thought. There’s no like... visual clue where the weak spot is more like a... Feeling?” Critical Hit was a quirk they’d snatched from a villain who’d nearly snapped Touya’s arm in a fight. Over the course of a fight it gathered information on an opponent and would cue the user in for a Critical Hit. “I think I’m getting used to Link too. I could feel you the whole time but it wasn’t as distracting.” 

Touya opened the notebook to Link’s page. Link, a quirk that allows the user to ‘tag’ people. (unknown how many, further testing required). User is always aware of their tagged person(s)  position and their physical health. “Yeah?” He asked, “We should try and see if it has a range...” Touya mumbled. “How are we on gas?” 

“Mmm... half tank.” Izuku said “We might have to siphon some more soon... I always feel bad doing that.” 

Touya reached over and ruffled his head as snapped the notebook shut and tucked it back into his coat. “Relax, it’s ok. We’ll try and take it from cars that are clearly not in use.” He said “Here, I’ll message All Might and we can meet him at the police station.” 

Izuku nodded as he made another turn, shifting the car into the proper gear. They sat in silence for a moment before Izuku started speaking “I dunno I thought I did a pretty good job.” Touya glanced over “Shut up Kenji, I got him didn’t I? No... I still haven’t used Gear Shift.” 

“Ghosts?” Touya asked. This wasn’t the first time he’d seen Izuku talk to himself. 

“They’re called vestiges. But yes. They’re being annoying. No! I still don’t know how- Shun won’t explain it. And he’s gone. Cool.” he sighed “Ugh my head hurts.” 

“Yeah mine would too if there were 7 dead heroes bouncing around inside it.” 

Izuku hummed “...Technically only 3 of them were heroes.” He said “Yoichi was just a prisoner up until the last few years then he died, Shun and Kenji were resistance fighters, and Higake was a hermit. Daigoro was the first One for All user to be a ‘hero’.”  

He didn’t respond, instead focusing on texting All Might. It didn’t take long before they pulled up to the police station. Touya and Izuku both rolled their windows down as purple smoke floated off of Izuku’s body. They parked and hopped out. Izuku lifted Muscular onto the street, before they jumped back into the truck and drove off as the smoke dissipated. 

All Might sent them a location. Izuku followed the GPS and turned them down a corner. There in the street was All Might’s fancy sports car, and leaning against it was the man himself. They parked and got out to see him. 

“Boys!” he called waving. “How are you? How’s the new support gear?” 

Izuku smiled softly and held out his arms. The red bindings unrolling themselves into small red bracelets. “Really good. My arms feel nice and protected when I fight.” 

Touya tugged on the blue and black jumpsuit “Keeps me nice and cool.” He said “Plus I’m almost like a real hero or something.” He grinned “Though I do wish it didn’t look like one of Endeavor’s that got repurposed.” He sighed “Beggars can’t be choosers though.” 

All Might ruffled both of their hairs. Touya had to admit, he rather liked the guy. They hadn’t had many chances to talk over the last three weeks but every interaction with him had been nice. It was clear he cared about Izuku a lot. “I have something else for you two.” He said and ducked back into his car and pulled out two bento boxes. One wrapped in a scarf with little bunnies, the other wrapped in a scarf covered in little raccoons. “Pork cutlet and cold soba.” He said, handing them each their own bentos. 

“Sick.” Touya said 

“...Any more texts from... you know.” Izuku asked. Touya frowned. All Might had shown them the mysterious heart text from an unknown number. They all knew who’d sent it. 

All Might sighed  and pulled out his phone “I got two more.” He said and showed them the messages. 

<3 sent three weeks ago

I miss you. <3 Sent one week ago.

Can we talk? I need to ask you something. <3 Sent at 9:47

Izuku grabbed the phone “...He wants to talk?” He asked “What a fucking asshole.” 

Touya leaned over Izuku’s shoulder as he read the messages “Are you gonna talk to him?” He asked

“No.” All Might said “It’s best to just ignore him.” He took his phone back from Izuku and tucked it into his pockets. “Do you boys want to join me while you eat?” He asked them. 

Izuku checked the time “We should keep moving. It’s supposed to storm tonight so there might be increased activity.” 

“Already?” All Might asked, “Izuku, you should take a moment to eat and rest, please.” He cupped Izuku’s face with one hand gently “You look like you haven’t been sleeping well.” 

He shrugged “I’m getting about 3 to 5 hours a night. It’s better than what I thought. I’m fine All Might, really.” He said “I promise I’ll eat. Touya, we should move.” 

“Yes sir.” Touya teased “See ya All Might. Thanks for the food!” 

“Wait!” He cried, grabbing Izuku’s hand “I love you.” 

Izuku smiled “...Love you too, Tosh.” He squeezed his step dad’s hand and motioned for Touya back to the truck. 

They didn’t drive far, just back to some higher buildings. When they rested, Izuku preferred to do so from high up so he could move on a moment’s notice. They parked the car, making sure to leave it empty. Touya held the bentos as Izuku grabbed him and floated them up to the top of the building. They sat together and opened their bentos. “Thanks for the food.” Izuku said and cracked open the wooden chopsticks All Might had given them. 

They ate quietly until their bentos were cleaned. Touya had no idea how hungry he’d actually been but now his stomach was full. Izuku cleaned up, stashing the boxes into his backpack as Touya fished out a pack of cigarettes. He opened it up and offered one to Izuku. He snatched it at once. Touya lit the end of his and, and inhaled. “Fuck I love a smoke after I eat...” he moaned. 

Izuku gently blew fire onto his end before putting the filter between his lips and taking a long drag “That’s good shit.” He sighed happily. His shoulders relaxed. 

“You know.” Touya said, flicking away stray ash “You should just tell All Might you’re smoking again.” Izuku was taking another long drag. Touya rolled his eyes, “You can’t smoke it any faster- Jesus kid.” 

Izuku blew out the smoke “No.” He said simply. “I’m not telling All Might. He’s worried enough as it is. Between me just being out here, the state of the world, worrying about my grief, his own grief, Dad still texting him...” He sighed “I don’t want to add anything to his plate. There’s only so much a person can take.” 

He smacked Izuku upside the head “That includes you.” He said “You aren’t Atlas. YOu can’t hold up everything.” 

“...He did.” He said “All Might could... once upon a time.” 

“And look where that fucking got him.” Touya took another long drag “Can’t fuckin’ believe you’re making me be the voice of reason.” He blew out his smoke as a raindrop hit his head “Damn... Come on.” He stood up and burnt his cigarette butt. “Lets head back to the residentials and try and find a place to stay. We shouldn’t sleep out in the truck bed when it’s raining.” 

Izuku nodded and finished his cigarette off. 

***

Izuku wasn’t a fan of having to break into a house but Touya was right. They weren’t in use, and they couldn’t afford to get sick. He drove slowly down the street, eyes scanning for a good place to hide the truck. He turned a corner. 

“AHH!” A woman’s voice screamed. 

Beside him Touya jolted. Izuku pulled out his rabbit ears, they rolled down their windows and listened for a moment, before Izuku saw. A very tall woman with some sort of animal mutation quirk was running from a group of men. One of them had some sort of gun. He put his ears away. He parked the car “Let’s move!” He told Touya and jumped out at once. Touya was right behind him. 

“Monster!” One of the men yelled 

The woman cried, slipping in a puddle and falling forward, her umbrella clattering to the ground. “Please- I’m just very scared! I’m not going to hurt anyone!”

“You’re just trying to get my guard down!” The gunman yelled before he took aim and fired. 

Izuku clattered in front of her, shield raised. The bullet ricocheted “What the fuck is wrong with you!” Touya yelled, his body turning blue, even in the downpour. “Can you see that’s just a normal civilian woman?” He asked the small crowd of men “Jesus fucking Christ get your head out of your asses!” 

The men all stood up straighter “...Isn’t that the Todoroki guy? And... Deku?” 

“Get the fuck out of here. We get it, it’s a spooky night but you should be inside.” Touya snarled. That was enough to get the small group to flee. “And quit harassing women you fucks!” He called. 

Izuku turned his attention to the woman. She had stood up, she was crying. He grabbed her umbrella and floated up to be a bit taller than her. A feat, since the woman had to be almost 10 feet tall. He covered her head with the umbrella “Are you ok?” He asked her softly. 

She looked up at Izuku and nodded “S-sorry... I...” 

“It’s ok. You don’t have to apologize.” Izuku said “Why are you out here in the rain like this?” He asked her. 

“I... I’m trying to make my way to UA. My car was stolen- I chose not to evacuate right away... this area was fine the first week but it’s just getting worse and worse...” She said 

He nodded sympathetically. “It’s ok. Touya, can you call someone?” He asked. 

“On it.” He said “Yo, Pretty Bird, are you near my location?” He asked into the phone “Sick listen we have a civilian who needs shelter. Think you can roll over here and grab her for us? You’re the best. I love you too. See you soon.” He hung up “Hawks is on his way. Few minutes tops.” 

“Good.” Izuku said “We’ll stay with you until your ride gets here. What’s your name?” He asked her

The woman blinked a few times, whipping a stray tear from her fox-like face “M-Miyu.” 

“Hi Miyu-chan. I’m Deku. That’s Touya.” He said and pointed towards Touya. He gave a wave back. His white hair was sticking to his face. 

“I... I know who you are. I saw you both on TV.” She said softly. “How come you’re both out here in the rain?” 

Touya sighed “We’re trying to find shelter but those jackasses decided to make our already long ass day longer.” he pushed the hair from his face. Lights filled the alley. “That was fast.” 

A jet black sport’s car pulled up to them, and parker. From the car came a mostly healed Hawks. His wings were feathered but very small “Made it in record time.” He said to them “This our gal?” He asked, motioning towards Miyu. 

“This is Miyu.” Touya said, strolling towards him. 

“Nice.” Hawks pressed a kiss to Touya’s lips “You two doing ok?” He asked quietly. 

“We’re fine.” Touya whispered “Just wet.” 

He laughed, “I see. You look like a wet cat.” Hawks teased. 

Izuku rolled his eyes “Enough flirting. Hawks, take Miyu-chan to UA. Touya, we gotta get moving.” He turned towards Miyu. “Stay safe, ok?” He handed her umbrella back to her “Hawks is going to take you to UA.” An idea occurred to Izuku. “Touya, give me the notebook.” Izuku ordered. Touya handed it over under the umbrella. Izuku flipped to an empty page and wrote out a few lines “Miyu-chan, can I ask you to do me a favor?” 

She looked at him “Oh! Of course!” 

He tore the page out and folded it up “Can you give that to Todoroki Shouto? He should be at UA. He’s-” 

Her eyes widened “Your boyfriend!” She gasped and took the letter. She cradled it to her chest. “Of course! You saved me- the least I can do is get this to your boyfriend.” 

“Thank you Miyu-chan.” He said. 

Touya kissed Hawks goodbye. “We’ll be in touch. I love you.” He said quietly. 

“Love you too.” Hawks whispered “Alrighty Miyu-chan, your chariot awaits!” 

Izuku and Touya ran off back towards the truck. 

***

From there, finding a house wasn’t too hard. They found an abandoned area. Tall skinny row homes. They parked the truck in a thin alley next to one. Touya picked the lock and they were inside. 

The townhouse’s windows were boarded up. Whoever had been here left in a hurry. There were still family photos hanging up on the walls in the entrance hallway. They both kicked their shoes off. Izuku wringed Gran Torino’s cape out. Both him and Touya were soaked to the bone. “I saw there was a chimney. Wanna start the fire or should I?” He asked. 

Izuku flicked on the lightswitch. No power. “Could you? I’m gonna check the plumbing.” He said. He stripped off his gloves as he moved deeper into the house. “Sorry for bothering...” He whispered to no one “We promise not to make a mess.” He walked into the kitchen. He walked to the tap and turned it on. “Running water!” He called to Touya. 

“Sick!” 

He turned the tap off and checked the pantry. “Canned food!” He said reaching in and grabbing a can full of whatever they had “Soup...” he said softly. 

Touya came into the kitchen, using his hand to light the way “Go shower.” He ordered “I’ll cook, then we’ll switch. Hang your hero outfit by the fire to dry.” 

Izuku nodded and walked into the living room. The fireplace was roaring. He stripped down to his boxers. He inspected his chaps. There was a tear there. “Ugh... ok. I’ll fix that after...” he hung up his clothes and walked up the steps. He checked the first room, a child’s bedroom- he stopped. 

The child who’d lived in this house was a hero fan. All Might’s smiling face sat on the wall across from the door. Izuku felt a wave of guilt. He slammed the door shut and moved on to the next one. The master bed. Much more subdued. Though there was an open half packed suitcase left behind. He left the room before opening the third door. Bathroom. 

He checked the cabinet there, and found it full of bath supplies. “Perfect...” he said and grabbed a towel. He stripped down and started the water. It was freezing since there was no hot water but it was a shower. He used the shampoo left behind by the owners of the house. He filled his hair with conditioner and finger combed it wet. His hair had gotten so long... He just could be bothered to cut it. Once he was clean he stepped out and towel dried himself off. He pulled his boxers back on. 

Izuku stepped into the master suit and grabbed the comforter and pillows from the bed. He carried them downstairs to the living room and laid them in front of the fireplace. “Food just about done?” Izuku asked. 

Touya came out of the kitchen with two bowls. He’d stripped down into just his jumpsuit. It looked dry though his hair was still wet. “Yeah here.” He said. The two of them sat close to the fire, eating the soup. It wasn’t very good but Izuku was very hungry. “Nice of them to leave us canned goods.” He said 

“Mhmm.” Izuku said as he cleaned his bowl entirely. “That was good.” he said “Thanks Touya.” 

He nodded “Alright... I’m gonna shower.” He said

“I’ll clean up from dinner. I don’t want to leave a mess that will mold when this family comes back.” He stood up and collected Touya’s bowl. 

“Thanks.” Touya said, already heading towards the stairs. 

Izuku walked back into the kitchen. He washed out the bowls and the pot Touya had cooked in. He rinsed the cans out and laid them all on the counter to dry. As he cleaned his mind wandered. Was Shouto doing ok? Was he angry? He was probably very angry. Izuku had up and left with nothing but a note. Kacchan was probably pissed too. Izuku had all but forced Pull onto him. But... they had to understand right? 

This was Izuku’s fight. It was his father. He was the only person who even stood a chance at defeating All for One. Not to mention Shigaraki. He had to get stronger. They needed to start moving faster. They’d only found two decent quirks in 3 weeks and only one of them was offensive. Critical Hit was definitely good but- 

You still need to use Gear Shift. Shun said in his ear. The orange ghost was leaning on the counter 

“How does Gear Shift work?” Izuku asked for what had to be the 8th time. 

It just... does. You change the speed of an item mid air. Pair that with Tracking and you’ll be able to do a lot of long distance damage. Shun told him. 

“Yeah- fucking how” 

“Izuku?” Touya called. He was in his boxers now, just like Izuku. “Talking to ghosts?” 

He sighed “Just yelling at Shun.” He said

Touya did a mental count “That’s the... second one right? With the scar on his face and his quirk is the one you haven’t used yet.” 

Izuku nodded and walked towards him. “Yeah. It’s Gear Shift.” The two of them walked back into the living room. He laid himself in front of the fire on top of the comforter. “Want me to take the first watch?” 

“Fuck no.” Touya said, pulling his cigarettes from his coat by the fire. He lit one up and inhaled. 

“...Touya we shouldn’t smoke in the house.” 

“It’ll be fine.” He said “I think they’ll forgive us after we save the world.” 

Izuku couldn’t argue with that. He held out his hand and Touya handed him one. He lit it with Fire Breath and took a long drag. “That’s nice...” He said. They finished their cigarettes in silence before Touya crawled into the makeshift bed.

“Come here.” He ordered Izuku. Izuku slid next to him and Touya threw an arm around him. “You don’t sleep well if I’m not close.” He said 

He couldn’t argue with that. Sleeping next to Touya felt almost like sleeping next to Shouto. His body was warm, his scent was that same soft campfire smell Izuku loved more than anything else. He already felt sleepy. “...mmm.” Izuku mumbled, turning his head into Touya’s neck. “...Wake me up in... 4 hours.” 

“Yeah yeah.” He said, nimble fingers combing through Izuku’s hair. “Night kid.” 

Izuku was already out cold.

Chapter Text

Shouto woke up in the morning feeling very warm. Slowly, he opened his eyes. His face was pressed into a broad chest. He was lying on his side. He sat up, attempting to not disturb the people around him. His face had been shoved into Iida’s chest. Uraraka had her arms wrapped around him from behind. Slowly, and very quietly he untangled himself from the pile. They were in the common room, the couches moved aside as mattresses were lined up next to each other. 

Almost the entire class had taken to sleeping together in a pile like this. 

It had started that first night back from the hospital. 

“I... I’m worried about sleeping.” Shouto said to Shinsou softly as they stood in the kitchen. Shouto was making tea. “I know I’m going to be up all night thinking about-” Tears threatened to burn his eyes as the name threatened to spill from his lips “...him.” 

Shinsou put a hand on his shoulder “Denki and I were gonna sleep in my room. Wanna join us?” He asked. 

Shouto shrugged, but Sero who was digging through the fridge turned “I can room with you for a while if you want. Your futon is big.” 

He shook his head “no- I can’t... Not in there.” 

The two of them frowned before Shinsou snapped his fingers “I got it. Let’s move some mattresses down into the common area.” He said “Slumber party style. And anyone who wants in, can have in.” 

That first night, Shouto found himself laid across three beds with Kaminari, Sero, and Shinsou. 

It had only grown from there. By the end of the first week, the entire class had moved down into the common room. Even Bakugou. Shouto, who was now standing and gently trying to walk towards the kitchen without disturbing anyone, caught Bakugou’s sleeping form out of the corner of his eye. He, Kirishima, and Ashido were curled up together looking peaceful. 

He reached the kitchen and started a pot of tea. He grabbed the tea bags for the morning tea drinkers, then set about making a pot of coffee for the coffee drinkers. He briefly thought about grabbing a pan and eggs but... The last time he’d tried that, it hadn’t gone so well. Bakugou had screamed his ear off and Izuku had laughed so cutely at his failure and helped him clean up.

Fuck he missed Izuku. 

Shouto drummed his fingers against the counter, thinking. Where was Izuku now? Was he safe? What was he doing? He had no clue. Sometimes, there were pictures of him in the news. They were usually very distant, blurry, and he was often obscured by Smokescreen. The clearest shot had been one of Izuku and Touya running away from a police station after they’d left three 

villains tied up in front of it 2 weeks ago. 

He reached into the cabinet for a mug- wrapping his fingers around a well loved All Might mug. He wasn’t sure how he felt about Izuku and Touya traveling together like this. On the one hand, he was glad Izuku wasn’t alone. He trusted Touya to make sure Izuku was fine, that he would be protected and eating and sleeping... On the other hand, 

It should have been him. It should be him and Izuku out there. The two of them against the world. Shouto had told him he’d follow Izuku anywhere. That he’d follow him through hell. And Izuku had shut him out. Again. 

The tea was ready. He turned down the burner and poured his tea, letting it steep. He needed air. He held his mug in his left hand and walked outside onto the front steps of their dorm building. He sat down, listening. 

It was a quiet morning. Almost peaceful, though a bit chilly for April. He was glad he wore Izuku’s sweater. He pulled the neck up over his mouth, inhaling. He’d washed it a few times since Izuku left but there were still lingering traces of his smell. 

“Please!” A woman cried “I promised him I’d deliver this letter!” 

“Ma’am.” A hero said sternly “Civilians are not allowed into the dorm area. It’s for your safety and the safety of the students!” 

The entrance into the dorm area was very close to 1-As dorm building. “No- you’re not listening! I promised Deku I’d deliver this letter to Todoroki Shouto- please that’s all I want then I’ll leave!” 

Shouto shot up and ran down the front steps. He turned the corner and ran towards the gate. There was a hero guarding it and in front of the gate a very tall woman with a fox-like quirk. She looked worse for wear, but in her hand was a small folded up piece of paper. “Hey-” Shouto called running over “You said you had a letter from Deku?” 

“Kid go back to your dorm this woman-” The hero started 

“Has a letter for me from Izuku!” He snapped “You saw him?” he asked the woman, much more softly. 

She nodded “He saved my life last night! Him and Todoroki Touya! I was fleeing my home and was chased. They stepped in and got me a ride here. But before I left, Deku gave me this. He asked if I could get it to you. I promised him I would.” he held out the note. 

Shouto took it through the bars of the gate. He unfolded it at once. It was hard to make out- the paper had been wet and dried. Izuku didn’t have the neatest of handwriting unless he slowed down. But this looked like it had been written in a hurry, and some of the ink had run. 

Shouto, 

I hope you get this letter. I miss you all the time. I’m constantly thinking about you, and how I can’t wait to be with you again. If you’ll have me after I put you through all this. I’m with Touya right now- I didn’t intend to bring him with me, he sort of just... showed up. 

I hope you’re safe, and happy. It’s hard out here. People are so scared. I have to work harder, and faster. I promise, promise, promise I’m coming back to you. I see you in my dreams. I selfishly hope you see me in yours. 

We’ll be together soon. I love you. 

Yours forever, Izuku. 

Shouto couldn’t help it. His eyes watered. He pulled the note into his chest. He was thinking about Shouto... He was still angry. Shouto should be with him but... Something about this, the care... Izuku saw a moment to tell Shouto he loved him, and jumped at it. This note was precious.“Thank you.” He told the woman “Thank you- I can never repay you enough for this.” He said softly. 

The woman smiled, her body relaxing. “It was the least I could do.” She said “I owe him my life.” 

He nodded, whipping his eyes “Yeah... me too.” 

***

It had been a quiet day. Almost too quiet. There hadn’t been many villain sightings, and certainly nothing near Izuku and Touya. It was starting to make Izuku anxious. Most days they at least had to deal with some petty criminals. But this... it was freaking him out. 

Touya was on their secure phone from All Might “I dunno Izuku.” He said “It just... feels weird doesn’t it?” He asked him. “I just messaged Keigo and he said Endeavor and Best Jeanist dealt with a bank robbery but... Miles from here.” 

“This area used to be well populated.” Izuku said “There’s at least one survivor settlement nearby as well as some stores that haven’t been ransacked yet.” He sighed “Plus in the last three weeks this area has attracted at least one minor villain a day.” 

“It’s still pretty early in the evening. It’s not supposed to storm like last night.” He closed the phone. “Why don’t we park and patrol on foot once it gets dark?” He asked “We’ll split up and cover this whole area. You take the phone, and you can keep track of me through Link.” 

Izuku nodded, and found a good hiding spot for the truck. They got out. “I’ll head west, and use Black Whip and Float.” 

Touya nodded, handing him the phone “I’ll take the east side and stick close to the ground. Check in around 12?” He asked 

“Yeah. We’ll meet back here. If you run into trouble I’ll be there in a flash.” 

“If you run into trouble don’t be afraid to phone the pros for help.” Touya said. 

Izuku gave him a thumbs up before pulling his hood over his head “Stay safe Touya. I’ll see you at 12.” They exchanged a fist bump before heading into their separate directions. Izuku took to the buildings, using Black Whip to swing around. 

Still, even from up here there was nothing... No one. Being alone like this put him on edge. His mind wandered... What was Shouto doing? 

You’re never really alone. En said, the blue ghost was hovering over his shoulder as they flew through the quiet night city air. We’re always with you, even if we can’t reach out to you. 

“...How is it you guys can now?” He asked as he swung around a corner. 

It’s hard to say for sure. En said My guess is after your brush with All for One where you lost your father, some kind of mental break happened where walls broke down you didn’t realize you had up before. 

I like to think it was when Shun and Kenji finally accepted you. Yoichi had appeared on his other shoulder. We were all able to meet and talk properly.  We’ve all accepted each other for what we are. 

Sure that too. En chuckled I’ll be honest I had my own reservations about you as well, though it was nothing personal. I just wasn’t sure if giving someone with your power, a quirk like One for All was the correct move. Not just for the sake of the world but yours as well. You and Toshinori received All for One too young. I at least waited until Nana was 19 to give it to her. 

“I wouldn’t say having this quirk has been... easy no.” Izuku said. He lifted one of his rabbit ears, “I hear... something. It’s faint... But there are people nearby. Someone is breathing very heavily.” 

Best to check it out. Yoichi said But stay safe, and remember we’re always with you. 

That made Izuku pause. He stopped swinging, resting on a single building. “Something that’s been on my mind... Have you all been able to see everything I do this whole time?” 

Since you were given One for All we’ve been with you. En said We’re part of you know so- Oh. You mean- Izuku wasn’t sure, but he was rather sure En was blushing. He pulled his ghostly collar up over his mouth. 

Yoichi sighed We’re... aware things happen but we can... go dark so to speak? We try and give you privacy when you’re either alone or with Shouto but sometimes you catch us off guard. 

En whimpered Don’t bring up The Incident. 

“...I don’t think I want to know.” 

It’s fine. Yoichi said You’re not the first to have sex while being the user of One for All. Toshinori’s exploits in America as a young lad- Nana had children, En here was rather popular when he wasn’t- 

Shut up shut up shut up! En cried before fading back into One for All. 

His uncle gave an echo-y chuckle. Don't worry Izuku. We don’t ‘watch’ but we are... aware? We won’t know the specifics so to say. When you’re with Shouto again, we won’t bother you at all. Now, perhaps we should focus on the task at hand, eh Nephew? 

“Right.” He got back to swinging. In his belt pouch, the communicator phone was ringing. He reached into his pocket to grab it. Toshinori was calling. Probably to check in. He hit the accept button “Hey Tosh I-” 

Pain. Danger Sense 

Crack!

The phone was shot out of his hand. He redoubled his grip onto Black Whip as he looked around frantically. He had heard the gunshot- it was so loud his ears were ringing. He couldn’t hear where the noise had come from. But... he could smell faint hints of perfume. 

Another gunshot. The bullet passed his head, now embedded into the wall “...Midoriya Izuku, you’re coming with me.” A woman’s voice said through a small speaker on the bullet. Izuku got a closer look at it. Purple bullet seemingly made of hardened hair... He knew this voice! It could only be the arrested ex prohero... 

Lady Nagant. 

A sniping hero who’d been arrested after murdering her direct supervisor at the Hero Commission's office several years ago. He had distinct memories of being in a hospital waiting room while Mom was getting a check up during her cancer treatments. He and Dad had watched together... She was strong. She’d been in Tartarus. Dad must have hired her to neutralize him and bring him in. 

He had to close the distance between them. Lady Nagant ruled the fight at long distance. Izuku had to find a way to get in close. He sniffed the air. He could smell her perfume... As well as another smell. Something in Izuku’s gut told him he’d smelled it before. He began to zig zag through the buildings towards her. 

Another gunshot. Danger sense lit up his whole body. He summoned Shield as he floated in place. The impact of the bullet pushed him back several feet. It had embedded itself into his shield, making a long crack run up and down it. “You should just come with. I’d rather not hurt a child.”

He dropped Shield and swung faster. He needed to move faster- he turned the corner and bang! Izuku dropped Black Whip, letting himself fall several feet before catching himself with Float. He had a clear lock on Lady Nagant. She wasn’t standing on a building- no she was standing on air, staring down her scope at him. The building closest to her however did have a person on it. 

Even from here Izuku could recognize him. Chisaki Kai. What in the world were they doing together? 

She readied another shot, and fired before Izuku could react. The bullet smashed into his arm. He dropped to the ground, Smokescreen surrounding him. “Fuck-” He cursed. He pulled the bullet from his body- it was huge. He was bleeding a lot- it stung. But he could still move. “Fuck fuck fuck-” He held the bullet in his hand. He needed to be able to stun her... At least distract her. 

You know staying here in this Smokescreen isn’t going to help much. Shun said. He and Kenji had appeared on either side of him. 

“It buys me time to think dammit.” Izuku said. He looked down at the bullet in his hand. “I need to get in close...” He started doing squats to build up Fa-jin charge.

What’s your plan exactly? Kenji asked 

“Gonna beat her up, maybe take her quirk, make her tell me everything she knows about Dad, smack Chisaki in the face for Eri-chan, collect Touya and move on.” He said, his legs starting to turn red. 

I meant how to ‘beat her up’ He said using air quotes. Be careful. You still can’t handle using that many quirks at once. 

“I know what I can handle....” He said “She’s fast... I need to be able to distract her-” his eyes widened “How does Gear Shift work?” 

Shun shrugged. I dunno I told you it just does! You change the speed of objects you touch, as well as yourself but doing that is risky. You can hurt yourself this way. You ignore the laws of physics with it so- 

“...So if I say... throw a bullet with it, I can speed it up as if I’m shooting a gun.” Izuku grinned. 

I’ve used it like that before. Izuku pulled off Gran Torino’s cape, his mouth guard, and his belt. He reached into the void and used Gear Shift. He tossed them and they each moved through the air slowly. Shit kid, you got it. Shun said Not bad but what are you-  

Izuku squatted down. “Shift-” He said. His gear shot out from the smoke, as Izuku leapt into the air with Fa-jin and One for All. “Shift-” he said again, altering his own speed. He shot up and found himself in the air above the fight. The vestiges of Shun and Kenji had vanished. Lady Nagant fired at one of his pieces of gear he’d sent out as a decoy. He reached down with Black Whip, entangling her “Got you!” He said. 

Lady Nagant looked up trying to move her gun “That was so fast-” She cried. Izuku scanned her body. No feeling for Critical hit yet. He had to keep searching. “You’re as smart as he said.” She turned her elbow, pointing her gun. Not at Izuku, but at Chisaki. He’d be forced to either let her go or try and save Chisaki. 

She fired her gun. 

Own Tempo kicked into cut time. “Shift-” He cried, shifting his speed. He dropped Lady Nagant, and shot off. Izuku had moved fast before- but like this- he was able to outspeed a bullet. He was an All Might fanboy- he knew one of the most famous things All Might could do was outspeed a bullet. And now Izuku could do it without even using One for All. 

His body collided with Chisaki, pushing him out of the way. But to Izuku’s surprise, when the bullet passed, it was clear even to him- the bullet would have missed. Lady Nagant didn’t want to kill him. “I’ll be back for you!” he told him, jumping back up. He pulled out the bullet that had been shot into his arm earlier. He could feel Critical Hit lock into place. If he hit Lady Nagant in just the right place- He used Tracking to keep her movement in check. She walked on the air searching for a shot on him. 

“You’re... something else.” She said “Might even be the real-” She was going to fire. 

Izuku tossed the bullet “Shift.” He said. It sped up as if he’d shot it. With his improved aim he hit his target. The bullet slid right into the barrel of her gun arm. 

Her gun was jammed. She cried out in pain, losing her concentration. She was falling down to the street below. Izuku ran from the building to the edge. He jumped, using One for All to boost himself towards her. “SHIFT!” He cried. He held out his hand towards her. He grabbed her hand, shifting back down. The two of them floated in the air, falling towards the earth together. “...You weren’t trying to kill him.” He said. 

She looked away “No... No I wasn’t.” She smiled up at Izuku “You’re different, Midoriya Izuku. You’ve really got... something about you. I like it. Oddly enough you’re still somehow just like your dad.” She looked down “Sorry. I think his failure clause is going to activate. You should let me go and put that shield up while you have a chance.” She then gave him an address “It’s in the woods. Not far. It's where I was meant to take you.” 

“Lady Nagant what are you-” 

“DEKU!” That was Hawks’ voice. His little wings were pushing him through the air. Behind him, the hulking form of Endeavor using his fire to propel him forward. “We tracked you and-” 

Then, Lady Nagant exploded. 

The blast blew Izuku back until he hit the building behind him. He held onto her hand all the while. His vision whited out as he slammed into the wall. His ears were ringing. Everything felt fuzzy. He fell from the wall. He couldn’t seem to get his body to move. He clutched Lady Nagant’s hand. “MIDORIYA!” Hawks cried, catching him as he fell. “Fuck my wings are too small-” 

“I’ll get the other one!” Endeavor yelled 

“Oh shit-” Hawks landed, the two of them falling into the ground. Izuku found himself sprawled out on the ground on his back. “Midoriya- are you ok?” Hawks asked, leaning over him. 

His vision was blurry but it was clearing “I’m... I’m fine...” He said. He was still holding Lady Nagant’s hand. He turned to look at her- to see what shape she was in, only to find he was holding just her hand. It was her hand to about her elbow joint, the end of the bone sticking out. He dropped the hand as if it had burned him with a shriek.  

Everything seemed to slow down. He looked down at his costume. He was covered in blood, bone shrapnel, and bits of purple hair. His breath rate increased as panic set in. She was dead. He was covered in bits of her. She’d exploded right in front of him. Because... Why did she explode? She’d said failure clause- oh god. Oh god oh god- was it because she gave the location? He’d saved her- had that been why- Dad made her a bomb. 

“Midoriya-” Hawks’ voice sounded distant. Everything was so far away. Izuku was sure he was screaming. Or someone was screaming. He couldn’t tell. All he could smell was blood. His ears were still ringing. Lady Nagant was dead- she’d exploded. “Midoriya you need to stay with me-” Hawks’ face filled his vision. “Shh, shh it’s ok. You’re ok.” He said “I need you to breathe with me ok? Can you do that? Can you breathe with me?” 

Izuku shook his head “D-don’t touch me!” He cried, and pulled away from Hawks. 

“Endeavor he’s freaking out we have to-” 

“Give him space!” Endeavor said back. Izuku saw he held Chisaki under his arm. Chisaki was a ragdoll in his grasp. 

Right. The fight. Izuku was having a panic attack. He had to calm down- he had more work to do. He looked over at her severed hand- and promptly puked onto the ground. He moved his hands to his face- it was wet... He was drenched in blood. Hers. He puked again, coughing and retching onto the ground. 

His breathing was evening out. Something massive and warm laid over Izuku’s back. The smell of campfire filled his lungs. He looked behind him. Endeavor was kneeling next to him. He’d put out his fires. “It’s ok.” He said softly. Right... Endeavor had a fire quirk. Just like Touya, and Shouto and... and Dad. “You did everything right.” His voice was deep and even and comforting. 

Izuku threw himself at him, sobbing into his massive chest. For a moment, Endeavor seemed unsure what to do. Before he wrapped strong arms around him. Izuku gripped at his costume. He felt gross- he’d failed. She died- he could still smell her blood. 

“You’re alright.” Endeavor repeated. Izuku relaxed in his grip slowly. “You didn’t do anything wrong- I promise. It’s alright, Izuku.” 

“Ok...” Hawks said softly. “So... not to be that guy, I know you’re having a tough time Midoriya but... where’s Touya?” 

That was enough to pull Izuku from his sobs. He pushed away from Endeavor, and put all his nasty feelings about Lady Nagant right into a box. Fuck he wanted a smoke. “He- we split up. About 30 minutes ago.” He could feel him with Link “He’s moving around a lot but...” He focused on him “He’s using his quirk. He might be engaged in combat but he doesn’t feel like he’s... hurt or anything.”  

Hawks and Endeavor both let out a sigh of relief. Chisaki was lying on the ground. “...Old man...” He mumbled. 

“He keeps saying that-” Hawks said

Izuku stood up “Thanks.” He breathed to Endeavor. He stalked over to Chisaski. “What’s your problem?” It was eerie. How quickly he flicked from crying to stone faced. He’d never flipped emotions like that before. Not this intensely. “Crying like that?” 

Chisaki looked up at him. “... she was gonna take me to the old man... I have to apologize to him... I hurt him.” 

A wave of annoyance washed over Izuku. “What about Eri?” 

That made Chisaki’s eyes light up “Eri! Deku- you’re a genius-” He said “You scare fuck out of me-” His voice was getting more hysterical “If- if- if I see Eri she can rewind me. Fix me! Then I can fix the old man- Deku please- take me to Eri.” He got up onto his knees pressing closer to him. “I’ll say sorry to her- she’ll forgive me- Deku please take me-” 

Izuku snarled and punched him, sending Chisaski back to the ground. “No.” he said simply turning his back on him. He felt... numb. “One of you should take him to the police station or something-” 

Through Link, Izuku could sense the pain. Could almost feel what Touya felt. 

“Oh fuck-” He turned on his heel 

“What is it?” Hawks asked. 

“TOUYA!” Izuku cried

Endeavor was on his feet, his face lighting on fire. “What’s wrong with my son?” 

“He’s- he’s- he’s burning!”

Chapter Text

It had been a quiet night for Toshinori. No sign of any villains, the only thing they’d heard is Best Jeanist and Endeavor had to take down a simple bank robbery. But nothing major. He hadn’t heard from Izuku today... Toshinori worried for that boy.

More and more often he wonders if he did the correct thing giving him One for All. For the world? Most certainly. Izuku was the perfect user. He was smart, strong, and unwaveringly kind. But... for Izuku’s sake? He was sure he’d doomed him. All of this, had been Toshinori’s fault from the start. If he’d just managed to default All for One the first time. If he’d just finished him off the second... Hisashi would still be here. 

Thinking about Hisashi hurt. Toshinori had been given no closure. He hadn’t seen Hisashi change like Izuku had. He hadn’t talked to him or said goodbye. All he was told was that it happened, and got a few text messages for his troubles. He pulled out his phone as he drove down the dark empty streets. He should check on Izuku... 

He pulled over and dialed the number. He picked up after 2 rings

“Hey Tosh I-” Izuku started but it was cut off.

“Izuku?” He asked “Izu?” 

The line was dead. 

He pulled up the tracker for his phone. It was off. There was a last known location. He quickly alerted the others that Izuku was in trouble before putting the car into gear and speeding off towards his location. He was going to save his kid if it was the last thing he did. 

The roads were empty, the night sky dark overheard. Izuku was in trouble and he-

Smack! 

The entire car shook. Something had landed on the roof of his car. Toshinori got ready to try and get it off when a familiar freckled face peered down on the driver’s side window “Tosh!” Hisashi’s voice yelled. 

Toshinori’s entire body tightened, he slammed on the breaks. Hisashi slid off the roof onto the hood of his car. He managed to hold on. What should he do? Ram the car into a building? Keep going towards Izuku? Stop the car and try on foot? Hisashi had him trapped... What was he here for? 

“Come on Tosh I just wanna talk.” Hisashi said “Stop the car.” 

Toshinori cracked the window as he stopped “Izuku is in trouble I don’t have time for this!” He cried “Leave alone and let me get to my boy!” 

Hisashi smirked, “He’s fine. It’s just Nagant. Izuku can handle himself and if he can’t she’ll bring him to me alive. Will you get out of the car?” He asked, reaching around to open the door for him. “I promise I won’t do anything ok? I really just wanna talk.” 

He really didn’t have a choice did he? He turned the car off and got out of the car “Make it quick. I have to get to Izuku.” 

“I’ll do what I want.” Hisashi said, approaching him. He was wearing a tight black turtleneck and a long black coat. His pants were loose and held at the waist with a belt. Hisashi’s hair was different, pushed off his face. He was also wearing some cologne. It had a nice scent. His white hair was shiny, his red eyes glittering and his freckles... He was always so weak for his freckles. He almost looked... Better now, than he had before. Toshinori backed up as he walked towards him, only to have his back pinned to the wall of the building. Hisahi put a hand next to his head, boxing him in. “Hi.” He said

Toshinori glared down at him. “...What?” He asked “What do you want from me? Why do you keep messaging me when you know- you know I’ll want nothing to do with you like this?” 

“I missed you.” He said simply. “I think about you a lot. I think about us.” He held up his left hand. “We are engaged after all.” 

He grit his teeth “Not anymore.” 

Hisashi rolled his eyes, “Oh come on Tosh.” He said, grabbing his chin and dragging his gaze down “I know you miss me too.” He pressed closer “Come home with me.” 

“You’re insane!” 

“What’s so insane about it? We’re in a relationship together. What’s so crazy about asking my fiance to come home with me? I have a pretty big bed. We can do that thing you like so much where you tie me up and make me cum until I cry-” He purred, pressing his hips into Toshinori’s. 

He pushed at Hisashi’s shoulders “Get off-” He cried “I’m not- never- I’m never touching you again!” He snarled, “You are not the man I fell in love with.” 

Hisashi sighed “That’s just it thought. I am. ” He said “Tosh, I love you. I love you so much it hurts.” He grabbed Toshinori’s hand and brought it to his chest “Feel that? My heart? It’s crying. It misses you. I miss you.” He moved the hand up to his lips, kissing Toshinori’s palm “I want to go home. I want you so badly...” 

This felt familiar. It was almost uncanny. He knew this wasn’t his Hisashi. He knew that but... It was almost true. If he weren’t so good he could pretend. Toshinori closed his eyes “...You destroyed me.” He told Hisashi. “I thought I was finally allowed to have something. I was about to get my reward for all my years of hard work. That I could finally rest and love and be loved.” 

“You still can-” 

“I CAN’T!” Toshinori cried “You’re not the person I want anymore. That person? He’s dead. You killed him. You stole his face and his memories and destroyed everything about him I adored. His kindness, his cheerfulness... His wonderful smile... My Hisashi is dead and you’re wearing his corpse!” 

Hisashi frowned. “I see.” He said “You really feel nothing towards me then?” 

Toshinori shook his head. “N-no.” He said trying to sound more firm than he felt. 

“You’re a good liar Tosh.” Hisashi said “Unfortunately I’ve always been better.” He grabbed Toshinori’s face and pulled him down into a kiss. His lips were soft, almost bitter sweet like alcohol. For a moment Toshinori stood there, completely still. He was shocked. What should he do? He should run and- that was Hisashi’s tongue. Sparks rolled up his spine. He could never resist Hisashi...

There was something about this- the danger- the taboo of it all.

He grabbed that thin waist, pulling him closer. He kissed Hisashi like he was suffocating and he was Toshinori’s air. Warm hands moved to grab his hair, tugging on it gently. Toshinori bit back a groan. Hisashi purred into his mouth as their bodies pressed flush against each other. He felt like he was drowning in him. His hands moved to Hisashi’s ass. He’d always had a nice one. He gave it a squeeze. The small squeak he was rewarded with made him excited. He wanted more he wanted-

Toshinori pushed him away “Stop- stop!” He cried, holding him by the shoulders “Stop it!” Hisashi looked flushed, his lips red and kiss swollen, his eyes wide and glass. He looked almost too sweet. Too innocent. “Just- stop!” 

Hisashi grabbed one of his hands, and brought it up to his face, leaning his cheek into it. “Tosh... Darling.” He whispered “Come on. Don’t be like this. That felt amazing. Let's do it again. Let me take you home. I miss you in my bed. I miss the way you fucked me. Please Tosh? I’ll be such a good boy for you.” 

“Hisashi I can’t.” He said “I won’t-” 

He sighed “Fine... But, if you change your mind I’m right here ok? I told you, I’m not going to hurt you. Not ever. Not you, or Izuku. You’re too important to me.” He smiled softly. “I’ll leave but-” He smirked “Can I ask you a question? It’s about Izuku.” 

That was suspicious but... “What?” 

“Why did you come onto the beach that day? And why make Izuku your successor?” 

“That’s two questions, Hisashi.” He said, his eyes narrowing “But... I came onto the beach because... Well I had seen Izuku first, climbing on the junk but... I heard you yelp. It was you. You’re the reason I came down there.” 

This was clearly not the answer Hisashi expected. His eyes grew wide, his face flushing deeply. “...Me?” He asked. 

He nodded “Yes. Your voice drew me there.” 

Hisashi covered his mouth with one hand. “I- Tosh- How in the world am I supposed to ever let you go when you say something like that?” He asked “Relax... No kidnapping but... Toshinori I will never stop asking for you back. Never giving up on you. Not ever. Not now.” 

He frowned, “You should.” He sighed “As for why Izuku-” 

That made him look up in interest 

“It was his spirit. His determination to save me when we were attacked. To put himself in harm's way to protect...” He smiled softly, “Your son is a wise, kind, and courageous young man.” 

Hisashi smiled, “That he is.” 

There was something else Toshinori thought he should add “He just has... something about him doesn’t he? Some kind of... X factor. I think it’s that undefinable trait that makes him such a good hero.” 

Something in Hisashi’s face changed. His smile shifted into a smirk. “Perfect. Thank you. That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear. You’re so wonderful, Toshinori. I love you so much.” He pressed one more kiss to his lips and pulled back “I’ll come back for you. You and Izuku will be mine, really soon ok? I’m never letting either of you go ever again. I’m also keeping the ring.” He smiled and with that- he was off.

Toshinori stood alone, his body colder than before Hisashi had arrived. “Shit-” He cursed “Izuku-” He ran back to his car and off to get his boy. 

***

Touya sighed as he rolled through the city streets. So far, nothing. No luck. It had been nearly a half hour since he and Izuku split up and Touya had shit fucking luck finding anything. He supposed it wasn’t such a bad thing. Maybe he could get Izuku to sleep longer than a few hours tonight? A day that doesn’t end with their adrenaline pumping to keep him up all night... Still he had a few hours of wandering empty streets. He reached into his pocket for his cigarettes and pulled them out along with Izuku’s notebook. He lit up a cigarette and leaned against the wall going through his notes. 

A smoke break was needed. He took a long drag as he read back through. Its mostly notes on Izuku’s quirks but he kept some notes on the quirk ghost- er the ‘vestiges’ of One for All. Stupid name if you asked Touya, but no one ever listened to Touya. 

Pop. 

Something was behind him. 

Touya turned, blue flames on his palms into the face of his attacker. They screamed jumping back from him “FUCK!” Touya blinked. It was Blade. The General he’d burned half to death back in January. He was covered in burns including the one Touya just gave him. He glared before poofing away. Touya blinked and listened carefully. There was the sound of almost... ringing bells? 

He looked around but couldn’t see anything- 

Pop. 

He turned again, fire exploding from him. This time he missed. Blade danced out of his way- he was almost entirely healed. “Oh.” He said “So, you’re back.” Touya said. 

Blade glared “Yes. I am. I’m back for revenge.” 

Touya blinked “For... burning you?” 

“Yes! Look at me! I’m all fucked up and burned-” He gripped at his face. He was heavily scarred. Almost as bad as Touya “I look nothing like Bullet now? What am I going to do when we’re together again? How willI blend in?” He glared at Touya, “I’m going to burn you back.” 

He rolled his eyes and sent off another blast. He could feel his suit cooling him off. “I’m the one with the fire quirk dipshit.” He yelled. Blade screamed as Touya’s flames licked his skin. “Man, this suit does really rock.” He pulled his coat off, tossing it aside “I don’t have to hold back as much!” He held his arms out as he flung his flames at him.

Blade screamed and disappeared. Touya stopped using his quirk. He listened. Once again he heard the soft ringing of bells. He glanced around, looking up- there. 

On top of one of the buildings a golden light. He grinned “Idiot.” He called and ran to the building. His body superheating. He jumped using his heat to melt the metal of the building to give him a way up. He jumped mid air, blasting himself up with fire. 

Pop. 

It was harder to react in midair. Blade was falling onto him, two swords in his hands. He spun midair. Touya didn’t react fast enough, getting his arm sliced. It managed to just cut the material of the outfit. He sent a blast of fire at Blade, burning him again. “FUCK FUCK FUCK!” Blade screamed and disapeared. 

“Bastard...” Touya mumbled and blasted himself to the top of the building. There sat Blade, and another person. A young man with golden hair and eyes. His skin seemed to have an almost glow to it. “Found ya.” 

The sound of a bell rang as the blond touched Blade, his body glowing for a moment. The blond hissed in pain but Blade was healed back to his scarred state. “Stay away, this is my healer.” 

“H-help...” The boy said “He- he kidnapped me! Please!” 

Touya frowned. He had to get this guy away from Blade. “Don’t worry.” He said, trying to remember how the Heroes he used to hate sounded. How Keigo sounded... “I’m here now, everything is going to be alright.” He allowed himself to glow blue. 

Pop. 

Blade had vanished. Touya turned on his heel to blast him- pop. A sword connected into his shoulder “Fuck-” He hissed and lit himself on fire. His flesh burned but the suit soothed him. He grabbed Blade by the wrist with a burning hand “Bitch!” Touya yelled and tossed him from the building. He turned, extinguishing himself. “I got ya!” He said to the blond, grabbing him and running to the other edge of the building. 

He held him with one hand as he grabbed the building with the other. His hand and foot heating up to melt the building and slow their fall. They landed on the ground and Touya ran back to where he’d dropped his coat. “You saved me.” The blond said “My hero.” 

Touya forced himself to smile “Eh well- less saving and more trying to get him away from you.” 

Pop . 

“You’re not going anywhere, Dabi.” Blade snarled “Not until you’re a fucking scorch mark.” He pointed his blade at him. 

Touya sighed “Buddy, how many times do I have to tell you I’m the one with the fucking fire quirk-” 

The blond stabbed something into Touya’s neck. He threw him aside, the man rolling on the ground away from him. He reached to his neck feeling what he’d been hit with. He pulled out a syringe. He’d been injected with some kind of drug. He felt... hot. “See Dabi, after you burned me half to death I hit the streets. I found Kinro here. Isn’t he just lovely? His quirk is something special. Healers. Very rare these days. Especially one who’s willing to work on villains. He was something of an underground secret. Worked for some small time yakuza. They worked for the Shie Hissaikai which as I’m told were almost pretty nasty.” 

“Shie- the quirk erasing guys?” Touya asked “Did... did you erase my quirk?” That couldn’t be right... His body was so hot he-

Blade shook his head “They made two kinds of drugs. Before the erasers they had-” 

“Enhancers-” Touya’s eyes widened. 

“You’re going to burn Touya. And I’m going to watch.” Blade smirked and ran at him. 

On reflex Touya unleashed his fire- it burned. His suit hissed as a massive torrent of flames poured from him. It was so hot- so exact. It was less like his normal fire and more like that of a gas stove or a welding torch. It hurt. “Fuck!” He cried and directed it at Blade. Blade screamed in agony as he hopped to Kinro. 

Kinro healed him, crying out. Ah. Kinro must feel the pain of the injury he’s healing. Touya sent a blast towards them. Blade pushed Kinro out of the way in time as he was burned again. 

Touya felt like he was going to be ill. He was boiling from the inside out. He stretched his hand to burn Blade again only to find it looked nothing like his hand. He was starting to see bone. Oh no. Touya really was burning to death. 

He couldn’t turn off his quirk. He fell to his knees. 

“Ahh!” Kinro cried. There was a ringing of a bell as Blade glowed golden. Touya fell onto his back. 

“Look at that. It was a lot easier than I thought.” Blade mused. 

Touya burned staring up at the night sky. His eyes hadn’t boiled in his lids yet. That was nice... He was so weak. The fire inside him faded almost as quickly as it came, and now Touya laid on the street, cold. 

“Kinro what the hell?” Blade asked “That worked for what? A minute?” 

“Sorry.” Kinro said back “it was all I had left. I think it was an early batch from the Hissaikai. Just enough to give you a boost for one or two shots nothing wild- here let me heal you, you’re still pretty burned.” He said. 

Touya wasn’t dead yet. Why wasn’t he dead yet? 

Metal clanging... Almost like- 

Kinro healed Blade again. Touya could see the golden light from the corner of his eye. He could hear the ringing of a bell. “TOUYA!” A voice screamed- Keigo? Keigo was here? He smiled... Keigo... 

“YOU BASTARDS!” Izuku was here too? His voice was a lot louder- he must be closer. Touya watched as a flash of green zoomed past him. “That was a healing quirk.” Izuku snarled. He sounded... pissed. “Give it.” 

Keigo’s face filled his vision. His pretty eyes were full of tears “T-touya! You’re alive- holy shit- Enji he’s alive.”

Endeavor was there too. His eyes were wide, “No no nono no not again-” He was hyperventilating. 

“Midoriya! He’s alive!” Keigo screamed. “Please we need to-” 

“I’M WORKING ON IT!” 

Touya reached up with his good hand- he was pretty sure the other one had burned off. He didn’t get far before it broke away, his bones chard. He was dying. At least he got to die looking at Keigo. Keigo was gorgeous. He deserved someone better than Touya anyway. Someday, some handsome prince could come and whisk Keigo away. In another life... maybe that could have been Touya. A handsome princely version of himself. With soft hair and softer skin. Keigo deserved someone just as pretty, inside and out as he was. 

“P-p-pretty.... Bird.” Touya choked out. Happy to have those as his last words. 

***

“Oh fuck-” Midoriya cried and turned on his heel 

“What is it?” Keigo asked. 

“TOUYA!” Midoriya yelled 

Endeavor was on his feet, his face lighting on fire. “What’s wrong with my son?” 

“He’s- he’s- he’s burning!” 

Keigo gasped “What- where- lead the way!” He spared a glance at Chisaki “What about him?” He asked. 

Midoriya grabbed Chiasaki by the face “Fuck!” He cried “he’s- he’s quirkless!” 

Endeavor and Kiego’s eyes met “You mean All for One took his quirk?” 

“Doesn’t matter!” Midoriya was running. Keigo followed after- that kid was the only one who could find Touya. “Leave him! He can’t do any harm in that state! We’ll come back for him later!” He yelled 

They followed Midoriya in the darkness. The run felt like it took ages to Keigo but it must have only been... maybe a minute? All three of them could move fast- 

They turned a corner- there in the center of the street was Touya. He was laying flat on his back- oh god. Keigo felt sick. Touya was burnt- the last embers of blue flame were going out around him. “TOUYA!” He cried. Please don’t be dead don’t be dead- he followed after Midoriya. 

There were two villains nearby. One of them had just used some sort of glowing quirk. 

“YOU BASTARDS!”He screamed. “That was a healing quirk.” Midoriya snarled. Oh. If... if he took it, maybe they could heal Touya! Keigo had to get to him. “Give it.” 

He ran, tears streaming down his face. He dropped to his knees as Midoriya handled the villains. Keigo barely had to watch as Black Whip shot out of Midoriya’s body. He focused on Touya. Those pretty blue eyes landed on Keigo. They were moving. He was alive. “T-touya! You’re alive- holy shit- Enji he’s alive.”

Endeavor landed next to him “No no nono no not again-” He was hyperventilating. 

“Midoriya! He’s alive!” Keigo screamed. “Please we need to-” 

“I’M WORKING ON IT!” Midoriya cried. He pulled the villains into his hands with Black Whip. 

“P-p-pretty.... Bird.” Touya croaked out. 

Keigo felt panic bubble up from his insides. “No- wait- Touya don’t die just hold on!” He begged. The tears were flowing freely. He tossed aside his goggles “No please stay with me. Stay stay stay-” He leaned over him “Touya I love you- more than I ever thought I could love anyone please- We promised we’d see that stupid concert together remember?”

“Touya.” Endeavor cried “Son- I just- Please-” He couldn’t form words. 

Midoriya threw the villains down onto the ground. “Move.” He ordered both of them. Keigo looked up. Midoriya looked... feral. He was still covered in blood, his hair was wild, and his eyes glowing green in the dark night. Black Whip still danced around him. He looked... scary. Keigo backed away, as did Endeavor. Midoriya leaned down over his body. “Lets fucking go-” 

He touched Touya’s body. There was a ringing of a bell- distant but loud. Like a church bell. Midoriya screamed. He threw his head back as he howled in pain. Touya’s body began to glow. The light was so bright Keigo had to close his eyes. He covered his face. Midoriya screamed and screamed and screamed- but he never let up. Finally- the glow faded. 

Keigo lowered his hand, breathing hard. He blinked the whites from his eyes searching the ground for Touya. Midoriya kneeled beside him, looking whipped. His nose bled as his eyes rolled back. Then, the kid fainted. Keigo turned his attention to Touya- “Holy shit!” He yelled and ran towards him. 

“O...oh my god.” Endeavor said, his voice breathless. He crawled over to Touya. The two of them sat there, dumbfounded. Touya was healed. 

Touya was very healed. 

He didn’t have his scars. His hair was soft. Keigo reached down, running his fingers through the fluffy white locks. His skin was pale- he grabbed his arm, feeling the smooth skin where purples and staples once were was now smooth. The staples weren’t gone. They had popped off his body and now lay scattered on the ground. He leaned down and inspected his face. The scars weren’t... entirely gone. 

He had smooth lines running where his seams had once been. Keigo traced one on his face with his thumb. “...I can’t believe it.” Keigo whispered. 

Snowy white eyelashes opened, revealing that breathtaking shade of blue. “...Am I not dead yet?” Touya asked. Even his voice sounded a bit different. Deep, rich, less... crisp. “...You good Keigo?” He asked. Keigo nodded, a stray tear leaking down his face. Seemingly without thinking, Touya reached up to wipe the tears. His eyes narrowed in on his own hand. He brought it to his face. “What the fuck?” Touya asked. 

He sat up straight, looking down at his arms. His jaw was hanging open. He reached to his face, feeling the soft skin there. His eyes watered. Keigo couldn’t help himself from grinning. “You’re ok!” He cried and flung himself into Touya. 

Warm hands wrapped around him. “I’m... I’m... I’m more than ok!” Touya cried he grabbed Keigo by the face and kissed him deeply. He pulled back “Dad check this shit out- I’m fucking ok!” 

Endeavor made a soft squeak “Y-yes son! You’re ok!” 

Touya was grinning like a mad man “I need a mirror- or something- hey Izu-” He turned and spotted Midoriya laying on the ground “Fuck.” Keigo moved off of him and let Touya run to his side “Kid?” He asked. “He’s got a pulse-” 

“I’m fine.” Midoriya said sitting up “Yoichi, Nana I’m fine.” He said.

“Who are-” Keigo started 

“Don’t ask.” Touya said. “You ok kid?” 

Midoriya looked up at Touya “I’m-” His eyes widened. “T-Touya?” He asked “You- I- Your scars!” He sat up onto his knees grabbing Touya by the face “Oh my gosh- you look like your mom!” He said “And Shouto- holy shit! You look just like Shouto in the face!” 

Touya laughed “Y-yeah? I’m that pretty?” 

Keigo couldn’t help but smile too “You were always pretty Touya.” He reminded “Mmm, I kinda miss the scars.” He teased walking over to him. “But I could get used to pretty boy Touya.” 

Headlights filled the street. They all turned as All Might’s sport’s car pulled up. He ran out of the car, holding Midoriya’s bag in one hand “You’re all here- I went to the last known location and found Izuku’s stuff. I noticed a trail of fire and- Oh My Goodness!” He cried “Young Touya!” 

Touya laughed, standing up and running to the car. He knelt down to see into the side view mirror. He cried and turned back to Keigo “I’m normal.” He said “My god...” 

All Might blinked “What in the world happened?” He looked to Midoriya. “Ypu’re... covered in blood.” 

“...A lot.” He said, standing up. He smiled softly at Touya, but... Keigo noticed it didn’t quite reach his eyes “... Lady Nagant before she ex-” He cut himself off “Died... she gave me an address. I think... I think it’s where my dad is.” He looked up at the rest of the group “We should get a team and head out. We have a location on the League.” 

Touya walked back over to Midoriya “...Are you ok?” He asked him. 

He nodded. “...Yeah. I just... can I have a cigarette?” Midoriya asked “I really... really need one right now. S-sorry Tosh I just-” 

All Might leaned down and grabbed Midoriya by the shoulders “It’s... it’s fine. Its really the last thing I’m worried about right now. I’m more concerned about how you’re feeling.” 

“...Please don’t ask.” Midoriya whispered.

Chapter Text

They were able to mobilize a group for the next night. Izuku would be taking the lead. Touya, Hawks, Endeavor, Best Jeanist, Kamui Woods. Edgeshot, and Mount Lady. Together... They were sure they could handle whatever Dad had waiting for them. Izuku parked the truck in the woods. He and Touya jumped out as the others parked. “According to the GPS we have about a 2 mile walk from here.” Touya said. 

It was still bizarre seeing Touya like this. Fresh faced and soft. His outfit had been repaired mostly, though there were large seams where it had been stitched back together. Izuku walked ahead of him “That’s fine.” He said “It won’t take long and we can get in there and get this over with.” Izuku said. His own costume had been cleaned but some of Lady Nagant’s blood had stained it. 

“He might not even be here.” Endeavor reminded them as he walked behind them. “It’s very likely he’s aware Lady Nagant gave away their location, and they fled.” 

Izuku nodded “....Still, he might have left something behind.” 

“Let’s hope it’s nothing dangerous.” Hawks said, walking step in step with Touya. 

Mount Lady cracked her knuckles “Whatever it is, we can handle it.” 

Edgeshot put a hand on her shoulder “We shouldn’t be hasty. Darude and Grimm have probably rejoined him. They nearly killed us last time.” He told her “We need to take this slow and- Deku?” 

Izuku ran forward. His body felt like it was on fire. He was burning to get to his father and punch his face in. The sooner this was over... The sooner he could be with Shouto again. Every day he missed him more and more. It was like there was this empty spot in his chest that belonged to Shouto. 

“Izuku!” Touya yelled “Wait the fuck up!” He called, running after him. 

He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t keep putting other people at risk for something that was his responsibility. This was his father. His quirk. Their family problems were now affecting the entire country. The sooner he could end this, the better. 

The other heroes were keeping up. He wasn’t exactly trying to outrun them, just... Put some distance between himself and them that way if there was an attack he could take the brunt of it. He was going to keep them all safe. Touya had already almost died- he couldn’t let that happen again.

The manor came into view. It was large, and looked dark inside. “Careful Deku!” Endeavor yelled. 

Izuku paid him no mind as he rammed into the door, kicking it down. He pulled out his rabbit ears, letting them come up and at attention. Nothing. No noise. Touya slid in behind him “Holy shit don’t just-” 

“No one is here.” Izuku said softly. “It’s clear!” He called to the others, his ears disappearing. 

The others piled inside “Looks like they left in a hurry.” Best Jeanist said. “We should search the entire place. They might have left something behind.” He said. 

Kamui Woods pointed to a small black disc on the ground. “...We might have something here.” He said “Could be dangerous-” 

The disc moved, and became a projector. On the wall, it projected a video. It was his father, sitting in a chair. He looked nice, comfortable. He had his legs crossed as he leaned into one of the arms of the chair. “Hello Izuku. If you’re watching this, that means you listened to Lady Nagant. I’m sorry I hope her blowing up didn’t get you hurt. But you’re a tough kid.” Dad in the video smiled. “I know you survived just fine. You always do. You’re my son after all.” 

Edgeshot, Mount Lady, and Kamui Woods shifted uncomfortably “...So you are his kid?” Kamui Woods asked. 

“He is.” Endeavor said “As you can imagine it’s a sensitive topic, so drop it.” 

Touya put a hand on Izuku’s shoulder, keeping him steady. “We got you kid.” He whispered. 

“So Izuku, I wanted to talk to you. I know if I approached you, you’d never hear me out. So I hope you’ll listen to me here.” Dad smiled softly “First I have to ask- do you like my gifts? I picked them out just for you. Those lovely quirks. I thought you’d like Link and Critical Hit. They just go perfectly with you kit don’t they? I thought you might like Lady Nagant’s as well, but I wasn’t sure about that one. I did have to take Overhaul for myself though. Can’t let you have all the good stuff.” Dad laughed “Blade was a bit harder, had to use some old shadow world connections to get him to run into Kinro. But I hope you like them and use them well.” 

Izuku inhaled. He... he was sending these quirks on purpose? What- why? What was the fucking point? 

“I miss you every day.” Dad continued. “I miss you, I miss Toshinori... I want you to come home to me. I keep trying to tell you Izuku I want the very best for you! I want you to have whatever you want. You can even bring Shouto. I always liked Shouto. He’s so good to you and I know he’d make a wonderful knight to you, my sweet little prince.” 

He shuddered “Fucking creep.” He spat. 

Dad shifted “I’m making a world where the powerful can do whatever they want. Because no one can stop them. You, Izuku, are the most powerful person in the world. I know that now. It’s something that’s been in the back of my mind for a long time but... You, Izuku, are the quirk singularity.” 

 Izuku’s heart began to pound in his chest “...What?” He asked. 

“Yeah what the fuck?” Touya asked “You have his same fucking quirk!” He said “Your dad is a fucking idiot. Yeah you have One for All that makes the quirks stronger but like... I don;t think that’s singularity level.” 

The others all agreed quietly. 

Right... Izuku was born with his father’s quirk. If Dad thought Izuku was the singularity that meant his dad was as well. Right? 

“See,” Dad began “I always thought you inherited my quirk. Because on the surface, you did! You absolutely did. But... I think you must have inherited some parts of your mother as well. Pull. A simple quirk. Being able to pull something towards your hands as long as you can physically do so. Remember when you were little and we cleared Takoba beach to get you in shape?” 

Izuku did remember. “...Some of the most fun we ever had together.” He mumbled. “We... we met Tosh there.” 

Dad leaned back “We had so much fun. Plus we met Toshinori.” He smiled again. “I learned a lot about Pull doing that. So did you. It was always just so... straight forward wasn’t it?” 

Something inside Izuku felt ill. Where... where was he going with this? 

“As a kid, I never noticed this. You were bullied. Picked on. But do you know who was drawn to you? Even when he made fun of you? Katsuki. I didn’t think anything was odd about it at the time. Just Katsuki being a little bully but... With the things I know now. Then of course, there was All Might. And then, the slime villain. It only got worse after you accepted One for All.” 

“What?” Izuku asked “What is he-” 

Dad leaned forward, his smile dropping “I started to joke you were a villain magnet. The league, the Shie Hissaikai, Gentle, the kid with the pipe bomb. They all ended up crossing paths with you. What are the odds? Not to mention half of them are obsessed with you. I know I am!” Dad laughed before his face turned serious again “I never questioned why. You’re my son. Mine. My sweet child. Inko’s! You’re her, you’re me, you’re Yoichi. Of course I’m obsessed with you. But then... who isn’t?” 

Behind him the other heroes whispered softly. Touya’s hand on his shoulder tightened. 

“It’s not just villains. Your classmates, they all love you so much. So what changed between middle school, where you were mostly ignored, to high school, where you were beloved? I thought it was just you coming out of your shell. But... You didn’t really change did you? People just treated you differently.” Dad hummed “And I realized the difference between your middle school classmates and your high school classmates.” 

Izuku wasn’t sure he wanted to know. 

“Their quirks!” Dad smiled “You’re in a hero school, where all the kids have strong quirks. It seems the stronger someone’s quirk is, the more they like you. Let’s look at the big examples- Shouto. On paper, he has one of the strongest quirks thanks to Enji’s family breeding.” He laughed “Tomura’s love for you only stronger as his quirk did.” 

He felt like his stomach was dropping. 

“You didn’t just get my quirk. It combined with Pull. You’re pulling in strong quirks. Those who are stronger, find themselves drawn to you. The world redesigns fate to put them into your path. Eri? It can’t be a coincidence that she happened to bump into you. That she ran away that day and down that alley just as you were passing.” Dad said “That Toshinori was walking past the beach we were at. I talked to Tosh. He said he came to the beach because he heard me... But he gave the quirk to you because of your spirit. He also said, you had... something about you. Some X factor.” 

Izuku’s entire world was spiraling. 

“Hasn’t anyone ever told you that you just Pull them in?” 

He remembered something Shouto said to him. Weeks ago, the day he found out Toshinori had proposed to his father. “I could never love someone the way I love you. Everything about you pulled me in.” 

“Oh my god.” Izuku whispered 

“Izuku, don’t listen to him, he’s just trying to psych you out.” Touya said, grabbing Izuku to turn him away from the screen. 

“You pull people in. It’s everything about you. Your personality, your strength, even your looks. Have you seen yourself Izuku? You’re adorable. Fit and tight. You’re so appealing. So cute and soft. Makes everyone just want to kiss you.” 

“That’s a disgusting thing to say about your own child!” Endeavor yelled at the screen. “Foul-” he snarled “Izuku, don’t listen he’s insane! He’s clearly just trying to justify lusting after his own son- fuck!” Endeavor yelled “I’ll kill him myself!” 

He fell to his knees. He felt... gross. But... “He’s right though.” Izuku whispered. 

“You’re a god. The rest of the world worships you. They want to get closer to you and offer up their quirks as sacrifices. They can’t help but want to give you themselves.” Dad smirked “Even if you’re dangerous. All you can do is destroy them. You’re a Venus Flytrap. Appealing to the fly, but you’re nothing more than a trap.” 

It made... sense. Shouto, Kacchan, Ochako, Iida, Shinsou... They all were so drawn to him because they had strong quirks. All Might was drawn to him because he had a strong quirk. He’d taken Toshinori’s quirk... Shouto had once begged him to take his quirk. Izuku grabbed at his face. “Oh my god.” He cried out, tears streaming down his face. “I’m...” 

“You’re a monster Izuku.” Dad smiled “But you’re my little monster. Come home to me, and I’ll keep you safe. Let you grow. I’m the king of this new world, and you are my little demon prince. I would do anything for you. I’d let you eat my still beating heart right out of my chest. Remember, I love you. I love you quirk or no quirk. Because you’re mine. You’ll always be mine first Izuku.” 

“...I’m a monster.” Izuku cried. “I- I have to-” He turned from the screen as the projector turned off. “I- I-” 

Touya grabbed him by the shoulders. He leaned down “Izuku, Izuku.” He said, shaking him lightly. “Listen to me- look at me.” Izuku couldn’t breathe. He could hear the others talking in quiet voices but Touya was the only one he could understand “I need you to look at me.” He said. Izuku obeyed, looking up at his friend. “You are not a monster.” He said seriously. “Ok? There is nothing wrong with you. All for One is spewing a bunch of bullshit.” He pressed his forehead into Izuku’s. “I don’t like you because I’m drawn to you or whatever, I like you because you’re a good person. When the world turned its back on me you saw me and said my name. Not because you have some weird quirk- because you cared enough to save me.” 

Endeavor approached them. He placed a hand on Izuku’s shoulder. “Touya is right.” He said softly. “This is clearly an intimidation tactic on All for One’s part.” He squeezed his shoulder, and leaned down on one knee next to Izuku. Funny... When did Endeavor become so soft? “I know for a fact Shouto adores you. Months ago, when you were kidnapped, Shouto was absolutely crushed. It nearly destroyed him.” He sighed “I can firmly say that this theory of All for One’s is trash. I have to say I rather liked you from the start not just because of your quirk, but because of your quick thinking.” 

“ And of course, that mind of yours. You’re always thinking, I can tell.”

It was one of the first things Endeavor ever said to Izuku. He looked at him “I-” 

Touya moved in closer “And even if All for One is right who gives a fuck? So some weird quirk mutation made us like you a little more so fucking what? There are lots of things that go into liking a person. How they act, how they look, how they smell-” He grit his teeth. “Even so you’re not dangerous.” 

Izuku clenched his hands “Touya, if I asked you to give me your quirk would you?” 

He watched his face. Touya’s mouth twitched “No.” he said softly. 

“...Liar.” Izuku scoffed. 

Endeavor stood up “I think you should get him to All Might.” He said to Touya. “He’s... He needs a break. Something. He’s been through too much in the last few days.” 

He growled “I’m fine.” 

“No.” Endeavor said firmly “Midoriya, in the last two days you were engaged in combat, you had a woman explode on you, then you healed Touya by experiencing all the pain he had endured and believe me, as someone who inflicted some of that pain I am aware of how much torture that was for you. Then your father just said some horrific words to you. I know you’re more focused on the potential side effects of your quirk but some of the things your father said about you are vile, and disgusting. You haven’t stopped moving since the war started and it’s been nearly a month.” He grabbed his other shoulder. “That is a lot of trauma.” 

“But-” 

“Midoriya!” He snapped “You need a break. You need to rest. I know for a fact you didn’t sleep last night or eat this morning. Your mental health is reaching a breaking point.” 

Izuku stomped his foot, a loud clank “None of you have been taking breaks either!” 

“We are pro heroes-” He glanced at Touya “Or just about. We are also all adults. It’s very easy to forget but you are 16. A child. Yes, you are talented and yes, you are more powerful than all of us in this room combined. But you are still a child. You are taking a break. At least tomorrow. Please.” 

He growled and pushed Endeavor off him. “Fucking-” He turned his head away, tears stinging his eyes. “Fine!” He yelled “Touya- let’s... let’s just go!” He called. 

Touya nodded “Ok.” He turned to his father “I’ll meet up with All Might. See if we can’t get Deku a place to rest for a day or so.” 

Endeavor placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Thank you.” He said. “Touch base with us when you get there. We’ll stay here and finish the investigation and keep you updated. Be safe.” He paused, then quietly he said “I love you.” 

Touya looked down, rubbing the back of his head. “Y-yeah.” He said “You be safe too.” He said awkwardly. “Oi uh... Pretty Bird.” Touya turned to Hawks “See you later too.” He said. 

“Right.” Hawks said and pressed a kiss to Touya’s lips. “Love you.” 

“I love you too.” He waved and walked to Izuku “Come on kiddo.” He said and took him by the shoulder to lead him back to the truck.

***

Enji grabbed his face once the door closed behind Midoriya and his son. “I feel ill.” He said softly. He looked over to the disc that had displayed All for One’s message. It was startling to see Midoriya Hisashi talking and acting like that. It was certainly not the man Enji had once admired so much. It was Midoriya Hisashi that had been a wake up call that he was failing as a parent. 

Sport’s Festival

Enji stalked up the stairs, fire threatening to burst from his hands. That little punk! Pulling a stunt like this. Pulling from the festival? Was he trying to embarrass him? This little rebellious streak from Shouto was starting to eat at Enji. It had been almost charming when he attempted to start disobeying. A little strong will would surely be good for Shouto’s quest to be the next number 1. 

But this? This could affect his future. Throwing away a golden opportunity because- because- his fire was ‘acting up’ it looked even stronger to Enji! Perhaps he shouldn’t have indulged in this tantrum. If Shouto’s fire wasn’t obeying him then perhaps he needed a reminder in the dangers of fire, and not learning to properly control your own god damn quirk. 

He turned the corner into the hall. He was going to speak with his insolent son and- there were two people blocking his path. 

The first being All Might, standing arms crossed in his costume. The other was someone Enji had never seen before- at least he was sure he hadn’t. He feels like he might have remembered this person. They were tall, though shorter than Enji by a few inches. He was... striking. Stark neat white hair, pale skin, and red eyes like rubies. 

Enji knew he had been attracted to men in the past. It wasn’t a surprise this man was appealing to him. He’d always been a sucker for white hair. Not to mention the freckles. Who didn’t like freckles? Enji may be cold, but even freckles could destroy him. “...Move.” he said. Handsome man or not, Enji had a child to discipline. 

“Not so fucking fast.” The handsome man said. He may be smaller than Enji, but he certainly had a presence. “I know what you’re here for. You want to make Shouto get back into the festival.” 

“Of fucking course I am! Dropping out- and I suppose you’re the one who Okayed this?” 

“I’m the one who’s insisting. Shouto doesn’t want to drop out. I’m forcing him as his quirk counselor because if he were to continue in the festival he could seriously hurt himself or another student. In fact, he already has due to the sudden change in his quirk!” 

Quirk counselor? Enji knew they understood quirks on a deeper level than even most users of a quirk. “...You’re the one who helped him get his quirk to that level?” 

“Yes.” The man said “Back to the subject at hand. Shouto cannot compete because he’s already hurt someone.” 

“Oh the green haired kid? He did a lot of damage to Shouto first-” 

“My son is currently in surgery! Shouto on the other hand has a broken nose. They are not comparable injuries. Not to say I blame Shouto. Sometimes quirks go out of control, especially at their age and under his pressure.” The man snarled “But I cannot allow you to continue.” 

There was something about this. The yelling. The fighting. It sent a thrill down his spine. He puffed his chest. “Oh so this is you attempting to get revenge for your son! Angry that my son dethroned him and put him in his place?” 

The man growled and made a grab at him. All Might picked him off the ground. “Hisashi please-” Hisashi was it? He was the father of the green haired kid what was his name- Midoriya. Midoriya Hisashi... Midoriya thrashed in All Might’s arms. His red eyes practically glowed as smoke poured from his mouth. 

“All Might- put me down. I’d like to have a few- ugh- words! With Endeavor here!” 

“Hisashi.” All Might said more firmly. “Why don’t you go see if Izuku is out of surgery yet?” 

He growled and nodded. He went to walk away before pointing at Enji “Let me take Shouto home for the weekend. His quirk is going haywire and if he wants to go to his classes on Monday he’ll need to get himself to a point where his quirk is under control. The fastest way to do that is some intense one on one sessions.” 

“You want my son for a weekend?” 

He nodded “I’ll have him back to a safe place by Monday. Unless you’d rather him be put on suspension?” 

Enji snarled. “Fine! But if he’s not in classes first thing on Monday I swear to god-” 

Midoriya leaned up into his face “What? What will you do Endeavor? Beat me up too?” The words held so much venom. They hit Enji like a punch in the gut. His mind immediately went to Shouto. The bruises and marks he’d left on his son from his training. He knew they went too far sometimes. “Fucking try it. Unlike children I punch back.” 

This man was will to get into a fight with the number two hero for Shouto’s sake? That was a sobering thought. That Enji was the villain here. This was a man trying to protect his son from him. He backed away slightly. “...Ok.” He said. “Take him.” 

Midoriya pulled back as well, a smirk of victory on his face. “I’m going to the boys. Goodbye Endeavor.” he said and walked away. Enji watched him go, in almost awe. He felt like he’d opened his eyes for the first time without realizing he’d been blind at all. 

He sighed. That Midoriya Hisashi was gone. There was no one here now to model to Enji how to parent. He had to do that for himself. Though he hopes he learned the selflessness and courage Hisashi had once embodied Enji. 

It was up to him now. 

*** 

Izuku gripped the steering wheel so tightly he was surprised it wasn’t snapping under his fingers. He was so angry. He was so sad. He felt gross. He felt- he wanted out. He wanted this to all stop. To float away. He didn’t want to be anymore. Izuku was a monster. A horrible creature pulling in the people around him. Forcing them to love him and offer themselves to him. He was a walking natural disaster doomed to steal the quirk of everyone he came into contact with. 

Because there was something Izuku had been ignoring about All for One. Something he’d never let himself dwell on. Taking quirks felt good. That first time he’d done it on purpose. At the USJ. In that first moment when Shield entered his body he felt a high. For a split second Izuku wanted nothing more to grab another villain and steal their quirk too. Of course he’d been horrified at the thought and squashed it at once. 

Likewise giving a quirk away made him feel almost ill. When he’d given Aizawa back his quirk it made Izuku shudder at the loss. 

He was a monster. 

“Izuku, you’re driving pretty fast.” Touya said “I know the roads have been empty but there are still all the jailbreakers out here.” 

He didn’t respond. He kept his eyes on the road. His vision was blurring slightly. 

“LOOK OUT!” Touya screamed.

A massive tree had sprouted from the ground. Izuku slammed on the brakes as the car slid across the road. Izuku moved to turn the car to slam his side into the tree. The corner of the truck connected into it, smashing it. Izuku slammed his head into the window. Touya crashed into the ceiling. The airbags deployed. Touya’s head was bleeding. Izuku leaned over and grabbed him. A bell rang in the air as Toua glowed and Izuku felt the impact a second time. “Fuck-” He cursed and broke his way out of the truck. 

There was a woman on the road. She held out her hand as vines went to wrap around Izuku. “I’m here to collect you Midoriya Izuku-” 

Izuku was tired of this. He inhaled and exhaled blowing fire and burning her vines. He closed to gap between them “I’ve had a long fucking day I’m over this.” He snarled. Black Whip grabbed her at once, spreading her limbs apart and preventing her from moving. “Hold still.”He pulled her down to him and held out his hand, placing it on her forehead. “Thanks... dad.” He snarled out. He dropped her at once as a new quirk entered his void. 

Touya was out of the car walking around the side of the truck. “Holy shit Izuku.” He said “You... you took her out almost instantly.” 

Headlights appeared on the road. Toshinori was here. The sports car pulled up as Toshinori got out “Izuku are you alright?” He asked “Oh my god-” He looked at the truck. 

Izuku finally looked. The entire front end of the truck was smashed. Anger bubbled in his heart. He turned to the woman on the ground. He grabbed her by the shirt “That was my dad’s truck!” He screamed “IT WAS THE LAST THING HE OWNED!” His heart was breaking. He loved that fucking truck. He had so many memories of his father. It was in that truck going back and forth from the beach every Saturday where he first found joy after his mother died. 

It was the place he and his father went from two people who both loved and lost Mom to father and son. And it was destroyed. The last bit of that amazing relationship The final piece that bonded him and his father together not just by blood but by the love they chose. “It was the first thing he bought when he came home!” Izuku yelled, shaking her “He took me with when we went to buy a new car! I pointed it out because I loved the color red as a kid! And I’m pretty sure he bought it even though it’s super old and a piece of shit just because I liked it!” He was crying. 

“Izuku-” Toshinori said softly “It’s ok.” he said 

“IT’S NOT OK!” Izuku snapped “NOTHING ABOUT THIS IS OK!” 

Touya frowned “Kid we know this is hard-” 

“HARD? The person my dad was, is dead, Touya! My last parent is dead! I’m a monster- look!” He held up the villain “I just had another fucking victim! I felt amazing stealing her quirk just now! Not only that but the only quirk that can fix this mess has been tainted by me and my fucked up quirk so there’s nothing I can do! I can’t pass it on- it’s infected! All for One infected One for All! This is the worst case scenario! On top of all of that, it that wasn’t the most fucked up shit you’ve ever heard my dad apparently wants to fuck me!”

“...What?” Toshinori asked, his face pale. “He- I’m going to be sick.” 

Touya nodded “Yes. It’s very fucked up. That’s why you need to calm down. Let's get you someplace safe. You can eat and sleep and we’ll figure this out tomorrow. We’ll get a new car and keep moving-” 

He shook his head, backing up from both of them “I’m too dangerous to be around.” Izuku said “If I don’t end up hurting you-” He pointed to the truck “The people I attract will. You could have died Touya.” 

“Izuku, listen to me.” Toshinori said 

“I’m sorry Tosh but I can’t. You’re- you’re not really my dad it’s ok. You don’t have to pretend anymore.” He turned away from them “I... I gotta go.” He said and pulled his hood over his head. Green electricity covered his body. 

“Izuku-” 

“Fuck- kid!” Touya yelled. 

Izuku ran away from them, into the night. 

Alone.

Chapter Text

“What do you mean, he’s missing?” Enji asked into the phone. 

“He ran off.” All Might replied softly. “He- he freaked out and ran off. There’s no way for us to track him. He hasn’t slept or eaten. I’m worried sick. We have to find him.” 

Enji rubbed the bridge of his nose. He exhaled loudly as he paced the room on the manor he’d been investigating. “This... this is bad, All Might.” He said “Dammit- you’re right. We need to find him. Is Touya still with you?” He asked. 

“He’s with me.” 

“Put him on.” He told All Might. 

There was some shuffling “...I’m sorry.” Touya said softly. “I couldn’t-” 

“Touya.” Enji said seriously. “It’s ok. You did everything you could. What Midoriya is going through is terrible. You are not to blame for him running off. Ok? Do you understand? You didn’t do anything wrong.” 

Touya grunted “I was supposed to stay with him- I told him I’d help him! I was responsible for him and I fucked it up. God why am I such a fuck up!” 

“It’s ok” Enji repeated. “Touya, you’re not exactly the most stable person either. That’s ok. That’s... that’s my fault. I’m so proud of what you’ve been able to do so far but you have to forgive yourself for this.” He sighed “Just stay with All Might. We’re going to finish up here at the manor and in the morning... I’m making a trip to UA.” 

“...Why UA?” 

He inhaled “We need help. I hate to lean on him again- but there might only be one person who can help Midoriya now.” It sucked. Having to turn to a child to do what they failed to do in the first place. “Just get some rest... You’ve been through a lot too.” He said. 

“I’m fine-” 

“Touya.” Enji said sternly. “You almost burned to death last night. Go with All Might. Take a break. Please.” He said. 

The line was quiet for several seconds. “Ok... I will. Want me to put All Might back on-” 

“It’s fine. Make him rest too. We’ll be in touch ok?” He said “I love you.” 

“....yeah.” Touya said softly, before he hung up the phone. 

Enji didn’t need it back. He wasn’t sure if he deserved to have it be said back. Least of all from Touya. Enji had hurt him so deeply with not just physical abuse but mental abuse and neglect. He’d been a terrible father. He would spend the rest of his life trying to atone for the suffering he’d caused his children. He refused to be the one to hurt them ever again. 

He put the phone away and left the room. It seemed the investigation was about done anyway. He headed back into the foyer. The rest of the team were there. Mount Lady, Edge Shot and Kamui Woods were talking quietly. Best Jeanist was holding the projector disc as Hawks stood near him, but he kept glancing towards the other three. “Bad news.” Enji said as he descended the stairs. “Midoriya ran off on his own.” 

“What do you mean, ran off?” Edgeshot asked. 

“I mean exactly what I said.” He told them. “He ran away. They were attacked by another villain. The truck they’ve been driving crashed, and Midoriya had a meltdown and ran off. I told Touya and All Might to go rest. We should finish up here and start looking for him. But in the morning I’m going to UA.” 

Best Jeanist crossed his arms “What good will going to UA do?” 

Enji sighed “...I’m going to enlist his classmates in the effort to find him.” 

The other heroes, with the exception of Hawks, all made noises of disagreement. “The last thing we need is to put more children at risk.” Edgeshot said. “While I agree we’ll likely need more heroes but we should contact other pros-” 

Hawks spoke up “I agree with Endeavor.” He said “Midoriya needs people who know him. People who love him. He needs his friends. We... I think getting his friends is a great idea.” He motioned to the group “We don’t know him that well. I don’t think we can help him anymore.” 

Mount Lady clenched her hands “... I just hate the idea of putting more kids at risk. We shouldn’t have been leaning on Deku in the first place. Just... his quirk is so strong.” She sighed “We have to do whatever it takes to find him.” 

Best Jeanist sighed “... Finding him should be our top priority. What we witnessed was very clearly manipulation tactics. The longer he’s alone the more danger he’s in of All for One swooping him and snatching him up. If All for One gets his hands on Deku... We’ve lost.” 

They all frowned at that. Best Jeanist was right. Without Midoriya, they didn’t stand a chance against All for One and Shigaraki. They needed him. Enji grit his teeth. The weight of the world laying on a child- it wasn’t right. He knew from first hand experience pressure like that could break a child. He’d watched his own children shatter under his weight. They had to be pieced back together... By Midoriya himself. Enji would do whatever it took to help him. 

“...Let's get to work.” He said, more determined than ever. 

***

“Shouchan!” Izuku whispered, poking his cheek. Shouto lifted his head from his spot on the floor. Sitting before him was Izuku, still in his hero costume. He was a bit dirty, some mud smudged on his cheek, but he was smiling brightly. “I’m back!” He said. 

Shouto shot up and wrapped his arms around him. Izuku laughed, it was like music to his ears. He hugged him back. “You- you’re here!” Shouto cried. He pulled back and put their heads together. “Oh my god- I missed you so much. What happened to you?” 

Izuku smiled, “It’s over!” He said and pressed a kiss to Shouto’s cheek. “I did it, Shouto. My dad is ok, Shigaraki is defeated! It’s all over. Everything can go back to normal.” He nuzzled his nose into Shouto. “Come on-” He pulled Shouto onto his feet. They were in Izuku’s apartment? When did they come here? They were in Izuku’s old All Might themed bedroom. Izuku was now dressed in his bunny sweater. “Dad ordered Akira’s!” Izuku said. 

He dragged Shouto from the bedroom and into the kitchen. Around the kitchen table was his entire family, his mom, Fuyumi, Natsuo, Touya, and Dad. Hawks, and Yagi-san were there as well. Midoriya-san stood at the counter as he unpacked the food from the paper bag. “Hey Shouto. Glad you’re up! I got you cold soba.” 

They sat at the table, Shouto squished between Izuku and his mom. Mom petted his hair gently. “Good morning sleepy head.” She said softly, pressing a kiss to his head. 

“The squad is coming by later.” Izuku told him. “We’re gonna sit around and play video games. I even got Kacchan to agree to come!” He smiled. The food was placed in front of Shouto. “I’m just so happy we’re together.” 

“M-me too.” Shouto told him. 

Izuku grabbed his hand “When do you want to get married?” He asked. “We can go after breakfast!” He said, his eyes sparkling. “Should we get Iida to officiate? Or I bet All Might could do it!” 

Yagi-san grinned, standing up. His form changed into that of All Might “Of course I can!” He said. He was wearing his hero outfit. “Shouto, Izuku I’d be happy to marry the two of you!” 

Shouto felt so happy. This was perfect. Everyone was happy. Midoriya-san ruffled both of their heads. He leaned down to whisper into Shouto’s ear “Drop him, and I’ll kill you.” 

Ice ran down Shouto’s spine. They weren’t sitting at the kitchen table. Shouto was in the ruins of Jakku. Izuku’s unconscious body lay in front of him. Tiny and broken. 

“I’d rather not deal with the tantrum he’d throw if I killed you, but if you don’t behave you’ll force my hand.” All for One told him.

In front of him, Izuku sat up slowly. He turned his head towards Shouto. “Sh-shouchan.” he whispered, crawling towards him. “H-help...” A misty portal appeared behind him. All for One grabbed Izuku by the collar of his shirt. His beautiful green eyes looked empty as All for One dragged him into the portal. 

Shouto sat up with a cry. “Izu-” he cut himself off. He was in the dorm common room. Futons spread out across the floor with his classmates. A few of them woke up with him. Next to him, Shinsou sat up, shocked awake by Shouto’s outburst. 

“What’s happening?” He asked, looking around. 

“S-sorry.” Shouto said “...Just me.” He stood from the futon. “Nightmare. Everything is fine.” 

Shinsou frowned. “Oh shit-” He said and got up onto his knees “Are you ok? Do you want to talk about it?” 

He shook his head “It’s nothing. I’m fine.” Shouto responded “I’m going to shower. I think we’re training today.” 

“Todoroki-kun.” Iida said sitting up from his futon. Next to him Uraraka frowned. “It’s alright. You don’t have to hide your feelings from us. We understand.” 

Shouto frowned “...just... Izuku.” He said “I’m so worried about him- I know we all are but-” 

Katsuki entered the room. He was the only one who wasn’t sleeping. He was wearing his school uniform. But... In a way Shouto had never seen him before. His earrings were taken out, his jacket on correctly, and his tie on his collar. “Good you’re all up.” He turned to Shouto. “Your dad is here apparently. I heard some of the heroes talking about it when I was out doing my morning run.” He crossed his arms “We should catch him before he leaves.” 

“Why? What good will talking to Endeavor do?” Shinsou asked. 

“Endeavor probably knows where Deku is.” Katsuki said simply. “And I don’t know about the rest of you fucking extras but I’m done sitting around. Deku is out there, fighting. He’s been at it for fucking weeks. He needs help. If we all show up and demand to help, maybe we can make them let us.” 

Shouto nodded “I’m in. Let’s go.” Anything to try and get Izuku back. 

“I wanna get Deku back too!” Uraraka cried.

“Midoriya probably does need help.” Sero said “I’m in.” 

Shinsou was on his feet. “We’re getting that fucking little green menace back even if it kills me.” He said. 

“I’m with Hitoshi!” Kaminair cried. 

“...Meddling like this-” Iida said “it’s what a true hero would do.” 

Asui frowned “Kero, we’re only students but... I can’t help but feel like if we keep doing nothing the situation is only going to get worse. If it were any of us, kero, Midoriya-chan wouldn’t rest until we were safe.” 

The rest of the class made all sorts of noises of agreement. “Alright then.” Katsuki said “Get dressed. Look proper. We need to make our case.” He said. 

“Right!” The class called as one and everyone got to work. 

For the first time since Shouto read that letter-

He felt hopeful. 

***

Enji slammed his hand on the desk “He’s in serious trouble.” He told Nedzu. “We need help.” 

Nedzu sighed “I agree with you. I certainly think the best course of action is bringing Midoriya back to UA and preparing for a battle but is the right call to put more children on the streets? To endanger more of them? Why don’t we send his teachers? Aizawa and Yamada knew him very well.” 

He shook his head “I told you, it’s not going to work. I understand you want to protect the kids... I hate having to ask at all but I think if we don’t send them, we’ll only push Midoriya further into the grasp of All for One.” 

The rat sighed and opened his mouth to reply. But, the door to the principal's office was kicked nearly off its hinges. Standing in the doorway was Shouto, as well as Bakugou. Behind him, their entire class. They were all dressed in their uniforms. They stomped in. Shouto took the lead “Where’s Izuku?” He said. 

Enji looked to Nedzu “They want to help.” 

“...I see that.” he said. 

He looked back to his son. “I’m glad you're here. Midoriya is in trouble.” He told him. He watched Shouto’s eyes widen. “He... the last few days have been... bad.” He said “To say the very least, they’ve been bad. He needs serious help. He’s run off. We have no way of tracking him. Even if we could find him, I doubt we’d be able to talk him down.” 

Shouto frowned “What the hell happened?” 

Enji considered. There was no point in lying. And he doubted there was anyway to soften the blow “What... what didn’t happen, really...” He sighed “He’s been hunted by assassins, one of them... Exploded on him. Your brother nearly died- he’s ok now. More than ok really- we found one of All for One’s hideouts. He left a message for Midoriya... it wasn’t pretty.” 

The students all looked at each other. “What happened?” Shouto asked again. 

“... All for One is using some scare and manipulation tactics on Midoriya. Trying to break him down and convince him he’s a monster.” He couldn’t bear to bring up All for One’s vile words about Midoriya’s appearance. “He’s... he needs people who love him.” He placed his hands on Shouto’s shoulders. “He needs you.” 

His son’s jaw was set. A determined spark in his eyes. “Right.” 

Enji turned to Nedzu. “Well?” 

He sighed “Fine.” He smiled at the students “I’ll trust you all to bring him home.” 

***

Mobilizing 19 hero students was far easier than it had any right to be. Iida took the charge directing them around. They had a plan. They were sure Izuku was still in Musutafu. It was the epicenter of the Jailbreakers and probably where Izuku was hunting quirks still. They would split up into small groups and comb a sector top to bottom before moving onto the next. That way, it was unlikely they’d miss him. 

They’d keep their eyes peeled for villain fights as that was probably where Izuku would head. He’d never been able to resist helping someone. Their work was slow, and grueling. The first day yielded no results. 

They didn’t care. 

On their second day of searching, Shouto did find Izuku, but he did find something. He was with his group. Shinsou, Sero, and Kaminari. The four of them working as a team to search an entire city block before moving onto the next one. This sector of the city actually was near Izuku’s old neighborhood. He could probably find the old apartment if he went looking. Shouto walked along a dark alley as the sun began to set on the second day. Still no sign of Izuku.... 

“It’s like he vanished.” A voice said. Shouto listened closely. He.. he knew that voice but he couldn’t quite place it. It sounded so familiar, but his mind couldn’t conjure the face it belonged to 

“He’ll turn up. You heard Endeavor. His classmates are on it. That’s 19 extra hands. We’ll find Midoriya.” That was Hawks’ voice. Shouto sped up running towards the voices. “He’ll be ok.” 

“You didn’t see him, Keigo.” The other person said “He was... wrecked. I just- there wasn’t anything I could do for him. Nothing at all. Fuck I need another smoke.” 

“That’s like your third in the last hour.” Hawks said. 

Shouto turned the corner. Standing before him was Hawks himself dressed in his hero gear. Next to him was a person Shouto had never seen. They were about his height with soft white hair, pale skin, and bright blue eyes. He was dressed in a hero outfit that looked hastily repaired. It reminded Shouto of one of his father’s but instead of red the fiery veins running through it were blue. Over top he wore a long black coat. They were leaning against the side of the building, lighting the end of a cigarette with blue fire from their finger. 

It hit Shouto at once. 

“T-Touya?” He asked his eyebrows shooting up to his hairline. 

His brother smiled, “Hey pest.” He said “I heard you were out and about.” 

He approached him, looking him up and down “Wh-what happened?” He asked “You’re- you!” His mind couldn’t wrap around what he was seeing. “You look like mom!” he finally settled on. 

Touya only laughed, before frowning softly. “Izuku did this. He picked up some healing quirk and... Healed me.” He said “The night before he ran off.” 

Shouto frowned “What the hell happened exactly? Dad told me a little-” 

“The easier question is what didn’t happen.” Hawks said “...Midoriya really went through it. It wasn’t exactly easy for us... Lady Nagant exploded, Touya almost died- would have died if Izuku hadn’t grabbed that healing quirk. Then...” 

“All for One’s video.” Touya sighed “Fuck I hate that guy. If I ever see his dumb fucking face I’m gonna burn it off.” He snarled. 

“...What did he say?” 

Touya and Hawks shared a look. “He basically said that he thinks Midoriya’s quirk works sort of... different. That he pulls people with strong quirks into his orbit, that his quirk makes them like him and want to give him their quirks.” Hawks said. 

Shouto’s jaw dropped “You- no!” He said “That’s bullshit!” 

“That’s what I said.” Touya said “But Izuku took it to heart. Plus the emotional damage of...” He trailed off “I don’t even want to say it. Makes my fucking skin crawl.” He shuddered. 

“...What?” 

Touya grit his teeth “All for One implied he was sexually attracted to Izuku.” 

He felt ill. He leaned away from Touya as if he’d burned Shouto. “Oh god-” he shuddered. “That-” Izuku loved his father. He’d talked about how much his dad meant to him over and over again and for someone- for him to just- it made Shouto sick. 

They both nodded. “We have to find him. All for One is going to keep sending people after him. I bet he’s aware Izuku is alone now. He’ll be even more relentless. I’d bet my new face that Izuku hasn’t eaten or slept since that last night before Nagant.” Touya sighed “That’s at least 3 days he’s been up straight. He’s going to run out of steam and All for One will-” He cut himself off. 

Shouto had the horrible image of All for One holding Izuku down so he laid face down in the dirt. He felt ill again. “We have to find him!” He said panic rising in his chest. This wasn’t just a bring Izuku home mission anymore. 

This was a race against the clock. 

***

To say Izuku was tired was an understatement. He was exhausted. Bone deep exhaustion ran through him. He was getting slower. The last Jailbreaker he took down got a decent hit on him. His quirk hadn’t been worth taking. Just a simple power type when he was hungry. Too much overlap with One for All. 

He pulled out a cigarette from his belt, blowing on the end and lighting it up. He put it too his lips and inhaled. Cigarettes had been the only thing keeping him going these last few days. He’d fled from Toshinori and Touya two nights ago. He still hadn’t slept. There hadn’t been time. 

Izuku walked the streets alone. Black Whip was out surrounding him as he stalked down the center of the road. He glanced around. He knew this area. He... he was close to home. Maybe... Maybe he could stop by the apartment? Slip into his bed... Just for a little while. 

He started in that direction. His feet knew the way even if his brain felt heavy. He felt hazy. The sun was setting, the sky above him already dark. It was going to rain. All the more reason to go home... He turned the corner passing the park. He looked at it longingly. Just a few months ago he, Shouto, and Hitoshi had sparred there. It was the same park as a kid he and Kacchan used to play at. 

God he missed them. But... he was fairly sure he’d never see them again at this point. Even if he could defeat All for One and Shigaraki, what would be the point in returning to them? Yes. He loved his friends. He loved Shouto. More than anything but they didn’t love him back. They were helpless being pulled in like moths to a flame. 

What would he do if he defeated Dad? 

Maybe... maybe they should go down together. Put an end to this miserable quirk. This miserable existence. 

Izuku you can’t- Yoichi’s voice filled his head. He squashed it at once. He didn’t need dead people to tell him how to live. Or how to die. 

Or maybe he should just go to Dad? Dad... even in this state... he... he said he still loved Izuku right? Mom had loved Dad... Even when he was... Like this. Maybe Izuku could learn to love him too. Maybe he could get Dad to stop killing? He was unstoppable at this point... But Izuku would eventually get stronger wouldn’t he? Someday... Maybe going and being his dad’s plaything for a few years... he could handle it. If it meant saving the world, even a few years late. 

He could endure it. 

He’d certainly faced worse. 

Izuku could see the old apartment building. The front of it had been spray painted. He ignored it and slowly stomped his way up those metal steps. He stopped outside of the door- he could smell something rotting. Not from his apartment- but the one next door. 

Fujikawa-san’s. He knocked the door down with ease. The stench of rot filled his nose so suddenly he gagged, stepping back. A tiny skin and bones cat slipped past him. That had been Tofu- he looked terrible but... He was free now. Izuku turned back to the dark apartment of his old neighbor. He was pretty sure he knew what he was going to find. 

He pulled his mask up over his nose, filtering the air as he stepped deeper into the apartment. He didn’t need to go far. There, sitting in her chair, was the rotting corpse of Fujikawa-san. Slowly, Izuku moved around the chair and squatted down. She looked... if he had to guess- she died in her sleep. But... No one had come to look for her. She’d been dead for a few weeks at least. Maybe since before the war had even started. 

There were no tears. He was too tired. Too broken. He left the apartment and closed the door behind him. He looked to his own apartment door. He wanted to go home. He wanted his father- his real dad. His smiley soft kind dad. The one who called him Izu and ordered Akira’s a little too much. He wanted to curl up on the couch and watch TV and let Dad smooth the hair out of his face until he fell asleep. 

He busted the door down. 

The inside was untouched. Unlike the rot of Fujikawa's, it smelled of apples and that faint musk... He walked past the living room. Mom’s shrine was there. When... Why was it there? Izuku noticed it was a different picture frame. Someone has been here... 

Izuku found he didn’t care. 

He walked to his bedroom, smiling softly at the little All Might door plate. He opened the door. His bed was made. Those old lovely All Might sheets. It looked so soft... so inviting. He walked toward it. He kicked off his shoes and metal coverings on his shoes. He peeled back the comforter and crawled into bed. The sheets smelled wonderful. Like the laundry detergent dad used to buy. 

He laid his head on the pillow. The pillows felt like they’d been fluffed. He nuzzled his face into the pillow case, some of the tension he’d been holding for weeks on end leaving his body almost at once. 

Izuku was asleep in seconds. 

Just a few minutes ago a lone person watched Izuku enter the house before making their way towards the apartment. They slipped inside and found Izuku sleeping in his bed. The person approached the bed, before gently pushing hair from Izuku’s face.

Chapter Text

 “We have to find him!” He said panic rising in his chest. After the words left his mouth, his phone rang in his pocket. He pulled out. A call from Tokoyami? He answered, putting it on speaker. “Tokoyami, what’s wrong?” He asked. 

“Shoji spotted Midoriya.” he said “He said he saw him distantly pass a park-” Tokoyami said a street name. 

Sparks ran down Shouto’s spine. “That’s near his house.” He said. He looked to his brother “Think he’d have gone back to the apartment? All for One- there’s no way he didn’t set a trap there.”  

“According to Shoji he looked unwell.” 

Touya frowned “See, I knew it. He hasn’t been sleeping. His decision making skills are probably shot. And if All for One did trap the apartment-” 

“Tokoyami alert everyone.” Shouto said “I’m taking my team and heading there right now.” He said “I have my brother and Hawks with me as well. I’ll drop his address in the chat. We need to move now.” 

“I’ll start calling the other groups.” Tokoyami said and hung up. 

Shouto dropped the address in the chat. “Come on.” He said to the other two “My team should be nearby. We’ll head to the Midoriya apartment.”

“What if he’s not there?” Hawks asked. 

“We at least know he’s in the area.” Shouto said running as fast as he could. They turned a corner and there waiting were Shinsou, Sero, and Kaminari “Good you’re here. Let’s move!” \

The other three followed behind “Roki,” Shinsou said “Please tell you don’t think Izu is dumb enough to go home-” he cut himself off, glancing at Touya “Holy shit what happened to you?” 

“Now’s not really the time kid.” Touya yelled back “As for Izuku? Yeah. He’s in a bad head space. He’s probably making all kinds of bad choices!” 

Shouto ignored them all, focusing on keeping his feet moving. Izuku was close. He was going to bring Izuku home today. Even if it killed him. 

***

Someone was petting his hair. Izuku had slept for... maybe a few minutes? His brain was hazy. Slowly, he cracked open one of his eyes. He couldn’t quite see who it was. They were sitting on the bed next to him. A warm hand brushed the hair out of his face. Whoever they were, they wore all black. 

The motion was soothing. It made Izuku feel sleepy... Like he could just drift right back to sleep. Maybe stay that way forever. It smelled good here. Almost like apples and sugar. Like someone was baking in the kitchen and the smell had wafted into Izuku’s room. The bed was so warm... 

“It’s ok, you can go back to sleep.” Dad’s voice said softly. “You’re home, safe in your bed.” 

He... he was, wasn’t he? This was his bed... safe. He was safe wasn’t he? He was with dad... the safest person in the whole wide world was here. There was nothing wrong. He could just go back to sleep and wake up and deal with it all later couldn’t he? But...

That was wrong wasn’t it? 

Izuku pushed himself up slowly. “Y-you’re....” He tried. “No...” He said “I need to go-” He moved to get out of the bed, but found himself falling forward. Warm hands grabbed him and sat him back up. “N-no...” he mumbled. 

“Izu.” Dad said softly. One of those hands grabbed his face gently, tilting it up to look at him. Dad looked... like himself. His red eyes were soft. “You poor thing, you look like you haven’t slept in days. What is Tosh letting you do that for? You need to sleep or you’ll get yourself killed.” 

He shook his head “I- I have too...” 

“Have to what, Izu? Go? Where will you go? What are you going to do? Who will take you in? You’re falling apart at the seams.” He wrapped an arm around his back pulling him closer. “You can’t keep this up forever. What's your big plan? Steal as many quirks as possible so you have a chance of beating me? Izuku I have 200 years on you. Countless quirks- I don’t even remember exactly how many are inside me anymore. Even if you do defeat me, then what?” He asked. He used his other hand to tuck some hair behind Izuku’s ear. 

He pushed at his father’s shoulders weakly. He was so tired... “After... after everyone is safe.. I’m... I’m taking myself out too.” he said “Whatever that means for us... I don’t... I don’t want to kill you but dad-” He closed his eyes “All for One can’t keep existing. I can’t- I can’t live like this! I’ll destroy everyone and everything...” 

Dad frowned “...Izu, I’m willing to let you do almost whatever you want, but one thing I will not let happen... You cannot die. Ok? You promised me, you wouldn’t die. Even if it meant doing something bad, remember? You are not allowed to die.” 

Tears leaked from his eyes. “That’s unfair.” He whispered “I don’t want to be like this anymore!”

“Shh...” Dad hushed, pulling Izuku into a hug. Dad pulled his face into his neck. He inhaled- but there was no campfire smell. Dad was wearing a cologne. Izuku found he didn’t hate it but... It wasn’t the smell of his father. “It’s ok. Dad’s here.” He whispered “I know this is hard. But you’re ok. I promise. I’ve got you. Why don’t you just go back to sleep for a little while, I’ll make you something to eat and we can go ok? I’ll take you to where I’ve been staying and we can start over.” 

Izuku felt like he was pushed back against the wall. Dad... had him. Even if he ran he wouldn’t get far. He’d been endurance hunted. There was no more running. Not from him. It was hopeless. Futile. “...What are you going to do with me?” 

Dad laughed softly. He pulled back and cupped Izuku’s face in both of his hands. “Why Izuku... I’m going to love you.” He said with a smile. “You’ll get whatever you want.” 

“I want to leave.” 

“No you don’t.” Dad said “Izuku, you’re a very smart kid. Did you really think I hadn’t set up this place to alert me if you came here? You coming here and laying down in this bed, looking so sweet and vulnerable... It was an invitation. A plea. A ‘dad please take me home I’m so sleepy’ so of course...” His smile turned into a smirk “What kind of father would I be if I didn’t listen when my baby said he was tired?” 

It was... it was true. He’d come here hoping to see his dad again. But... He wanted his Dad. Not... not this person. He wanted his goofy, kind, dad. This man was a creep. “Why... Why do you keep saying such... weird things about me?” 

He pushed the hair out of Izuku’s face “Weird how?” 

“...You know what I mean.” 

Dad laughed “I’ve only said true things. I know I’ve lied to you before but Izuku... Ever since I became myself again? I haven’t lied to you once. You’re so cute. It’s an objectively true statement. Everyone thinks so. Though I wonder if you are so adorable because you look like your mother, or is it that magnetism of All for One and Pull melting together.” 

He whimpered at the thought. “...I don’t want to pull people in. How... how can I turn it off?” 

“You can’t.” he said “Just accept the gifts and say thank you.” Dad paused, “People are in the area...” He said. He pushed Izuku to sit down. Dad reached down and grabbed Izuku’s sneakers. He kneeled down in front of him and grabbed Izuku’s ankle. He slipped the shoe onto his foot and tied his laces. “You remember as a kid, you always insisted on red shoes?” He asked, grabbing his other “You mom wrote me about it once. Said you point blank refused to wear shoes unless they were for school, or red.” 

He nodded, too shocked to stop him. “...I just thought they looked cool.” 

Dad chuckled “Red isn’t even your favorite color. That’s yellow.” He stood up, but turned his attention to the door “...6 people. On the stairs. Well... Let’s play this out shall we?” He smiled at Izuku. 

Izuku could hear the door being knocked down. People were in the apartment. “God-” He heard a voice say. It... it sounded like Hitoshi. “This place looks weird.” 

“Izuku?” That... that was Shouto. He couldn’t be here. He couldn’t face him. Dad grabbed Izuku and pulled him close as the door to his bedroom opened. “I-” Shouto was standing there in the doorway. His beautiful mismatched eyes wide. God he looked good- Izuku was so tempted to just throw his arms around his wonderful boyfriend but... That wasn’t fair to him. Shouto didn’t love him. Not the way Izuku loved Shouto. “GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF HIM!” 

Dad laughed, and held out his hand “Shouto, you really should be more polite to me.” Red energy began to gather on his fingers. Shouto looked murderous. His scar lit on fire as he moved to charge at Dad. Dad prepared an attack. 

He’d kill him. 

One for All crackled around Izuku as he dove for Shouto. He knocked him to the ground, landing on his chest. “Run!” Izuku screamed. He stood up and grabbed Shouto, pulling him from the apartment. There were others in the living room as Izuku passed. He reached out one hand, Black Whip wrapping around each of them as he ran out the door and jumped from the stairwell. He landed hard, his knees wobbling. 

He put Shouto down as he gently lowered the other’s with Black Whip. Sero, Hitoshi, Kaminari, Touya and Hawks... But now that Izuku looked around, more of his classmates were running towards his apartment from different directions. “DEKU!” Kacchan yelled. Kacchan looked different. He was wearing his hero outfit but no gauntlets. “You found him!” He said to Shouto. 

“You need to go!” Izuku yelled at all of them. “Leave right now-” he urged them.

Shouto grabbed Izuku’s wrist, tugging him closer. Izuku refused to look at him. He couldn’t bear it. “Not without you.” He whispered. 

“Midoriya!” Kirishima cried 

“Mido-chan!” 

“Midoriya-kun!” 

“Oh my god, Deku!” Ochako cried running right towards him. He held up his shield to stop her. “Deku?” She asked softly.

The entire class was here now. Tears pricked his eyes- no. This was the worst! He’d pulled them all here somehow and now dad was going to kill them. “LEAVE!” He shouted “You’re all in horrible danger if you don’t go-” 

“Relax.” Dad called. He was leaning on the metal railing of the small porch connected to the apartment. “I’m not interested in hurting anyone.” Everyone was quiet. All of their eyes on Dad. He smirked and slowly made his way down the metal stairs. “What?” He asked all of them “Why all the horrified looks? You all know me.” He smiled “Izu, quit giving that look.” 

Izuku shook his wrist free from Shouto and stalked towards his father “I won’t let you hurt them! Not again!” 

Dad leaned down “I won’t. Listen Izu, we both know what would happen if this got violent. I’d kill all of your friends, you’d cry, then I’d capture you and drag you to our new home But you’d never forgive me. You’d resent me our entire existence and that’s just not what I’m interested in. You’re going to be mine.” He cupped his face “And it will be your choice.” 

“God fuck you!” Touya screamed “You’re sick-” 

“Shut up Touya.” He snarled “You just got your face back, are you that eager to lose it again?” he asked. He turned back to Izuku. “But if you’re not ready yet... that’s ok. I’ll leave.” he let Izuku go and took a step back. He motioned a hand at the apartment. The door closed. “Home is always open to you. That’s how I’ll know you want me. Just come home.” 

Izuku looked away. “...Just go.” 

“Remember Izuku.” Dad said “Even though they only like you because of All for One and Pull... Even if they don’t actually love you? I always will.” He pressed a kiss to his cheek. He stepped back, and whistled. A misty portal opened behind him “Bye Izu- oh!” He pointed to Shouto “You’re invited too. You fucked up last time but I’m a forgiving man.” He smiled and fell back onto the portal. 

Dad was gone. 

It was like the air returned to the street. Everyone’s body’s relaxed. “That... was Midoriya-san?” He heard one of his classmates ask. 

Izuku pulled his hood up, letting One for All gather around his body. “Wait-” Shouto called “You’re just going to leave?” He asked “Izuku-” He grabbed his wrist. 

He pulled away from him again. “It’s ok Shouto.” He said softly “...It’s not real. The way you feel about me. You’ll... once I’m gone you’ll be ok again.” 

“N-” Shouto started to argue but Izuku ignored him. He activated Mute, and jumped. One for All pushing him into the air. He had to get away from them. He had to keep moving. Find new quirks. Take down his father... He let mute drop. “LET’S GO!” Shouto called “REMEMBER THE PLAN!” 

Tape grabbed him around his middle. Sero was attached to him. He swung with all his might slamming him down into the top of another building. Sero landed next to him. “Sorry Midoriya.” He said “NOW!” he cried. 

Yaoyorozu was on top of him, placing some soft of face mask over him. Sleeping gas. “Trying to put me to sleep?” He asked them. 

“We need to take you home.” She said simply. 

“Don’t bother.” Izuku said “... I’m nothing-”

Sero grabbed his wrist “I never said thank you!” He yelled “Way back at the exam. You’re the reason I passed.” he told Izuku. “So, thank you Midoriya!” He yelled. “You’re a very good person. I don’t care what All for One told you. Remember what I told you that night? The night I found you after you had that nightmare?” 

“ Thanks for this, Sero-kun.” 

“It’s no big deal dude. I’d do it for anyone in the class. And honestly I think any one of us would too.” 

He chuckled “Yeah. yeah... I’d probably do the same.” 

“See? Class A has each other’s backs.” he smiled over the pillow

His heart clenched. He broke free from their grip “...That’s nice. I have to go.” He said and ran from them. His mind was still fuzzy. He couldn’t focus properly. “I need to-” He ran to the edge of the building, but his foot slipped. 

Dark Shadow cradled him as he fell bringing him down to the earth. Jirou, Kaminari, and Tokoyami were there. “Midoriya are you alright?” Tokoyami asked. 

“... I’m fine.” he said and used Black Whip to pull himself back up “Just- go!” 

Kaminari and Jirou grabbed his arms. “Midoriya, remember the cultural festival?” Jirou asked “I was freaking out! Everyone was expecting us to sing and I was so scared but you know who kept me calm?” She asked “YOU! You were the one to keep me from losing it. You made me feel better. Not a quirk- You!” 

“Yeah!” Izuku said “You sounded really good. Jirou, your song is so great I think the rest of the school is gonna love it.” He said, grabbing her hands as he spoke. She flushed a bit. “I’m glad you talked me into this.” He smiled “Even if I still feel like a I might puke.” 

She laughed a bit “Y-yeah honestly same.” She said “But... I feel better knowing you’ll be right there with me.” 

He had to admit the idea that someone else would be right there with him was comforting for him as well. “Me too.” He confessed “We’re gonna do really great tomorrow.” 

“You think?” 

“I’m manifesting it!” He smiled brightly. 

He turned away from here only to meet Kaminari. “Hey Midoriya.” He said “Lets go home and take a bath yeah? I love you man but you kinda stink-” Izuku started to pull away “Wait wait!” He said and redoubled his grip, hugging Izuku’s arm to his chest. “When I was being a dick to Hitoshi... When I was jealous of you. You were the one to talk sense into me!” he cried “You did that! That had nothing to do with your quirk-” 

Izuku smiled “Besides, you’ve got great qualities. You’re super nice. I also noticed you’re very emotionally intelligent. You’re always thinking about other people. If you’re gonna talk about quirks, yours is fantastic. You’ve really improved since we started school. Kaminari-kun, I think you’re going to be a great hero someday.” His smile softened “Also, I think you’re very good looking. You’re kind of my type. I like ‘em pretty.” 

“M-m-midoriya! Dude!” Kaminari readjusted his grip “You can’t just say stuff like that dude! You’re gonna make my heart pound out of my chest.” 

He shook his head “You- you just think that!” He cried and pulled away from them. He pushed all of them back. He used Plant Control. Roots burst from the ground wrapping around all three of them to hold them in place. “Sorry!” He cried and teleported himself into the air with Misty Step to put easy distance between himself and them. 

A wet tongue wrapped around his waist and capture gear grabbed him. Izuku found himself being slammed into the street. Hitoshi and Tsuyu landing next to him. “Midoriya-chan!” Tsuyu cried “You have to take a break. Please kero, talk to us! We never talked about Kamino either- we’re your friends! I let it go last time but I won’t anymore! Please let us in!” 

Tsuyu frowned. But, she nodded “Ok. I’ll let this go. Since it seems Midoriya-chan wants to move on for now. I’m sorry for bringing it up, but it seemed like something we had to address.” She approached “Midoriya-chan, I’m sorry.” 

He nodded and reached out, bringing her small frame in for a hug “I-it’s ok Tsu.” He said softly “I promise... I’ll talk about it someday but... I can’t right now.” Her arms wrapped around his waist, and they both cried. 

“Izuku!” Hitoshi cried “Please!” He begged. He was crying. When had Hitoshi become such a cry baby? “You inspired me! Not with your quirk but because of how you are.” He said firmly. “You believed in me, and I believe in you! We’re in this together! After Sir Nighteye- do you remember when we decided to after the future together? Are you going to just abandon that?” 

Shinsou rubbed his back soothingly “I’m sure he’ll adore you.” He said “You’re the one here with the brightest future after all.” 

Izuku blinked “Huh? What does that mean?”

He tilted his head “You’re joking right? Midoriya, you know everyone in the class has their eyes on you right? Like you’re the one everyone follows. The standard. I mean... I’m always watching you. So it stands to reason that of all of us, you’re the one who’s gonna go the farthest. Don’t tell Bakugou but like... Izuku, you’re like, destined to be the next number 1 hero, you know that right?” 

Tears sprang into his eyes. Izuku threw his arms around Shinsou burying his face into his chest. “Sh-shinsou-kun!” He wailed “That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said!!” He pulled back and grabbed him by the face “You’re gonna be such an amazing hero Shinsou-kun! I know you’re shooting for underground work and you’re gonna be so good at it! You’re already such a great hero! You’re my hero, I mean you did actually save me and my dad’s lives.” 

Shinsou’s eyes looked misty. “Dammit Mido you can’t just-” He grabbed Izuku by the waist and hugged him tightly “You’re one my absolute best friends...” He mumbled 

“Let’s go get this fucking work study!” Izuku cried “You and me! We’re gonna make Sir Nighteye take us on if it’s the last thing we do!” 

“This is different!” Izuku cried, turning into a rabbit to escape their grasps. He bounced away. He had to get away from them. Why were they being so stubborn? He turned back into a human to scream “JUST GIVE UP!” 

“NO!” Ochako screamed. She had launched herself into a super jump. She grabbed him into a hug. “Don’t you remember what Deku means?” She asked “Because I do!” 

“You’re Iida Tenya and Midoriya Deku right?” Izuku choked on his own spit “Or is that not right? The really loud explody guy kept calling you that.” 

“Kacchan? Yeah he does. It’s not my name. It’s Izuku. He’s been calling me Deku since we were little kids. It’s an insult. And he’s a jackass so-” 

Uraraka frowned “Oh man I’m sorry. But... I kind of like Deku. It sounds like ‘I can’ ya know?”

Well shit, just fire an arrow of cuteness right through his heart why doesn’t she? “You can call me Deku if you want. The name doesn’t bother me. I’m pretty sure it’s a term of endearment at this point anyway. Most of the people in middle school did.” 

She smiled bright, stepping between them and grabbed each of them by the elbow. “Ok then! Iida and Deku! We’re gonna be great friends!” She announced. Izuku rather had the feeling he didn’t get a choice in the matter. 

He turned his face away from her. Tears stained his cheeks. He hid them with his hood. “That... that-” 

“Never give up!” She yelled “Never give in! Isn’t that the kind of hero you are? The kind of hero you want to be?” She shook him lightly as they floated in the air. “DEKU!” She cried “You’re my best friend! I’m not letting you go! I’ll never give up! I want to be like you! So you shouldn’t give up either!” 

Izuku shook his head and pushed her off, using a flick to push himself away from her “I REFUSE TO KEEP HURTING YOU GUYS!” he turned to flee

Feathers grabbed Izuku and pulled him until he was stuck to a building. The sharp feathers had dug into his hero outfit and pinned him to the wall. Hawks with his small wings pulled Touya up. “Izuku!” He grabbed him by the front of his scarf. “You idiot! Listen to us! We love you! Not because of some weird quirk thing but for reasons. You know why I love you, you stupid idiot?” 

“I know-” Izuku tried to break free “I said your name-” 

“BECAUSE YOU ASKED ME TO GO WITH YOU!” He yelled “BECAUSE YOU REMINDED ME MY FAMILY LOVED ME!” 

Dabi rolled his eyes “I just saved your asses, don't go threatening me now.” He said, “I’m heading off.” 

“Come with us!” Izuku said, grabbing Dabi’s coat and pulling him closer to the group. “I’m serious. You can start over. We can help!” he turned to Shouto as another crash came from beyond the fire. 

“And then what? Get arrested? Or did you forget whose side I’m on?” Dabi asked “Er well... Who’s side I was on. Doesn’t matter. I’m still a criminal. I still kidnapped your little boyfriend there.” 

Izuku glared at him. “Don’t give me that crap.” He snapped “You saved my life. Before that you were the only one who took care of me there. You can have a second chance!” He hesitated. He technically hadn’t out right confirmed Izuku’s accusation back at the bar, and if he was wrong, it would devastate Shouto. Izuku said fuck it. “Your family misses you, Touya!” 

Izuku shook his head “No- no!” He inhaled and breathed fire, burning the feathers. He dropped down to the ground, covering himself with Smokescreen. He had to get away. He had to get as far away from them as possible! He did a few quick lunges. He had to use a burst of speed. Once he had enough Fa-jin ready he went down into a jump “One for All plus Fa-jin plus Gearshift!” He yelled. “SHIFT!” He jumped into the air, like a rocket. 

“HE’S GETTING AWAY!” 

An icy ramp was made. Izuku watched over his shoulder. Ashido poured her acid over the ramp. Two people jumped onto it. The roar of an engine. Izuku didn’t turn back. The sound of Ochako’s quirk. He didn’t turn back. 

“Midoriya-kun!” He heard Iida’s voice yell. 

“THIS DOESN’T CONCERN YOU!” Izuku yelled back “THIS IS BETWEEN ME AND MY FATHER!” 

“SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Iida yelled over the wind. “A HERO’S JOB IS PUTTING HIS NOSE WHERE IT DOESN’T BELONG! ISN’T THAT RIGHT?” 

“Midoriya. Don’t get involved!” Iida snarled “You have nothing to do with-” 

“Shut the fuck up Iida!” Izuku snapped, “I’m not leaving you here.” 

Stain laughed, rubbing what would be a nasty bruise on his jaw. “A friend yelling ‘I’m here to save you’ that’s a nice line. You have a nice friend Ingenium. However, I have a duty to complete. If you butt in you’ll be killed as well.” He said “The false heroes will be culled.” 

Ingenium? He glanced behind him at Iida. Interesting. “And I’m not?” Izuku asked. Pain was coursing through his head so sharply. Stain wasn’t like the villains at the USJ. This was a killer. A real killer. Izuku felt to high to be scared. He had to keep him talking. He reached behind himself, grabbing his phone. “What makes me different from them? Not because I’m a child right? Iida and I are the same age. I’m actually a month older.” He joked. He fumbled in his messages. He was pretty sure he was in the class group chat. He shared his location, before pocketing his phone. One of them would get help. Todoroki was nearby right...? 

“This doesn’t concern you!” Iida yelled again. “Please just- go! This is my fight please Midoriya.” 

“I said shut up!” He yelled back “A hero’s job is putting his nose where it doesn’t belong. All Might said it to me once.” 

“THAT WAS DIFFERENT!” 

“HOW?” Iida asked 

“BECAUSE-” Izuku cut himself off. He felt his body being pulled backwards. He looked. Iida wasn’t alone. Kacchan had been gripping onto his back. He had just jumped off towards Izuku. His hand outstretched. Izuku felt himself being pulled into his open and waiting hand. 

“God dammit Deku!” Kacchan yelled “You always think you’re so above it all!” he cried “We get it you’re stronger than us! But you don’t have to do this alone! You’re strong but you’re not strong enough!” 

“I am!” Izuku wailed “Or I will be-” 

“DAMMIT!” Kacchan yelled “We have to do this together.” 

Kacchan growled “I’m strong enough to-” 

“No, you aren’t. Neither am I.” Izuku snapped “We are going to have to do this together if we want to win. You want to take him on? Fine. We can take him on but you have to work with me.” 

Kacchan’s warm hand grabbed his. The two of them floating in the air together. “We’re best friends!” He screamed. “I know I treated you like shit when we were kids- Izuku I’m sorry!” He yelled. Kacchan’s eyes were wet. Shining with unshed tears. “Come home dammit! I miss you!” 

“Oi nerd you’re heavy.” Kacchan grumbled for what had to have been the 8th time. “What the fuck are you eating?” 

“Katsudon.” he said simply, squeezing his arms tighter around Kacchan’s neck. “I’m so happy we’re friends again. I missed you! Shouto’s a good brawler but he doesn’t hit as hard as you do.”  

They... they were best friends.... Even before their quirks came. 

“Besides, we’re not attached at the hip all the time. Maybe I wanted to spend this morning with my bestest friend, hmm?” 

Kacchan had been his friend before his quirk manifested. Before his quirk manifested! Izuku gripped his hand tightly. “K-kacchan!” He cried. 

“YOU STUPID NERD!” Kacchan cried and pulled him close. He used his other hand to bring Iida close as the three of them plummeted towards the earth. Izuku cried, holding Kacchan around the neck. 

“I GOTCHA!” Kirishima cried holding out his arms. The three of them crashed into him all of them falling on their asses “Everyone ok?” 

Kacchan hauled Izuku onto his feet. “Come on nerd, you good?” Izuku gave a wobbly nod. “Not going to run?” He hesitated “Fine. BRING OUT THE BIG GUNS!” He screamed. The rest of the class ran towards them. In front of the group was the face Izuku dreamed about the most. 

Shouto. He stopped a few feet shy of Izuku. Izuku looked at him. Shouto looked back. For a moment, no one said anything at all. Before- “Izuku.” He said “Do you know why I fell in love with you?” He asked. 

Izuku shook his head. 

“Because you’re kind. You told me I was going to be your friend and then gave me no choice.”  Shouto said 

"You know, you're not such a bad guy. I think we’re gonna be friends.” 

Todoroki made a sort of quiet choking noise. “Not a bad- what- I’m not at UA to make friends.” 

The doors opened and Izuku stepped off with a smile “It’s cute you think you have a choice in this. See you tomorrow, Todoroki-kun!” 

“You gave me back my life.” He said 

 “It’s yours!” He screamed “It’s your power!” 

“You gave me my own identity away from my father.” 

He sighed and bit the bullet “Can... you call me by a nickname sometimes? Tiger is more of a pet name but... I dunno I never really knew anyone outside of my siblings well enough to have something as intimate as a... Nickname before.” 

“A nickname huh? Like Shouchan?” he asked 

“You loved me back.” 

“I love you.” Shouto said. 

Izuku gasped.

Dad, Toshinori, and Kacchan all stood still. It was like time had stopped in the hospital room. Shouto loved him? Shouto loved him? Tears welled in his eyes blurring his vision. Izuku shot up onto his knees and scrambled to Todoroki. He didn’t care if people were watching. He grabbed him by the face and kissed him deeply “I love you too.” He said pulling back. 

“Not only did you love me back, you loved me back deep enough to feel it through everything I had been put through.” 

“Oh... Shouto.” He said softly. “I’m yours. Forever. No matter what happens. My heart is yours.” He grabbed Shouto’s hand and placed it on his chest over his heart. “My heart is music now, thanks to Own Tempo. It’s a song...” He blushed, his entire face red “It’s a serenade. For you.” 

Shouto’s eyes widened. He gave a shuddering breath, and the dam broke. Shouto grabbed him, his body heaving slightly. Izuku held his hands up. He was confused. “I-” Shouto started. Then wetness hit Izuku’s shoulder. Shouto was crying. “I-” he tried again “You-” he sobbed quietly. Izuku wrapped his arms around him at once. His own eyes filled with tears. “You really love me?” He asked “Don’t you?” 

“You called me kind.” 

“ You’re such a kind person, Shouto. I think you’re more than capable of forgiveness but no one is owed it from you.” 

“And I told you Izuku, I would follow you through Hell.” 

“Izuku, no matter what is waiting for us, we’ll always have this.” Shouto said. He tossed the notebook aside and cupped Izuku’s face with his hand. “No matter what. No matter how bad things get... I will always be right there next to you.” 

“So let me,” Shouto said. 

Izuku stared at him. His mouth hung open. Shouto’s words... they hit him right to his core. Before him, his lovely boyfriend opened up his arms. Izuku was helpless to resist. He ran to him and threw himself into that embrace. It was instant relief. His body sagged as he inhaled that deep smokey campfire. “Sh-Shouto...” he whispered. 

“I love you, Izuku.” He said, hugging him tightly. 

Izuku hugged him back as best he could. “I... I love you too-” He cried, tears streaming down his face. He sobbed, and sobbed. All the fight leaving his body. He ragdolled into Shouto’s grasp. But his boyfriend didn’t waver. Simply held him closer. 

“I’ve got you Izuku. And I’m never letting you go again. Not ever-” He said. 

Izuku stood in his arms crying, until his body gave out. He passed out in Shouto’s grasp.

Chapter Text

“So, let me,” Shouto said. 

Izuku stood across from him, his jaw open slightly. His big eyes were wet with tears. His face was covered in dirt, making it hard to make out his freckles. He looked tired. Scared. Like he needed a hug. 

“We are friends.” He said “...I’ve never had one before. Sorry if I’m not good at it.” 

Tears welled up in Izuku’s eyes. He jumped out of the bed and crashed into Shouto’s lap. He shoved his face into his neck. “This is a hug. I can’t hug you properly without my arms but that’s what this is. A hug. Wrap your arms around me since I can’t wrap mine around you.” Shout went stiff as a board. He... he couldn’t remember the last time he'd been hugged. Or even touched in a way that wasn’t meant to hurt him. He gave a shaky inhale, his skin very warm. He smelled like fire. “You smell nice...” He mumbled softly. 

Overwhelming affection welled up inside Shouto’s chest. He couldn’t help but pull Izuku into his chest. To feel his body wrapped up in his arms... It made Shouto feel safe. “...This is nice.” Shouto said, though he said it in a deadpan voice. He meant it all the same. His first hug in a long time... 

Shouto needed a hug then. And Izuku gave it freely. So, Shouto did the only thing he thought he could. He opened his arms for Izuku. Come home. 

Izuku made a soft noise, and ran to him. He jumped into Shouto, who wrapped his arms around him tightly. He was here... here here here. Izuku was in his arms. As soon as they embraced, he felt Izuku relax in his grip “Sh-Shouto...” Izuku whispered. 

“I love you, Izuku.” He said, holding him tighter. 

“I... I love you too-” He cried. Izuku leaned into his shoulder, sobbing. For what felt like ages Shouto just held him closer. With each moment Izuku grew more weary until Shouto was holding his entire body weight. Something in Izuku had shattered. He was broke so deeply-

But Shouto was going to help him heal. Just like Izuku had always done for him. “I’ve got you Izuku. And I’m never letting you go again. Not ever.” He promised. It wasn’t long after that Izuku’s body shut down. He’d passed out on him. Slowly, Shouto changed his grip and lifted him up into a bridal style. “Ok.” He said to class. “We did it.” 

The sigh of relief was palpable. Everyone relaxed, and many of them gathered around Shouto. A drop of rain hit his head. “Do you want me to carry him?” Shouji asked. “We’re pretty far from UA.” 

Shouto shook his head. “I want to do this.” He said, cradling Izuku to his chest protectively “Even if it's for me. I... I can’t let him go yet.” 

A warm hand rubbed his back. Touya stood beside him. His brother offered him a good natured smile “Nice job, Shouto.” He said “I’ll call Dad and let him know we got him.” He told him. “We’ll walk back with you. We’ll probably have a meeting about the next step.” 

“Right.” Shouto said and turned to walk back. He adjusted Izuku in his grasp to hold him for the long haul. 

Katsuki stalked up to him “Just walk behind me.” He said and moved past him to lead the pack. Shinsou, Iida, Asui, and Uraraka walked behind him and in front in pairs, like a sentry guard. Touya walked with Hawks behind that, and the rest of the class filled in like some sort of odd parade. “Let’s go the fuck home.” Katuski yelled. 

“Lets go the fuck home...” Shouto whispered. 

***

Izuku woke slowly. He was surrounded by warmth, though he did feel a bit damp. He lifted his head and found himself in Shouto’s arms. It was dark overhead. “You’re awake.” Shouto said softly. “We’re almost there.” 

He looked around, before looking forward. U.A. was coming into view. Or rather, the massive wall around it. “Woah.” He said softly. “It’s ginormous.” 

“It’s the safest place right now.” Shouto explained. “I guess you never came near this area?” 

“I wouldn’t have been able to resist coming to see you. At least having a look from afar.” He shook his head “I couldn’t risk it.” He looked down and said, “I can walk.” 

Shouto gave him a soft smile “I can carry you just fine.” His smile fell. “I’m half convinced if I put you down you’ll just disappear again.”

Izuku only gave a hollow chuckle “If I wanted to, I could get away but... I’m not leaving.” he promised. 

“Even if you did, I’d just follow you. No more leaving me behind.” 

They approached the gate. It opened for them. To Shouto’s surprise, Aizawa and Present Mic stood at the entrance waiting for them, but behind them was a small group of civilians in their nightwear, holding umbrellas. It was very late; why were they here? “That’s Deku isn't it? Isn’t he the one All for One keeps sending assassins after?” 

“...I heard he steals villain’s quirks.” 

“I hear he’s his son.” 

“He’s not about to stay here is he? U.A. is supposed to be a safe haven!” 

“I wasn’t dragged out of my house only to be put in more danger than ever!” 

In his arms he felt Izuku quiver. His eyes flicked towards the small group of people, then to the gate they’d just crossed through. For a moment, Shouto thought he saw green electricity gathering. “Danger sense...” Izuku whispered. 

Katsuki stomped his foot stepping forward “Deku has been out there protecting your asses and now that he needs help you’re gonna turn your backs on him?” He snarled. 

Uraraka ran past Shouto to stand at Katsuki’s side. “Deku is the biggest victim in this entire war- he lost everything!” She yelled “He’s a cold, exhausted child and you’re more worried about yourselves?” 

“You’re saying he’s more important than us?” A civilian asked “Is his life worth all of ours?” 

“Every life has to be saved!” Katsuki yelled “Every single human life is important. We aren’t the ones who get to decide who lives and who dies. To send Deku back out there would be a disaster. We have to protect him.” 

Ochako growled, “U.A. is a sanctuary for everyone!” She yelled “Including Deku. I’m taking that wonderful idiot home whether you like it or not!” 

“Ochako... Kacchan...” Izuku whispered. He pushed himself out of Shouto’s arms and walked on shaky legs towards his friends. “It- it’s ok! I can go-” 

The man in the front of the group grinned, though to Shouto it looked more like a smile fit on a villain’s face. “See! This kid knows! You’re heroes. You’re supposed to protect us, even if it costs you your lives!” 

“DAD!” A girl’s voice called. A teenage girl was running down the path. She was tall and slim, with long brown hair that had faded to a sagey blond color. She wore a set of All Might PJs and held a Wash umbrella. She stopped close to the man who’d been yelling. “That’s awful!” She said “Deku is a good person!” 

Izuku’s eyes got wide “Suzuki-san?” 

The man growled and grabbed the girl “How do you know my daughter? Yuki, why does this hero know you?” 

Suzuki pushed back from him “Deku went to the same therapy office as me. I’m a fan of his. He’s... he’s also my friend!” She was crying now “I’ve felt a lot of Deku’s feelings. He really wears his heart on his sleeve- Dad he’s hurting." The sob that broke from her was heart wrenching. “All of them are hurting. And Dad I know you’re scared- I know. I can feel it. It’s crippling.” She grabbed his hand “But Deku needs help. I trust him. I trust his friends.” 

“Yuki-” Her dad said

“He’s the one that saved me!” A woman cried. She ran towards the group. She was very tall, and seemed to have an animal mutation quirk. “He shielded me from a bullet!” 

“Miyu-chan.” Izuku said. 

Suzuki ran to the woman “He saved me too. He helped me remember why my quirk is a blessing. I hadn’t realized it at the time. I love my Empathy, and that’s thanks to him.” She turned towards Izuku and ran to him. “Please stay.” She cried and hugged him. 

Izuku was crying again. That only made Suzuki cry harder. 

“I guess... he is just a kid isn’t he?” 

“U.A. is still a fortress... he deserves rest.” 

Suzuki’s dad frowned “Fine. Fine.” He repeated. 

Aizawa approached Katsuki and Uraraka “Good work kids. Take him home.” He told them both. They nodded and turned back to Izuku. Shouto took that as his cue. 

“Sorry.” He said softly, putting his hands on Izuku’s shoulder’s gently. “I have to take him back. He really needs rest.” 

They pulled apart. Suzuki looked up at him with wide eyes “You’re Shouto right- er” She blushed, “Todoroki. Sorry. I just- I feel like I know you. I felt a lot of Deku’s feelings for you. They are pretty intense.” She put a hand over top of his. “And yours for Deku are so beautiful.” A misty smile graced her face. “It’s a wonderful feeling, what you two share.” She looked at Izuku and said, “Get some rest.” she waved and stepped away from them. 

Hawks and Touya broke away from the group. “We’re gonna go meet up with Dad and the other pros.” Touya called. “See ya later ok? Make him get at least 6 hours!” 

“I will!” Shouto assured. Izuku waved at all of them. Shouto wasted no time in scooping him back up again. “Come on. My Bunny needs to be taken care of.” He whispered. Izuku shivered and pressed closer to him. Shouto followed behind Katsuki and Ochako all the way back to the dorms. 

Katsuki almost kicked the door down “Let’s hit the fucking showers!” he yelled. Shouto nodded, and headed straight for the boy’s shower. They stopped in the locker room first. 

He sait Izuku down on a bench. “How long have you been in this thing?” He asked, pulling Izuku’s backpack, face mask, belt off, and kneeling down to pull his shoes off. 

“...three days.” 

“It rained a lot.” Shouto said “Stand back up I gotta get your chaps off.” He pulled Izuku onto his feet as he fiddled with the clasp on his chaps. He pulled them off. They were far stiffer, and much heavier than he anticipated. “What are these made of?” 

Izuku stepped out of them. “There’s metal in them.” He replied. 

Shouto stood back up to pull off his compression pants. They were so tight it took a moment to get them off. “No wonder you were so heavy to carry home.” He stood back up to take off Izuku’s gloves and new arm guards, the red support item curling up like a ribbon. “Handy.” Shouto commented.

“Mhmm. Life savers.” Izuku said. Shouto grabbed the hem of his shirt, pulling it up and over Izuku’s head. He leaned down and tugged down his boxers as well. “...now I feel weird.” He mumbled. 

“Other people are naked Izuku.” He said. It was true. Kaminari had practically jumped out of his outfit, and was standing stark naked as he waited for Shinsou to take off his many layers. 

He flushed. “Not you.” He tugged on Shouto’s jacket. 

He smiled softly at Izuku. “You’re right.” He said. He moved to take off his temperature regulator but Izuku beat him to it. He helped him slide off his wrist regulators as well. Shouto kicked himself out of his boots. Izuku reached up and pulled his hair out of its ponytail, letting the long locks fall around his shoulders. 

“...I’m really sorry I left.” he whispered after a bit, his fingers coming to rest on the clasp of his jacket. 

Shouto reached his hands up to grab Izuku’s wrists gently. “It’s ok.” He said “I understand why you thought you had too. But please, don’t ever do that again. I don’t think I’d be able to take it.” He pleaded. 

“...Ok.” Izuku said and unzipped his coat. He let it fall to the floor. Izuku’s small, scarred hands went to his belt. He undid the clasp on it and dropped it. Unlike Shouto he hesitated to touch his pants. He laid his fingers over the button on his pants and Shouto gave a small nod. Izuku undid the button and pulled his pants down. Shouto stepped out of them. Izuku lifted his hands back up to pull his shirt off. 

Izuku’s fingers trailed down his chest to his underwear. “Come on.” Shouto said and pulled them off. “There’s a shower right there, we’ll hose you off and get you in the bath.” 

“SCRUB HIM DOWN GOOD!” Katsuki yelled “HE’S COVERED!” 

He nodded and pulled Izuku to a shower stall. He sat him down on the seat and grabbed the shower head. He turned it on to a pleasant temperature, spraying Izuku with it. Dirt and grime began to slide off him. “You did get filthy.” Shouto mused. He reached into Izuku’s hair and pulled out a bit of debris.

“...Some of it might be Lady’s Nagant’s blood.” He said “We didn’t get a chance to shower, so I had to wipe myself off at a sink... I dunno how good of a job I did.” He said. 

“...I’m sorry.” Shouto said. “Touya… he told me a little about what happened. She had a gruesome death.” 

Izuku snorted. “She exploded on me.” He said “Some of her blood went up my nose. It took me half an hour to get it all out.” 

Shouto nearly dropped the showerhead. It was just so... morbid. So visceral. “Oh my god.” He whispered. “I’m- Izuku that’s terrible.” 

He nodded. “Yeah... yeah I know.” He looked down. Shouto frowned and went back to cleaning him off. He was going to get Izuku clean, and no one could stop him . “Your... your dad actually really helped me.” He whispered “He’s... surprisingly good at talking people down.” 

“Yeah. He’s always kind of been that way. Fuyumi used to get a lot of panic attacks as a kid, and Dad would always calm her down. Natsuo used to say she was just doing it to get Dad’s attention but-” He shook his head “Not important. I’m... I’m glad he was there to help you.” 

Shouto grabbed the shampoo and poured a fair amount into his hand before working it into Izuku’s scalp. Izuku closed his eyes, an almost peaceful look crossing his face. Izuku’s hair was full of dirt and grime. His curls were tangled, and it wasn’t until he put conditioner into it that they finally relented. Once he was satisfied, he rinsed Izuku off. “I hate it...” Izuku mumbled. “Remind me tomorrow to buzz it off.”

Once they were both clean, he pulled Izuku towards the large bath. Most of their classmates were already in the water. “Nothing solves your problems like a nice long soak.” Kaminari sighed. He was up to his chin in the warm water, curling up next to Shisnou. 

“Honestly this is the best sensation I think I’ve ever felt.” Kirishima said, pushing his hair out of his face. 

“Kirishima-kun.” Izuku said as Shouto pulled him into the water. “Your roots are black.” 

He nodded “Yeah, haven’t been able to get any bleach. I used the last of my red dye to refresh what’s already bleached, but it’ll start fading soon. I hope it doesn’t turn too orange.” 

“You have other things to worry about stupid.” Katsuki said, pushing some hair out of Kirishima’s face. His hand lingered on him for a bit before he dunked Kirishima’s head under the water. Kirishima came back up, spitting out water. “Feel better, De-Izuku.” 

Izuku nodded, sinking lower into the water. His wet hair hung into his eyes in a very cute manner. “You don’t have to stop calling me Deku,” he said. “I don’t mind it when you call me that.” He looked at Katsuki and said, “It’s my hero name.” 

Katsuki scoffed “Whatever.” 

Shouto wrapped his arms around Izuku from behind and pulled him into his lap. The sensation of skin on skin was wonderful. He laid his chin on Izuku’s shoulder, trying to touch as much of him as possible. 

One by one their classmates left the tub and hosed off before leaving in towels to go get dressed. Eventually Shouto did the same to Izuku. He sat him wrapped up in a fluffy towel by the sinks and counters. “Stay right here.” He told him. “I’ll get us clothes.” He said to Izuku. 

“I promise I won’t leave.” 

He nodded and ran from the room. He made it to the fifth floor and grabbed clothes for both of them, including a freshly laundered green sweater. He made a pitstop on the second floor to grab one more thing. He knocked on Aoyama’s door, waiting. Slowly, Aoyama opened it.

It wasn’t that Shouto disliked Aoyama. He was over the whole fit of jealousy but... Something about him always bothered Shouto. He was rather distant, and that was coming from Shouto. “Yes? Ah, Todoroki-kun to what do I owe the pleasure?” Aoyama had been the first out of the bath, so he was already dry. 

“Can I borrow your hair cutting supplies? I want to help him fix his hair.” 

“Ah! Oui! Do you know how?” Aoyama asked, “Barbering is a skill that takes several weeks to perfect.” 

He shrugged, “I watched a video once. It doesn’t need to be perfect. I just want to help lighten his load. The hair bothers him.” 

Aoyama hummed and handed him his good scissors and a nice large comb. “Just get those back to me whenever.” 

Shouto nodded. “Thank you. Are you coming down for food later?” 

“Mmm, we shall see! Goodbye Todoroki-kun.” Aoyama shut the door quickly. 

Oh well. He turned and made his way back down to the boy’s locker room. “Sorry.” He said. “I stopped by the second floor to grab Aoyama’s scissors.” He held up the silver shears. “Let's get you taken care of.” 

Shouto got himself dressed first. He grabbed the scissors. With a little direction from Izuku, a quick google, they managed to get something pretty decent in just a few minutes. The hair was cropped short on the sides, around his ears. The top left to fluff and flip up. He watched as Izuku looked in the mirror. “...I look like myself again.” He whispered. 

It was true. The bath and the haircut made Izuku look a million times better. Not just looks wise but he looked like he felt better. Shouto helped him redress, in his designer sweatpants and that cute bunny sweater. This was his Izuku. His Izuku who looked a lot more tired than before. “Let's get you food, then take you to bed.” He said. “It’s got to be at least 2 AM now.” He said. 

He pulled Izuku out of the baths by his hand. The kitchen and dining area were full. Sato stood in the kitchen “Just made some soup,” he said to Shouto. “Midoriya gets the first bowl.” 

Beside him, Yaoyorozu poured tea into Izuku’s favorite All Might mug. “I hope this is how you like it.” She said. Shouto took it from her and pulled Izuku to go sit down at the table. A bowl of soup was placed in front of him. 

Everyone else helped themselves to food. “Want me to feed you, Bunny?” He asked, “Reminds me of the first time I came over.” 

Izuku flushed “...It’s ok-” 

Shouto wordlessly grabbed the spoon. “I want to. I’m sure this feels a little embarrassing for you but-” He sighed “I need to take care of you right now. If only for my own sanity.” 

That was a sure fire way to make Izuku accept the care. Make it about helping someone else instead. “Oh. Ok.” Izuku mumbled before opening his mouth for the soup. Shouto fed him a spoonful. “But... you too ok?” He grabbed the spoon from him, scooped up the soup and raised it to Shouto’s mouth. “Please?” 

He sighed and allowed Izuku to feed him. No one spared them an extra glance, once they understood what was happening. 

Once the bowl was empty, Izuku yawned. “I need my belt.” He said 

Shouto stood from the table “What do you need from it? I can get it.” 

Izuku flushed but ultimately decided to spill “My cigarettes are in it. I... I kinda need one right now.” 

Oh. He was smoking again. That made sense. A few of the others turned to look at Izuku, but no one said anything. “I’ll get them.” Shouto assured. “I’ll go outside with you too.” He stood from the table. The locker room was still messy, but he found the cigarettes and grabbed them from the pocket. 

***

It was cold for a night in April. It was still pouring, so Izuku and Shouto sat under the overhang on the front steps. Izuku had his back against the building, Shouto right beside him. He pulled the smoke up to his lips and took a long drag, feeling his body relax at once. “..Fuck this might be the greatest cigarette I’ve ever had in my life.” He said 

“I’m glad.” Shouto said. He turned to face Izuku properly. “How are you?” 

Izuku sighed. “Bad.” He said “It’s... it’s bad Shouto. Everything sucks. You... all of you… but you especially, are the only things keeping me going.” He looked up into his beautiful eyes. “Shouto, this is the hardest thing I could ever think to do. I don’t know how I- how we’re going to make it through this.” 

He put a hand on Izuku’s leg. “Me neither.” Shouto confessed. “But... I’ll be right here next to you every step of the way. No matter what. It’s to the point of do or die. I’m... I’m ready to follow you. Even if it’s useless. Even if there’s no winning. We have to try. All for One can’t be allowed to keep doing this.” 

Izuku nodded “I know.” He took another drag. “...It makes me feel better at least.” 

“Hmm?” 

“Knowing that if I die the last thing I see would be you.” 

“We’re not going to die.” Shouto said “Come on, you should finish that. It’s late. You’re exhausted. I’m exhausted.” He said “We should sleep.” 

Izuku shrugged. “I dunno if I’ll be able to.” He flicked away the spare ash as he pulled his knees into his chest. “I said something pretty terrible to Toshinori. I’ve been thinking about it.” He sighed. “I want to be able to say I’m sorry.” 

Shouto rubbed his back gently. “You’ll be able to,” he promised. “We’ll find him tomorrow.” 

He nodded and went to finish his cigarette. 

***

Once Shouto disposed of the filter for him he pulled Izuku back inside. The class was sitting around the common room. Some on the couches, others on their futons. Izuku snagged his favorite corner spot. Shouto sat next to him. Everyone turned towards Izuku. 

“...Thank you.” Izuku said softly. “All of you. For coming to get me.” He said “It... it means so much-” he cut himself off, tears falling from his eyes. 

Uraraka smiled and bounced onto the futon in front of him “Of course!” She cried. “Deku, you’d have done the same for all of us,” she said. 

Shinsou patted his head from behind. He leaned onto the back of the couch. “Izu, we love you ok?” He smiled. “We’ve got your back.” 

Iida nodded from beside Uraraka. “Sorry for cursing today, but I felt it was necessary for you to get the scope of my feelings.” 

“It’s ok Iida.” Izuku said “I understand.” 

“AND NO MORE FUCKING RUNNING OFF!” Katsuki yelled. He and Kirishima were already bundled up under a blanket. “Ugh, after this is over I’m gonna kick your ass with your own damn quirk.” He said, holding out his hand and pulling a pillow into it. He fluffed it and put it behind his head, before laying back with his arms crossed. 

“Man, I am so glad today’s over.” Kaminari said, grabbing Shinsou and marching him to their usual futon. “I’m so tired.” 

“I could sleep for 16 hours straight.” Ashido cried. Her and Hagakure were curled up together. Ojiro was on his stomach next to them. 

Sero nodded. He practically folded up as he fit the futon. “My elbows hurt.” 

Shouto understood. He was so tired. He wasn’t sure how Izuku thought he wouldn’t be able to sleep. “I know we’re all in pain but Izuku-” he turned to look. Izuku was out cold. He was leaning onto the arm of the couch curled up into a ball. “Oh Bunny.” He whispered. He stood and grabbed a soft blanket from the pile. 

He walked back to Izuku and tucked him in “Let's turn the lights off.” Shouto said to his classmates. Iida turned out the big light, leaving nothing but the dim glow of the emergency lights. He made sure Izuku was cuddled up and warm. “Good night Izuku,” he said. “Sleep well. I love you so much.” He pressed a kiss to his forehead and laid down on the couch next to him. 

Shouto was asleep, his head buried in Izuku’s curls, only a few minutes later. 

Chapter Text

Izuku woke up with a start. He sat up suddenly, Black Whip at the ready. He found himself sitting in the dark common room. His friends were strewn about, all still sleeping. He quickly used Mute to make sure he didn’t wake any of them. He looked down at himself and found he was wrapped up in a plush blanket. Must have been Shouto’s doing. Shouto was on the couch lying on his side away from him. 

He must have fallen over in his sleep. Izuku smiled at him softly. He grabbed the plush blanket and laid it over Shouto. Gingerly he hopped off the couch avoiding Ochako and Iida who had taken the futon pressed closest to the couch. He crept into the kitchen and got himself a glass of water. He glugged the entire thing down at once. Then he made his way into the locker room grabbing his pack of cigarettes. He slipped the mostly full pack into the pocket of Shouto’s designer sweatpants. 

He made his way back out to go outside for a smoke. It was very early in the morning. Around 6 AM. The sun was coming up over the horizon. He passed the common room only to find Shouto sitting up looking around. They made eye contact. Shouto opened his mouth but no words came out. Izuku only gestured for him to follow. 

They stepped outside. Once the door closed behind them Izuku dropped Mute. “Sorry.” He said “I didn’t want to wake anyone.” 

“I got nervous. You weren’t there when I woke up.” Shouto said and stepped closer into Izuku’s space. 

“Sorry.” Izuku repeated “...I’m not going to leave again.” He said “...I’m sorry I left in the first place. I...” He paused to light his cigarette by blowing fire onto the end. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

Shouto only rubbed the back of his head. “It’s done now.” He pressed a kiss to Izuku’s cheek.

A thought occurred to Izuku. He lowered his smoke and grabbed Shouto by the collar. He pulled him down into a kiss. A proper kiss on the lips. The sensation made his spine tingle. They pulled away from each at the same time. “Woah.” Izuku said. 

“Woah?” 

“Forgot how good kissing you is.” He said. 

Shouto flushed “I missed kissing you.” He confessed. “Everyday. It almost hurt how much my lips missed yours.” that made Izuku blush in return. “So...” Shouto reached down to Izuku’s free hand. “Do you want to talk about anything?” 

He frowned and took a long drag. “...I dunno.” Izuku said , blowing out the smoke.“I’m afraid if I do I’ll just break down again.” He bit his lip “I’m scared the next time I break I won’t be able to put myself together again. Shouto... It’s bad right now.” he whispered. 

“...I know. It is bad. I... I was really scared for you. Once Touya pointed out you weren’t sleeping... All I could think about was All for One finding you unconscious somewhere and-” Shouto didn’t finish. He clenched his fist “When I found you- and you were in his arms. It was like my worst fears-” 

Izuku squeezed his hand “I don’t think we have to worry about him doing that.” He said “Forcing someone’s hand like that- or at least forcing me doesn’t seem like something he wants.” He frowned. “You’re going to be mine.” He cupped his face “And it will be your choice.” He sighed “Dad’s going to use manipulation and scare tactics. Or who knows what else to get me to agree to be his...” His lips quivered “He kept calling me his little prince.”

Shouto frowned “It’s like he thinks he’s a king.” 

“...He would be.” Izuku said and took another long drag “If we fail that’s what he’ll be. No one will be able to stop him.” He blew out the smoke “Can’t let that happen.” 

“We can do it.” Shouto said.

“I dunno.” Izuku confessed. “It feels like... Dad is sort of playing with his food. He could have killed all of you back there. At the apartment. He could have just-” He snapped his fingers “But he chose to let me go.” he sighed “I feel fucking helpless.” 

Shouto rubbed his back as Izuku finished off his cigarette. “...We should get back to sleep.” 

Izuku nodded “I dunno. I feel wide awake. I haven’t been sleeping more than 3 or 4 hours a night.” A thought occurred to him. “Is our futon still in the room?”

His boyfriend nodded. “Yeah. I never bothered to move it. I usually shared with someone so-” Shouto closed his jaw with a snap “Izuku.” He said “Are you sure?” 

He nodded, and grabbed his hand “Honestly... I think it’ll help. I... I missed you. I want to feel close to you... And it might make me go back to sleep.” He flushed “If you don’t want to I get it but-”

Shouto grabbed his shoulders and kissed him. He pulled back after a moment. “Let's go.” He said. He took Izuku’s hand and led him back inside and up to the fifth floor. 

###

Izuku kicked the door closed behind them. The room smelled a bit stale. Like it had barely been used in the weeks he’d been away. He walked to the futon and flopped into it. “Oh my god...” He murmured. “Our bed.” 

Shouto crouched down beside him “Our bed.” He said. He rubbed Izuku’s back as he sat on his knees next to him “Are you sure you want to-” 

“Yes.” Izuku cut him off sitting up properly. “I want you Shouto.” He pressed another kiss to his lips “Please- please make love to me.” He begged softly. Shouto’s eyes widened, and he nodded very seriously. Without a word he reached to the hem of Izuku’s sweater and pulled it off. He watched as his boyfriend’s hungry eyes scanned up and down his chest. A warm hand rubbed the scar over his stomach where his father had impaled him. 

“We match.” Shouto said and pulled off his t-shirt. Sure enough on his chest in almost the same spot was a nearly identical mark. It’s where they’d been speared together back at Jakku. Izuku rubbed over the scar gently. 

He and Shouto looked up from their bodies to meet each other’s eyes. There was nothing but softness in his gaze. Izuku wanted to melt. He grabbed Shouto and pulled him close to his chest. They fell backwards into the bed. The skin to skin contact was so wonderful. Izuku couldn’t help but let out a few chirps. “Sh-Shouchan.” 

Under his hands Shouto shuddered. “F-fuck.” He cursed. “That- hearing you say that...” He knocked their foreheads together “My sweet bunny. Back in my bed.” Shouto crooned to him. Cool lips pressed to Izuku’s jaw. Goosebumps rose across his arms, as his toes curled in his socks. Izuku felt so sensitive- like his body was on fire just from a few touches. Shouto’s cold tongue pressed into his neck. 

“Oh!” Izuku cried out “Shouchan!” he whined. He grabbed a fistfull of Shouto’s hair pulling him off “No teasing. Please... please I need-” He already felt like he was falling apart. He was hard in his sweatpants. He thrust his hips up into nothing, searching for friction. “I need... I haven’t gotten off in... weeks.” 

Shouto’s breath hitched “R-really?” he asked. Shouto reached down and palmed him through his sweatpants. The sensation sent a thrill up his spine. 

Izuku nodded, moaning lowly.  “Haven’t exactly had a lot of time for jerking off out there.” He said breathlessly. “I was- oooh...” His eyes rolled back into his head “Always uhh.” It was so hard to think with Shouto rubbing his cock like that “With Touya so-” 

He was cut off by a hard kiss “Don’t talk about my brother right now. I’m glad he was with you to keep you safe but I’m very angry it was him. It should have been me with you. I would have gone-” 

“Sorry.” Izuku said softly. “...I didn’t ask him to come. He sort of forced himself along.” 

“Still should have been me.” Shouto said, leaning down and biting into his neck. Izuku gasped, arching his back into him. Shouto sucked a hickey into the skin there. “Mine...” He whispered softly. Izuku grabbed at his back, clawing at him. “All mine.” 

Izuku nodded quickly “Yes- yes yours.” He said “All yours Shouto.” 

His boyfriend pulled back and moved to the hem of Izuku’s sweatpants. He grabbed them and tugged them off, leaving Izuku naked under him. “Look at my bunny...” He whispered, his voice turning almost reverent. As if Izuku was some holy sight. “Perfect.” He ran a warm hand down his abs towards Izuku’s cock. He wrapped his hand around it. 

“Ah!” Izuku cried, thrusting up into it “Wait wait- stop-” He begged. Shouto let him go at once, fear in his eyes. “Wait- just...” Izuku begged “I’ll cum. I want... I want to cum with you inside me.” 

Shouto jumped to work “Right.” He said and reached over to the bedside table pulling out a half empty bottle of lube. “I’ll-” He poured it over his left hand. “I’ll make you feel so fucking good Izuku.” He promised. 

He nodded and grabbed his legs under his knees and held himself open for Shouto “P-please fuck me Shouchan.” He begged. 

His boyfriend clenched his teeth “Yes-” He promised “I’m gonna fuck you so good-” He said. He rubbed Izuku’s hole slowly. Izuku whimpered, trying to force himself to relax. Slowly, Shouto worked himself inside “Oh my god.” he breathed “You’re so... you’re so tight.” 

Izuku couldn’t help the small chuckled “Y-yeah well... Haven’t ahh-” Shouto curled his finger searching “T-touched myself.” He said. 

Shouto shuddered a breath “Fuck why is that so hot to me?” He asked “It’s like... I dunno. You’re untouched all over again and-” his finger pressed into Izuku’s prostate. The pleasure made him cry out, his toes curling and his eyes rolling back into his head. “You’re so sensitive. I love it.” 

He was panting hard. “Mhmm...” Izuku tried to talk back but found it harder with the mounting pleasure coiling in his gut. All he got out was “More.” He begged, “I want more Shouchan- make me feel it.”

A second finger slid into him, spreading and stretching him as he fingered Izuku open. “Anything for you. You’ve done so good.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to Izuku’s lips. “I want you to feel good. Wanna make you melt for me. Please Izuku-” 

“Cock.” Izuku begged “Right now- put your dick inside me Shouto I swear to god-” 

Shouto hushed him with another kiss. “I’ll take care of you.” He said. Shouto pulled his fingers out, making Izuku whimper. He tugged his pants off and grabbed the lube, covering his cock. “Just let go. I’ll fuck you until you cum.” He said “Just get your pleasure Izuku, I’ve got you.” He braced on hand on the side of Izuku’s head and pressed the head of his cock into his ass. 

The blunt pain quickly faded into pleasure. Even the stretch and the burn felt good. Izuku felt alive in a way he hadn’t in weeks. “Oooh.” He cried “Yes yes yes-” He wanted Shouto deeper. Wanted to be full. “Give me-” He begged. Shouto was his. All his and he wanted him deep inside. 

His cock bottomed out and Izuku felt like he was in heaven. He held Shouto tightly, his nails digging into his back. “F-fuck.” Shouto marveled “I’m... You’re so tight. I... I won’t last.” 

“Cum in me.” Izuku begged “Fuck me hard- please I can take it. Make me feel Shouchan please-” 

Shouto obeyed. He pulled out halfway only to slam back in. “Oh fuck.” He whispered. 

“YES!” Izuku cried “Harder- please!” Shouto nodded and began to fuck him. The pace was brutal. It had Izuku seeing stars. He loved this- needed this. His hands moved from his back to grab Shouto by the face “Need you need you need you-” He chanted. 

His mind fell to darkness. Until it was just them. Yes. He grabbed Shouto in for a kiss. This is what he wanted. Their minds and bodies collapsing into each other like this. As they made love the line between them got... blurry. There was Shouto and there was Izuku but the space between them was hazy. Feelings and thoughts floated around Izuku’s mind; he wasn't sure if they were his own. 

All he knew was pleasure. All he wanted was more. This person was his. They were together in their bed and it felt so good. Being connected. He never wanted to disconnect. He wasn’t sure if the fullness, the blinding pleasure of cock ramming into his prostate was his, or the tight heat wrapped around his cock. It was all too much. He was cumming. “Ahh-” 

“Fuck!” 

“AHH!” 

They came together, their brains lighting up as the chemicals reacted. Izuku felt warmth inside him as his own cum painted across their chests. He was dead- he rag dolled at once, his face and hands falling from Shouto. He laid on the bed splayed out. He felt good. He felt whole. He felt... used, but in all the best ways. “...Oh....” He sighed. 

Shouto was still hovering over him. His body shook with exertion. “Holy...” Shouto started before he sat up correctly. He was still mostly hard inside Izuku. “I... is it weird I don’t want to pull out yet?” 

Izuku shook his head “Mmm... stay inside.” He begged. “Feels nice.” He clenched on him. Shouto hissed. “Feel full... sleepy.” 

Soft slender hands ran down his thighs “Sleep. I’ll clean up. You earned it.” 

Izuku couldn’t argue. He was out in seconds. 

***

When Izuku woke up again he was warm. He was wearing his favorite sweater, wrapped up in a blanket in their futon. Warm light filtered in from the sliding glass that led out to their balcony. He felt... rested. For the first time in a long time. He sat up in bed. Shouto was awake lying next to him. “Good morning.” He said “You look better.” 

“I... I feel better.” Izuku confessed. “What time is it?” He asked. 

“Just after noon.” Shouto said, looking back down at his phone. “I’ve only been awake for a few minutes. I was just checking my texts. Touya and my dad had a meeting last night. They want to meet with you later.” He said. “But I told them you needed some time to rest. They did agree. So, after dinner tonight, we’ll see them.” 

Izuku nodded “Yeah... Sounds good. Thank you Shouto.” He pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Hungry?” 

He smiled softly at Izuku “Starved.” He said “Let’s go, I bet someone made food.” They got up and made their way downstairs. Most of the class was awake, milling about. And sure enough there was a most heavenly smell coming from the kitchen. 

Aizawa was standing in the middle of the common room. “Ah.” He approached them “Midoriya, good. I didn’t get a chance to look at you properly yesterday. I’m glad you’re ok.” He said and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Here, someone came into the kitchen and said they knew you. All Might vouched for him too.” He motioned for them to follow. 

The smell of pork filled Izuku’s nose. It made his mouth water. In the kitchen were Kacchan and Sato. They were watching an old man work around the kitchen. The man was short with a head of gray hair. He was wrinkled with a thin mustache. And very familiar to Izuku. “Akira-san?” 

Akira-san turned and smiled “If it isn’t Young Izuku.” he said “I heard you came here last night. I went right to your teacher and demanded they let me in to make a meal. Luckily, you had everything I needed.” 

Drool gathered in his mouth “You’re making Katsudon?” He asked “For me?” 

He smiled, “You’ve always been my favorite customer. Not that many appreciate the finer details of Katsudon like you do. I’m showing your friends here a few of my tricks.” 

“Are you finally going to tell me how you do it?” Izuku asked. 

Akira-san smiled “With lots of skill.” He said “I don’t think I ever mentioned it, but I’m quirkless.” He said “Much more common in my day. No tricks here, no powers, nothing. Just a little love and lots of experience.” 

His eyes widened “Oh...” he trailed off “I had no idea.”

“You’d have no way of knowing. Why don’t you go have a seat? I’ll bring it out to you once I’m finished.” 

Kacchan practically shoved him out of the kitchen “Yeah get lost nerd. Go sit someplace. I’m trying to watch the man work!” 

Izuku nodded and walked back into the dining area. The tables were pretty empty. But sitting at one was a head of blond hair. “T-Tosh!” He cried running to him. “You’re here!” 

Toshinori looked over his shoulder and stood. Wordlessly he grabbed Izuku into a tight hug. “I’m so sorry.” He said softly “I wasn’t a good parent to you. I let you put yourself in so much danger. I should have made you rest more. Made you come home. It’s my fault that-” 

He shook his head, pulling back to look at him properly. “Tosh... I’m sorry. I said something pretty awful to you.” He sighed “I didn’t mean it. You’re... you’re my dad too. You’ve been pretty much since we met. Even... even more now. You’re the only family I have left.” Izuku was crying again “I’m... I’m sorry I pushed you away but- everything sucks so bad and-” 

“It’s ok.” Tosh was crying too. “I just... I just want to keep you safe.” He said 

Izuku squeezed him back, burying his face into his chest. “I’m here now.” He said “I’m not going anywhere. Everything we do now, it’s all of us. You, me, Shouto, Kacchan, Touya, Endeavor... All of us. I’m... I can’t do this alone.” 

Toshinori pulled back “That’s right.” He whipped some of his tears “All of us.” He smiled through the tears “I believe you said it best. All those months ago. We are here.” 

“Me, and everyone behind me has something we want to show today.” He said. “Every single one of us has something to prove. I can’t say if we’ll all be successful in that, but I know for me personally... We’re the future of heroics. In just a few years, we’ll be hitting the scenes as pro heroes, taking on the mantle of keeping the peace. Some of us have already had to start shouldering that burden. But it’s one we’ll take with a smile. The Sports Festival is about showing the world what’s to come. I said we all have something we want to say today, myself included.” He closed his eyes, and inhaled. Then, he smiled as brightly as he could manage. 

“I am here.” He said before pointing over his shoulder with his thumb. “I’d like to amend that actually. We are here. Thank you.” 

He nodded, crying still. Slowly Toshinori and Shouto sat him down in one of the dining room seats. He calmed down as Shouto rubbed his back. That... that’s right. One person alone could never beat Dad. He’d said it himself. He had 200 years on Izuku. All those quirks... It would take an army to defeat him. They had that. They had each other. “We...we can do this.” He said. 

It was only a moment later that Akira-san came out of the kitchen holding a bowl of the most delicious smelling Katsudon. Izuku looked down at the food. It looked perfect. He picked up his chopstick and with them grabbed a piece of meat. He brought it to his lips “...Holy fuck.” He cried. It was amazing. “I think I’m ruined forever. This... this is the best thing I’ve ever had.” he said. He held up a bite to Shouto “Open.” He commanded. 

Shouto chuckled but opened his mouth and allowed Izuku to feed him. His eyes widened, “That’s the best Katsudon I’ve ever tasted.” He said, and held his mouth open for another bite. 

Izuku giggled, “Shouchan, Akira-san made this Katsudon for me.” He teased “I was nice enough to let you have a bite-” He trailed off. Shouto was looking at him with a slack jaw. “What? Something on my face?” 

“You smiled.” He said “You haven’t smiled once this whole time.” 

“Oh.” Izuku blinked “I... I guess I haven’t. I didn’t notice.” 

Toshinori reached down and ruffled his head “You do have a good smile Izuku.” He said “I hope, even with things as they are, you keep on smiling.” 

Izuku looked up at his step dad. His skeletal form. He’d seen the injury on his stomach many many times. He knew Toshinori had almost no stomach, and was missing a lung. He couldn’t gain weight, and moving around was difficult, not to mention he was always coughing up blood. He was fairly certain he was always in at least a little pain.

He took another bite of food looking down at his hand. It couldn’t possibly hurt that badly could it? He’d felt the sensation of burning to death over and over again. Not to mention Izuku has shattered just about every bone in his body. Not to mention he’d been tortured. Even if it did hurt worse than that. 

It would be worth it. He set down his chopsticks. Best to just... Do it. They’d try and stop him if he told them what he was doing. “You alright Izuku?” Toshinori asked. 

“Yeah.” He smiled softly. “Just fine.” He reached over and grabbed Toshinori by the arm. 

Golden light filled the room as the ringing of massive church bells filled the air so loudly Shouto covered his ears. Izuku- 

Screamed. 

The pain was so sharp and intense. He felt like he was dying. He wished he was dying. It was by far, the worst pain he’d ever felt. The hot nerve torture All for One gave him? Nothing. Burning to death? Easy. Shattering himself? He’d much rather do that again than this. People were yelling but the only thing Izuku could hear was his own blood curdling scream. 

It ended- he let Tosh go and flung himself back. He landed on the floor looking up at the ceiling. His head felt hazy. His nose was bleeding. People seemed to swim around the edges of his vision. “I..” someone was saying something but he couldn’t hear. He laid there for several moments “Izu...” things were coming into focus. Shouto’s face was over his. “Izuku!” He cried. 

He sat up at once. “I’m fine!” He said. Shouto was kneeling next to him. Toshinori was- “OH MY GOD!” Izuku yelled. 

Toshinori was kneeling on one knee. He looked- different. He was still tall and thin but his eyes weren’t so shrunken in. His face had filled in some fat. His clothes looked just a bit too small for him, the buttons now pulling ever so slightly. He looked... Almost normal. Almost healthy. Izuku threw himself at him. His chest felt solid. “...What did you do?” Toshinori asked him. 

Izuku pulled back, grinning and crying. “I did it!” He screamed “Oh my god- I didn’t think I could do it! I had to try- that sucked so so so much but I did it!” He tackled Toshinori, knocking them over so he was on his back. “Look at you!” 

Shouto was standing now, looking at them “...Is that how you healed Touya?” He asked, his voice was small. Shocked. 

He pulled back from Toshinori “yep!” He looked down at his hand “You want some of this too?” He asked and wiggled his finger “A little boiling water feeling is gonna be nothing after that!” He was on his feet. “I feel like I have an adrenaline high! Who’s injured? I just wanna talk!” The others were all standing far back, watching Izuku rave like a lunatic.

“Izuku- '' Toshinori said firmly. “That was so dangerous!” He forced Izuku to sit back down. “You have no idea of the backlash of that quirk! While I’m... I’m grateful you did that... More than you’ll ever know- that was very reckless! What if there had been a rebound? Or something could have happened to me?” 

That made him wince. “...Sorry.” Izuku whispered. “I just... I knew you wouldn’t have let me.” 

“You’re right. I’d have never wanted you to risk yourself like that.” Toshinori said. “...I don’t want to encourage this behavior but...” Toshinori smiled, his face looking sweeter and more handsome than Izuku had ever seen. “Thank you... I didn’t realize how good it feels to breathe.” 

Izuku grinned back “Worth it!” He said “Just for that.” 

Chapter Text

Akira-san had insisted on making them all dinner as well. He didn’t make Katsudon, but a massive stir fry meal that Izuku enjoyed quite a lot. After they finished, Toshinori came to collect him for the meeting with the pro heroes. 

“Unfortunately,” Toshinori told Shouto and Kacchan who stood behind him like a sentry guard. “I’ll have to take Izuku by himself,” he said. “We still have a possible leak, and while I know it is neither of you boys, you still don’t have proper clearance.” 

Shouto glared at him over Izuku’s shoulder “Are you going to let him run off again?” he asked, crossing his arms.

“I’m not going to run away,” Izuku argued. “Sorry guys. I’ll be back after the meeting, ok?” He wrapped his arms around Shouto’s neck and pecked his lips. “I love you.” He turned to Kacchan, and grabbed him in a quick hug “You too.” He turned back to Toshinori. “Let's go.” 

Shouto sighed in defeat. “I love you too.” 

“Nerd,” Kacchan grumbled. 

Toshinori put a hand on Izuku’s shoulder and led him from the dorms. “So,” Izuku began looking up at his stepfather. “It's only been a few hours, but how do you feel?” he asked, reaching up and squeezing the slight muscle on his upper arms. “Look, I can't even wrap my whole hand around it anymore!”

“I...” He sighed “I feel amazing. I forgot what it feels like. To breathe like this. To feel like this. To not be hungry,” he sighed. “I feel like a Greek tragedy. I find myself with a much longer expanse of life before me, but one of my reasons for living is gone. Of course I want to be there for you as long as possible but-” he closed his eyes. “The idea of walking this road alone again is... It’s hard. I forgot how hard being alone is. Especially when you just got used to having someone there.” 

Izuku frowned. “...I’m sorry," he whispered. 

He shook his head “It’s not your fault. None of this is your fault. It’s all his own. He made Shigaraki Tomura. He made the Nomu. Had your father just given this up after he met your mother, you would never have had to suffer. He created his own worst enemy.” 

“If dad had given up, he wouldn’t have fought you. He would never have existed at all.” Izuku looked up at the sky. “The more I think about it, the more I realize that he’s right. That version of dad? He was doomed from the start. The thing that destroyed him was his reason he came to be. He wasn’t a real person. Honestly...” he sighed “Knowing what I know about All for One, I don’t think he did it by accident. Dad coming to be wasn’t some freak quirk mishap. It was a calculated plan. All for One gets hit with this massive attack right? And he gets split into two halves, one good one bad. How? Was Dad just super lucky to get ALL the memories about me and mom?”

“What are you suggesting?” 

“All for One arranged those memories perfectly. He controlled exactly what information he wanted my dad to have. It’s why none of his Shigaraki memories were there. He hid him from himself. Likewise, he knew he probably wouldn’t be able to resist going to see me and mom himself, he put all the memories of us with Dad, but he held onto one vague memory of us each so he’d know we were important if we ever met him so he wouldn’t kill us. Dad...” he teared up slightly just thinking about it, but his voice didn’t waver. “Dad was likely sent to me and mom in order to make us love him. He was designed to be a perfect husband and father.” 

He looked up at Toshinori. “Dad was a trap for me," he stopped to wipe his face. “That was his whole purpose. To make me love him so that All for One could manipulate me and mom into joining him once he got himself back together," he took a deep breath, trying to remain calm “Dad was doomed from the start. But...” he forced himself to smile through the tears “You threw off All for One’s plan. Because Dad fell in love with you. So All for One loves you too. Dad screwed him over by loving us so hard that All for One can’t hurt us. Because he still feels Dad’s love. He’s never going to kill us. He couldn’t bear it.” 

Beside him, Toshinori’s eyes widened. “...He crippled him against us.” 

“Not just us," he said. “I noticed All for One is a lot more reluctant to kill a lot of us. At the Jakku ruins, the only people who died were Gran Torino and Akane. Shigaraki killed Gran, and Dad killed Akane but- he could have easily killed everyone there," he said. “He says it’s because he wants me to come willingly. But I think at least part of him doesn’t want to kill the people dad cared about. Beyond that he told Shouto he could still come with me if I turned. I don’t know for sure if it’s because he’s trying to use Shouto as a bribe for me but... I feel like it’s because Dad cared a lot about Shouto too. He wants Shouto around because he loved him.” 

“Oh my god," he breathed out. “There’s still something of the man your father was in there," he said 

Izuku nodded, “I don’t think we’ll be able to get dad back as he was," he said. “But I think we might be able to convince All for One to go quietly... Maybe visit him in prison. Actually try and rehabilitate him.” 

Toshinori raised a brow. “How could we ensure he’s not dangerous?” 

“Let’s talk about it at the meeting. I finally had a decent sleep and meal since this whole thing started. My head’s clear, and I’ve been thinking.” Izuku said with a smirk. 

“ Yeah and you had an orgasm. That’s a real mind focuser,” Shun said, his ghost appearing behind Izuku. “ Why do you call him the nickname in bed?” 

“ Don’t listen to him Izuku, Shun’s just being crass,” Yoichi said, his spirit walking with Shun’s. 

Izuku flushed dark. “I thought you said you didn’t watch!” he yelled. 

“Who are you talking to Izuku?” Toshinori asked. 

“Huh- oh! The vestiges. They can appear to me in the real world now. Have been able to since I was on the road with Touya.” 

“I thought you spoke to them in your quirk void?” 

He shook his head. “I can over there too, but they can manifest here. Only I can see them of course, but Yoichi and Shun are here. The first two users," he explained. “I think only 2 or 3 of them can appear at a time though. So if we need to call a meeting I have to go to the void.” 

Toshinori snorted. “Sorry, just a funny thought. Like a board meeting. But for ghosts and their teenage host body.” 

“ He’s right,” Shun said. “ It is kind of funny. Especially since we sit around in those fancy chairs. Why fancy chairs?” he asked Yoichi. 

“ If I’m going to sit around in an endless void while in a half rendered version of my cell, at least the chair should be fancy,” his uncle replied. “ At any rate, don’t let him bother you Izuku. We don’t watch but sometimes we get... glimpses. If we’re caught unaware.” 

“Sorry...” He mumbled. 

They reached their destination, a meeting room. Gathered around the tables were several pro heroes, as well as many of Izuku’s teachers. There were still some empty seats so they must be waiting on more people. They sat together, and directly across the table from them were Touya, Hawks, and Endeavor. Touya sat between them. He and Hawks had been talking quietly but he smiled as Izuku sat down. “Hey kid. How are you feeling?” he asked, reaching across the table to ruffle Izuku’s hair. 

Izuku gave him an annoyed look but smiled back. “Better.” 

“Even after you-” he motioned towards Toshinori. “Your pain tolerance must be insane," he smirked. After this, when I go get all my piercings back I’m taking you with me. I wanna see you get an industrial bar and not even blink. Actually I might use you as a test subject. I think I’m gonna get into that line of work.” 

He tilted his head “I’m down, but why do you need to get your piercings redone?” 

Touya smirked, “Someone went and healed my whole body," he said “All my piercings are gone.” 

On his side, Hawks sighed “...All of them," he said sadly. 

“I’m gonna get it redone!” Touya assured him. “Be glad I love you, because that shit hurts.” 

Endeavor looked like he might ask what Touya was referring to, before decidedly closing his mouth and shaking his head. Izuku agreed. Best not to ask. 

A few more people filed into the room, everyone taking their seats. Principal Nedzu hopped up onto the table to open the meeting. “Thank you all for coming here tonight," he began. “We all know why we’re here. The country has fallen into a terrible state, and it seems we might be the only ones who will be able to stop it. We have to formulate a plan of attack," he turned towards a projector, and used a small remote to change the slides. “I have some very bad news, and some... not so bad news.” Nedzu inhaled “We just received word, not five minutes ago that Stars and Stripes has died.” 

Toshinori stood up in his seat. “She’s dead?” he asked, his jaw dropping. 

Nedzu nodded. “Yes... It’s... it’s a devastating loss. But your old student left us a parting gift,” Nedzu explained. “She crippled Shigaraki. Her fight with him cost him many of the quirks All for One put inside him. Beyond that it bought us a week before his perfect body is completed," he said “That gives us some vital time to prepare. We’ll need to use every second wisely," he clicked to the next slide. “We have many villains who stand between us and victory.” 

The first slide was the 6 remaining High End Nomu. “The Nomu are very dangerous. We know they are highly intelligent and some might be able to give birth to other lesser Nomu. Much like the one Endeavor and Hawks fought," he changed the slide. “Not to mention the threat of Giganto Machia. His massive size and strength. The only person here who’d even managed to get a good hit on him was Midoriya," he turned to him. “And he will likely be... preoccupied.” 

The slide changed again. It showed Kurogiri, Spinner, and Skeptic. “While these three aren’t fighters, they do have other dangerous skills. As long as Kurogiri is in play, the villains will be hyper mobile.” Further down the table Aizawa and Present Mic both frowned. Izuku could tell they were holding hands under the table. “And Skeptic will be able to provide all kinds of distant support with technology. As for Spinner, his threat level has always been fairly low, but we are still dealing with people who can not only take quirks, but give them. This goes for all of them.” 

The next slide was a blurry picture of Himiko. Izuku shuddered. “Toga Himiko’s threat level is now through the roof. As far as we know when she becomes someone, she can use that person’s quirk. If there is a limitation to this, we don’t know as of yet," he changed the slide. “Grimm and Darude are the final two generals. Both of them caused mass devastation last month. Darude and Grimm make for a deadly combo. In the past, All for One has often sent them in together. Darude is able to kill large groups of people with his sandstorms, and Grimm is able to raise their corpses.” 

This was all very not good. “That’s not even including the other threats. The quirk erasing bullets are still on the table. We know for a fact they are armed with at least one. Potentially more," he glanced at Izuku “We also know that All for One stole the quirk of one, Chisaki Kai. Overhaul. This in it of itself is noteworthy. I think we all remember how dangerous that particular quirk is. As well as any jailbreakers still on the streets, though with Midoriya and many other’s efforts, a large number of them are behind bars.” 

The next slide was an image of Shigaraki. “While we owe Stars and Stripes a lot, the fact remains Shigaraki is still very dangerous. We have no idea how many quirks he has. What he plans on doing with them. He is a top level threat," he clicked to the last slide. A picture of Dad. “All for One himself...” he sighed. “Is an extremely unhinged individual. We know he can single handedly take down several pros at once. We also know his main goal is the kidnapping and control of Midoriya. He is the most dangerous person on the planet. Even without all of the others, the threat of All for One by himself would warrant this response," he turned to the group. “We need to find ways to neutralize all of these threats.” 

Izuku raised his hand “I think I might have something," he said “At least for my dad.” As he said the word dad, many of the other pros flinched. Right. Must be weird to remember that Izuku also had All for One. “I’ve noticed he’s more reluctant to kill. It’s not to say he can’t,” he said. “But he probably doesn’t want to kill people my dad was friendly with. Otherwise... A lot more people in this room would be dead," he glanced at Endeavor. “I think we might be able to talk him down. He might even be able to force Giganto Machia and the generals to go quietly," he pressed on. “And if we erase his quirk, then he won’t be a threat.” 

“How do you intend on erasing his quirk?” a pro asked.

“The bullets," he said “If we get our hands on just one. I might... I might be able to get it done. I have a few quirks that’ll make hitting him pretty easy. Or... I might be able to charm my way in. Dad wants me. Badly. If we can get me a bullet, I can erase his quirk no problem. Once he’s powerless he’ll probably listen to me.” 

Endeavor nodded. “So all we need for him is a bullet?” he asked. “We can make that work. I’m certain they’ll make another attack on Eraserhead.” 

“Right,” Izuku said. “I think I know a student that might be perfect for watching your back. Someone who can pull the bullet right out of the air," he grinned at Aizawa, who gave one of his signature smiles back. 

Touya and Toshinori both smiled at him. “You’re definitely feeling better,” Touya said. 

Nedzu continued. “How do we go about setting up this battle? Do we wait for them to strike?” 

“No,” Izuku said. “I say we straight up invite Dad to play on a specific day. The day Shigarki’s body is finished. We set a time and place and all go. We can minimize the damage and make sure we’re as far away from civilians as possible," he said. 

“Will he be willing to do something like that?” a pro asked. 

Izuku nodded. “Especially if someone he loves asks him.” 

Endeavor shook his head. “You’re not going near him until absolutely necessary," he said “I’m extremely concerned for your physical safety and mental well being.” His face was twisted into one of disgust. Endeavor had been very reactionary about Dad’s... slightly less than platonic feelings towards Izuku. Briefly, Izuku wondered if that was a sore spot for him. 

“I wasn’t suggesting me .” Izuku turned his gaze to his step father. 

Toshinori pointed at himself. “Me?” he asked. “...Ok," he nodded. “I can be the one to talk to him," he pulled out his phone. “I do have his number. But-” 

Izuku bit his lip. “I think that might not be as successful. He might even get offended if you pass up a chance to see him and act out. No... I hate to say it but you’re going to have to see him face to face.” 

“I was afraid of that... Fine. Should I ask him to meet up?” 

“No.” Izuku said. “There’s an easy way to get in contact with him. A way that will make him come running.” 

“What’s that?” 

“We go home.” 

***

It was late in the evening. The meeting had ended. They’d come up with a few decent plans, and now Toshinori now stared up at the set of all too familiar metal steps leading to the Midoriya apartment. Once upon a time it had been his favorite place in the entire world. A safe haven. A place to simply be. A place to love. He glanced behind him. In a car parked within view, Hawks, Endeavor, Best Jeanist and Touya sat watching him. Just in case things with All for One didn’t go as planned... 

He walked up the steps slowly. He turned towards the door and opened it. It was unlocked. The apartment looked pristine. It smelled good even. An obvious trap probably set for a tired Izuku when he was on his own. Toshinori closed the door behind him and walked into the living room. He noticed Inko’s shine had been placed in the room. He approached it and kneeled down. “...You knew him when he was like this," he said to her picture frame. “How did you handle him?” 

“Honestly, I was never that straight forward with my darker parts,” Hisashi said. Toshinori jumped and turned to face him. He was sitting on the couch, legs crossed. His coat was off, leaving him in just that damned tight black turtleneck and pants. “Wow Tosh, look at you!” he said as he stood. Toshinori turned to face him as Hisashi closed the gap between them. He grabbed him by the upper arms. “You look great!” he licked his lips. “Izu did a good job.”

Toshinori sighed and pushed him off. “I came to talk," he said “Not exchange pleasantries.” 

“I was thinking about exchanging spit honestly-” Hisashi grinned “Come on look at you! How unfair is this! I loved you for a lot more than your looks but this-” he grabbed Toshinori by the chest. “You don’t feel like you’ll break. Fuck-” he shoved him into the wall and Hisashi pressed his entire body to him. Toshinori could feel something poking his hip. “Wanna talk in the bedroom?” 

He grabbed Hisashi by the neck. Hisashi folded under his grip easily. He always did. “No-” 

“Ahh- harder daddy!” Hisahi moaned.

He held him tightly, his voice dropping “Shut up," he ordered. Hisashi opened his mouth, his face flushing as he looked up at him excitedly. “I’m not here to fuck you. I’m here to tell you we want to meet. Your forces versus ours. A week from today.” 

Hisashi pouted, but didn’t move Toshinori’s hand. “That’s all?” He asked “Sure. You could have just texted me.” 

“...Izuku thought you might take that as an insult.” 

“Yeah that sounds like something I’d do,” Hisashi nodded his head. “Good on him for knowing that. He’s such a thoughtful little angel. Anyway, just text me the details. I’ll gather my ‘army of darkness’ or whatever the fuck and we’ll meet up and have a showdown for the centuries. Or something," he smirked “Oooor. You and Izuku come home, we avoid all the bloodshed and you choke me with your fat fucking cock-” he reached towards Toshinori’s belt. He held Hisashi out at arm’s length. 

#####

“Stop that," he spat “I’m never touching you. Not ever again.” 

Hisashi rolled his eyes “Yeah yeah, because I’m evil or whatever-”

“...Is it true?” Toshinori interrupted, dropping his hand. Hisashi whined at the loss. “That you want to have sex with Izuku?” 

That made Hisashi pause. “You know, I never actually said that. People just keep jumping to that conclusion," he looked up at Toshinori. 

“...So you don’t?” 

“I mean I do a little,” Hisashi said with a laugh. “But like... Who doesn’t ya know?” He grinned like a madman. Toshinori growled. “Oh stop,” Hisashi rolled his eyes, “I’m not gonna," he said. “Unless he asks, but I know he won’t. Listen, I’m a lot of things. And it’s not even to say I’m not above rape. I’ve gone there," he smiled softly. “Ah, good times. Anyway! I wouldn’t. Even if I wanted to.” 

That statement was so... suspicious. “Why?” He couldn’t help but ask. 

Hisashi smirked “Same reason I’m not about to go outside and kill the four heroes waiting in the car for you. Believe me, I would really love to go out there and spew their guts out along the pavement, drag you to bed and force you to lay back and ride your cock until I was satisfied. But I won’t. Because it ultimately gets me further away from what I really want.” 

Toshinori felt a tremor of fear down his spine. He could feel his body’s fight or flight reflex. “You’re sick.” 

#####

“Yeah probably,” Hisashi took another step closer. “So, that's all?” he asked. “No head?” He added the last bit with a wink. 

He nodded. “That’s all.” 

“Kay.” Hisashi smirked and grabbed Toshinori’s collar, pulling him down into a kiss. He fought against him for a moment but Toshinori found it hard to ignore the sparks trailing up his spine. He resigned himself to wait until Hisashi was done. His tongue invaded his mouth and Toshinori was helpless but to let him. Eventually Hisashi pulled back, a thin line of drool connecting their lips. “Mmm, you sure you don’t wanna-” 

“Goodbye Hisashi,” Toshinori growled and pushed himself away. 

“Bye Tosh.” Hisashi said, watching him go. “Love you!” he winked. 

Toshinori didn’t look back. 

***

Izuku watched his friends and classmates as they trained. They had a week, and there was still so much to do. He and Kacchan were training together. Izuku was armed with several foam bullets about the same size as the quirk erasing bullets. He and Kacchan were running around the same stretch of field. Izuku was using Gear Shift and Tracking to try and shoot Kacchan, while Kacchan was attempting to use Pull to snatch it out of the air, and they were doing pretty good. 

Izuku tossed a bullet “SHIFT!” he cried. It soared through the air. Kacchan swung through the air using his new support item. He held out his free hand pulling the bullet towards it. 

“FUCK!” He cried “Ow fuck- how hard are you throwing that thing?” he asked, holding the foam bullet in his free hand. In his other hand, he was gripping the steel cable that had come out of his new wrist guard. A Hatsume invention. Kacchan was used to being highly mobile so Hatsume constructed him two small grappling support items. Ochako had a similar pair- that had been what inspired him. Kacchan had a harder time moving around, since he couldn’t make himself weightless, but he could more easily pull the wires back. Sort of reminded Izuku of old Spider Man comics. 

“I’m mimicking a gun!” Izuku called, floating in the air some yards away from him. “Maybe we should go back to Hatsume and get you thicker gloves?” He asked. 

Kacchan growled and slowly lowered himself back down. He’d gotten very good at using his grappling system. Izuku followed him “How am I able to pull shit with gloves on? I thought Pull needed skin?” 

“Oh- no.” Izuku said. “That’s a lie," he showed him his exposed fingers. I need my fingers out for All for One. I don’t think Pull is dampened by gloves at all. But I never really thought to try. Since I always have my fingers out.” 

That made Kacchan roll his eyes. “Whatever. I’m gonna go see about the fucking gloves. I don’t need you to babysit me. Go do something else or take a break or some shit,” he growled. 

“Yes sir,” Izuku teased. “Find me later we’ll keep this up- oh!” He grabbed his wrist “Thank you. By the way, When uh- when those people didn’t want to let me back into the school grounds you and Ochako stood up for me,” he smiled. “It meant a lot.” 

“Whatever.” Kacchan took his arm back, and punched Izuku lightly. “Talk later, nerd.” And with that he stomped off. 

Izuku watched him go and set off to find some water or something. He passed more of his classmates working, when he spotted Ochako watching Iida as he ran at top speed. Izuku landed next to her, leaning against the same rail as her, looking down into the field. “He’s gotten a lot faster.” 

She smiled at him. “Hey Deku,” she said, leaning closer to him. “Yeah... Iida is really going huh?” Ochako laughed softly. 

“He's a really great guy.” 

“He is,” She looked up at Izuku. “Can I tell you a secret?” she asked. 

He smiled, “I bet I know it already.” 

“Heh-” Ochako snorted “I bet you do.” She looked back at Iida, her smile fond. “I think I’m in love with him,” she whispered. 

Izuku nodded, and put a hand on her shoulder “Are you gonna tell him?” He asked

“Soon,” she said. “I used to think... it would be a distraction. I wanted to wait until graduation. I know he felt the same way. We talked about it. That neither of us wanted to date until after school- though we never said we wanted to date each other,” she inhaled. “But you and Todoroki have been making it work this entire time. You pushed each other forward. And-” She turned to Izuku “I don’t think we’d have ever gotten you back if you and Todoroki hadn’t been in love. He was the one you came back for.” 

“Well-” 

“It’s ok,” she said “I get it. But you both inspired me. I want to tell Tenya how I feel. I want us to be together and push each other forward like that.” 

Izuku grinned. “I’m happy for you. I bet a few quirks he feels the same way. When are you going to tell him?” 

“After,” she said, “so I have something to look forward to. Once it’s done- once all the villains are down. I’m gonna find him and kiss him. I’ll rip his helmet off and kiss his cute face.” She grinned at him. “Think it’ll work?” 

“You might break him. He’ll hit you with the ‘Uraraka-san! Public displays of affection are unbecoming of future heroes!’” Izuku said, giving the air a fake chop, much like their friend would. 

Ochako giggled madly “Nah, you’ve got it all wrong. It’ll be ‘Oh Uraraka-san! I understand that emotions are running high, but now isn’t the time for such emotional declarations!’” She chopped the air as well. 

Izuku howled with laughter “That’s definitely Iida-kun!” 

“What’s so funny?” Iida asked. He approached them from behind. He had his helmet off, his hair slicked back with sweat. He looked pretty handsome. Beside him Ochako smiled, her face slightly more pink. 

“We’re just making fun of you in a sweet and loving way,” Izuku said, “nothing serious.” 

Iida smiled at them “Ah yes. Gentle ribbing between peers. Very important for bonding and friendship. Uraraka-san and I, do occasionally do the same thing about you,” Iida said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Mostly when you and Todoroki-kun get ah- how did you put it Uraraka-san?” 

“Hot and heavy in the common room. Seriously you two have no shame!” 

Izuku squawked. “You wound me!” he teased. “Truly the worst friends-” 

“What’s this? Are we making fun of Izu?” Hitoshi asked. He was walking step in step with Shouto and Tsuyu. Shouto smiled at Izuku as he made his way to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. 

“Yeah. We were making fun of Deku for kissing Todoroki in the common room all the time. But you and Kaminari aren’t much better,” she said 

Tsuyu nodded wisely. “I agree, kero. If anything you’re worse. I keep having to watch Kaminari-chan smack your butt. It makes your hair puff, kero.” 

Hitoshi turned scarlet. “I keep telling him to stop-” 

“How was training with Katsuki, Bunny?” Shouto asked. 

“Very helpful!” he said. “We’re taking a break, the foam bullets keep hurting his hand so we gotta make sure he’ll be able to snatch the bullet if they shoot at Aizawa-sensei again,” Izuku looked down. “This is going to be our hardest battle. Maybe ever. I just want to go in as prepared as we’re ever going to be. There’s a very real chance we might die.” 

Hitoshi frowned, “Don’t talk like that man, you’re gonna make me depressed,” he said. 

Ochako frowned, her eyes landing on Iida for a moment. Then she looked back at Izuku. Her eyes lit up “I got an idea,” she said “Let's all promise we’ll make it.” 

“I don’t think it works like that, kero.” 

Iida however “I agree with Uraraka-san,” he said. “Something like a promise to friends might give us extra strength in a life or death situation. I promise all of you- I swear as the hero Ingenium that I won’t die.” 

Ochako’s eyes water “I had another idea too. I think... I think I’d like to call you all by your given names. Except Deku, he’s always going to be Deku!” 

“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Izuku said. “I’m down. Iida is the only one I don't already call by his given name.” 

Iida smiled, “I’d love to be on a given name basis with you, Izuku.” 

“Tenya!” Izuku grinned 

“I don’t mind if you all call me Shouto. You could have been this whole time honestly. It’s my hero name.” Shouto said “But not Shouchan. That’s for Bunny,” he said very seriously. “Hitoshi-” he said. “I know you rather like the use of nicknames. My siblings all call me Shou.” 

Hitoshi grinned “Shou it is! Chako, Tsu, Mom.” He grinned at Tenya. 

“Hitoshi, you honor me with a high title,” Tenya said. Hitoshi laughed. 

Tsuyu smiled. “I like that we’re close enough to call each other so familiarly. It makes me happy.” 

Ochako threw her arms around Tenya and Izuku. Izuku took the cue and wrapped his free arm around Shouto. Shouto continued and grabbed Hitoshi, who grabbed Tsuyu, who reached around back to Tenya. They formed a circle. “I promise I’m not going to die!” Ochako yelled. 

“I promise I’m not going to die!” Hitoshi yelled 

“I promise I’m not going to die, kero.” Tsuyu croaked. 

“I promise I’m not going to die.” Shouto said very seriously. 

Izuku tightened his grip, fisting at the back of Shouto and Ochako’s costumes. “I promise, with my whole heart, I’m not going to die.”