Incidental: Alone: Floccinaucinihilipilification

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/30738782.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of
Violence
Category: Gen
Fandom: 僕のヒーローアカデミア | Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero
Academia
Relationships: Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead & Midoriya Izuku, Midoriya Izuku &
Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic, Midoriya Izuku & Yagi Toshinori | All
Might, Midoriya Hisashi & Midoriya Izuku, Bakugou Katsuki &
Midoriya Izuku, Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead & Shinsou Hitoshi, Shinsou
Hitoshi & Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic, Midoriya Izuku & Shinsou
Hitoshi, Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead/Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic
Characters: Midoriya Izuku, Midoriya Inko, Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead, Yamada
Hizashi | Present Mic, Bakugou Mitsuki, Bakugou Katsuki, Yagi
Toshinori | All Might, Nezu, Class 1-A (My Hero Academia), Original
Characters, LOV (mentioned), League of Villains (My Hero Academia),
Toga Himiko, Inui Ryou | Hound Dog
Additional Tags: Homeless Midoriya Izuku, Parental Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead,
Parental Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic, Parental Yagi Toshinori | All
Might, Villain Midoriya Hisashi, Abusive Midoriya Hisashi, Dead
Midoriya Inko, sort of ?, She's terminally ill and in a coma, SO
Shrodinger's Inko, Quirklessness (My Hero Academia), Effects of
quirklessness, Homelessness, Graphic burns wounds, Drugged Midoriya
Izuku, Hurt Midoriya Izuku, Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort,
Non-Consensual Drug Use, Bakugou Katsuki is Bad at Feelings,
Protective Bakugou Katsuki, Protective Bakugou Mitsuki, Protective
Bakugou Masaru, Bakugo Katsuki Redemption Arc, or the start of one,
BAMF Bakugou Mitsuki, BAMF Nezu, UA in general is awesome,
Hound Dog is a good employee, Swearing, Other Additional Tags to Be
Added, Not Beta Read, Cannon Divergent, alternative universe,
Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Suicidal Thoughts, suicidial ideation,
Psychological Torture, Torture, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat
Language: English
Collections: Dadzawa? How about PapaMic!?, Wolfis MyHeroAcademia Library,
bumblebee's fav BNHA fics! :-D, the good shit
Stats: Published: 2021-04-17 Completed: 2022-01-01 Words: 82,127 Chapters:
40/40
 Incidental: Alone: Floccinaucinihilipilification
by PanderrynRose

Summary

When Midoriya Inko falls terminally ill, the dominoes that fall are ones that land Midoirya
Izuku alone in an uncaring world that sees him as without value. Cast adrift, Izuku manages
to make it to UA--and to the heroics course! However, after a chance encounter, the yarn he'd
spun around himself begins to unravel and plunge him into a much more dangerous position.

Notes

Welcome. This work is complete, and will be updated when I figure out a schedule. (Likely
it'll be every couple of days because I'm impatient as hell.)
 Chapter 1

The wind was bitter as it bit into the exposed flesh of the green haired high school trudging
through sludge to the front of his local hospital. Taking a shortcut across one of the small
flower patches that lived in the concrete barriers surrounding the main parking lot, the teen
groaned at the now mud colored tracks. Nuts. Now I’m going to be leaving mud all over
everything when I get home.

Knowing that there was little to be done about it beyond stomping off as much of the mud as
he could, the teen did so as he entered the hospital and made his way to the main lobby
elevator as he dodged around the people milling about as much as possible. Alright, so I’ll
need to withdraw cash to go grocery shopping. I can probably only afford granola bars and
juice packs. Maybe it can work if I can get some multivitamins…

So caught up in his mental planning, the teen did not notice a set of exhausted eyes locked
squarely on him.

“Problem child?” Aizawa-sensei, homeroom teacher of the green-haired teen Midoriya Izuku,
spoke.

Izuku did his best to suppress his natural shudder. “Aizawa sensei?”

“What are you doing here, kid?”

Visiting my mom, who I’ve lied extensively about to your place of employment.

“Oh, a friend from middle school is here. I’m just visiting them.” Pressing the button for the
floor he needed, Izuku did his best to ignore his teacher’s reach to hit another button.

“A friend with a terminal condition? At your age?” Aizawa’s skeptical tone danced down the
teen’s body, nerves starting the hummingbirds with steel wings in his stomach.

“Yeah. It’s genetic.” It was. “And I try to spend as much time with them as possible before
they pass.” The elevator dung, and Izuku stepped out on to the floor. “Night, sir.”

“Mmm….” Aizawa’s tone was still skeptical as the door slid shut.

Shoot, shoot, SHIT. Walking down the hall, Izuku couldn’t escape the feeling of being
watched. A trap that hadn’t been there before stalked the halls as the teen walked to his
mother’s room after nodding to the nurses he recognized. Slipping into the darkened room,
the teen mindfully tiptoed past the other occupant in the room to make his way to his mom’s
bedside before placing his backpack down beside her bed and sitting next to the woman.
Slipping his hand under her skeletal one, the boy lifted in increments so as not to disturb the
wires and tubes surrounding both her hand and her body. “Hi, Mom.” The whoosh-and-click
of the respirator was the only thing that responded.
“I miss you so much. I’m also really sorry I haven’t visited in a while. New school rules
because of things—Have I told you where I’m going to school? You’d be proud…”

Talking to the comatose woman, Izuku felt more and more trapped as ever footstep jangled
the nerves and sent the razor wings in his stomach to flight. Twenty minutes later, the boy
couldn’t handle it anymore as the hair stood up on the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, mom.”
Laying her hand down with a gentle touch, the teen climbed to his feet. “But I need to go. I
promise I’ll come back and spend as much time as possible with you, Okay? I love you.”

Picking up his bag and fending off the lonely tears, Izuku walked to the stairs before rushing
down them as if pursued by wolves. Hitting the lobby, the feeling of being trapped lessened
at the normal ebb and flow of people around. No extra police or cops appeared, and it didn’t
seem as if there were any heroes either. Relaxing his shoulders, Izuku walked as he normally
did when he left, walking out the front doors. Tugging his coat collar up against the slap of
frigid winter air, the teen ducked into the blind spots of the cameras as he walked toward the
parking garage. Get to shelter, and don’t come out until it’s safe. But I’ll need to get food for
that. I’ll go tomorrow once the search has calmed down.

Arriving at the top floor of the garage, the teen walked a bit away from the elevator bank for
about fifty feet. Turning back, the teen ran at the wall and jumped, grabbing onto the small
ledge before climbing up to the roof and under the pipes into the small shelter he’d created.
Army crawling under the tarp that kept the snow and rain out and the heat in from the pipes,
the boy pulled off the mud-smeared shoes and placing them near the entrance and crawling
further into the small 4” by 6” rectangle. Crawling to the thermal sleeping bag he’d left rolled
up and laying it out, the teen pulled off his backpack and put it beside the small plasticware
tote that held his sketchbook, spare thrifted clothes and blanket, and some bottled water he’d
left behind. Lying down on the bag after he pulled out the blanket from the tote and laid it
over himself, the teen also pulled out the sketchbook before flipping on the battery-powered
lantern and starting to draw. Well, I can probably do my homework the last week before
school, so I don’t ha…

“I’m ‘bout to whip somebody’s….” Izuku’s cheap flip phone sang out, muffled as it as buried
in his backpack.

Oh, no. Should I just ignore it?

Unable to stop the curiosity, Izuku unearthed his phone from his bag and unlock it.

Sensei: Want to explain this?

Underneath the message was a photo of paperwork; his mother’s medical records.

Nope: I

Another message blinked through before Izuku could figure out how to get his teacher to stop
digging.

Sensei: I also checked the address on your records, and it matched the one here. When I
contacted the landlords, they said that the apartment where you lived has been empty for the
past two years. So, Problem Child, where are you living?

Horror made the teen’s fingers falter as he reached to turn off the phone. Before his fingers
found the correct button, the phone began to ring. Declining the cell, Izuku felt a pseudo-
relief wash over him. Putting the device away, the teen let the anxiety riddled breaths out
against the worn fabric of the sleeping bag. Why does All Might have to be out of town right
now? He could help!

Twenty minutes later, Izuku was calming down as he waited for anything to happen. Face
down, the teen began to doze in the warmth of the small shelter, unable to stay fully awake
after the energy-drain that was Aizawa finding out about his home life. So close to sleep, he
almost missed the familiar sound of the elevator arriving at the top floor of the garage, the
sound his warning to turn off the lamp.

The dark was soothing, enough so that the teen closed his eyes again. Tired. As he started to
fall back to sleep, the cacophony of voices broke through the peace along with the whoosh of
the elevator bank’s door opening.

“Where on earth could that kid be? And why didn’t he come to us?” Aizawa as loud, panic
clear in the rising decibels.

“Sho, there’s clearly something going on here. Midoriya’s a good kid. Something’s must’ve
happened if he doesn’t trust us with this. You said he’s been on his own for years? Why
didn’t his teachers before us do anything?” The footsteps paused by the wall of the elevator
bank, Izuku could hear the deep breath his teacher took.

Because I was quirkless and no one cared.

“That’s a good question, but I’m more worried about where he is right now. It’s freezing out;
and if the villains find out he’s homeless, we’ll lose him. He panicked when I tried calling
him, turned off his phone. No tracking him through that. I told Nezu as soon as I found out,
he said he’d look into the security camera footage.”

“That’s good. But something tells me he’s near here.”

“Gut feeling?”

“Yeah, and the listener has obviously been visiting his mom. I doubt the kid has much
mobility. He’s staying close to the one facsimile of safety and love he has.”

“Good point. I’ll come back here during patrol, see what I can find.” The sound of a car door
opening was a balm to Izuku’s nerves.
“Good idea. Anyway, thanks for letting me dr…. hey.”

“What’s up, Zashi?”

“Come here a second.” The voice of his English teacher was right below the opening to his
shelter.

Shit, the mud from my shoe left a mark!!

“…. huh.” Aizawa’s voice joined Mic’s. “Where…?”

“The pipes. There’s an opening right there.” The simple statement from Mic had Izuku’s
breath catching in his throat. “It would be warm, with the pipes heating the area between the
walls of the elevators and the pipes.”

“Smart.” Aizawa said, then called out. “Midoriya?”

A strangled whimper escaped the teen as he pushed himself into the corner furthest away
from his teacher.

“Kid, you’re not in trouble.”

“I’ve heard that one before.” Izuku pressed his hands to his mouth after the words slipped
out, horrified.

“And what happened then, problem child?”

“They hit me.” The words were muffled as they fought their way past his lips and fingers.

“Someone struck you?!” The angry growl his teacher let out startled the teen, had him
struggling to breath as the anxiety kicked in. Pulling the sleeping back toward him, he buried
his face in the soft fabric to comfort himself as he rocked in an effort to calm down. No
sounds broke through the panic. It’s OK. It is OK. You can breathe. It’ll…

A small tap on his shoulder had the teen rearing back, regardless of the fact that there wasn’t
anywhere to go. Slamming the back of his head into a pipe, the teen let out a grunt that was
covered by the clang.

“Kid!” Aizawa’s voice came through the shifting world.

“Sor..ry….” Izuku slowly laid down the sleeping bag. “Didn’t… m’’n to.”

“Nezu’s been informed. He’s having a spot readied at the UA ward’s home.” Present Mic’s
voice rejoined the conversation. “Nezu said to tell you that the shelter up there has to be
small—It’ll be difficult to get in there with him.”

“Not the first time I’ve pulled a kid from a tight spot. Midoriya, are you OK?”
“’M fine,” Focusing and speaking slowly, Izuku did his best to sound normal. “Can I just stay
here? I’m not doing anything bad. I stay out of trouble.” Reaching for his shoes, the teen
tugged on the laces until he was able to slip them on.

“Listener.” The voice was soft. “You shouldn’t be alone. Please come down.” Present Mic
sounded tired.

“I’ll try. Giive mme a mmmomment.” Izuku mumbled, stuffing blanket and sleeping back
into the tote. Turning back, he grabbed the lantern in as well. Dragging both his backpack and
the tote with him to the front entrance, the teen pulled the backpack straps over his shoulder
before putting the tote in front of him in his lap to balance the weight of the bag. Dropping
down in front of his teacher, Izuku stumbled as his mind swam.
A steadying hand landed on his shoulder. “Easy, kiddo. Let’s get you to UA.”

“Nnhh.” Izuku took a second, nodded. “Yes, ssir..”

“We’ll have you checked out at UA.” Aizawa promised, helping to load the teen into the
backseat of the car.

Malleable and tired, the teen simply climbed into the car and buckled before letting himself
stare out the window. His teachers, sensing that the teen was done, didn’t ask questions as the
ride passed in terse silence. Upon reaching campus, Izuku shifted to grab more firmly onto
the handles of the tote and handle of his backpack. The cars reached the dorms off to the left
of the main campus. Parking just outside a small building, Izuku found himself being
escorted into the building by a haloed woman, a man with ever changing hair and his teacher.

“Hi, kiddo.” The woman guided the teen with a gentle touch to a room in the building that
was set up as a nurse’s office. “We’ve got this, Eraserhead.”

“Alright, but I want to be kept in the loop. And I want to be in on the interview.” Aizawa
turned away, waved. “Let me known. Goodnight, Midoriya.”

“G’night, Sensei.” Izuku muttered, listing to the side and leaning against the wall.

“Let’s check ya out, kiddo. My name’s Osada Asami,” Waving at her cohort, the woman
offered a smiled. “And my friend here is Murai Hiroshi. Once we see if you have a
concussion, we’ll get you settled into a room, alright?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Izuku followed the lead of woman as she helped him to sit on an exam table.

Using a penlight to check his pupils, the woman worked through the checklist before
concluding: “You’ve got a pretty severe concussion, kiddo. We’ll be keeping you down here
tonight, and one of us will be checking on you every half-an-hour or so. If you start to get
sick or the dizziness gets worse, you need to tell us, OK?”

“Yess, mma’am. Can I s-sleep now?”

“Sure thing, kiddo. Hiro, would you mind sticking with him? I’m gonna get a pillow.”

“Sure.” Moving to pull a chair next to the bedside, the man sat next to Izuku, helping the teen
to pull out his blanket and sleeping bag. “We can wash those tomorrow, alright?”

“Yess, ssiir.”

“Just call me Hiro. And what do I call you?”

“Izuku.”

“Nice to meet you, Izu.” Osada walked back in, handing the teen a pillow. “Now feel free to
sleep. We’ll be waking you up to check you as necessary.”

“Mmmm.” Eyes sliding shut as he tucked his head onto the pillow, the boy fell to sleep.
 Chapter 2
Chapter Notes

Some tags have been added and they are important. Please check them (ESP. the suicidal
thoughts one!)

The teen spent the next few days between sleeping and resting in order to fully heal from the
concussion. Then, the weekend was spent in being interviewed.

“So, Izuku, how long have you been on your own?” Osada asked, a recorder in front of the
table as the spoke.

“Two and a half years? Somewhere close to two and a half to two and a third. Mom got sick,
and it went downhill fast in the first semester of my second year in middle school.”

“Why weren’t you placed in a foster home?”

“I…don’t know. No one ever came to get me from the hospital. When mom was hospitalized,
a nurse contacted someone—I know that. She made the call with me in the room. I don’t
know why no one came to get me.” Because I was quirkless and I was worthless. What am I
going to do when they find out? I’m putting them in danger f I do!

Panic flooded the teen as Osada looked to Hiro. “That’s…strange.”

“Agreed.” Hiro tapped away on a tablet. “I’ll look into it later.”

“Alright. What about other relatives, Izuku? Your dad?”

“Umm…” Throat closing, Izuku shook his head.

“Everything OK, kiddo?

Shaking his head again, Izuku reached up to tug at his collar. My throat feels too tight!

“Alright. Let’s take a break, OK? Want some water?” Hiro stood as he put down the tablet.

Unable to speak, Izuku simply nodded. Why…can’t….Ibreathe?

A few minutes later, Izuku was gulping the water down as Osada spoke to him.

“While we’ll be looking into your situation. You should’ve been taken in by either your
designated guardian or by the foster care system.” Osada said, sitting back down. “But
Aizawa asked us to ask about statements you made the night he found you at the hospital.”
Offering a shrug, Izuku pulled into himself—arms settling down across his lower stomach.

“Don’t want to talk about it?”

Izuku kept his head down, shaking his head as he fought to keep his breathing steady.

“Anything else you want to tell us?”

Another shake. Not that I can think of.

“You’re Ok, right?”

Lie Izu! A small nod.

“Alright. We’ll come back to this later.”

Keeping his mouth shut, Izuku escaped back up to the small room he’d been granted access
to and stared out the window. Pulling out his phone, he sent a fast text to All Might.

Hi, I know you’re busy. If you get a chance, please call me. I need to know how to handle
this. :I

Staring at the device, Izuku felt tears creep up. Please answer. Please.

Pleading with the silence, Izuku curled up on his bed. What am I going to do if they contact
dad? And what did he do? I don’t remember….

Sensations—panic, fear, pain, agonizing breathlessness—all passed by his mind’s eye. What
did he do?

Standing and closing his door, Izuku sank down on his bed before reaching for a blanket to
throw over him to further muffle the sound. “It’d been after I’d come home from being….
And he’d been out to work. He came home late, I think. We’d eaten dinner at that point. I
remember mom sending me into the living room—told me to go play. And then there was a
loud crack—it scared me. I’d gotten up….” Trying to pull more of the memory to the front of
his mind, Izuku let his head fall back. “Why can’t I remember?”

Tears began to fall. “Whatever it was, it was bad. I know that. And… I don’t think that’ve
changed over the years. Auntie alwa…. Wait.”

Pulling out his phone, Izuku once again opened his messages app.

Kacchan. Is your mom free for me to call? :I

Kacchan: Why the hell do you want to talk to the hag?

Kacchan: Is it important?

I need to know why my dad left. I know you have no idea. So yea, it’s important. :I

His phone rang in the next two seconds.

“Hello?” Picking it up, Izuku waited to hear Mitsuki’s voice as he sat on his bed, facing the
window and staring sightlessly.

“The hell, nerd?” Bakugo was the one to speak. “Why do you need to know about him? He
fucking abandoned you. Screw him.”

“Kacchan. I just need to know, alright? Can I talk to your mom or not?”

“Not until I know why! I might be able to help.”

“Kacchan. You were four. Just like me. I need to know what happened. And that’s none of
your business as to why.”

“Nerd, I know I’m not the best friend you’ve ever had, but...”

“Bakugo.” Izuku heard the next words out of the blonde’s mouth die. “I need to talk to your
mom. Not you. If you’re not going to help, I’ll…”

“Sorry. I’ll go grab her now.” Some air flowed past the receiver as Bakugo stood up. “Are
you OK?”

“I’m…. it’s difficult to explain. If I see you after the break, I will.”

“I… OK, Izu. One second.” A muffled scrape sounded as Izuku listened to Bakugo speak.
“Hey, hag. Izuku wants to talk to you. You got a moment?”

“Izuku!” Mitsuki’s voice bounced across the line in a half-second as the wind whipped past
the receiver. “Hello! I haven’t heard from you in so long! How are you?”

“I’m OK, Auntie.” Izuku did his best to keep calm as he continued to speak. “Thank you for
your time, I know this is short notice.”

“Anything you need, sweetie. What’s up?”

“I…need to know why my dad left. And I know there’s more to it than mom told me.”
Playing with the edge of the sheet, Izuku scrubbed his fingers across the rougher texture to
ground himself as the feeling of breathlessness took over for a second.

The tension on the line ratcheted up as Mitsuki breathed for a moment, exhaling hard as she
spoke: “…are you sure you want to know, Izuku?”

“Want to? No. Need to? Yes.”

“Alright. But can I know why?”

“I… I wasn’t entirely honest about having a place to go after mom was put into the hospital,
Auntie.”

“What??”

“I was never placed in a foster home or in the system. I don’t know why.”
“Izuku! You could’ve come to us!”

“I… I didn’t think I could, not then.”

“Sweetie! Where are you? Are you safe? I’ll come and get you.” Izuku could hear her
scrambling as something metallic clicked together.

“I’m OK. UA found out about the whole thing and I’m currently in the ward system set up on
campus.”

“Give me a moment? I need to scream a bit.”

“Gotcha, Auntie.” Hearing the phone line go quiet, Izuku kept it tucked up close to his ear as
he looked out the window. A few minutes later, it clicked back on.

“Alright, kiddo, what do you need to know?” Mitsuki’s voice was noticeably rougher.

“What happened the night I was diagnosed quirkless? I get…feelings, but nothing concrete.”

“Are you sitting down?”

“Yes, auntie.”

“OK. So, as I understand it, you and your mom got home from the doctor’s appointment and
Inko made you a snack. Now, you were pretty much crushed by your diagnosis, so Inky tried
her hardest to get you back to your wonderful, cheerful self. Eventually, she just held you as
you sobbed.” Mitsuki’s voice broke a bit, sorrow filling the line. “It hurt both of you to have
you so badly crushed. After putting you down for a nap, Inky called me and told me what had
happened. And kiddo, I was so scared.”

“Why?”

“Well…Izuku, I never got along with your father. He was…scary, to me. I loved your mother,
but when it came to him, she had blinders. Their romance was a childhood sweethearts
situation, and I don’t know that your mom ever saw past the boy she’d loved when they were
small. When Inky was pregnant with you, he would often joke that kids were money sinks
and that ‘any kid I have had better pay well.’ I hated those jokes, as I was pregnant with Kats
at the time. I loved my baby boy more than anything else and I never understood how a father
could say such a thing. And what was worse? The quirkless jokes he made.”

“He…didn’t like quirkless people?”

“I don’t think he had an opinion of them, beyond the fact that he considered them worthless.
He always swore that if he had a kid that was quirkless that he’d…. well, what he said was
unmentionable. So, when Inko told me that you were quirkless… It was one of my worst
fears come true. Not because you being quirkless made you anything other than the
wonderful baby of my best friend, but because of what I worried he might do to you. And
some of my worst fears came true that night.”

“What happened?”
“Well, after I got Masaru home to watch after my brat, my gut sank. I knew something bad
was either going to happen or had happened. So I decided to go check on both of you. As I
walked to your house, I was on the front steps when I heard a loud crack. It sounded like a
thunderclap, but the skies were clear. I knew then and there that your dad was not taking the
news well. So I used the spare key your mom had given me to get inside. There… Izuku,
sweetie…” Mitsuki trailed off, “he’d struck your mom, knocked her back against the
cabinets. And then he’d gone for you. When I got there, he was…strangling you.”

Izuku felt his stomach shrink, hands fisting in the sheet that he’d pulled on.. “I…”

“You were so small. He was twenty times your size. After that, I tackled him off of you. As
you struggled to breath, your mom was there. She’d grabbed a cast iron pan, stood in front of
you and screamed. She told him to get out—that if he’d come back, she’d murder him. And I
told him that I’d help her. After that, Inky grabbed you and we ran back to my house. You’d
started to cry—rightfully so—and the adults stood guard that night. The next day, you didn’t
seem to remember anything about him, just that you were quirkless. Inky didn’t want to hurt
you, so we just… didn’t tell you. It was enough of a shock for you. And Inky always said that
you never asked about him, never seemed to care. She thought you’d…put it behind you.”

Izuku coughed as his throat felt as if it were being attacked by sandpaper. “And…do you
think he could change?”

“I want to believe in the power of redemption, kiddo. Lord knows that my demon could use
it.” Mitsuki paused as Bakugo yelled in the background.
“Hey, I’m not…”

“What have I told you about interrupting me, brat? And how long have you been listening?”

Katsuki’s voice was distant, but he could make out what the other teen was saying: “Long
enough. I’ll help you with the fucker.”

“Good boy, now go away.” Hearing a door shut across the line, Izuku waited.

“Alright, sorry, Izu. And… no. I don’t think that he’d change. I looked into him a few years
back—just because I was curious. And what I found worried me. He had contacts listed that
were skeevy. I would more fully believe that he’d gone to villainy than I would that he’d
changed. Sweetheart, why?”

“I…they asked me about my guardians. And why I wasn’t put into foster care.”

“Izuku. Listen to me. If they try to look up your dad, they won’t find a police report. You
mom and I agreed that if he ever came back, we’d deal with it.” Mitsuki’s voice was frantic.
“Tell them to call me. I will help you, sweetie.”

“I will! I doubt they’d let him get me. After all, you said his contacts are skeevy? UA will
catch that.” Izuku tried to reassure her, even as his own stomach dropped. “So need to
worry.”
“Midoriya Izuku, you will promise me that you’ll call me if you need me. Is that
understood?” Mitsuki’s voice was louder than her son’s explosions, despite her speaking in a
normal tone.

“Yes, Auntie.” Izuku let himself lean back into his headboard, closing his eyes. Gods, I’m
tired.

“Good. Now, are you really OK?”

“I promise. I can send you a picture of my room, if you’d like?”

“Please. And I’m going to insist that you come to visit when you can.” Mitsuki sighed. “Now,
I do need to go, but I will be available if you need me. I’ll have Kats send you my phone
number. I love you, kiddo. Even if we haven’t seen each other in a long time. I love you; I
love your mom and I will be there for you. Day or night, rain or shine, work or no work.
Understood?”

“Yes, Auntie. I love you, too.”

“Bye, sweetheart.”

Putting his phone down with nerveless fingers, Izuku slumped back. “He….” Hand going to
his throat, Izuku stared out the window at a brick wall as his mind spun, trying to process the
pain. He…. tried to kill me. Because I was quirkless.

Reaching for his phone, the teen started to text his teacher. I need to tell Aizaw…

But would he care? A voice that had been mostly muffled—never gone, but quieter—over
the semester he’d been at UA asked. It roared as an amalgamation of all the voices of
classmates who’d been cruel, every teacher who’d turned a blind eye to injuries, hunger, and
abuse. Each authority figure that had struck at him, instead. Each syllable shifted to a new
tormentor, creating a symphony of pain. You’re quirkless. Useless. Aizawa wouldn’t care—
after all, no other teacher did before, either.

He would! He protected us at the USJ. He cares!

He was protecting all of the class—you know, the one made up of actual heroic kids who
didn’t cheat to get their quirk.

I was a part of that group!

Except, were you? Would he care once he found out about you being quirkless? The man
may care, but he doesn’t have time to care about the entire world. Imagine what would
happen if he found out you’d basically cheated your way in by being given a quirk. He’d be
ashamed. And imagine what your ‘friends’ would say!

They’d care.

Like Kacchan did? Face it, you’re alone here. Even All Might would’ve abandoned you.
After all, you’re more problems than you’re worth right now. That’s why you didn’t tell
him about being homeless. That’s why you keep quiet.

No, it’s because it would put more people in danger if I talked about it! And because All
Might asked me to.

The same All Might who isn’t answering your calls? The same All Might who gave you a
quirk that made you a target to a supervillain? You really think he cares? He probably just
didn’t want to give the quirk to someone who he knew, just so he wouldn’t hurt them. You
are disposable. Your own father think so. Why should anyone else care?

So what do I do, then? Do I give up?

Maybe. It would hurt less, after all. And besides, you don’t have proof. Who would believe
you?

Unable to work past that mental roadblock, the teen laid down and closed his eyes. Just sleep.
 Chapter 3

A knock on the door shook the teen from the nap he’d fallen into, pulled the boy toward the
pit of awareness and the knowledge that he’d need to decide what to do about his father.

“Midoriya? You awake?” Hiro knocked again.

I need to worry about dad first. Staying still and curled up on the bed, Izuku could hear the
door open just a crack.

“Looks like he’s out, Eraser. I don’t know what happened, but something is up with his
father. UA needs to be SURE that his father is at least a decent person before even
considering him. The kid froze up, stopped talking and everything when that man was
mentioned. Hell, he practically stopped breathing.”

“Understood.” Aizawa’s voice was quiet, but no less firm for it. “I’ll let Nezu to be careful. I
don’t want my student hurt.”

Staying still until the door was shut again, the teen eased the blanket off of himself as he
reached for both a notebook and a pencil.

Clicking so that the led was long enough to suit him, Izuku let his mind work with itself as he
drew mindless circle after mindless circle.

I can’t know that he actually wants me—and if what Auntie said, he doesn’t. If he does try to
kill me and I’m still the holder of One-For-All, that would effectively leave the world
vulnerable when All For One attacks again. I… can’t do that. If nothing else, I can let One-
For-All go back to All Might. And if it turns out my dad is Ok—doesn’t try to kill me, will
actually listen to me—it’d just be a safety measure. I’ll take the power back when he lets me
come back to UA. Not a big deal. Just a precaution. And if he does try to kill me…well, I’ll be
OK knowing that my classmates will be heroes and that Kacchan will likely only be number
one for as long as it takes for Todoroki to kick him out of his spot. It’s not like I was going to
last that long, anyway. After all, I’m quirkless.

A broken snicker flew from his lips as he looked to the tote that contained his old notebooks
and he felt another spark of warmth. And maybe I can help more heroes if I pass along my
analysis.

Wiping away the small stream of tears he hadn’t even realized were there, the teen set to
work. Drafting two letters—one to Bakugo and the other to All Might—the teen placed a few
crackling strands of hair into the letter for his teacher before picking up his journals.

At the rumble of his stomach, the teen glanced at the clock to see it was nearing dinner time.
Rubbing at his eyes, the teen poked his head out to see Hiro making his way back to his room
again.

“Hey, Izu. Feeling more awake?”

“Yeah, I am. Is it…?”
“Dinner time? Yep, head on down. There’s an extra-large serving for you, considering you
missed lunch.”

“Thank you!” Izuku called after the worker as the man continued to walk to room to knock
on doors.

Wolfing down his portion in record time, the green-haired teen went back to his room with a
new set of highlighters he’d asked for.

Sitting down at the desk, Izuku pulled out his latest analysis journal and set to work.

I’ll highlight weaknesses in yellow, equipment suggestions in pink, areas to work on in blue
and potential pairings in green.

By the time the teen’s eyes were drooping, he’d managed to get through the majority of his
latest analysis journal. Lying down, the teen let himself fall fully to sleep.

Waking up to another knock on his door, Izuku groaned as he looked to the clock on the wall.
Shouldn’t have taken that nap so late. I only got like three hours… Sitting up and sliding out
of bed with a stumble, Izuku opened the door. “Yes…?”

“Izuku. Nezu’s asked me to get you. Come on, let’s go.” Osada stood, dressed in a hoodie and
a pair of sweats.

“Uh… one second.” Grabbing his jacket, Izuku threw it on before he tugged on his shoes. “Is
something wrong?”

“I’m not sure, but he said it was important.” Osada offered a smile. “He’s downstairs now,
c’mon.”

Following the woman, Izuku let his mind spin as they walked down into the small conference
room.

There, Nezu sat with a cup of tea. “Good morning, Midoriya.”

“Principal Nezu, good morning.”

“Please sit, Midoriya. I have some news and I would like to hear what you have to say about
it.”

“Of course. What’s up, sir?” Taking the indicated chair, Izuku sank into it.

“Well, we’ve been in contact with your father—he’s the reason you were never taken into the
foster system. He signed for custody of you all those years ago.” Nezu’s dark eyes watched as
the teen processed the information with twisting hands knotting and unknotting with the
nerves.

“Oh?” Did not one person check to see if he had a kid after that?
“Yes, and he was informed about your situation when we found him. He claims to have had
no idea that you were living on your own—he’d assumed that your mother’s best friend had
taken you. He was horrified when he found you’d been homeless. So much so that he said he
was scheduling a flight out here as I spoke to him. He’ll be here by dinner time tonight.”

Izuku felt his stomach shrink, hand freezing for a moment before he willed them back to the
twisting pattern. “Doesn’t UA have to do some research on him before letting me go with
him? Or inform him of the target on my back because of the LOV and AFO?”

“We will, of course, do our best to make sure you’re taken care of, Midoriya. Why? Is there
something that’s worrying you?”

“I…” there’s no police report, I’ll just sound like a liar. Maybe if I call Auntie again and have
her talk to Nezu? “I don’t remember him, sir.”

The words must’ve rung true enough for the mammalian creature to soften. “And you’re
nervous about meeting him again, I can understand that. Don’t worry, UA will confirm
everything about him first.”

“…Alright. Thank you, sir. Is there anything else?”

“No, Midoriya. I just wanted to see what you thought of all of this.”

“I… don’t know how to feel. And I don’t think I will until I meet him.”

“Well, that’ll happen soon enough. If there’s anything you can think of, please let me know.”
Hopping down off the chair, the rat-dog-mouse hybrid scurried out of the room.

“Well, that’s great, kiddo.” Osada’s bright grin flashed. “Now…”

The words the woman said slipped past the teen like he was under water. Standing, Izuku
offered a rueful smile. “I’m… tired. I want to go back to sleep.”

The woman blinked, before nodding. “Of course. Go ahead.”

Putting one foot in front of the other, Izuku made his way back to the room, shut the door,
and sat on the bed before tears fell in gushes. Muffling the sobs with the blanket, Izuku held
tight until he fell back to sleep.

A knock on his door once again had the teen sitting up. Feeling the still damp tracks on his
cheeks, the teen did his best to knuckle them away the tears before opening the door. There,
Aizawa stood in a jacket and a pair of slacks. “Problem child? What’s wrong?"

"Nothing." Izuku spoke too quickly, saw Aizawa shake his head.

"No, you're not. You've been crying.”

“I’m a water bucket, that’s all, sir. I’m OK.” He can’t really deny that one.

Aizawa-sensei raised an eyebrow. “You sure? You can trust me, Midoriya.”
“I’m…scared.” Izuku felt a bit better at the admission. “I don’t remember him; not much
beyond sensations. And… they weren’t good ones.”

“Do you remember what it was that scares you about him?”

“I…” don’t have any proof. “No… I don’t.”

“I’ve been looking into the man, but it’s hard to find anything about him. I was wondering if
you had your mom’s old social media accounts so I could see if he had one that I can look
at.”

“No, sir. I don’t think mom had a social media account, or at least not one that was updated
past the time I was born.” Reaching up to tug at a curl, Izuku kept his eyes down as he felt
tears well up again. Why do I keep trying? It’s never going to be okay. No one will believe
me.

“Midoriya. Are you sure you’re OK?”

“No.”

“…can you talk about it, or do you need time?”

“Time. Please.”

“Alright. I’ll be in my office, OK? Just come and grab me when you’re able.”

Nodding, the teen closed the door as his teacher walked away. Sitting back down at the desk,
Izuku worked through his analysis journals, making it through six before deciding that most
of the older journals were outdated. Tucking them into the plastic tote after taking everything
else out, Izuku tucked it under the bed with the letters resting on top of the stack of books
inside the tote. It’s just a precaution.

Liar.
 Chapter 4

The teen couldn’t help but feel as if he was giving away something vital as he pulled the
blanket down so no one would see the tote when he left. Going to shower and change, the
teen stared out the window and purposefully thought of nothing as he waited until a knock
sounded on his door.

“Midoriya?” Aizawa sensei was the one to poke his head in. “He’s here. He’s meeting with
Nezu right now. We’re being asked to join them.”

Standing, the teen moved to the door. “Yes, sir.”

Keeping his head low, Izuku nervously clutched at one arm as his teacher led him through the
dark hallways. Aizawa said nothing, but shifted so he walked with the teen in sync. Upon
reaching the edge of the small razor of light that came from under Nezu’s door, Aizawa put a
hand on the teen’s shoulder. “It’s OK.”

I wish it was. Shaking his head, Izuku pushed the dread away. It was easier, as the man next
to him radiated a calm confidence. Maybe it will be; you don’t know yet. “OK.”

Aizawa’s frown was gentled by the fondness in his eyes as he knocked, and melted away as
he opened the door into his usual resting face. “I’ve brought him, Nezu.”

“Excellent!” Nezu’s squeak seemed off, but he wore his normal happy expression as he
clutched a mug of tea. “Please come in, Midoriya. Eraserhead, you’d asked to observe?”

Herding the stock-still teen in, Aizawa nodded to the principal before taking up a corner of
the room. “I did.”

Unsure of his footing, Izuku shuffled closer to the desk where a few chairs sat. A man he
knew had to be his father—stood by the rightmost chair. “Hello, Izuku. You’ve grown.”

Is that what you wanted? “Yes, sir.”

“Just call me Dad, OK?”

“I don’t know you—I haven’t since I was four. After that doctors visit.” Izuku kept his gaze
on the man, watching as his sperm donor realized Izuku had gotten the full story.

The man’s dark gold eyes narrowed for a split-second, angry; furious. Then they snapped
back to a more friendly expression, quickly enough that Izuku was wondering if he was
seeing things. He was enraged—how did he snap back so quickly?.

The man spoke again, jovial expression not leaving “I guess that’s fair—what about Hisashi?
It’s better than Midoriya, considering.”

“Mm...” Taking the seat next to the man, Izuku eyed him. I must’ve imagined that. He doesn’t
look mad now.
“Well,” Nezu began to speak, and Izuku watched as golden eyed man answered.

After a few moments of pleasantries, Nezu went into interrogation mode. “It seems that there
may be issues with Izuku going with you—Why was he on the street?” Nezu’s eyes locked
onto the mans, but Izuku could feel Aizawa’s on him.

“I was unaware of Izuku’s abandonment. I had always assumed that Bakugo Mitsuki and
Masaru had taken my child in because of how close our kids were when they were younger.”
The tone was sad, but Izuku felt something shift in his stomach. Why did he sign for custody,
then?

“Then why did you sign for custody?”

“I was told it was temporary. I assumed he was taken in by the Bakugos. They were more
suited than I was, because of an understanding of my son’s life that I missed while I was
abroad.”

“That leads me to another question: why did you leave all those years ago?”

“My son was misdiagnosed as quirkless.” Hisashi’s golden eyes landed on the teen, had him
shivering. “I was worried about his ability to survive in the social climate in Japan, so I went
to look for work elsewhere. However, his mother didn’t want to leave Japan and that one best
friend of his…what was it you called him, Izuku? Katkun or something?”

“Kacchan.” Izuku corrected, nerves pinging as his father mentioned the explosive blonde.

“Yeah, that…kid. Took after his mom. Is he as scary as her?”

“If you get on his bad side, yes.” Izuku shifted toward Aizawa then looked to the window
when he felt his teacher’s gaze pick over him, picking up on all the things Izuku wanted to
keep hidden. “Why?”

“Well, I wanted to know if I needed to watch for both parent and child, considering. If all
goes well, you’ll be coming back with me to America.”

Izuku whipped his head to meet his father’s gaze head on. “Wait, why? I’d prefer to remain at
UA.”

“Izuku, I can’t afford to send you here. Besides, you were living here on your own and your
teachers never noticed. I’m concerned about you.” Hisashi turned back to Nezu. “Not that I
doubt that he was an excellent actor, but…”

“It is concerning that he was on his own.” Nezu’s eyes were wrathful, even as he kept the
hands around his customary mug of tea calm. “We are looking into why he was never
reported by his middle school. And Izuku would be extended a full-ride scholarship. After
all, we believe in our future heroes”

“Excellent. But I’d still rather he stayed close to me.” Hisashi stood, hands going to the back
of the chair as he quickly bounced his gaze between the other two adults in the room before
settling on Nezu. “How about this? We let Izuku come back with me tonight and stay with
me this weekend—and if all goes well, he comes back with me to America. I’m sure I’ll be
monitored then, but that’s not a big deal. And if he prefers to stay here, I’ll sign over custody
and allow him to be placed into a home that UA approves of. Sound good?”

Wait, he’d let me stay? Looking to his teachers, Izuku saw both Nezu and Aizawa signing to
each other. Unable to tell what they were saying, Izuku shifted nervously as he considered the
offer. A weekend isn’t long, and UA would know where I was the entire time! This would be
my best chance to get him to do something and then get out when he does. “I mean… that
sounds OK?”

Nezu’s gaze struck the teen, as if the man were looking into his heart before directing said
gaze to Aizawa and signing for a moment more before turning back to the two. “We’re
willing to consider it, if Izuku carries a tracking device. With the League being a potential
threat, we’d like to know if something goes wrong.”

“Of course.” Hisashi stood. He’s about five eight… there is hope I won’t be short forever!

The man rounded on the teen, gold eyes meeting viridian “Izuku, you want to come talk to
me for a few days?”

“You promise that if I choose to stay that you’ll accept it?” Izuku eyed the man, standing. I’ll
be OK. It’s only two days. And they’ll be watching. It’s OK.

“Of course.” The man’s smile seemed genuine to Izuku.

The arrangements went quickly, with Izuku grabbing enough of his clothes and toiletries to
last for the weekend after being outfitted with a tracking bracelet.

“It’ll show general locations, so if you drop out of our prefecture and into another one, we’ll
known. However, it does not show a specific location without a reason. So be careful, OK
Problem Child?” Aizawa had instructed as he fastened the bracelet and then reached out to
put a hand on Izuku’s head to ruffle the teen’s curls. “Please be careful.”

After a nod, Izuku watched the man walk out of the room. Please don’t let this be a mistake.

Within in twenty minutes, Izuku found himself in the passengers seat of a rented SUV as the
man he’d met for an hour before agreeing to go with him.

“Um…” Izuku glanced out the window, looking back to the gates of UA with dread flowing
through his veins. “So…? What are we doing this weekend?”

“Honestly, just figured we’d talk. There’s a lot you know, isn’t there?” the man’s tone had
some of the hairs on the nape of the teen’s neck standing on edge.

“I mean….? I’m confused. What do you mean?”

“Just some friendly conversation. That’s all. I don’t think I’d convince you otherwise.” The
man’s jovial tone was trying to cover something dark, but the teen couldn’t call him on it.
Maybe I’m imagining things. I’ve always been overreactive…
“Hey, is there a hardware store somewhere nearby? I need to pick something up.”

Huh?? “Uhm…. sure, there’s one not too far from campus. I heard the third years talking
about it.” Izuku answered, looking ahead. “It’s down two blocks and over on the left.”

“Alright, kiddo. How about you grab us a couple of drinks while we’re there? It’s pretty
cold.” Digging out his wallet, the man held out two bills. “I’d prefer a warm milk tea.”

Taking the money, the teen nodded. After a half-an-hour, Izuku and his father were back in
the car as Izuku stared out the window. His drink was in the cup-holder, unopened. The two
had reconvened at the car after picking up their respective items.

“So. You want to discuss the elephant in the room?” The man asked, opening the teen’s drink
and passing it to him with an odd tilt of the wrist.

Elephant? “I… don’t understand.” Taking a gulp of the lemonade he’d gotten; he wrinkled
his nose. What??

“Don’t play coy. I know you have some version of what happened from that old blonde
bitch.”

Izuku froze, wincing at the strange taste in his mouth. This tastes off… “I… yes.” Putting the
drink back, Izuku felt his mind freeze and then rapidly thaw as the words context hit him.

“Then you know what happened all those years ago.”

“Yes.”

“Then why did you agree to come with me? You know you’re in danger.”

“Am I? Are you really going to make a move with UA watching you like a hawk?”

“At this exact moment? No. You’ve got a point. Good on you. Looks like you might have
inherited something from me after all. Lord knows that the obvious devotion you show
people is from your bitch of a mother.”

Izuku’s temper flared, even as he felt woozy. “Don’t. Call. Her. That. Ever. Again.”

“Oh, what? What’re you going to do about it? I should’ve known better than to get married to
her—I did it to get my birthing bitch off my back.”
“You didn’t like your mom?”

“Fuck no. Always insisted that I had to be nice to the people who were begging to be
bullied.”

“Oh, thank god.”

“What?”
“Not everyone on your side of the family was trash.” Izuku’s anger and snark slipped out in a
sentence, and he felt his stomach tighten.
“…huh, some spunk in you, too. Maybe you really are my child and not the bastard spawn
she burdened me with.” Hisashi laughed. “Now, you’re going to probably get tired. Don’t
worry, nothing will happen. Yet. So don’t fight it, alright?”
Panic flooded his system, made his fingers slow as he tapped out a message on his phone to
Bakugo.

Callsenseitellboutmydad. :I

The phone fell from nerveless fingers to rest under the seat as his eyes drifted shut and he
heard more than felt his head ‘thunk’ against the glass.
 Chapter 5
Chapter Notes

Hey, so I got a new job and I'm not sure how my upload schedule will shake out. Just an
FYI, this work is fully written--besides my indecisive butt going through and reading it
and adding random bits--so it shouldn't be too much of a difference. It might be that it
shifts to Thursday or Saturday. We'll see.

Also, some of the darker tags come into play this chapter. Might be worth a refresher
here so....
GRAPHIC injuries/burns
Torture
Psychological torture
Suicidal ideation/thoughts
Bad parent Midoriya Hisashi
This chapter gets dark. Heads up.

On a side note, let me know what you think. Kudo and comments are appreciated.

Waking up on a faded purple, red, green and tan comforter that had seen better days, Izuku
tried to move even as his muscles stayed dead. Unable to turn his head to look, Izuku could
feel the absence of the cold metal tracker on his wrist. How did he get it off?

“Ah, you’re awake. Excellent.” Hisashi’s voice came from the direction Izuku couldn’t see.
“Now, I’ll explain—I never intended to let you get out scot free, Izuku~” The man’s voice
singsonged as he moved around the paralyzed teen. “It cost me a lot of money to have UA
come sniffing around me. Now, I just need to determine some things. The question of the
day: Do you actually have a quirk? I doubt it. Otherwise, you would’ve activated it when you
realized you’d been drugged.”

Unable to respond, Izuku’s mind whirred as he panicked. I can’t move! I can’t get out. I can’t
run. Help! The barest of whimpers passed the teen’s throat.

“Oh, don’t worry. If you don’t have one, I still have a local buyer for you. After all, you’re
Midoriya Izuku. You can be used to bring UA to its knees. And they’re paying triple what I
usually charge for a quirkless nobody. Gotta say, kiddo, I appreciate you coming back into
my life—you’re going to make me a very rich man. Even if there was quite a bit of an
upfront cost.” The hand that moved hairbreadth in front of Izuku’s face would’ve normally
caused him to wince. “Man, kid. You’re a lot more vulnerable to those designer drugs than I
thought. I wonder what’s going to win—the drugs or your screams. Now, I need to be
positive that you’re quirkless—if you have a quirk, you’re more valuable. And I want to get
top price for you. After all, it’s not every day that I sell off my own kid.”
“Ngh!” Izuku’s own voice came as a shock to him.

“Huh. Words coming back, ey? Not a big deal.” The sound of a rip echoed in the room. “It’s
not like I picked an actual nice hotel to stay in. This part of town? People know to ignore
cries for help. And if you’re waiting for that tracker bracelet to save you—ha, it was child’s
play to get it off of you. So I wouldn’t.”

Izuku could hear something, but he wasn’t sure what. It sounded like a plastic bag catching
on something, but the sound vanished after a second. A moment later, his father sat down in
front of him, and moved a piece of rebar in front of Izuku’s eyes. Then, the man carefully put
the metal rod into his mouth. Izuku could hear the sound of the man’s quirk click on, fire and
heat making the man’s mouth glow. A few moments later, he pulled out the rebar, which was
cherry red at the tip while the rest of the bar was some variation along the spectrum of red
and gray.

Moving the rebar toward the teen’s face, the man watched as nothing happened. “Well, damn.
Guess you are a quirkless loser after all. Damn it. Ah, well.” The man stood, stretched with
the bar in his hand. "Well, that leaves Plan B, then doesn't it?" Hisashi smiles. "I know a few
buyers who said they'd like you, injured enough that you won't be able to punch like your
teacher. But injuring your arms…well given the damage to them, it wouldn’t be as….
Hmm… traumatic? Instead, I’m going to make it difficult to heal from. And they never did
say how they wanted you. So let's do that’s shall we?"

The man moved out of sight of the teen, and before he could wonder what the man was
doing, Izuku felt it. Looking up to a mirror he hadn’t noticed before, Izuku saw the villain
balancing on his knees as he put the red-hot tip of the rebar down on his skin.

The rebar, pressed between the two bumps of his shoulder blades, burned. Unable to scream,
Izuku merely whimpered as his vision began to blur. Dragging the rebar along the teen’s back
in whatever order he pleased, the dark chuckle that the man let out was vicious. Carefully
pressing the cooling rebar down, the man moved it so that it didn’t miss any untouched skin
in the radius he’d set.

The pain was too much, as the teen slipped out of consciousness.

The jostling of his back and shoulders is what pulled the teen back into reality as he was
being carelessly slung over a shoulder, mindless of the pain.

“Ahh!” Crying out, Izuku tried to steady himself as he swung but found he was unable to
move his arms or anything attached to his shoulders.

“Oh, so you’re awake. Well, can’t be helped.” Hisashi’s voice came again. “And you’re
heavy as hell. Would’ve though a skinner fucker like you wouldn’t be too bad.”

Unable to process or do anything, Izuku slipped into the numbing mind space of ‘too much
pain’ that stopped thoughts before they could form, eyes roving constantly without seeing the
filth-encrusted metal steps covered by an equally filthy carpet as he tried to ground himself,
as he was carried down to a different car and laid across the backseat—thankfully on his
stomach. While he registered the movement of the car—focusing on the feeling of
momentum—the teen curled his toes as he was jostled by going over potholes. The sound of
the car stopping was a dual blessing and curse—it meant less movement, but it was also a
sign that he’d reached the end of the road.

Just close your eyes. It’ll be over soon It’s Ok. Just let go.

Unbidden, his mind drifted to his friends, to the warmth of the past few months to calm his
breathing. They’ll be OK. And so will I. It’ll stop hurting soon. Mind calming at the thought,
the teen let the tears he’d been holding in trickle out and onto the leather seats to form a small
puddle beneath him as the pain overrode the sudden sound of fighting outside the car.
 Chapter 6

“The bastard hurt my Izuku!” Toga’s voice roused some distant buried part of his mind, but
he didn’t respond as her cries were seemingly cut off by the sound of the car door opening
and the feeling of cold night air washing over exposed skin.

“I found him! Kid’s heavily injured, Eraserhead. I’m evacing him immediately. I need medics
to my location, now! They’ll take him to the general hospital.” A woman’s voice—one that
distantly sounded like a hero that Izuku knew by reputation—spoke. Mirkuo?

His teacher’s voice crackled through what Izuku assumed was a radio. “Get him out of here,
I’ll deal with him later. Problem child is living up to his name.”

The feeling of hands—soft ones—tugging him off of the backseat as gently as possible and
onto a gurney had the teen closing his eyes again. It’s OK, it’s OK, it’s ok.

The movements of the world around him passed by his senses, and the teen forced himself to
focus on the feeling of movement that was coming back to him. Curling and uncurling his
toes, Izuku felt another small puddle well up under his cheek.

“Wait, this kid can curl his pinkie toe.” One paramedic remarked, horror filling the teen at the
words.

“He’s quirkless? Then why is UA busting their ass to help him?” Another voice answered.

“Fuck if I know. We’ll put him in the quirkless ward once we get there—they know how to
help him better than we do. Let’s just focus on getting him stable.” The hands weren’t as soft
after those words passed by the teen

The arrival at the hospital was loud—almost too loud for the teen. No more! Please! The
frantic pace and energy felt as if bees were hovering over his shoulders and back, causing
them to ache as the squeak of a wheel on the gurney whined at its job. The brief feeling of
gravity pulling him down as he was hefted onto a bed. The footsteps walking away left little
sound behind them, the buzzing of the lights and the energy dropping as it became silent.

Opening his eyes fully, the teen was greeted by a dingy small room lit by flickering lights.

“He…hello?” Unsure, Izuku felt the chill of the air around him settle. The urge to shiver was
strong, but every time he did, his body shut down at the pain. “Ahhh!”

Someone appeared over him, shadow falling over him and the bed he laid on. “Hey, it’s OK.
It’s OK. Here.”

A needle slipped through a pinched piece of skin, the relief immediate. “Shhhh…it’s OK.
We’re here.”

Tears blurring his vision, Izuku coughed. “I hurt.”

Kneeling down, the woman with flyaway red curls tried to reassure the teen through touch,
hands gentle on his arm. “I know, kiddo. I know. My name’s Fuwa, Kawashima Fuwa. I’m a
nurse here at the quirkless ward.” At the teen’s fast inhale, the woman spoke faster. “Hey, it’s
OK. I’m quirkless, too. It’s alright. I won’t leave you alone.”

Tears flowed over, made the flat pillow damp and uncomfortable. But the teen couldn’t stop.
“...thank you.”

“No need to thank me, kiddo. Now, I have a question for you: There’s a hospital that
specializes in quirkless people. My associate is filling out transfer paperwork if you want to
go there. If you don’t, we’ll treat you here.”

No one will care. They left you here—and now they know you’re quirkless. Better to go
before you see how disappointed they are in you. After all, you let yourself go with
someone you knew was dangerous. You’ll never be a hero now.

“…let’s go.” Izuku did his best to squirm, desperate to vanish.

“Easy, kiddo. We’ll get everything ready. For now, I’ll stay with you. We’ll get you out as
soon as possible. But can you tell me what happened?”

“Father.”

“I’m sorry, kiddo.” In those words, a thousand silent messages of understanding spoke.

“Why do they hate us?”

“I…wish I knew.” A warm hand gently ruffled his hair. “If I could change it, kiddo, I would.”

A knock sounded, and another person with purple and blue tie-dyed scrubs and a richly
timbered voice joined. “Hello. I’m Arita Aki. I’m a nurse here at the quirkless ward. We’re
ready to transfer you, if you want.”
“Please. But… you’ll need to be ready if my school comes to look for me.” Unlikely, but….

“That’s not a worry—we’re taking you to a hospital that can better treat you. It’s in your best
interest. Now, we’re going to move you to a gurney, OK? We’ll do our best to make it as
painless as possible, and then we’ll get you a new IV set up with painkillers, antibiotics and
fluids.” The man circled, moved to his other side. “Tell me if it hurts too much, OK? We’ll
stop.”

“I can handle it.” Izuku whimpered, mind still swimming. “I just want to stop hurting.”

“Let’s get you out of here, then.” The man walked out, before coming back with another
gurney. Wordlessly, the nurse slid a hand under him, and Izuku could feel the Kawashima
doing the same thing as the maneuvered him onto the hardened surface of the transport back-
board. Feeling himself being wheeled to an elevator, Izuku whimpered a bit until Kawashima
gently took his hand. “It’s OK.”

The slap of night air had the teen whimpering as the three exited to the roof. There, a
helicopter was waiting, spinning the air so that it kept hitting the teen. “’m cold.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Both adults rushed the teen to helicopter, loaded him. “Wada,
Wakabayashi, Ashikaga. Take care of him for us, OK?”

“Will do! Hi, kid. Name’s Ashikaga Schichiro.” A man with hair like spun straw helped to
put the teen down on the bed attached to the helicopter, before putting a plastic barrier over
his shoulders and pulling a blanket over top of that. “We’re your taxi to the hospital today.
Sorry that you needed it. My friend on your left is Wada Tadashi, and our pilot is
Wakabayashi Ken’Ichi. We’ll keep you safe, OK? We’re all members of the extra toe joint
club.” Fitting a mask around Izuku’s mouth and nose, the man offered a smile. “Now, we’re
going to put you under—make this a little more bearable.”

“Will I wake up?” Izuku asked, voice small even as he had to speak up to be heard over the
rotating blades. Do I want to? I think so?

Three voices chimed in unison: “Yes.”

“Okay. Please.” Feeling the men work around him, Izuku did his best to obey the ‘don’t move
your arm’ as an IV port was placed into his arm and the painkillers took effect.
“Night, kid!” The door to the helicopter was shut, and Izuku felt the g-force suck him down
onto the mattress/backboard hybrid as his eyes closed under the gentle and kind persuasion of
painkillers.

A jolt shook the teen, brought him half-way to wakefulness. “ngh?”

“Easy.” Ashikaga said, hand resting in front of the teen’s face. “We’re here. You’re going to
be taken in for surgery and then into our burn ward. It’s OK.”

“Mmky.” Closing his eyes again, Izuku went back to the painless darkness.

Moments and feelings passed by—the sound of a wheel on clean tile as his body moved
without moving; a fair few voice melding with one or two words such as ‘anesthetic’ or
‘necrotic’ passing by his ears; the whoosh of some sort of air pump or filter clicking on. Then
the painless dark again.
 Chapter 7
Chapter Notes

Hello again! Hope your weekend is going well. Sorry this is a little on the late side, but
let me know what you're thinking! (Also, might double-upload, so keep an eye out for
that if I get the next chapter read over and to a state I like.)

Sensation came back in the same way, slowly enough so as not to overwhelm the teen. Sound
and scent came first—the gentle tap of soft-soled shoes on tile; the hum of high-wattage
halogen lights; the swish of a curtain; the smell of antiseptics and sterilization aides. Touch
came after, the pain along his back throbbing enough to pull the teen to more awareness.
Blinking his eyes open, the green-haired boy was met with mirrors reflecting the room
around him. It was a mostly standard hospital room—a couch sat off to his left, and a window
above that. Behind him was a TV. The smile of a woman sitting next to the modified hospital
bed—one with a hole cut out for his head to allow his spine to remain straight as he was face
down in, a strap across his forehead supporting his head—reassured the teen. She’s…familiar
in a sort-of kind way? The woman sat in a doctor’s coat thrown over black slacks and a dark
brown cardigan; caramel-with-too-much-brown-sugar colored hair placed into a singular
braid going over her left shoulder as she looked over paperwork.

“Mmm?” Izuku mumbled, tongue stuck to the bottom of his mouth from disuse.

The sound had the woman looking to the teen, her dark silver eyes meeting the emerald ones
with a gentle quarter-smile. "Good morning, Midoriya. My name is Doctor Lee Megumi, and
I'm a psychiatrist. How are you feeling?"

It took a second for Izuku to remember how to speak. Words…mouth… talk. "Tired. Sore. I
hurt."

"I would assume so. You were burned badly. Can you tell me what happened?"

Blinking slowly, Izuku processed the request before starting to talk, eyes still-half mast as he
explained. “Father didn’t want me…was gonna sell me to someone.” Coughing, the teen
whimpered at the dryness of his throat. “Water?”

“You can have a few ice chips for now, alright?” Carefully holding out a spoonful for the
teen, the woman smiled waited until the teen got them down before asking: “Better?”

“Better.” Revitalized by the ice, Izuku quickly ran down the cliff notes version of his story
before he tried to move his head to look around. “I... where am I? How long have I been
asleep?"
"A haven, of sorts.” The woman answered, placing the cup with ice chips aside on the small
table that was in front of the mirrors. “We quirkless people are treated so poorly that many of
us chose to leave the city. As such, we've created our own little bubble. You're in one of our
havens, the one to the south of your city. And a day and a half, give or take an hour on the
train." The smile was gentle. "Now, can you help me understand something? I know we don't
seem like we'd follow heroes, but some do. And most have recognized you as the kid who
placed fourth at UA’s sports festival. How is that possible?"

The feeling of being unable to say anything came back but was no match for the exhaustion,
fear, sadness and general pain the teen was in. The feelings, along with the drugs, broke the
teen until he was breathing hard, tears falling against the frontmost mirror in a steady stream.
"I would tell you if it wouldn't put you in danger. If I could, I would! It's not my secret."

Dr. Lee reached forward, took the teen by the hand and held tight as she soothed. "Shh, shh.
It's OK. You do not have to tell me right now. It’s alright. I can respect that boundary."

"But... when I didn't speak up, this happened." Gingerly lifting his hand, he pointed to his
upper back.

"Then, kiddo, I want you to tell me. What was done to you was unacceptable."

"But... It could kill you. It's not worth it for you. I'm just a useless kid. Quirkless, friendless.
My own father tortured me and then sold me to be killed." You deserve better, you’re so nice,
you shouldn’t care, just let me go, I’m not worth it….

"Easy, sweetie.” Moving to kneel next to the mirror in front of the boy, the woman reached to
take his other hand, hold it in front of him as she traced a pattern of small circles into the skin
on top. “Take a deep breath for me, then let it out, OK? Do that as many times as necessary.”
A few minutes passed as the teen calmed down. “Now, do you mind if I address those
statements?"

Sniffling a bit, Izuku did his best to see past the tears, meeting her gaze as she spoke. What’s
she…?

"You are worth it to help, kiddo. And it's my job. I want to help you. Now, if the information
is dangerous, I do appreciate the heads up. But you are my priority. You are my patient as of
right now. And I need to tell you, you are not useless. I know the outside world is cruel. It's
an unfortunate fact of life. But you have value. And you deserve help. Do you understand?"

Izuku shook his head. "Why would I be worth something? Everyone I cared about has either
pushed me out of their lives or left me."

"I’m sorry you feel that way. But know this—I care. You are not lesser because you were
born without a quirk. You are valuable, you are wonderful and you deserve help."

Clutching the hand as if it were a lifeline, Izuku shook as there were no tears left. The doctor
stayed where she was, holding on gently as the teen mourned, shifting to sit crisscross on the
ground in front of him. A half-an-hour later, he let out a long breath as his resolve broke and
crumbled. "If you're sure you're OK with it..."
"I am, Midoriya. It's OK. I'll listen. But I’m going to move my chair first, alright?”

“Mmhm.” Letting her hands go, Izuku blushed. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” The doctor’s smile was a gentle lilt. “It sounded like you needed someone who
understood.” Moving to her chair, the doctor pulled out a small recorder and a sheet of paper.
“Do you mind if I record this?”

Shaking his head, Izuku watched as she turned on the device and turned back to him. “For the
record, could you state your name and date of birth, please? And then tell me what
happened?”

It’s Ok to let go. You’re safe. You woke up, after all. Letting himself believe, Izuku let
everything spill out: his mom; his quirk or lack thereof and the abuse because of it; and his
father’s actions.

The woman simply listened, holding tight to Izuku's hand as he got it off his chest,
occasionally asking a question or two for clarification. At the end, she held tight to the hand
that’d found its way back into hers. "Midoriya, I am so proud of you. You have done well to
survive. I am proud of you for staying strong."

Strong? She thinks I was strong? Holding tight in both joy and desperation, Izuku trembled a
bit. "What happens to me now?"

"That depends on you, kiddo. For right now, you're admitted here at our hospital. We will
take care of you, get you on your feet."

"I can't afford this." WhatamIgoingtodo?there’snowayIcanpay,I don’thavethe

cashandI’vealreadybeen insurgery and I don’tknowwhatto do.

"Midoriya, you do not have to.” The hand holding his tightened to get the teen’s attention
before letting loose again. “We are a non-profit who specialize in quirkless people. You do
not have to pay."

Unsure of what to say, Izuku simply pulled in a deep breath and then let it out in bursts as he
nodded. Ok.

"And we also have a robust foster care system here. If you want, we will help you find a
family or group home here. All of our group homes are monitored by the hospital. Or we can
help you find a foster family closer to where you came from. For now, though, I'll let your
burn doctor talk to you. If you need me, I'm on shift for another two hours. If you have other
questions, please reach out to me or one of the nurses here. I promise you won't be ignored or
treated as an inconvenience. How about we plan on talking again sometime next week, and
we can work through some of what happened tonight?"

"Please." Izuku nodded.

"We'll say next Thursday around ten am, alright?"

I guess? "Yes, ma'am."

"Alright. I'll see you then." The woman stood, smiled down at him. “I am very proud of you,
Izuku.” A hand reached down and patted down gently on the teen’s right upper arm. “You are
strong, you are worth it. When you feel unworthy, repeat that to yourself, OK? You are
strong, you are intelligent, you are kind. You are worth everything.”

With that, the woman stepped halfway out of the door. “Dr. Nakajima. He’s all yours.”

“Excellent.” The deep tenor echoed into the room as a man with dual-colored hair poked his
head in. The man’s grin was genuine, gentle. “Good morning, Midoriya. I’m Dr. Nakajima
Hisoka.”

“Hello, sir. How are you?”

“Wow, you’re already more polite than my usual patients. I’m doing wonderfully, and how
are you feeling?”

“I…feel some pain, but it’s muffled? It’s still a three on the pain scale, but it’s…manageable?
It’s mostly to the outsides of where I know I was wounded. I can’t feel anything between my
shoulders. There’s a disconnect there, and I can’t move my shoulders. My arms are kind of
restricted right now, too. That’s about the worst thing, right now. I hate it.”
“Can’t blame you.” The man moved forward, gently reaching up to the edge of the blanket
laid over the teen. “We have a protector laid over you—it’s designed to help you get some
open-air exposure on the wound without risking infection—but we’ll likely need to move it
for treatment. And it’s not the warmest thing ever. If you’re cold, we can get you a heated
blanket.”

“No. No thank you.” Izuku shook his head. “I.. I.. Idon’twant anything h-h-heated n-near me.
What’s my condition?”

“Well, kiddo, it’s not great. You were on the table for a couple of hours in order to clear out
the necrotic and rotting tissue. The EMTs also did an awful job—you should’ve been on
fluids and antibiotics the first second they could get it into you. However, you’re doing better
now. We have you on several things—pain medication, and strong antibiotics that’ll likely
mess up your appetite. You have fourth-degree burns between your shoulder blades, and
that’s going to affect your mobility quite a bit.”

“F-fourth degree?” That sounds really, really bad.

“Oh, right. Guess the common lexicon stops at third, huh?” Izuku didn’t get a chance to
answer as the man continued to speak. “Fourth degree burns go down to the muscle and
bones, and they can permanently damage a person. For example: the ones you have, have
compromised some of your upper shoulder muscles as well as your back muscles. From the
way it looks, you’ve also got some third-degree burns surrounding the fourth-degree ones.
You also have some second ones surrounding the thirds. Luckily, they didn’t appear to get as
close to your neck as we originally thought. And the fourth-degree ones weren’t as big as we
first thought, either. It didn’t look as if too much bone was showing, and none of your spine
was. So we’re confident that you should retain the ability to move your legs and feet.”

“I was able to wiggle my toes in the ambulance. That’s how they knew I was quirkless.”
“Well, I’m glad you were able to move them. That’s an excellent sign.” Dr. Nakajima put his
fingers on the edge of the blanket. “Do you mind if I check the wound?”

“Of course not.” Izuku could hear the fabric catch on the plastic in places as it was pulled
down to his hips.

“OK, so we are probably going to need to schedule some skin grafts. And you’re likely going
to need care for a good couple of months. Physical therapy will be a huge part of your
recovery—despite the fact that you are in excellent health physically beside your wounds.
However, that will help you heal more quickly.”

“Alright. That… wasn’t as bad as I was expecting.” Izuku glanced around the room. “But am
I going to be allowed to sit up? I’d like to be able to do something.”
“Well, I’ll see what can be done. But with where your burns are, and the muscles
compromised—the trapezius and the edges of your Erector Spinae to a much lesser degree—
it’s going to be difficult to hold yourself up. And that may be a forever thing, not just a ‘until
I heal’ thing.”

Worthless deku can’t even stand upright! Good think you’ve given up your quirk. It’s not
like you could be a hero now.

But maybe I could be normal again… Moving his arms in small bursts, Izuku wiped away the
tears. “I’d like to try, sir.”

“You’re eager. Good for you. I’ll see what can be done. I’ll see what they say to starting a
physical therapy routine as soon as possible, but don’t put too much stress into it, OK?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. You’ll also be on a diet meant to help rebuild, so lots of good protein, veggies and all
that other good stuff. Make sure to eat it all, alright? Even if the anti-biotics make you not
super hungry. We want you back on your feet as soon as possible.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.” Pulling the blanket back up over the plastic protector, the doctor smiled. “It was nice
to meet you, kiddo. If you need anything, there’s a button and intercom in that small device
right next to your hand. Can you feel it?”

Izuku moved his fingers, inch by half-inch until he felt the plastic. “Yes.”

“Alright! Good job. The nurses will also be around to check on you.”

“OK, thank you.”

“Have a good day, Midoriya.” The doctor waved as he exited.

Alone in the room, Izuku let out a sigh. Alone again.

Knowing he didn’t want to deal with thousand banshees in his head again, Izuku opted to
sleep.
 Chapter 8
Chapter Notes

Guess I didn't quite get the next chapter up--sorry! Anyway, hopefully this longer one
should make up for it. :-)

Let me know what you're thinking. Have a great day.

The next two days drifted by in a haze of treatment, sleep with fleeting mental torment
between everything.

Did they find the letter? I hope they did.

….

I hope that Kacchan burns the extraneous journals. Lord knows he liked blowing up the
one he did and it made it unreadable.

I wonder who All Might will choose as his next successor? I would go with either Momo or
maybe Shinso, so he can be transferred into the class. Lord knows he deserves it more than
Mineta. Or me, I guess. He actually has a quirk.

I wonder what my life is going to be like, here. It’s not like I could go back, anyway. I’m
useless to that world, now.

….

…..

I don’t want to have to fight anymore.

His next session with Dr. Lee ended up coming early due to scheduling issues, and had Izuku
feeling better even if somethings still felt off. “I just… I miss my friends, even if I don’t think
they’ll ever really want to talk to me again. I just wish I knew someone my age who had to
deal with a lot of the stuff I did. It feels like even though I know there are others out there, we
just never meet.”

“Well, I know someone who is about your age. She’s actually a teen out-reach member here,
helps new members of our community acclimate. If you want, I could have her swing by and
say hello? She’s fairly outgoing, I just don’t want to stress you out.”

"Really?” There’s someone my age here who’s also quirkless? “I always felt like I was the
only one. I’ve never met anyone my age who is."

With a smile, the Doctor nodded. "She is. Actually, there are a lot of kids your age here who
are. If you want, she can come by next time and I can introduce you two next session.”

“That would be amazing, thank you. I…. I miss my friends, even if they didn’t know about
me. And I don’t think I can really go back. Not after everything that’s happened.” Would they
even care? I mean… I’m quirkless.

“I don’t think you’re as disposable as you make yourself out to be.” Dr. Lee closed her
manilla folder with as much of a ‘snap’ as possible. “Now, sleep well, OK? You’ll be taken
for some other treatments a little later.”

As always, she returned the next Wednesday. And she was accompanied by another teenager:
A 5’7” lanky girl with sky-blue hair and lavender eyes. One look at the girl in the mirrors,
and Izuku felt that he’d found a new friend. There was something familiar about the way she
placed her feet to make as little noise as possible, how she did her level best to minimize her
presence.

"Izuku, this is Mikuu. I was hoping to have her talk to you; she's got a lot in common with
you."

"Hi...?" Izuku shifted as much as he was able, in the homestretch before his pain medication
was switched. Ow….. Note to self, don’t shift shoulders too much.

"Hi! I'm sorry you ended up here. How did it happen? It was my dad for me." Mikuu sat at
the end of the bed, careful to avoid brushing Izuku too much.

Well… Surprised, Izuku snorted in unsure laughter. "Yours, too?"

"Dang, you too? May he rot in hell with rats tearing at all the important parts." Mikuu's
chipper and cheerful curse had Izuku snorting.

She’s blunt. "I.... like that. Can I use it?"

"Heck yeah. Wanna complain about your dad first?"

"Um... he apparently tried to murder me when I was diagnosed quirkless? And then he tried
again when I couldn’t be sold as slave labor and burned the shit out of me before trying to
sell me off to a villain organization?"

"Who even does that?"

A bubble of laughter welled up in Izuku’s chest at the incredulously sarcastic tone before he
spoke. “I know! My best bud sent me tumbling so often that I swear I’m better than anyone
in my class at acrobatics—oh, and he burned me with his explosions. You probably can't see
the scars anymore, but they were on my back and shoulders."
"You, too?? My best friend basically straight-up abandoned me when I didn't do what she
wanted me to do. You know, develop a quirk she could use?"

Looking at this girl in the mirror, Izuku offered a smile. "My name's Midoriya Izuku. Wanna
sit together and complain about people?"

"Yes." Mikuu's grin shrunk, but became brighter and more genuine as she returned the gaze
in the mirror. "I would."

"Well, that worked out better than I thought. Mikuu, he's only allowed to be upright for a
certain amount of time due to his injuries. You and I will need to leave after that, but I would
like to work through some of the mindsets you both have. Now, as you're both children who
came from the outside world, you were taught that you were worthless due to a lack of a
quirk."

As the two sat together—or rather, Izuku remained stuck on his stomach while Mikuu sat
near his feet—he felt more and more comfortable as they talked about how much society had
hurt them. After twenty minutes, someone knocked on the door to Izuku's hospital room,
before a head popped in. "Doctor? We need you for a moment. Sorry, Izu, Mikuu."

"I'll be right there. You two, please continue talking." Dr. Lee stood, made her way out of the
room.

Sitting together, the two talked and talked as voices out in the hall seemed to raise in volume.
A nurse carefully slipped into the room to change his bandages. Looking to the mirror that
reflected the door, Izuku watched as Dr. Lee came back in, hair in disarray as she was
running a hand through it. "Izuku. Someone is here to see you. A Toshinori Yagi? He’s a thin
man, with blonde hair. He said to tell you that he doesn't want another successor. Do you
know him?"

Izuku felt his eyes well up, nerves shaking awake in his stomach as blood drained from his
face. "He's... he's here?"

"Yes. Do you want to see him? We can do more of this later."

"Is there anyone else with him?" w…wh…wh…why is he here? Did he not find the letter?
And why wouldn’t he want a chance to find someone who doesn’t blow up every time they
used the quirk?

"No, just him." Dr. Lee glanced backwards through the door, eyes going in what the teen
assumed All Might was waiting.

"Please?" The word slipped out before Izuku could think it through, could process any of it.
Why do I keep holding onto him? I’m not worth anything to him—not anymore. Unless
maybe they didn’t find my letter? That might be it—he must still think I have OFA.

"Of course, but are you OK? You're looking a little pale and shaky." Moving to his bedside,
Dr. Lee kneeled down by the edge of the bed, so she could meet his eyes directly. “If you do
not want to see him, you do not have to. I will have security escort him out.”
“No! I do. I just… I don’t know how he’ll react to me.” Izuku looked away from the doctor’s
eyes.

“OK, what if I stay with you?”

“No, you don’t need to. I’ll be OK.” It’s not as if I’m worth hurting. He’ll find out I don’t
have OFA and leave. It’s OK. Gripping the sheets, the teen did his best to relax his fists as he
pushed out the worry once he caught the worried gaze of the doctor above him.

“Well, if you’re sure…?”

“I am.” Forcing his hands to remain open and calm, Izuku kept his gaze down and firm. It’s
an easy explanation—he’ll leave once he knows.

Watching the other two occupants of the room out of the corner of the mirror, Izuku saw the
doctor glance back and forth before letting her head drop for a moment as she reached out to
the other teen. “Alright. Mikuu, how about you and I go to my office? I'll let you check on
your latest photos if you want to talk about them."

"Sounds good, Doc. See you, Izu. I might try to swing by later, if you're down?" The blue-
haired girl grinned at the boy through the mirror.

Warmth flooded him, calming him a bit. "I could use a new friend--if you're free, I probably
will be. I think my next consultation is somewhere around five."

"Sweet. Six-thirty, then? I'll try to see if I can..." Trailing off as Dr. Lee gave a warning
cough, Izuku could hear the smugness in her voice. "Never mind. Plausible deniability."

"You are a terror, kiddo." The censure wasn't as strong as the fondness. The door opened with
a small whoosh, and Dr. Lee spoke. "Sir, if you would..."

All Might was there in the next second, standing next to Izuku’s right shoulder. "Izuku!" The
fear in his voice was clear, and the footsteps froze at the edge of Izuku's bedside. "Oh, my
boy."

The burns were on full display under the protector as the blanket had slipped down when
Mikuu had sat at the end of the bed, charred flesh graduating from fourth between the teens
shoulder blades and radiating out to third to second over the length of the teen’s upper back,
stopping just short of his midline. Please don’t look! Don’t stare at the proof that I couldn’t
even protect myself. That I’m worthless!

Shame climbed over the teen’s body as he felt the eyes of his former mentor on him, so he
looked away from the image of his teacher in the mirror. "I'm sorr..."

"No. Don't apologize." All Might made his way to Izuku's side, putting his hand on Izuku's
elbow. "I should have told everyone about your quirk long before this situation happened. I’m
sorry. But I have to ask, why did you not tell me you were homeless? I would have helped
you."
"Because it never mattered to other teachers, and I didn't want to risk you deciding I was too
much trouble because I would need more help than you could provide or take up too much
time or..." Rambling in fear, Izuku held tight to his pillow under his chest. "I wanted to be a
hero."

"Izuku. Please look at me." All Might was gentle as he sat on the bed next to Izuku’s hip and
meeting Izuku’s gaze in the mirror. "I wouldn't have left you behind. I am here, and I will be
here. OK?"

"I don’t understand. Why are you here? I’d assumed you’d take OFA and give it to another. I
don’t have your quirk anymore! It’s back at UA." Izuku struggled to keep his voice even.
"You could pick someone with more experience now. Why would you come back for me?”

“My…” All Might’s hand reached out, but fell short when Izuku cut him off.

You’re worthless and you know it! Now get him to leave, let you rot in peace. Word
bubbling over like lava, the boy continued. “I can’t even stand up anymore or walk, All
Might. And it might be forever. I can’t be useful, anymore. You’re better off finding someone
else.” Breathing hard, he felt his stomach tighten alongside his lungs as he struggled to
breath. Just go! I’m not worth your time.

“Midoriya, stop.” All Might’s hand grasped tight to his arm, the other coming up to gently
rest on the crown of the teen’s head. “Shh…it’s OK.”

A hand ran up and down the teen’s arm, giving the teen something to focus on. “Just take a
few breaths for me, OK? Just breathe, easy in, easy out. I’m here, Izuku. I’m here.” The
phrase wasn’t that of a hero, grandiose and large as they confronted a villain, but that of a
loving parent speaking to a frightened child which made it all the more calming. Letting the
moments slip by as the teen slowly returned to an even in-and-out breath cycle, All Might
continued to use the mantra to mollify the green-haired teen before asking: “Can you handle
it if I speak now?”

“Umm…” Izuku nodded, squeezing his eyes shut to maintain the hard-fought-for calm. “I
think so? I’m just so confused.”

“Midoriya. You are not replaceable.”

“But I am.”

“Can I be a hero? Even if I’m quirkless?”

“I’m sorry, but that’s an impossible dream. Try something else..a law…”

“You said it yourself, without a quirk I can’t be a hero. And the quirk I was given is able to
be passed on. Therefore, it can go to someone else.”

“But you have value, with or without a quirk. You are still important.” The hand resting on
the teen’s arm grasped the boy, hands trembling as the man did so, his voice shaking with
heavy pain at the statements being thrown his way. “I was wrong, when I told you that you
couldn’t be a hero. You are capable, analytical and smart: Qualities I’ve come to believe are
just as important—if not more important—than a flashy or powerful quirk. True, you might
not have been an aboveground hero. Not like me, anyway. But there are heroes not like me.
Heroes who could be argued to be ‘better’ because of their ability to rely on things other than
their quirks. Eraserhead pops to mind first.”

“I… I guess? But I don’t have a quirk. He does. He can fight back.” And it’s a powerful quirk
—probably one of the most useful I’ve run into, utility-wise…. It’s not specific function utility,
but all-aro…
All Might’s voice cut off the analysis spiral the teen was going into. “A quirk is not endemic
to worth, Midoriya. Or hero work. And Eraserhead mostly fights quirkless. Is he any less
capable then?” The hand in the teen’s hair paused its gentle stroking as the man waited for an
answer.

It’s Aizawa-sensei. Of course not. “No. But…”

The hand resumed its gentle movement, back and forth to assuage the anxiety. “No buts.
Izuku, you are not replaceable or worthless or any other descriptors you’ve used or been told.
And I’m sorry I ever made you think that about yourself—that I ever validated those
thoughts. Even if you’ve been injured to where you will have a disability, you are an
incredible person who is important.” The hand paused, and Izuku could feel the shakes All
Might attempted to hide for a few seconds before speaking again. “Everyone at UA—
Eraserhead, Present Mic, Nezu and myself have been out of our minds with worry about you
since you vanished. The other teachers and I split the search area, and I was lucky enough to
have found you. Aizawa and Yamada were tasked with checking out known underground
clinics and less than reputable doctors to find you. The only reason they agreed to only doing
that is because of…. other personal responsibilities.”

A conversation he’d had with a lavender-haired boy flashed in his mind. Oh…. Right. They
just adopted Shinso. Probably didn’t want to leave him alone for hours at a time.

“Recovery Girl has started an investigation—and has removed licenses at this point. My boy,
we care. We were so scared when you vanished. Aizawa interrogated anyone who might’ve
had knowledge of you like they were mass murderers. It was more than a little intimidating.”

Izuku let out a bit of a huff, trying to hide his amusement. I don’t envy them that. But….at the
same time…. It nice to know he cared.

All Might turned to looked down at the boy, smile soft. “You, my boy…you are so strong
and loved. No matter what, you matter. To me, to your friends, to those who love you. It does
not matter to us if you are a hero, an analyst or a salary man.” All Might gently took the
teen’s hand in between his. “I want you to be happy—and if that path has changed, I want
whatever you want for yourself. I do not care what you are—hero, politician, firefighter,
grocery bagger—that is your choice. I don’t think your path has changed, but you’ll need to
tell me. Do you want to be a hero?”

More than anything. Too tired to lie, Izuku let his head rest more fully on the strap across his
forehead. “Yes.”
“Then I will help you. Do you want to remain as my successor?”

“I do, but what if I can’t walk after this? Or stand fully upright? The burns affected my
trapezius and erector spinae, which I think helps to stabilize my back when I walk. I don’t
know if it’ll heal. I don’t know if my body could handle OFA, now.” Pain echoed along his
spine at the reminder.

“So we’ll adjust your costume, figure out a new workout routine to get you to a point where
you can and whatever else you need to be comfortable. That’s the most important thing.”

“Y…you think? But what about UA? I kept quiet about my dad.” An embarrassed flush
climbed his neck to his cheeks. I should’ve said something.

“And that will be addressed. I am curious why you did so?”

“I…. wanted to hope? I also thought it would be the fastest way to get him out of my life if
he was dangerous. And I thought that maybe he’d gotten better, if UA hadn’t found
anything.”

“That is a concern. After young Bakugo got in contact with Eraserhead, he checked out the
social media again. It turns out that there had to be some sort of technological quirk that
interfered.”

“I was wondering… I was hoping he’d changed—that he’d want me.” The teen’s voice
wavered, broke. “I don’t understand what I did wrong.” Why didn’t he want me?

“You didn’t do anything, Midoriya. It’s just that your luck is possibly some of the worst I’ve
ever encountered.”

“Maybe that’s my quirk.” Izuku grumbled, humor and bitter anger mixing as he did so. Bad
luck, that’s me.

“Mmm…. Anyway, what do you want to do?”

“I want to go back a week before this happened and shake myself for being so stupid and
getting caught by Ai… Eraserhead.”

“Midoriya, you’d go back to being homeless?”

“I …. No, but…I just…” Izuku shook his head. “I understood what to expect, then. I know it
probably wasn’t good for me, but it didn’t get anyone else hurt along the way or upset others
or anything like that.” Sneaking his hands up, Izuku balled them in his hair, gave it a tug to
pull himself down to reality. “I didn’t have to worry about my dad, I didn’t worry Auntie or
worry anyone else. It wasn’t better for me—maybe, I wasn’t being targeted then—but I knew
how to deal with it!”

“You shouldn’t have had to deal with it, Midoriya.” All Might gently uncurled the fists,
guided them back to the bed.
 “I know that. But…. I did. I know I should’ve gone for help, but do you know the rates of
quirkless kids ‘graduating’ from the foster system to be stuck on the streets anyway?”

“I…”

“Over half. And that’s if they survive the system!” Heart pounding in his chest, the teen raged
with his palms slamming down on the mattress with a crack. “Might as well play Russian
roulette at that point!”

“Mid…” All Might reached to calm the teen once again as the heart-rate monitor screamed.

“Enough.” Dr. Lee’s voice rang above the door as it ‘whooshed’ opened. “Your heartrate is
too high. You need to calm down; this isn’t going to help you heal.”

She entered the room, moved to the teen. “It’s OK, you’re alright. Shhh. Breathe for me,
OK?”

“I want to go back where I was. I want to be alone in my shelter and I never want to be a
burden and I…”
“You are not a burden, Midoriya.” Dr. Lee knelt down by his side. “Now, I need you to look
at me, OK? Your heartrate has spiked and you do not need that right now.” Starting some
breathing exercises as she held tight and moved her thumb in a circle on the back of his hand,
Dr. Lee smiled. “You’re not a burden. You’re not worthless. And those who might say
otherwise are wrong. Can you repeat that for me?”

“I’m not worthless. I’m not a burden. The others were wrong.”

“You could never be, my boy.” All Might’s voice was rough, but the touch was gentle on his
hand as the man ran his thumb over scarred knuckles. “You are not worthless. You are not a
burden. No child is.”

“But… I’m not a kid?”

“Oh, yes, you are.” Dr. Lee chuckled, eyes lighting up with a melancholy humor as she
gently booped the teen’s nose. “What do you define as a kid?”

Wrinkling it in response, Izuku paused before answering. “Someone who hasn’t lived on
their own before. Someone who needs others to survive.”

“By that definition, sweetie, everyone’s a kid.” Dr. Lee smiled again. “Would you call
civilians who need help children for needing said help from heroes or paramedics?”

“No…?” Of course not.

“So that negates the ‘someone who needs others to survive.”

“Alright, someone who needs others to take care of them.”

“Well, I need the help of doctors to make sure I take care of myself. Does that make me a
child?” All Might said, catching another bloody cough into the handkerchief he’d started to
carry.

“You know what I mean! You understand what I’m saying! Why are you pushing it?” Izuku
whimpered, tired and frustrated tears starting to fall. I just want to sleep and to have everyone
stop deliberately misunderstanding me.
“We’re challenging the way you think—just like Socrates used to.” Dr. Lee held out a box of
tissues as the teen took a few and considered.

“Oh…wait, like Socratic method?”

“Exactly, Midoriya.” The approval rang in the room as Dr. Lee agreed.

“You’re aware of it! Excellent. Now, do you understand the point of the socratic method?”
She questioned.

Socratic Method: a way of using questions to develop a ‘latent idea’ “Yes. It’s to challenge
ideas until they’re a mirror shine. To challenge inconsistencies and find the flaws in them. To
weed out bad ideas by tearing them apart until the person arguing gets to the solid argument.
Correct?”

“Very much correct.” All Might agreed. “So, what are we doing by challenging these ideas?”

“Trying to get me to recognize flaws in my own argument?”

“Very good. So, what is the definition of a kid?” All Might asked.

“I…don’t know? I think it’s variable. Some kids I know are more mature than adults who are
still children.”
“Alright, that’s fair. What about the legal definition?” Dr. Lee spoke this time.

“Um… a person who is under the age of eighteen. I think it makes it so…”

She didn’t let him evade. “For now, that will work. Are you under the age of eighteen?”

“Mentally, emotionally or physically? There’s a difference.”

All Might snorted, but it was a macabre laugh.

“Midoriya.” Dr. Lee shook her head. “How old are you?”

“Fifteen.”

“By that definition, are you a child?”

“…. Yes.” Izuku groused.

“You are a child, correct?”

“Yes.”

“And are any children worthless?”

“Quirkless ones.”

“No.” Dr. Lee shook her head, but kept her voice non-judgemental. “Do you really believe
that Mikuu is worthless?”

“No! She’s so kind.”

“And she’s quirkless. By your definition….”

“I know! But…. she didn’t…she wasn’t…she’s not me.”

“So you only define yourself as worthless.” The word, careful as they were said, broke the
teen as his teacher and doctor clutched his hands on their respective side of the bed.

“I…am. Why else would they treat me the way they did?”

“They?” All Might asked, and Dr. Lee simply waited.

“Classmates, teachers, Kacchan! Everyone. Spider Lilies on my desk, verbal harassment and
‘teasing’ from everyone. Pills, knives and other ‘suggestions.’” Izuku was too tired to cry,
simply letting the words flow out. “No one cared. No one said anything. Mom…. Mom was
the last and she’s been gone for years.”
 Chapter 9
Chapter Notes

Hi everyone! Hope your Saturday is going well.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“Oh, Midoriya.” The tone from his mentor was so sad and it sat heavy on the teen’s heart. I
don’t want to make anyone hurt! Why am I so worthless?

“I…don’t blame them. There has to be a reason. There has to be!”

“I believe it’s because our society has to buy into the hero worship for our current system to
work. But, the worship of heroes and quirks has an unintended pitfall—those who don’t are
viewed as ‘lesser’ or ‘wrong’ without consideration of the people they speak to like that.”
Half out of it, Izuku didn’t notice Dr. Lee look to the professional hero for a second before
kneeling down to speak to her charge. “No child is useless. Our talents may rest in a different
path, but with the idolization of heroes and quirks, there’s only one sought after profession
because of it.”

All Might simply coughed, wiping away blood. “And that spotlight can blind students to the
danger inherent in it. Which is why people like Eraserhead are so important. He likely saves
lives by expelling the students who he knows are not there for a good reason or those who
won’t survive.”

“Am I really doing it for the right reason, though? I want to be a hero, to save people.”

“Seems like a good reason to me.” Dr. Lee said, smile wide even as her eyes were tearful.

“It is. And you are on track to become an amazing hero. And what happened a few days ago
does not change that, unless you no longer wish to pursue that career path. And even if you
do, you will not be alone in this world again. I know that I will not allow it. And nor would
anyone at UA.” All Might said, as his phone began to ring. “Speak of the devil.”

Sniffling a bit, Izuku tugged his hand away to rub at his face with the back of said hand as All
Might reached to answer the phone. "I... I..." Tears spilled over as the teen apologized
desperately to the thin man in the mirror. "I'm sorry. I should have trusted you."

All Might nodded to the boy silently before he spoke into the phone. “Hello?” Looking to
the doctor, he nodded. “Yes. I’ve found him. He’s safe. We’re OK. He is injured, but he is
being treated—and well, from what I can see.”

All Might paused, listening for a moment before responding. “His wounds are serious, but
I’m not aware of the extent of them. I’ll see what I need to do to be informed. I’ll call back
once I have the information.”

Hanging up the phone, All Might returned to Izuku’s side and sat down in the chair near the
teen. “I’m here, Midoriya. Alright?”

“Alright.”

Turning to face the doctor, the blonde man inclined his head. “What is the status of my
student, doctor?”

“I can’t tell you without his permission.” Dr. Lee walked over, looking to Izuku. “As of right
now, he is a ward of our hospital. We take that responsibility very seriously here.” Her eyes
were sharp, piercing as she stood next to Izuku’s bed like an avenging angel, ready to filet
anyone who dared displease her. Turning back to All Might, she offered a small smile to
cushion the blow of the guardian angel turning it’s protective gaze upon him. “We can
arrange for his custody to be transferred, but until I know he is safe with you he is going to
remain here at the hospital. He’s told me what happened to him, and I feel that he is unsafe in
his current home situation. Until we can solve that—or discuss this with UA in order to
secure his safety—I will maintain his status as a member of our hospital’s care system.
However, it appears as if this boy trusts you. If Izuku does not object, I can fill you in on
what his treatment options are. Izuku, are you certain you’re OK with him being informed of
your condition?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Izuku murmured, eyes sliding closed. “But is it OK if I sleep while you do it?
I’m tired.”

Dr. Lee then spoke, a hand ruffling his curls. "Of course. Sleep well, kid.”

“What can you tell me, Doctor?” All Might inquired, and Izuku caught the start of what she
was saying as he drifted off.

"Until you’ve signed a few documents, nothing. After that, I will direct his doctor to come
speak with you. I'll arrange for the paperwork to be brought up to you. Excuse me. The nurse
will also be coming back to finish the latest round of treatment." Dr. Lee shifted, and Izuku
could hear her heel click as she shifted. “Now….”

Drifting in and out of consciousness, Izuku didn’t register much as the nurse finished off his
early afternoon round and the sound of pen on paper echoed in the room as All Might
finished off the paperwork. The sound of clicking heels returned, as did Dr. Lee’s voice as
she spoke. Blinking fully awake, he saw All Might sitting on the couch as he seemed to work
on a tablet.

Not alone… Joy crawled up the teen’s abdomen as he spoke. “All Might?”

“My boy. How are you feeling?” Placing the tablet aside, the man crossed to the teen’s
bedside.

“I can definitely feel my burns. What time is it? It feels close to time for an IV bag change.”
“It’s about four-thirty.”

“Yeah, that’s about time. And what’s happened with my da… him?”

All Might understood Izuku’s stumbling question, putting a hand on Izuku’s forearm. "He's
been arrested. He's also being charged with human trafficking and causing harm to a minor. I
am so sorry, Izuku. I never knew you’d need to worry about him."

"I didn't think about it when I took OFA. He decided to sell me to the League..." Unable to
speak past the sudden lump in his throat, Izuku grasped All Might's hand.

"I'm so sorry." All Might clutched right back. "I should've...."

Hearing a phone ring, All Might sighed. "Speaking of something I should've done... Izuku,
UA has been looking for you frantically. Aizawa and Yamada were both frantic. I was able to
hold them off earlier, but I need to know: Are you OK with me letting them know where we
are?”

Izuku tilted his head to the side, meeting his mentors gaze for the first time. Surprised, Izuku
saw the tear streaks down his teachers face. "Are you OK, All Might?”

“I was so scared that I’d lost you, my boy. That’s all.”

Digesting that, Izuku focused back on the original question. “Wouldn’t they know from GPS
tracking? I’d assumed they knew you were here. Sort of like the one I…” had.

All Might winced at the reminder of the failed safety measures, hand resting on the teen’s
elbow to remind the man that his charge was—if not unharmed—alive. “I think Nezu said
we’d wait until we knew what we were dealing with to try and break down the door. As it
stands, this hospital is treating you. Nezu and the others were worried you’d been taken by a
villain organization.”

“I wondered if I had agreed to that, too.” Izuku admitted, keeping his gaze glued to the corner
of the mirror so as not to meet his teacher’s gaze, trying to switch topics. Don’t remind him,
Deku! “Is UA going to force me back right now? I need a few skin grafts here and I think I'm
scheduled for other treatment, too."

"Of course not." The phone quit ringing, abandoned on the couch. "If you're uncomfortable
telling them where you are, I will wait until you're ready. You, your permission, is the most
important thing to me. But I do have a question I need to know the answer to--Do you still
wish to be the next holder of OFA?"

"Am I really going to be allowed back at UA? I would think I'd be in trouble for all of this.
And my injuries might…"

"Izuku, you were never the problem.” The teen watched as the man glanced toward his
injuries and closed his eyes as if the idea of Izuku being injured was unbearable. “No one at
UA blames you. You were a child, forced out into the world that cared little for you. As for
your injuries, we’ll figure it out. Like I said, we’ll modify everything necessary to do so."
"Then, yes." Izuku looked to his teacher, offering a half-smile. The phone rang again, and
this time, All Might answered after returning to the couch to retrieve the device. "Hello?"

Listening as All Might relayed all he’d been told, Izuku let his mind wander until he heard
All Might hang up and turn to him. “Now, can you tell me exactly what happened? I only got
that your father had come and pulled you from UA, and that Bakugo had yelled at Aizawa
that your father had tried to murder you. After that, it was a blur of getting back home to find
you'd gone missing."

Explaining what had happened—the reveal of his homelessness, the situation revolving
around his dad and how he’d figured it out, the fact that his dad had tried to get him to use his
quirk before turning to torture and selling him to the league—Izuku was running on empty
emotionally as he described how he'd been confirmed quirkless and basically left to deal on
his own without care at the hospital.

"That is unacceptable." All Might was aghast as he held tight to Izuku's hand. "I'm aghast. Is
that really how quirkless people are treated?"

"Was it really that different from when you were my age?" Izuku asked, tilting his head to the
side.

"Very much so." All Might held tight to Izuku’s hand. "I promise, you won’t be treated like
that anymore, OK?"

"Because I'm worth it? Or because I'm no longer quirkless if I take OFA back?" Izuku didn't
realize what he'd said until he had said it, pulling away from All Might’s grip and turning his
gaze to the floor. I didn’t mean…!!

"Because you're worth it. No quirk or lack thereof makes you worth anything less to me,
Izuku." All Might reached, putting a hand on Izuku's head. "Never doubt that I care for you,
Izuku. I may not have been the person you needed, but I want to help. I'm sorry I wasn't here
before."

Izuku pressed his head up to press into the hand. "I mean, you didn't know."

"But I should have, Izuku. You were the person I chose to pass on my quirk. I should have
known you were struggling. All those times we trained, I rationalized away my worries. Once
you got to UA, I didn't notice that you wore the same outfit over and over because it was the
uniform." All Might sighed. "I am so sorry, Izuku. I promise, you will never have to live
alone again."

"Thank you." Reaching for his teacher, Izuku held tight. "I'm tired. Is it OK if I just sleep for
now?"

"Just rest. I'll stay right here." All Might settled back. "If you need me, let me know."

Closing his eyes, Izuku slipped to sleep.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking, kudos and comments are immensely appreciated.
 Chapter 10
Chapter Notes

Hi, everyone. Hope your Saturday is going well--I'm headed to get a haircut, so
everything is awesome and I will soon be able to see without my F(&@#(&#$(& hair
getting in my eyes.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Blinking awake, Izuku looked toward the chair All Might had claimed. He was there, head
resting on his chest as he slept. The sky was dark, but that didn't necessarily mean it was late.
Izuku glanced and saw his duffle bag on the floor next to All Might. My stuff? Is my sketch
book there?

Unable to move, Izuku simply stared at his bag as he tried to figure out how to grab it. Maybe
if I can wiggle a little further… no, I don’t think that’ll work. Maybe…

Ten minutes later, after no progress, food arrived and Izuku dug in while he let his mentor
sleep. Looking to the door as he heard someone’s heels clacking on the ground, Izuku saw
one nurse rush by at a fast jog. That’s… different.

The sound of fabric rustling had Izuku turning to see All Might shifting on the chair as he
roused. “Izuku? Are you…?” As he woke, he looked up to the teen, startling back before
offering a smile. “My boy. You are awake.”

“What’s going on?” Another nurse ran by the room, feet falling with a fast ‘slap.’ “It seems
like a lot of the staff are rushing around?”

“UA is coming out to check on you, and to listen to the local government about issues
surrounding quirklessness. There is clearly an issue surrounding the condition; one that hasn’t
been addressed properly.”

Izuku snorted, bitter humor on his tongue. “I could’ve told you that.”

“I know, my boy. How are you feeling?” All Might moved to sit next to him. The warmth the
man gave off was pleasant, and Izuku shifted so his arm rested alongside the man.

“I’m OK, but is that my bag?”

“Yes, I figured you’d prefer some of your own things.”

“Is my sketch book in there? It’s a bigger book, with a yellow cover.” Izuku watched as All
Might pulled out the item in question. “Yes, that’s it! There should also be a small pencil bag,
as well. It’s normally on the left side of the sketch book.”
All Might grabbed the item in question and put both in front of Izuku on the small table that
had been moved there at his request, next to the mirror. Opening the book, Izuku began to flip
the pages and trace some of his favorites with a nearly-not-there touch.

All Might observed as Izuku did so. “Impressive. I didn’t know you were the type to sketch.”
“It started out as a part of my journals— when I was analyzing quirks, it helped to try and
visualize it. But… after mom got sick and I was on my own, it was about the only
entertainment I could really afford. So, I ended up drawing a lot. I do my best to save paper,
so I go over drawings a lot, add details and stuff.” Izuku flipped through the book, looking
over older and older work before pausing on an image of him and his mom. “I miss her.”

All Might put a hand over Izuku’s as he held the page with his mom on it. “I know, my boy.”

Letting his head rest on the strap, Izuku closed his eyes. “Thank you for being here, All
Might.”
“You don’t have to thank me for that, Izuku.” A hand settled into the teen’s hair, ruffled the
curls. “Did you really think no one would notice or care that you were gone?”

“I mean…yes?” Izuku flinched at the memories that flashed through his mind. “If I’d never
met you, sensei, I imagine that I’d be working at a slave wage while being homeless or I’d
have been dead by now. By my own hand or someone else’s, that would have been the only
question.” Izuku felt tears gather, but was surprised when he felt a drop fall into his own hair
as he continued. “No one cared—and that’s not an exaggeration. Aldera never noticed that I
was losing weight, or that I wore the same clothes all the time. They turned a blind eye to
Bakugo and others using their quirks on me, ignored all the warning signs. They didn’t care. I
was quirkless. Everyone thought I was going to be a burden. I mean, in some ways they
would have been right if…”

A squeeze on his forearm stopped the teen, had him looking to the older man next to him.
“They were not right, and never could be. No child is useless; a burden.”

“Then…why?” Izuku tried to push it back, push down the words even as the tumbled forth
along with wispy, exhausted tears. “What did I do wrong?”

All Might knelt down in front of him, his gaze met the teens while his own tears spilled over
as his voice went rough. “You didn’t. It’s society that’s wrong. And I am ashamed to have
added to it when we first met. I had forgotten my own roots—and for that, I am so sorry.”

Unable to handle seeing All Might cry, he his face in the pillow and shook his head. “I…”

“Are not useless, worthless or a burden.” All Might finished. “I will repeat that until you can
believe me, alright?”

Sniffling, Izuku nodded. “How soon is UA going to be here?”

“I’m unsure. They said they’d be coming up with Recovery Girl so they’d be able to heal
you, but they were still waiting on her being free. Given the time of year, the others are also
busy with the usual surge in crime. Add to that, the idea of UA visiting sent both your doctor
and the hospital as a whole into a frenzy. I just decided it would be wiser to stay out of the
way.”

“What’s going to happen? I know I should’ve said something…. Wait, do they know now?
UA, I mean. About OFA?”

“Yes, all of the staff working with 1-A is aware of both your quirk and how it works. They’re
also aware of your status as quirkless. They don’t know what all that entails, but that’s
because it’s your story to tell. Not mine. However, with everything that’s gone down, they are
suspicious of why you hadn’t gone to anyone else in your life.”

“Meaning Ka…. Bakugo and his mom and dad?”

“That would be the main question, yes.”

“I mean, the evidence of Bakugo being a jerk is gone since dad wiped it out.” Izuku waved a
hand over the top of his shoulders.

“He… burned you?” Horror poured from the man.

“His quirk is explosions. He ended up superheating my uniform shirt and burning it into my
skin.” Izuku shifted his shoulders at the painful memory and then winced as healing burns
caught the bandages. “Ow.”

“Easy.” All Might allayed as he moved a hand to the sketchbook and sat on the bed next to
his student. “May I look?”

“I…. don’t judge?”

“Kiddo, I met you when you fanboyed over me. Believe me, there’s nothing that’s going to
surprise me.” All Might gently flipped the page to show a charcoal sketch depicting one of
his darkest nightmares.

All For One, standing over him as he held the broken body of Bakugo. “Did you truthfully
think you could protect anyone? You’re useless, quirked or not.”

Looking away, Izuku waited for the scorn he knew was coming. How can I…

All Might carefully shut the sketch book, put it down in front of Izuku. “You’re never
useless. Ever.” Coughing, the man wiped away the blood with a kerchief before turning back
to the teen. “You are incredible, my boy. Kindness, strength and intelligence are a rare
combination. Never let those who don’t see that get to you. Even me.”

Snorting a bit at that part, Izuku relaxed. “It’s easier here….no one judges because I am
quirkless. It doesn’t matter here.”

“I have to admit, this town was a surprise to me. I guess the time I spent as number one
blinded me to the discrimination and how bad it had gotten.”

“Was it really not that bad when you were my age?”

“Mmm…. I don’t remember much of it. That could be a sign of one or two too many
concussions, but I’m not sure. The most I remember is one or two incidents do stand out, but
nothing approaching the physical assault you’ve dealt with. Name calling was still much
more common. ‘Neanderthal’ was most of what I got called. I always just kind of laughed it
off. Most of the people in my class did not care.”

“Well, that at least has a semblance of intelligence.” Izuku scrunched nis nose up. “I think the
most common thing I got—besides ‘worthless’—was just plain ‘moron.”

“Those children obviously did not have functioning eyes.”

“The teachers didn’t, either. Thought I was cheating all the time. A few of them just let it go
because they thought I wasn’t going anywhere so it wouldn’t hurt.”

“Well, they shouldn’t have been teaching if they didn’t want to teach children who were
quirkless.”

“Shouldn’t of, but did. And it’s kind of a moot point now. I wouldn’t know where to find
them. And I don’t have any proof outside my memories.”

“That’s not something you need to worry about right now, young Midoriya. Let the adults
handle that, alright? Trust us.”

It was the latter statement that got through. “Yes, All Might.” Exhausted but not tired, Izuku
sighed. “I just wish I’d know I could trust you before now.”

He could feel All Might shift as the mattress dipped a bit. “I’m here now, and I will be. You
have people who care for you, Izuku. I promise you that.”

“I know. But why was I so stupid? I should’ve known I could trust you, trust Aizawa-sensei. I
just…” Struggling under the weight, Izuku reached up and tugged at his curls even as pain
flew through his system from moving his arms too much too fast. “It would have made life
bearable. I wouldn’t have been injured or alone. I wouldn’t…”

“Whoa, easy.” All Might gently reached up to still the hands tangled in curls, to start to
extract them as the door opened and another voice came in.

“Hey, our minds do their best to defend us. And yours has been hardwired—for years—to not
trust adults, teacher or peers.” Mikuu said, closing the door behind her. “Sorry to intrude but
when I promise contraband, I deliver.” Waving the two distinct chocolate bars in the air, she
walked over. “Zu. You aren’t to blame. Take it from someone who was conditioned the same
way you were.” Holding out her hands, one bar in each, she waited. “Which one do you
want?”

Taking the peanut-infused bar with slow movements that didn’t put too much strain on his
arms, Izuku leaned back a bit. “Thank you. I kinda figured with everything going on that
you’d gone home.”
“Nah, my dad won’t be here for another half-an-hour, and I still wanted to see you. And don’t
beat yourself up for not trusting people. It took me a year or so to even stop trying to run
away from the town and get back to my tent.” Mikuu gestured to the end of the bed. “Do you
mind?”

“Nope.” Izuku said, and Mikuu plopped down close enough for her to feel present but not
enough to send off warning signals. What’s she going to…?

“Now. It’s not your fault for not trusting whomever. I mean, when teachers, parents and
police fail you at that young an age, you adjust. After all, it has to be you. Cops help others.
You’ve seen loving parents at school. The teachers are kind to the other children. It’s you.”
Mikuu let out a bitter laugh. “Gods, I still feel that way sometimes.” Her hand went to the
upper left part of her clavicle, rubbed at the bone. “I still struggle with cops—my sperm
donor was one, and he shot me after my diagnosis.”

Izuku jolted. “Your dad shot you?”

“I mean, no worse than yours heating up rebar and burning the fuck out of your back.” Mikuu
saw Izuku’s face go colorless at the reminder. “I’m sorry!”

“No. Don’t be. It’s what happened.” Izuku did his best to relax despite balling his hands into
fists. “I just wish I’d known I could trust my teachers. I mean, I watched one of my teachers
dive into a mob to protect us.”

“And you watched, for years, as teachers turned away. One teacher among many does not a
bond make. It’s just that you weren’t adjusted yet. We have to be careful with who we trust—
it’s a survival instinct. If I speak to that classmate, am I going to be punched? If you were
being followed, you’d evaluate your options to get away from them. You develop an instinct
to read people. But the smallest thing colors our judgement. The fact that your teacher dove
in was probably rationalized as him saving your classmates—you were incidental.”

Huh… Izuku felt something in his gut shift at having something he’d kept inside himself for
so long being said out loud. That’s right.

“It’s a hard mindset to break.” Mikuu stretched out a hand, waited.

Nervous, Izuku took it after putting the wrapper to the candy in the trash. “How... how do you
break it?”

“For me? I needed someone who just would not give up. I refused—every time—to think that
things had changed, that someone cared. My foster parents are awesome.” Mikuu’s smile was
soft as down fur. “I don’t know how you’ll break it. It seems to me that you’ve already got
someone you trust.”

“I mean, I do? But I never told anyone everything. I didn’t think I could.”

“So maybe that’s a start. You don’t have to carry everything on your own. I know it’s hard to
trust adults. It took me two years before I finally opened up from anything other than being
afraid for my life.” Mikuu squeezed the hand, comforting her new friend.
“I… I’ll try?”

“That’s all you can do. Now, wanna play some games? There’s a console here. And I picked
up a racing game from downstairs.” Mikuu dug into her bag, pulled out a game. “We’ve hit
on enough depressing crap for today.”

“Yeah!” Izuku cheered, as Mikuu hopped up off the bed and got everything going. “But
you’re going to have to be understanding. I’ve never really played that many, so I might not
be super great.”

Pulling out two controllers, she connected them before handing one to Izuku. “Not a big
deal.”

After a few rounds, Izuku had figured the game out and was actively competing with his new
friend. Not going to lose this time.

After twenty minutes, Mikuu glanced up at the clock on the wall. “I’ve only got a little while
before I need to go, but I’ll swing by tomorrow and we can return the disc then. And maybe
they’ll start having you move soon.”

“I mean, I’ve mostly been asleep.” Izuku selected his car as he did his best to adjust to
playing while watching the mirror, fingers tapping on the controller anxiously. “I’ve been so
tired lately.”

“I mean, it’s not that surprising. From those bandages, you were burned really badly.”

“Yeah, it was to make it so I couldn’t fight back.” The memory sunk into his skin, had him
shivering as All Might made a wounded noise from where he was sitting.

“Makes sense. I wish we could go out on the town. It’s really pretty under the new snow and
it has a bunch of really cool shops.” Mikuu took a sharp turn, her car flipping as she blew out.
“Crap!”

Izuku laughed, pulling into first while she was reset. Ha! “Greedy.”

“Shut it, I’m going to win!” Mikuu laughed while she pushed her car to the top speed and the
two began to battle it out. Time went by as the two switched who was in the lead round after
round, until a knock drew the two out of the game.

Looking to the door, Izuku saw a silver haired and silver eyed man poke his head in. “Excuse
me, I was told my…. Mikuu, there you are. We’re waiting for you downstairs, sweetie.”

“Oh, sorry. Lost track of time, dad. Hey, Izu, who won?”

“You won the last round, which puts you back in the lead. But that doesn’t mean you win.”
Izuku pouted as Mikuu chortled.

“Tell yourself that. See you, Izu!” Mikuu walked to the door, waved and vanished with her
father.
Putting the controller aside on the small table in front of the bed alongside his sketchbook
and pencils, Izuku looked over to see All Might as the man worked on his tablet. “Any news
on when to expect UA?”

“There’s meant to be a blizzard tonight, so we’re going to be here for at least a day. Maybe
more if there’s a lot of snow. But it doesn’t seem too bad here. It’s nice not to be mobbed out
in public, now that my civilian form is more well known. This town… it’s peaceful, in its
own way.”

“I know! And I haven’t heard anyone use a slur for anyone quirkless since I woke up! That’s
a new record for me. Even when I was small, I heard them a lot when we passed by homeless
men or women. It was awful, after I was diagnosed.”

All Might shifted, sighed. “I wish I could’ve helped you, then. No child…”

“Should go through what I did, but that’s a moot point.” Izuku laid back, rubbing at his eyes
to try and push back the stinging tears. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It matters because it’s still hurting you, Izuku.” All Might returned to his spot on the bed,
reaching down. “Do you mind if I…”

“Help me sit up?” Izuku reached for the hand. “Please.”

All Might and Izuku worked together to finagle the teen into an upright position, where Izuku
was listing heavily into his pseudo-father’s side, pressing his head into the man’s shoulder as
the skinny man spoke. “I know I’m not the most intelligent or capable of helping you deal
with this. Hound Dog and the staff at UA have way more training than I ever did because I
never dealt with kids or children much.” His skeletal hand landed in green hair, gently
rubbing at the scalp.

Leaning into the touch, Izuku sighed. “I just don’t want it to be something I have to think
about—or deal with. I got through it. I’m OK.”

“You did get through it. You did. And I am proud of you.” All Might held tight—or as tightly
as he could with Izuku’s injuries. “I… you know what, let’s leave it at that. I am proud of
you, young Midoriya.”

“Thank you.” The wobble in his voice was muffled against his teacher’s chest, hand fisted in
the fabric of the man’s shirt as the teen held on. “I love you, too.”

All Might didn’t even stiffen at the words as he held onto his teenage pseudo-son. “I know.
I’ll do my best to be here as much as I can, but with a visiting hours limit, I’ll likely be sent
out soon.”

“Mm.” Izuku mumbled, leaning into the contact. “’ts OK. I’ll be f’ne.”

“Tired?”

“Mmhmm.” Izuku felt it as the man he considered the blonde skeleton that sat next to him. “I
should probably lie back down.”
“You should.” Helping the teen so that he was once again face down, All Might stepped back
with a smile. It wasn’t the huge grin he used for heroics, just the simple one that was
personal. “Sleep then. I’ll stay as long as I can and come back in the morning.” All Might’s
voice soothed the teen, had him drifting off within seconds.

The peace didn’t last, as Izuku jolted away in the early morning hours, scream caught in his
throat and sweat pouring off of him as his shoulders throbbed. Unable to move, he struggled
to breath calmly. “He’s not here, he’s not here henothere.” Repeating the mantra, Izuku
reached for the one object that had been left out for him on the table within reach—his sketch
pad and a pencil. While it hurt to bend his arms to much due to his burns, the nightmares
spinning in his head were worse. I don’t want to think about this. I don’t want to remember.
Putting the tip, Izuku began to sketch and draw the last thing he remembered as he laid on his
stomach—the image of smoke rising from his back as his father pressed the heated rebar into
him in the mirror. Get it out. I’ll feel better if it’s on paper

The sound of pencil on paper relaxed the teen’s mind, had him slowly drooping despite the
ache in his upper back and shoulders. Once his eyes began to droop, he dropped the pencil
down on the table and put his arms back on the mattress before he gave back in to sleep.

The next thing he knew, there was light pouring in the window, blinding and white as
reflected off the snow outside. “Gods, that’s bright.”

“It is.” All Might spoke from the doorway. “And there’s about a foot of snow outside and I
think both Aizawa and Nezu decided that it was a huge risk to come up the mountain until it’s
been cleared.”

Placing what looked like a tablet on the table in front of Izuku, All Might retook his spot on
the couch. “I was smart enough to bring two tablets. I figured you’d be bored here, so I didn’t
know if you want access to UA’s library to do your break homework.”

“Am I still in the hero course? I mean, I’m quirkless currently and…” Izuku fumbled with his
words as he saw All Might shake his head.

“Even if you choose to remain quirkless, you have a spot in the hero course. No one will kick
you out of it.” All Might stretched a hand forward. “And my quirk is yours for the taking,
once you feel that you can handle it. I must admit, I’m still confused as to why you did not
keep it.”
“It was a precaution. Auntie told me he was shady. I didn’t want it to be used for the people
my fat…he associates with. And… I… didn’t think I was going to survive, even with it. Sure,
I’d have had a few years, but….” Queasiness threatened to overwhelm him at the thought of
what he might have been forced to do. In an instant, he grabbed the small trash can on the
table and emptied his stomach into it.

“Izuku!” All Might was at his side in seconds. “Are you alright?”

“Just…nerves. Anxiety. Fear. I don’t want to go through that again.” Izuku wiped at the
corner of his mouth with the back of his wrist. “Sorry.”
“You did nothing wrong.” All Might allowed the teen to put himself back together before
anything else. “And it looks like you had a rough night.”

“How…?” Izuku started to ask when he saw that his sketchbook had fallen on the floor. “Oh.
Yeah, nightmares.”

“Did you ask for anything? I’m sure nightmares won’t help you recover.” All Might asked,
eyeing Izuku as the teen unlocked the tablet.

“I had my sketchpad. I was fine. If I wanted to do my break homework, where would I go to

access the library? School website, right?”

“School website, your login. You should be able to access both lectures and the library. Most
of the lectures the teachers give are recorded so that if a student is injured or sick that there’s
some way for them to keep up. It was common practice before Recovery Girl was at the
school.”

“When did she join UA?” Izuku asked.

“Hmmm…” All Might leaned back, eyes going to the ceiling as he considered. “You know,
I’m not actually sure. You can ask her when she comes.”

“Do the teachers have to re-record old lessons as our situation changes?” Izuku began to flick
through some of the videos and voice recordings with careful movement of his fingers. I
don’t recognize most of these people off the bat. “How often are these updated?”

“Again, I’m not sure. I wonder if any of my old teachers are on there.” All Might’s grin went
silly. “If they are, I say you write your reports based on their lectures and watch Aizawa flip.”

“Aren’t you supposed to encourage me to not get into trouble?”

“Yes, but do you not want to?” All Might’s half-smirk half-concerned smile had Izuku
snickering.

“It’d be funny.” Izuku conceded, flashing a grin at his teacher, but let it die as he continued to
speak. “But I think Aizawa sensei is mad at me about not telling him. I heard him say he’d
‘deal with me’ later.”
“I think… he’s upset that we nearly lost you. It’s not an anger at you, per se, but one
surrounding you. And me. He’s already told me that while I may be your guardian here, he
doesn’t trust me with you. He’s enraged that I never told him about your quirk, and that I
asked you to be quiet about it. He feels that you felt trapped—you couldn’t tell him about
your father without revealing your original diagnosis and wouldn’t risk revealing the secret
otherwise for fear of putting others in danger. He’s scared about your mental state—and
frankly, so am I. Izuku, you have my permission to tell a teacher or someone else if it’s your
life on the line. Within reason, that is. Don’t go telling villains.” The joke fell flat, but it was
comforting to have All Might back to his usual speeches.

“I…it’s just…I’m worthle…” He stopped mid-sentence when a hand grabbed at his.

“You’re not.”

“But…” I am.

“No buts.”

“I just…” don’t know how I couldn’t be.

“I know. And I will keep repeating it until you can believe it.”

“Alright.” The hand released the teen’s, allowing him to go back to his work. “Is it OK if I
listen to this aloud?”

“Of course.” Settling down next to Izuku, All Might resumed grading as the teen focused on
the lecture.

The blizzard had truthfully messed up the roads, especially out in the boonies. So, the others
from UA were not expected for a few days, according to an email from Nezu. “Well, looks
like you’ll be healing the slow way for a little while, Izuku.” All Might informed the teen as
he looked out the window. Turning back, All Might sat back down as the teen continued to
work. “But it’s not like you have to worry about school work right now, so that’s OK. The
only current downside is what this is going to do to your physique.”

Shifting his shoulders a bit, Izuku winced. “I mean, I don’t know that Recovery Girl could
heal this in one go, so it’s not like I was going to be training anyway. And… I kinda wanna
explore here for a few days. But…”

“You’re still injured enough that it wouldn’t be a wise idea. And the antibiotics probably
can’t travel. Nor could the anti-anxiety medication.”

“Wait….” Is that why my mind isn’t spinning like it normally does? “Is that why I don’t
feel… so out of control?”

“Do you always feel that way?”

“Normally, I’m planning on what to do for the worst-case scenario all the time. If Dad is
going to kill me, I’ll make it so he doesn’t kill off OFA. Or, I’ll leave my journals with my
analysis so that it can be used. Stuff like that. If I plan for it, nothing’s going to happen and
even if it does, I’ll have a way out. I won’t get hurt again.” Best to plan for the worst and
hope for the best, after all.

“My boy…” The tone was soft. “Maybe we should see if you can get treatment while you’re
here for that, as well.”

“Maybe.” The teen conceded, turning his attention back to a lecture about English Lit. “I
think they’ve sort of already started therapy here—that’s what Dr. Lee did when I first woke
up.”

“Well, that’s excellent.” All Might looked over to the teen. “Now, it’d be best for you to focus
on either your studies or getting enough rest. Which do you want to do?”
 “Studies. I’ve been bored out of my mind most of the time I’m awake.” Izuku returned his
attention to the lectures and homework he had assigned as All Might turned back to his own
correspondence.

Chapter End Notes

Anyway, let me know what you're thinking! Comments and kudos are appreciated.
 Chapter 11
Chapter Notes

Hello! I"m headed into peak at work, so I might be dead next week. Don't be surprised if
I vanish. Anywhooo..... hope you're having a good day.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The rest of the day passed in relative peace, with Izuku catching up on his homework with
help from All Might when it was necessary. Around dinner time, Dr. Lee and Mikuu rejoined
the two as Izuku was flirting with sleep.

“Izuku, how are you feeling?” Dr. Lee offered a smile. “I ran into Mikuu on her way here.”

“Hi, Izu. Wanna pick up where we left off? I’d won the last round, so that put me ahead.”

“That may need to wait.” The doctor cautioned as she gently ruffled Mikuu’s hair. “I’d like to
start doing some gentle physical therapy to ensure that you’re not as stiff. I’ve noticed that
you tend to avoid a lot of movement—that’s prudent, right now. But gentle stretches and light
exercise are also in order to make it so that your flexibility isn’t impacted. I wanted to get
your opinion on how you feel in order to gauge whether to start you soon or not.”

“Um… I’d like to start as soon as possible, I guess. I don’t want to risk losing flexibility.”
Izuku reached for his sketch pad. “I’d been drawing, I don’t know if that messes things up or
not, but I needed something to focus on.”

Dr. Lee took the pad, looked it over. “That’s impressive, but you’ll need to talk to your
physical therapist. I can ask him to come up today, if you’d like?”

“Yes, please!!” Izuku offered a smile to the doctor. “I…if I can go back, I want to jump into
training as fast as possible.”

Dr. Lee narrowed her eyes, turning to the boy. “Whoa, kiddo. You were seriously hurt. It’s
going to take at least a few months for you to heal fully. Throwing yourself into training isn’t
going to help, and it’ll only set you farther back. So don’t push it, OK?”

Cowed under the well-meaning glare, Izuku nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. Now, I’ll send the order in for the therapist to visit you. He’ll likely be up here in
about an hour to hour and a half. Don’t wear yourself out before then, kiddo. Studies can
wait.”

“I guess?” Izuku groused as the doctor snorted.

“You know, most kids your age are usually happy to not do homework.”

“Normally it helps stop me from panicking, but I guess with the anti-anxiety meds I’m on
that I don’t have to worry about that right now…”

“Well, we can discuss that later, too. Next session, OK? Remind me.” Dr. Lee gently ruffled
his curls. “See you, Izu.”

“Bye, doc.” Izuku waved as he reached for his sketchpad.

All Might watched as the boy picked up the sketchbook. “How long have you had that
sketchbook? You said you were doing your best to not use too much of it, but that would only
work for so long.”

“Hmmm…. I bought this back at the start of middle school. I’ve used most of it, but god
bless the eraser.” Izuku joked as he traced an old photo with a light touch so as not to mess
with the charcoal shading. “I’ll have to start budgeting for a new one, but I need to worry
about shelter over the summer and food first, and then…”

“Izuku. You don’t have to worry about shelter or food. You’re going to be taken care of.” All
Might’s tone held a slight edge of horror. “You know that, right?”
“I…” Better to plan for no help than to expect help and be out on my own. “I… guess?”

“You don’t need to worry about that, I promise. And something tells me that if your doctor
thought you’d be back out on the streets, she wouldn’t let you go, either. You’re not alone,
Izuku.”

“I know that logically but it’s better to have a plan than not to. What happens when someone
dies the next time? I’ll be back to fucking square zero and be on my own and…” Slapping his
hands over his mouth as tears began to fall, Izuku curled into himself as he let the last few
words out between his fingers. “At least next time, I’ll likely be an adult. Then again, with
the League and everyone else being targeted, maybe that’s too optimistic.”

“My boy…” The soft tone was back, and Izuku was slowly starting to hate it because it
meant he’d revealed some facet of his thought process he hadn’t meant to.

“Knock, knock!” A cheerful voice came from the door as it was opened. “Hi! I’m Dr. Hideo,
and I’m the physical therapist. Is now a good time?”

Slapping on his smiling mask, Izuku nodded before All Might could say anything. “Hi! And
yes.”

“I…” All Might began to protest, but the therapist offered a small smile.

“Alright then. If you don’t mind, I’ll have you hop into this wheelchair, kiddo. I’ve got an
awesome studio downstairs where there’s a bit more room and a lot less medical equipment
to get in the way. You’ll be detached from that IV stand for a little bit, but I promise nothing
will happen to worry about.” The man wheeled in a chair and Izuku promptly reached for
help to get off the bed and into the chair, sensing an escape.
After getting the grass-haired boy situated in the wheel chair the man handed the boy a
specialize stuffed animal with a stiff back to help him stay upright. “Here, kiddo. Hold onto
this.”

“Sweet. Now, how about you tell me about yourself? I’m sure you’ve got a story.” Dr. Hideo
nodded to All Might as he unhooked Izuku’s painkillers, antibiotics and the other medical
accoutrement from their places before placing it on the wheelchair. “You can take a break,
I’ve got him.”

All Might shifted, uncomfortable. “I… understood. We’ll talk later, Izuku.”

Not wanting to deal with that ticking time-bomb, Izuku nodded as he was wheeled out.

As the two boarded the elevator—thankfully alone—Dr. Hideo spoke in an undertone. “You
OK, buddy?”

“I’m fine!” Izuku chirped, watching at the buttons lit up as they passed floors.

“That mask isn’t as foolproof as you want it to be, Midoriya. What’s up?” The man’s voice
was calm, but not pitying.

“I… It’s just… I don’t want to deal with this right now.”

“Fair enough. I’m going to have you hop on the treadmill, have you just walk for a little bit.”
As the elevator doors opened, Dr. Hideo turned to the left, went down three doors and swiped
into a room. “Welcome to my insanity, forgive the numerous nerdy things.”

“I am in heaven.” Izuku felt himself goggling as he looked around the room. A lightsaber and
wand rested next to each other, along with movies and video games and nerf guns. A few
comics sat alongside medical texts, and the TV was hooked up to a console. “Am I allowed
to play with things or…?”

“Heck yeah, kiddo! Want me to hook up a game so you can play while you walk?”

“Yes!”

Ten minutes later, controller in hand as he leaned on the supportive front of the machine,
Izuku was ambling at a sedate pace with his upper body braced by a platform that allowed
him to stand fully upright while his mind focused on the game.

“Alright, so we’re going to be going easy with this for a little bit. Fifteen minutes walking—
where I’ll ask you to stand up as much as you can—with a few minutes break between bouts
as needed, ten minutes with stretching, and then we’ll do weights for another fifteen minutes.
After that, we’ll stretch again with range of motion stuff and then we’ll head on up to your
room. Sound good, kiddo?”

“Yes, sir.” Izuku had the tip of his tongue stuck out of the corner of his mouth as he
concentrated. “Can I keep coming back here?”
“If you’re here for medical treatment, of cou…” Dr. Hideo trailed off as his door opened.
“Hi, what… Oh, hi, Mikuu. What’s up, kiddo?”

“Wanted to talk to my trauma twin.” Mikuu entered the room, taking in the other teen. “But it
appears as if his mind has been consumed by fishing. C’mon, at least do a racing game.”

Dr. Hideo shook his head. “Kid, he’s not running. And besides, fishing is a wholesome
activity.”

“Wholesome, smolsome. I don’t care about that. At least make it thematic.” Mikuu shot back,
grin wide. “Hi, Izu.”

With a distracted “hi” Izuku focused on both keeping his legs going, standing fully upright
again, and the game. After the allotted time on the treadmill, Izuku was pulled off both the
game and the treadmill. “Can I play that later? What’s it called?”
“It’s an older game. I’ll have Mikuu bring it up when she tried to get more contraband past
your nurses.” Dr. Hideo grinned at Izuku as the boy watched him nervously.

“Uh… Am I in trouble?”

“For some chocolate? No. Now, I’m going to have you start by doing arm circles. Five at
first, then a few seconds to recover than five more in the opposite direction. I was told you’d
been sketching?”
“Uh, yeah. I…it helps with nightmares. I used to listen to music when I was little, but after
my mom got sick and I was living on the streets, I couldn’t use my phone for music. Plus, my
headphones broke around two months into homelessness.”

“Man, that sucks. I didn’t know.” Mikuu chirped in. “How long were you on the streets?”

“Uh…. Middle of middle school. My teachers…”

“One sec, switch to moving your hands as high as you can above your head. Don’t push it,
but also do your best.” Dr. Hideo said, and Izuku obeyed as Mikuu jumped right back in.

“Didn’t care, right?”

“Got it in one.” Izuku heard the sad sigh of the doctor.

“That’s far to common a story here. Most of the kids I work with here have the same story. If
you want, there’s a support group that meets here every Friday. You could join in, if you’re
feeling up to it. Mikuu’s a huge part of it. They usually make a meal together and do a hang
out session for those both new and in the hospital.”

Turning to his friend with a pout, Izuku bit down on his lip, hesitating for a moment before
asking “Why wasn’t I informed of this before?”

“I didn’t want to overwhelm you. You’d just gotten here and then people showed up and it
seemed like you were…skittish, at best.” Mikuu seemed to shrink on herself, guilt taking
over.
 Shaking his head, Izuku reached out. “I was only teasing. I don’t blame you, but…if the
invitation is still open…”

“It is! Definitely. I’d love to introduce to the others who are here. Ryuu, especially. He’s a
friend of mine—we figure skate together.”

“Really? I’ve never watched much of that sport, but the pure physicality was always
interesting to me—and the scoring system. Can you explain to me the difference between…”
Izuku and Mikuu began to chatter as Dr. Hideo guided Izuku through stretches, then coached
him in lifting the weights and through the last stretching session.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking, comments and kudos are appreciated.
 Chapter 12
Chapter Notes

Double upload because why the hell not. >:-)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“Alright! You’re good, Izuku. Now, you two can babble together back up in your room, or
you can hang out here until you’re ready to face your guardian.” Dr. Hideo took in the eyes
welling with tears. “OK, so you can stay here until my next appointment—that’s in another
half-an-hour.”

Grateful, Izuku nodded to the man as he sat down on the same weight bench. Mikuu joined
him, movement quiet and soft.

“So…what happened?”

“I… we were talking about my sketchbook and I mentioned that I needed a new one. And
then I talked about how I needed to save money for summer and food and that I wouldn’t be
able to get a new sketchbook until after that. And then he said that I didn’t need to worry
about that, that I wouldn’t be alone again. People die—that’s a fact of life. And if the people
who care about me die out, I’ll be alone. It’s better to have a plan to deal with it! Like, I don’t
want to starve because I didn’t plan ahead or find a job fast enough.”

“’Zuku…you can’t spend your life waiting for people to die and leave you.” Mikuu was
gentle as she took his hand, held it as he tensed. “I know you’re scared, but listen to me.”

Leaning on the specialized stuffed animal Izuku looked at her as he let his hand rest in hers. I
feel like I can trust her…

Mikuu offered a smile. “I know what you’re feeling—everyone who cares vanishes once they
find out about the quirklessness, right?”

“Yeah.”

“And you’re scared that you won’t find people who care about you if you’re quirkless. For
most of your life, that’s been true. But you know something new now, don’t you?”

“I….” Izuku’s mind circled, narrowing his eyes and scrunching his nose as he tried to figure
out what she was getting at.

“Izuku.” Swinging their hands together, Mikuu smiled. “You’re now aware of an entire town
—heck, multiple towns! —where being quirkless is normal. That you’d be able to go come
here or go to one of the other towns if you needed. I promise that you wouldn’t be out of
place or unwelcome.”

Dr. Hideo joined in. “The towns are a haven for quirkless people—not because we can’t stand
with those who have quirks but because we treat ourselves better away from the toxic
mentality that having a magical superpower makes us any less a person. We can survive out
there, but we do not have to with our towns. Teenagers and kids come into our systems and
we take care of them. You would be welcome in that system, Izuku. You would not be alone
—you’d be with others who’ve experienced a lot of what you have.”

Squeezing the hand, Izuku felt tears on his cheeks. No! “Damn it, I thought I’d cried all of it
out.”

“It’s OK to mourn, ‘Zu.” Mikuu scooted forward, tugged Izuku into a loose approximation of
a hug where her arms didn’t actually touch his back. “I cried for months once I felt safe
enough to do so. And you’ve been building to this for years—years of abuse and neglect and
a world that didn’t care. It’s hard to cry enough once it’s over.”

Breaking, Izuku grasped her shoulders as he wept. “I’m so mad and tired and angry. I didn’t
do anything wrong.”

Mikuu’s own voice was rough. “I know, ‘zuku. I know. You didn’t.”

“I was treated as if I were awful—a plague worse than death. I was thrown into equipment to
get concussions, beaten by my classmates and ignored by my teachers who were supposed to
help me! All because of something I can’t fucking control!”

“Let it out. It’s OK. You’re safe here.” Mikuu’s own tears were falling on his chest. Izuku
didn’t register when she was gently tugged back by Dr. Hideo who sent her out of the room.
Dr. Hideo took her place, sitting on the bench as Izuku continued to talk, words spilling like a
faucet.

“I was suicide baited so many times that I lost count when I was in elementary school! Spider
lilies on my desk were such a common sight that I can draw them in my sleep. People used
their quirks on me—to hurt me—and the teachers said nothing. Did nothing. When I was
actively crying in front of them. ‘Toughen up’/ ‘stop being a crybaby’/ ‘get over it, it was an
accident’ ! FUCK YOU, it wasn’t! I didn’t deserve that! And then, to add fucking insult to
injury, mom got sick.” His voice died as more tears spilled over. “The one FUCKING person
who gave a damn about me—loved me—got sick. Terminally. And she did her best to make
it so I’d have a place to go, only to have the same ex best friend of mine to fuck it up and
burn me in front of her. After that, she was scared. So scared—if she couldn’t leave me with
Bakugo and his family, I’d be put in foster care. And we know what the stats for quirkless
kids surviving there are. She was so scared that she begged me to put up with it, that it would
be worth it later on in my life if I did so!”

Unable to sit still, Izuku squeezed the stuffed animal as pain from his back blending with the
agony inside his stomach. “And apparently, my father signed for custody of me only to leave
me where I was to figure out what to do. And because I was a damn intelligent kid—and I
knew my mom’s passwords—I took control of my own finances when I was homeless. I
made sure that mom was taken care of and then I used what I could to survive. Then the
landlords raised the rent specifically because they knew I couldn’t fight them. Fucking
assholes!”

Pain and sadness and rage hold Izuku in sway as he continued ranting.

“I was homeless and no one cared. No one said anything. I wore the same uniform day in
and day out—with fucking bloodstains from when the other attacked me—and they said
NOTHING. I was so tired, so scared. I’d found shelter close to mom—above the hospital
parking garage. It was quiet and safe and warm and no one said anything. But I was still
alone. I treated my burns from the explosive asshole. I was the one who rocked myself to
calm down after nightmare after nightmare. I did it! Me. I didn’t need an adult.”

Breathing hard, Izuku’s tears dried up as he just felt tired. “And… and… and then a miracle
happened. I was dumb enough to run toward a villain—one who was holding that same ex
best friend—and I tried to save him. After that… I was approached by my hero.” Izuku’s
voice broke a bit as he thought of All Might. “He offered me a chance—one that I’d wanted
since I was four. I wanted—still want—to be a hero. But he’d told me earlier that FUCKING
DAY that I couldn’t be a hero without a quirk. And I’m so angry at that—but at the same
time, he cares. I know that. I’ve seen it. But I’m so confused on how to feel about it!”

Izuku knuckled away the last few tears. “But ever since he helped me, he’s been sick. He’s
hurt—seriously enough to have lost parts of himself in his last fight. I can’t trust that he’ll be
around for long. I know he says to trust him, that he’s not going anywhere, but we don’t
know that. I’m…” Izuku paused as Dr. Hideo moved in front of him, put a hand on Izuku’s
chin and gently tilted the teen’s head up.

“It’s OK, Izuku. You aren’t wrong to feel that way. You have every right to be angry, scared,
upset and enraged. But I want you to look at me for a second—what’s something you want to
do in the future?”

“Graduate high school?”

“Good. That’s excellent. What else?”

“Explore this town? It’s nice here.”

“Another excellent goal. What else?”

“Uh….” Izuku wracked his brain, breathing calming down. “Make friends who know that
I’m quirkless and value me anyway? Besides Mikuu.”

Glancing around, her absence finally registered. “Did I do something wrong? I didn’t hurt
her, did I?”

Dr. Hideo shook his head. “No, but she has her own demons. I sent her out when you started
to get into it.”

“Sorry.” Guilt started to take over the teen as he pulled his arms across his chest.
“No, don’t be. You needed to let it out. It’s OK.” Dr. Hideo put a hand on the unburned part
of the nape of teen’s neck. “It’s not the first break down in this room, and it won’t be the last.
But I want to tell you something—you can’t just wait for something bad to happen, like a
death. It’ll paralyze you. I want you to go on and have an amazing life. Death is scary—and it
sounds like you’ve gotten a crap hand when it comes to that. For that, I wish I could fix it.
But alas, I don’t have a time machine nor a cure-all. But waiting for death to take people
from you isn’t going to help. Maybe someday you’ll lose that person you care about—but
isn’t it better to be with them now, while you have them, than to push away the possibility of
them caring about you?”

“Doesn’t it hurt more to care and lose? I shouldn’t care. It makes things easier.”

“You already care about them, Midoriya. And your heart is bigger than most. You care about
your friends and your teachers and about those in your life. Trying to push them away now is
only going to hurt. Why not treasure time with them now? You may not have tomorrow—
none of us are guaranteed that. But we have the time with them today. And you have support
now. If you need anything, we will give you the number for someone here—if you need to
come here, you will be welcomed. OK?”

Nodding, Izuku took a few breaths as Dr. Hideo smiled.

“Good. Alright, let’s get you back to your room. I bet you can get Mikuu to slip you more
contraband.” Dr. Hideo smiled as the half-watery chuckle as Izuku scooted back into the
wheelchair. “She’s good at slipping past the nurses. They’re starting to get suspicious of how
she’s getting it past them.”

“How does she?”

“I don’t know, and I’m not going to ask. I’m simply going to enjoy the flustered, confused
and angry laughter. It makes my day. And then my wife’ll come around and scream about it,
so I get to laugh again!”

“Your wife’s a nurse here?”

“Best nurse there is, in my opinion.” Dr. Hideo’s blush was clear.

“Aww.” Izuku couldn’t help but smile at how clearly the man loved his wife.

“Haha…. married for about five years. Anyway, do you feel better?”

“Yes? And no. I’m just mostly tired now.”

“That’s fair. You’ve been through a lot. Give yourself some time. I know it’s a lot—and that
you’re scared.” A hand rested on his head, gently ruffling the curls. “You’re strong. You’ll
survive.”

“Maybe. Think I could get a shower after this?”

“I’ll see what I can do, kid.”

“Thank you.”

“Not a problem.” Loading onto the same elevator, the trip back to the room passed in a quiet
lull as Izuku and Dr. Hideo let conversation lapse to focus on their own thoughts. Back at the
room, Izuku took in the worried eyes of his pseudo-dad. “Hi…”

“Hey.” All Might sat at the edge of the bed as Izuku laid down. “You OK?”
“Yeah. I’m sorry…. I know logically that there are adults. But that’s happened before.”

“And they didn’t care. I have to say, watching Nezu take out your old school is going to be a
fight I enjoy.” All Might’s tone was dark, eyes narrowed as he turned to look out the window
as if he were facing down the staff at Aldera himself.

“He’s going after Aldera?”

“They’d been looking into why you were never reported as homeless, and well…some of the
security footage they were able to get was…disturbing. To say the very least.” All Might
walked over and reached down to give a comforting squeeze to Izuku’s forearm. “The
prosecution will be under way soon.”

“And…Bakugo? What’s going to happen to him? He’s gotten better, All Might.”

All Might shifted, sighed as he let go and crossed his arms over his abdomen. “That’s to be
decided, my boy. Nezu and Aizawa want to talk to you before they make any decisions. He
was the one who raised the alarm once your father had taken you, even revealing a lot of
what was done to you by him and his own culpability when it came to your perceived notion
of self. But… I have to admit to reservations to keeping you two together in class after this.
He hurt you.”

“And so did the rest of the world and UA, but you can’t keep me from that. Do you know
how many slurs I hear for quirkless people on campus? It’s nuts. It’s almost as if the kids at
school just have no idea how hard it is. I’ve dealt with it before—and besides, it’s
Ka...Bakugo. He’s always been there. It’s kind of comforting. He’s been there through
everything. Kind of like a grounding constant.”

“Just because you’ve survived him before doesn’t mean you have to, now. But… that is your
choice and I will respect it.” All Might released the teen. “Now, how was your session?’

“Nothing too awful? It was weird struggling to lift the weights and stuff given that I can
normally lift a lot more than that… but being able to move and stretch was nice even if it felt
weird when I moved.”

“Well, that’s to be expected. You’re still healing.” All Might offered a weak smile. “I’m sure
that once Recovery Girl is able to help you that you’ll be back to feeling better.”

“I guess, but what about how burns get smaller as they heal? I’d need to do a lot therapy
immediately after to make sure that I don’t stiffen up afterwards. And if I tore something, It
could make it worse. Never mind the missing muscle fiber.”
“I’m sure that she’s taken that into account.” All Might replied looking up as the door opened
to admit a nurse.

“Hello, I was told someone here wants a bath. God bless intelligent kids.” The nurse’s grin
was gentle. “We’ll wrap your wounds and then help you get into the bath. I’ll let you handle
it from there, alright?”

“Thank you!” Izuku chirped, looking toward his bag. “Is it Ok if I switch into a pair of jeans
instead of basketball shorts or…?”

“I wish, kiddo, but with you being unable to move, it’d hinder the catheter and other
accoutrement.” The nurse began to juggle with her supplies, pulling bandages and a small roll
of tape. “Now, please stay still.”

If there is a hell, I know catheters are involved. “Is it possible to get taken off of those items?
I think I could handle here to the bathroom on my own.”

“MMm…. Let’s test that out with me here. Give me a moment and I’ll unhook everything,
alright?”

Five minutes later, Izuku was thanking every god he knew as he was helped to his feet and
then demonstrated that he could make it to the bathroom and back with the help of his IV
pole as a crutch as he hobbled to and from half-curled over on himself. The addition of a
handhold higher up on the pole helped provide enough support for Izuku to hold himself up
in a semi-upright position that was deemed acceptable.

“Alright. That settles that issue.” The nurse offered a grin. “Now let me finish up with the
bandages and then I’ll get you into the shower before I leave you alone. And you can switch
over to your own clothes, as long as we have access to your wounds. Stay still, OK?”

Doing as he was asked, Izuku looked to All Might as the man sat next to him. “So did you get
another email from Nezu? When are they going to be here?”

“From what I could gather from the weather report, the roads will likely be passable on
Friday. They’ll likely be here in the evening, and we’ll discuss with the doctors and hospital
here what needs to be done both for you and for the community at large.” All Might offered a
smile. “And from what I understood, a few of your classmates are coming with them.”

“Oh, uh… there’s a meeting for quirkless kids here on Friday. It’s a late lunch type of deal. I
was hoping to go? And what of the holidays? Aren’t people going to be busy with family?”

“Anyone from UA who comes values you enough to give up some holiday time. As for the
meetup, I’m sure it won’t be a big deal for you to do so. Nezu did imply that it’d be late when
they got here. Hospital staff has agreed to extend visiting hours for you specifically that
night. So it likely won’t be an issue—and even if it is, you can spend some time at the
meeting before joining us. I’m sure the adults will want to discuss some aspects of your care
and transfer back to UA before you’re included. And I know Aizawa wishes to ‘speak’ to me.
It amazes me that I was the number one hero for years but Aizawa is still only the second
most scary person I’ve faced down.”
 Izuku snorted as the nurse laughed. “Number one hero, huh? Thought you looked familiar.”
Turning to the teen as All Might went white, she smiled. “You’re good to go. Let’s get you
into the shower up.”

After that, Izuku found himself helped through all the basics of the shower by a calm-handed
and kind nurse who did her best to make the entire situation less awkward by simply refusing
to acknowledge it as such. After he was clean, he was helped with his clothing as much as
necessary before the two returned back to the room at large.

“So you should be all good! And don’t worry, I don’t care about identities and will promptly
forget this conversation happened as soon as I’m called out to another room. Which should
be in five, four, three, two, one…”

Her walkie-talking clicked on. “Rika, could you check on room 213? We…”
“Oh, one of my favorites. Of course.” The nurse smiled. “Have a nice day, someone will be
around to change your bandages later.”

“Thank you, miss!” Izuku called as the woman walked out the door as he let himself relax on
the bed. Moving his own tablet, he went back to his studies. After the usual rigamarole of
care—bandage changes, a massage and an exam to check healing—Izuku relaxed after
getting some of his assignments done. Around dinner, Mikuu reappeared to continue their
racing game challenge as well as to drop off the game Izuku had been playing while at
physical therapy and some more contraband. After a few rounds, Mikuu’s father once again
reappeared and whisked his kid away. After that, All Might left at the end of visiting hours as
he promised to be back early the next morning.

Chapter End Notes

Tell me what you're thinking in the comments below! Kudos and comments are
appreciated.
 Chapter 13
Chapter Notes

I have survived the dreaded PRIME WEEK--and I only slept in 12 hours afterward!
Anyway.........Here's the next chapter!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The nightmares left him alone that night, and he woke to find All Might next to him. “Good
morning, my boy. Feeling OK?”

“About as OK as I can be. So, what’s going on?”

“Nezu, Eraserhead, Recovery Girl, and Ground Zero, all on their way up. Eraserhead has
already sworn—via increasingly annoyed text—to never to do road trips with students again.
Most of your other classmates had familial obligations, so are unable to attend. Even if they
wanted to. I’m sorry. ”

Izuku let out a small snort. “It’s OK. I’m sure Ground Zero is making life… interesting…in
the car. I would feel bad for anyone else who had to deal with him right now.”

“If Eraserhead gets much more frustrated, something tells me he’s going to tell GZ to either
shut it or have to do an eight-page paper on a topic of his choosing. I’m pretty sure he has
said topic ready to go in his bag.”
Izuku flicked through the two or three assignments he had left. “I mean, I bet he gets that
essay in another hour.”

“My bet’s another hour and a half. I think there’s less for Zero to bounce off of, so he’s less
likely to kick up as much of a fuss.”

“Hmm.” Izuku looked up as a nurse entered with breakfast. Kacchan can get into trouble all
on his own, so I don’t think that’s entirely right.

The rest of the day passed with updates from UA and treatment. Izuku was once again
allowed to go down to physical therapy, to move around. After that, he finished off his
assignments he’d been ignoring while he’d been panicking about his father. Putting aside the
tablet, Izuku then closed his eyes for a nap.

Which felt like he was woken up less than ten minutes later. “hhhhhhhnnnwwwhat?”

“Do you still want to come to the group, ‘Zu?”

Sitting up—his version, anyway—as his mind recalibrated, Izuku stretched. “Yes, sorry. I
could’ve sworn I just went to sleep.”
“It’s been about three hours, Izuku.UA is actually going to be here much earlier than
expected, so you’ll probably only be able to spend an hour before you’re needed.”

“We’d still welcome you, ‘Zu.” Mikuu held out a hand as she stood behind a wheelchair,
shifting from foot to foot as she blushed and looked down.

“I want to go.” Izuku grabbed his largest t-shirt and threw it over his shoulders before
grabbing his shoes and shoving his feet in. “Let’s go!”

With a quick happy dance, Mikuu helped Izuku into the chair, giving him one of the modified
stiff stuffed animals to help keep him upright as Mikuu wheeled him downstairs. Upon
reaching a double-door area, Mikuu poured into the room. “Hello!”

A group of eight teens were gathered around a table, working on food prep in the small
kitchenette. The range was a mix of male and female, with the girls holding a slight
advantage.

“Hello!” “Hi, Mikuu. Who’s this?” “What’s up?” “Nice to meet you! Welcome.” “’Sup. You
new, too?” “H…h..hi.”

The group gathered around, and Mikuu was the one to speak as she wheeled the two deeper
into the room. “Everyone, this is Midoriya Izuku. He’s new here—and injured, so watch the
back—and he’s quirkless like us. But he’s a kinda special circumstance so respect when he
chooses not to talk, alright?”

A general consensus of “of course” rang out in the room as the groups broke up.

A few of the members raised their hands in lieu of a verbal response, and four of the ten
broke off to come greet Izuku and Mikuu as they entered the kitchen. A taller boy with sandy
blonde hair, another boy with brown hair and a light complexion, and a set of girls who had
dyed hair—green on one side, blue on the other. One girl was about his height, the other a
few inches shorter.

“Hi!” One of the girls—the taller one—said. “Name’s Ohto Kimi. This is my twin sister,
Ohto Toru.”

The shorter girl nodded. “We’re pleased to meet you. Mikuu’s told us that we’re not the only
new quirkless kids and it’s nice to know there are others.”

“I know!” Izuku burst out. “It’s so weird that I never meet anyone quirkless out there, but
there are a bunch of us here.”

“Fewer than there should be, though.” The sandy-haired boy spoke. “Hi. I’m Nagano Ryuu,
Mikuu’s skating partner. She’s been stoked about having a new friend.” Ryuu held out his
hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Midoriya Izuku. Do you have a nickname you want to be
called?”

“I usually just go by Izuku.” Izuku took the hand, shook it. “Thanks for the warm welcome.
I’m not entirely used to all of this yet, but it’s nice to meet all of you, too.”
“And I’m Fujita Raiden.” The brunet spoke. “Welcome. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Wanna join in? We’re making tacos tonight. The meat is mostly done, but we could use help
with getting the tomato sliced and the lettuce shredded.”
“Sure!” Izuku agreed, as he was wheeled to a sink and handed a head of lettuce while Mikuu
joined him.

“So…” Raiden was the first to speak up. “What’s your story?”

“Probably the same as a lot of you—diagnosed quirkless and then life went to crap.” Izuku
offered a small smile as he ran the lettuce leaves under the water and began to tear it. “I was
diagnosed when I was four. You guys?”

“Five.” Toru chimed in. “We were diagnosed together. I’m so glad we were both quirkless.”

“I can’t imagine what would’ve happened to us if one of us had had a quirk and the other
didn’t.” Kimi shuddered as she sliced a tomato on a cutting board. “The way that quirkless
people are driven away from family is bullshit.”

“Hear, hear!” One of the others chimed in—a girl with bright pink hair. “And quirked people
can be so judgy. Like, ‘oh, I’m so sorry your sister’s broken.’ I know my older brother pulled
away from me to avoid the bullying I was getting. Hell, he’s the reason I was taken from my
parents, after he pushed me down the stairs that one time. I’m Izanami Kamei, by the way!”

“Sibling are their own version of hell.” Another girl—a blonde with golden-gray eyes—
chimed in. “I’m Miyamoto Yasu, and the quiet one at the stove is Minamoto Kin. I speak for
both of us by saying ‘Hi! We’re glad you’re here.’”

“That just leaves you two.” Mikuu addressed the two boys off to the periphery of the group.
“Come on in, I promise we don’t bite.”

“I… I… I’m Kato Shoji.” The smaller of the two boys pushed his rounded glasses up. “I’m a
little nervous, forgive me.”

“Don’t be.” Mikuu smiled. “It’s alright. I know a lot of us are coming from situations that
weren’t super happy around peers. Don’t push yourself, but you’re OK here. And you?”

The last boy was wearing an old band T-shirt. “I’m Uchiyama Akihiro. I like American
music. What about you guys?”

“Mmm… I have to be in the mood for it, you know?” Yasu smiled. “It can really hit a spot,
but sometimes I want something I don’t have to translate.”

“I feel like it can be hit-or-miss depending on the artist. Mostly misses for me.” Raiden saw
Akihiro grumble. “If you have recommendations, I’ll take them. But don’t be surprised if I
don’t exactly listen to it again. I usually prefer R&B or classical. It’s more of my vocal
range.”

Akihiro relaxed. “That’s fair. Anyway, do you need help with anything else?”
 “Could you stir the guac, check to make sure it’s all mixed?” Kimi offered a smile to the boy.
“Thank you!”

“’Course.” Akihiro smiled.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking! Kudos and comments are appreciated. (Sorry for the
late update, as stated before: I was asleep.)
 Chapter 14
Chapter Notes

Hello! Hope you're having a good day.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

After five or so minutes, the food was ready and everyone quickly set about getting to their
food. As conversation flowed, Izuku let himself fully relax against the support pillow.

“Oh, and Mikuu and I are hoping to try out for the Olympic team for pair skating! I’d be
cool.” Ryuu said, eyes flashing with excitement as he spoke with his hands—mercifully free
of food as he did so. “We’re hoping to refine our routine and then go for it! It’s just too bad
that she didn’t agree to the superhero themed routine that I’d planned. No, we had to do
something dark and tragic.”

“You just wanted an excuse to cosplay Batman, don’t deny it.” Mikuu took a bite of her last
taco, using the back of her wrist to wipe away the small smear of sour cream at the corner of
her mouth. “Nerd.”

“You know Batman?” Izuku turned to look at Ryuu. “He’s so cool!”

“I know! He’s a quirkless superhero! I don’t get why people think we can’t be heroes, there
was one before the idea of quirks existed!” Ryuu’s hands were going a mile a minute. “OK,
so I need to see how much of a fan you are—who’s the fourth Robin?”

“Stephanie Brown. But that didn’t last long. What’s your favorite medium? I’m super partial
to the old animated series.”

“Dude, you are my new favorite person! I love that show!” Ryuu jumped up, bumping the
table. Blushing under the glares, he sat back down before turning back to Izuku. “We should
watch it together!”

“I would love to, but…” Izuku heard the knock on the door, looked in the direction when a
familiar head of dark hair and exhausted eyes poked in.

“Pardon me, I’m looking for… Problem child, there you are.” Aizawa’s voice was soft. “We
need you to join us, so if you wouldn’t mind?”

“Y..y..yes, se…sen…sensi.” Izuku stuttered, before looking to Mikuu who’d come up behind
him to wheel him toward the door. “Do I need to worry about the dishes?”

“Nah, catch you later though?” Mikuu’s eyes had taken on a darker edge of concern as she
looked at the doorway.
“I’ll try? I’m not sure what’s going to happen now. And Ryuu, If I’m staying here any longer,
I’d love to. Bye.”

“Bye, ‘Zu.” “Catch you later!” “See you!”

After being wheeled to the door, Izuku was careful to keep his gaze down as he exited the
room and the cheerful atmosphere dropped. “Hi….”

“Kid.” Aizawa was gentle as he put a hand on his head which made the tremors in them more
obvious as he walked behind the chair to grab onto the handles. “I’m not angry with you, it’s
OK.”

“I.. I’I…I’m sorry, that I didn’t tell you. It’sjustthatIdidn’tknowwhattosayand” Izuku began to
mumble and slur words together it got harder to breathe as the anxiety crashed down on him.

“Pr…Midoriya, it’s alright.” Aizawa moved around the chair and knelt down before reaching
up to gently cup Izuku’s cheek in his hand. “It’s OK. Just breathe for a moment, alright? In
and out, easy….”

Taking the breaths, Izuku struggled under the pain he could see in his teacher’s eyes. “I…”

“Shh. Let’s get you up to your room and get the burns treated, OK?” Aizawa stood, one
grounding hand resting lightly on the teen’s upper arm as he moved around to take the
wheelchair by the handles. “Now, let’s go.”

“Yes, sir.” Unsteady and unsure, Izuku kept his head down for the ride back to his room.

Arriving back at his room, Izuku felt his stomach shrink at the sight of Bakugo sitting on the
bed with a bland expression as he was staring up at the ceiling.

“Alright, clear out of the space, Bakugo.” Aizawa ordered, breaking the teen out of his trance
to snap his gaze to the doorway where Izuku and Aizawa were entering from.

At once, Bakugo was in front of him. “N..nerd?” The tone was much more watery than Izuku
expected.

“Hi…” Izuku kept his gaze down. “Thanks?”

“Why…why did you go with him? You could’ve…” Bakugo’s voice started to shake. “YOU
COULD’VE DIED, DAMN DEKU!” The blonde teen reached forward, pulled Izuku’s chair
toward him and pressed their foreheads together. “What was your plan? What…”

“I…” Izuku struggled to breath as the anxiety kicked in. “I…I didn’t have one, Ka…”

“WHAT?” Bakugo’s voice raised. “How did you plan to get out?”

Lifting his chin, Izuku let his exhaustion show in his eyes. “Look me in the eyes, Kacchan,
and ask me that again.” You know how tired I am.

Bakugo’s ruby red eyes welled up. “You didn’t.”

“No, I didn’t. Now move.” I don’t think I can keep sitting up. “My back is hurting, and they
need to change the bandages.” Feeling the last of his strength reserves start to fail, Izuku
started to sway.

Reaching out an arm, Bakugo guided Izuku with a careful slow pace. “Let me help, OK?”

Accepting the help, Izuku found himself guided down onto the bed as Bakugo took the spot
next to him. “Gonna yell?”

“No.” Bakugo kept his voice level, which was the scariest thing he could’ve done. “I want to
understand. What about OFA? What was your plan there?”

“Already gave it back.” Izuku muttered, keeping his gaze away from his friend.

“You didn’t think you’d come back alive, did you? You planned on that as soon as you found
out your father was coming.”

No point in lying. “More or less, yeah. It was either I was going to be sold as slave labor to
the organizations my father works with, or he was going to kill me. I wasn’t going to use
OFA for the people I think my dad works with. And besides, it can be passed on. It’s not a big
deal if a user passes—it’s just a part of the cycle.”

The stunned silence in the room bore down on him, so instead of fighting it, Izuku closed his
eyes. “It wouldn’t’ve mattered, anyway. What’s one less quirkless kid? Hell, one less
quirkless disabled kid?”

The harsh inhale from both teacher and ex-friend chased Izuku as he let himself go back to
sleep.

Blinking awake to the sight of a darkened window, Izuku took a moment to process the way
he was being held. He was tucked into someone’s arms as he lay partially on top of them,
held sideways with one arm wrapped under the skin where his wounds stopped while another
arm rested along their sides. His face was tucked in between the curve of neck and shoulder,
and Izuku could feel their breathing—peaceful, as if dozing—as his own body naturally
answered the rhythm. The smell of caramel hung heavy in the air between the person neck
and Izuku’s nose. Kacchan? Lifting his head a bit, Izuku’s eyes widened as he saw the tear
tracks on Bakugo’s face.

The movement was enough to rouse the other teen, vermillion eyes blinking open to half-
mast before opening fully. “Nerd…?”

Letting out a low hum, Izuku glanced around the room. Aizawa was asleep in the chair next
to the bed, and none of the other administrators or teachers were there.

“You feeling up to listening to me, just for a moment?” Bakugo kept his voice low, head
turning to take in their teacher. “Nezu, Recovery Girl and All Might are talking to the admin
here, but they’ll likely be back soon.”

“Hm.”
“Alright. Let me tell you a story I’ve been learning in therapy, OK?”

Turning back to his friend, Izuku met his eyes and waited.

“Alright. So, a long time ago, there were these two friends. They were born into a world that
was strange—hair that grew in multiple colors are a certain age was considered desirable.”

Snorting quietly, Izuku’s shoulders shook with laughter.

“Yes, I know it’s a dumb example. Just listen. They were a little different—one got the hair
and one didn’t. And it messed with the kid that did. He knew his friend—he knew that his
friend was suddenly alien to him. If he wasn’t like himself, how could they compete? And
that scared the boy with the multi-colored hair. Everyone expected that the multi-colored boy
would go on and do things. It felt like everyone had their eyes on him—and then the friend
without the hair reached out. Because the multi-colored hair kid felt trapped, he took it as
another person putting pressure on him. So he lashed out, told the friend to go away. To die.
That they weren’t worth anything because he was obviously lesser because of the lack of
neon hair.”

Running a hand through his own hair, Izuku tugged at a curl and stared Bakugo in the eyes.
My hair’s more neon than yours.

“Yeah, that’s fair.” Bakugo waited for Izuku to put his arm down before speaking again.
“Anyway… The multi-colored hair kid bullied his ex-friend for years, as his own insecurities
and expectations on himself grew. It got awful between them. The multi-colored hair kid said
some things he never should have. Ever. He repeated things he heard his teachers said,
participated in pushing his ex-friend around, even suggesting that the ex-friend end their life
because they were meaningless. And the normal-haired kid did not deserve it.”

Letting his head bury back into Bakugo’s neck, Izuku nodded as the blonde teen continued.

“So after the mult… can I just say M and R? It’s easier.”

Nodding again, Izuku waited.

“Alright, so M and R reached the time where M assumed they’d finally be going their
separate ways. He was excited, because that was one less person expecting things of him.
Then, suddenly, R showed up with his hair in bright neon streaks. When M confronted him, R
simply stated ‘I’m worth something now, go away.’ And that just sent M into a frenzy. Why,
after all these years were they suddenly equal? It didn’t make sense. R was different. How
could he suddenly do all the things M could? Hell, better than M could in some cases. It
angered M. Then, the friends idol came down from on high, explained that he’d shown R
how to dye his own hair. It threw M for another loop. His hero—who he’d looked up to for
years—saw something in the person M had pushed away and down for years. What had M
missed? So as M tried to rationalize it, he was told he needed to go talk to someone because
of those feelings. M was NOT happy.”

Another snort escaped Izuku as he let himself nod. “Doesn’t surprise me.”
“Hey, your voice is back. Good.” Bakugo teased, hand resting on Izuku’s chest releasing a
bit. “Now, M was working through a lot of his biases—and he was trying to figure out how to
apologize or what to do to apologize. Because what could he do to undo the mindset he’d
instilled in an innocent person? He’s been the first to push away the friend, the one to make
his friend’s life hell. As winter break hit, M had come up with an idea but needed to talk to R.
However, R was avoiding everyone at that point. So M decided to wait, give R some time.”

Izuku pressed closer. “Then everything happened.”

“Yeah, it did. I was so scared, ‘Zuku. I nearly ran after you before that text came through and
I called Sensei. He hung up after the second I told him about everything, and I didn’t hear
anything else until he called back the next day. He said that the raid against your dad had led
the heroes assigned to the case to the LOV. After that, he said you’d been transferred to an
unknown hospital. I…I assumed you’d died, ‘Zu.”

Izuku felt as Bakugo shifted, bringing both of them up into a seated position. Careful, izuku
shifted so his knees balanced on either side of Bakugo’s left leg as his friend held him tight.
“And then it’s like you’ve gone back to middle school, except it’s worse now. Back then, you
were determined—you were going to be a hero. No matter what. Why… why’d you give
up?”

“I…I’m so tired of having to fight everyone, Kacchan. And I never realized how tired I was
until I spent a day and a half here and it was the longest I’ve ever gone without hearing a slur
against me.” Izuku was too wrung out to cry, eyes sore as he closed them. Ow. Is this how
Aizawa feels? Yuck.

“I’m so tired of hiding that I am quirkless, wondering if the people around me actually care
about me—the quirkless kid—or the placed-fourth-in-the-sports-festival-future-pro-hero
version.” And knowing that there is a difference between the two doesn’t help. “And it
might be a moot point, because fourth-degree burns cause problems with muscle and bone.
This might be permanent. It doesn’t matter if I have a quirk if I can’t even stand fully
upright!” Tears slipped over the green-haired teen’s nose, onto the front of his friend’s shirt.
“Sorry, I know you hate the tears.” Frantically trying to push them away, Izuku found his
hand trapped before Bakugo reached up to brush them away himself.

“I don’t mind. And UA will find away, ‘Zuku. Believe in them, OK?”

“I want to! I do. But… I wonder if I can’t take OFA again, are they going to stop caring?
Hell, if I’d never gotten OFA, would anyone here care? If I’d just given in, would it have
mattered? Because the more I think about it, the easier life would’ve been for a lot of
people.”

“Not true, ‘Zuku.” Bakugo glanced at their teacher, whose eyes blinked open. “Do you know
how many people are alive because of you? Myself included.”

“The slime villain?” Izuku asked.

“Him. If you’d given in, gone away, I’d have died that day while the heroes stood around
waiting for someone more equipped to deal with him.”
“You could hear them over the fire and the slime?” Izuku blinked, trying to figure out how
that was possible. That’s strange, Kacchan usually has a harder time hearing because of his
early use of his quirk. He never really had to wear ear protection and…well…. he’s getting
less and less able to hear. He shouldn’t’ve been able….
“No, I couldn’t. I heard some of the reporters’ trash talking the heroes that were on scene
before All Might showed up. ‘Zuku, if you hadn’t moved, I’d have suffocated waiting for
help.”

“I remember his taste. It was so gross.” Izuku muttered, half gaging at the memory.

“Wait, you were held by him too?”

Izuku could feel the laser focus of their teacher land on them as he nodded. “Uh…yeah. Sorry
about that. I was actually the one who screwed up and set him loose again. All Might had
cornered him when he’d caught me. But then…suffice it to say I was dumb and accidentally
let him go free.” Izuku tried to pull away, but he was still exhausted and Bakugo held tight.
“If I hadn’t been there, All Might would’ve dealt with him then.”

“You don’t know that, ‘Zu.” Bakugo bumped his forehead against Izuku’s. “But ignoring that
time, what about at Kamino ward? Without you and the others, I would’ve probably died.
And let’s look at the others. Grapes and Frog would’ve died at the USJ—not that Grapes
would’ve been a huge loss, but still—Round Cheeks would’ve at least been hurt at the
entrance exam, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.” Someone else—someone better—
would’ve stepped in. “Sparkles would’ve never felt at home in class.” He’s amazing, he
would’ve been fine without you. “You were the one to accept him as he was, even when he
felt awkward about it. Half-n-Half would’ve never gotten past his hang-ups with his fire
side.” He’s lying. You know he is. He thinks you’re worthless. “Birdboy would’ve lost
himself at the training camp, not to mention that kid—what was his face, little demon spawn
who hit you?”

“Koda.” Izuku supplied with a half-amused, half-annoyed snort as Bakugo nodded.

“Yeah. That brat. You’ve saved more than you think. They might not know about the
quirklessness, but that doesn’t make you any less you. So stop fucking saying that it doesn’t
matter if you’re here or not—we don’t want someone else to take the damn quirk, we want
you. Dumbass.”

The mental dissonance rolled in the green-haired teen’s skull. “My head hurts.”

“What, your dad try to burn brain cells?”

“No…asshole.” Mock punching at his blonde’s shoulder with what little movement he could
do, Izuku sighed and closed his eyes to fight off the tightness behind them. “How long have I
been asleep?”

“About three hours.” Aizawa answered, startling Izuku into opening his eyes. “You doing
OK, problem child?”
 “I think so?” Unsure of what the man wanted, Izuku pressed into the familiar body of his
childhood friend. Please don’t leave, Kacchan! Please don’t abandon me.

“Good. Then you get to listen to me. Bakugo, go down to the cafeteria. I’m sure you’re
hungry, too.” Aizawa stood, stretched.

Bakugo reclined on the bed, the arm wrapped around Izuku’s hips pulling tight. “Nah, I’m
good.”

“That wasn’t a request, Bakugo. Go or you get another eight-page paper. On another topic of
my choosing—and I will be taking some of that confession into consideration for my topic.
Perhaps you’d like to learn the long-term psychological effects of bullying on a teenage
psyche?” Aizawa’s eyes flashed red, a sadistic grin overcoming his face.

Bakugo looked to Midoriya. “If you want me to stay, I will.

Leaning into the familiar warmth, Izuku took a few deep breaths and tried to steer his
thoughts. Aizawa has never hurt me. It’s probably safe. He’s a good person, not just a good
hero. Kacchan’ll come back. “Just promise me you’re not leaving me alone?”

“’Course not, Nerd. I’ll be back.” Kacchan said, flicking at Izuku’s cheek.

“I’ll probably be lying down, sensei. I think the only reason I’m sort of upright currently is
‘cause of Kacchan.”

“That’s fine, Problem child.” Aizawa said, and Bakugo carefully extracted himself before
helping Izuku so he was once again lying on his stomach, arms folded under him to hold
himself up just a little.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking, kudos and comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 15
Chapter Notes

Ah, the one day that I have off: T'would be a shame if your work kept you until close to
12:20 AM, wouldn't it?
Me: *Long, swear-infested rant about how they should've planned things better*
Rational me: It's not their fault a truck came in late.
Me: *Longer, swear-infested rant*

Sometimes I worry about myself.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Waiting until Bakugo left, Aizawa let out a long sigh as he pushed his long hair out of his
face. “How are you?”

He doesn’t…seem…angry? “I’m…”

“Stop. Actually think about it.” Aizawa pulled his chair closer, dropped back down into it
with his eyes on the teen.

“I’m… so confused. I don’t understand why everyone’s so upset. Or why UA’s pulling out
the stops for me.” They tracked me down to the middle-of-flipping nowhere. “I don’t have the
quirk. I’m essentially useless again. Or, that’s how I feel but everyone’s telling me I’m not?
But that’s not my experience. Hell, even All Might said I couldn’t be a hero without a quirk
when I met him.” Izuku squeaked as he realized what he’d said. “Uhh…” Brain-to-mouth
filter broke, try again later, shoot!

“Oh, don’t worry. My list of reasons to hit All Might has been growing since I found out
about your quirk.” The smile that Aizawa sent his way had Izuku questioning if he’d just
doomed his mentor. I don’t doubt that he’s actually going to do it…Maybe I should warn All
Might?

The thought slipped from the teen’s mind—the slide aided by pain killers—as Aizawa
continued to speak. “And the fact that he didn’t go to check with your mom. Or, you know,
look into your home life. Although he said he talked to someone who claimed to be your
mom?” Aizawa fixed his eyes on the flush that took over Izuku’s neck and cheeks, but kept
his voice soft, questioning. “You know something about that?”

“Yes, sensei.” No point in lying….

“Thank you for trusting me. What happened?” Aizawa’s tone and relaxed slouch didn’t
waver.
“I had a classmate who could mimic voices. I had him listen to the recordings my mom left
me, and then imitate her. I’d offered to pay him, but for some reason he refused when he
found out I was homeless?” Izuku blinked, remembering how the boy had shaken his head at
the offered yen, guilt and worry written on his face. “It was weird.” I think his name was…..
Jin Ken? His quirk wasn’t super powerful, but he was working with it at the time which is
why he helped me.

“It continually frightens me that you do not understand basic human kindness.” Aizawa
reached out, ruffled Izuku’s hair, but the hand slowed and rested on the crown on the boys
head for a moment as the man spoke. “Problem child, you are not useless, or worthless.
Quirkless or not, you are an incredible student—an incredible person, full stop—and I am
proud of you. But you scare me, Izuku.”

Sitting fully upright, Aizawa continued as he loomed over the teen and sent the boy’s
heartrate up a bit. “You were willing to just give up and let yourself die. You don’t consider
yourself important. And that isn’t healthy. You don’t trust authority—and rightfully so, from
what I’ve seen from the Aldera security cameras. You have been abused by society, and I
want to help you.” Kneeling down so he could meet the teen’s eyes, the man took a deep
breath before saying the next part. “But if you cannot value your own life, you are not fit to
be a hero.”

The strike was accurate—straight to the teen’s heart—and painful. Letting out a pained
wheeze, Izuku did his best to pull away to the other side of the bed as his eyes welled up.
Worthless idiot think he could be a hero. Well, you have your proof. Just give it up.

Izuku's hands slammed over his ears, blocking out the high-pitched wail he wasn’t even
aware he was making to try and block the thoughts as well as Aizawa’s next frantic half-
sentence. "Wai...!"

Pulling his breath in and struggling to find the air to supply away the tears and pain, Izuku
tried to push away everything: the feeling of someone gently reaching for him and respecting
when he flinched away from the touch by simply putting a hand near him instead of on him;
his heartrate monitor kicking up, the sound of a door both opening and closing.

Struggling, Izuku felt his mind well up and spill over. “Worthless, stupid moron! Of course
you're not good enough to be a hero. After all, you're quirkless. How else could you have held
onto that hail mary for so long? After all, what was your plan if UA didn't work out? Survive
till eighteen then go, right? You should’ve just gone—stopped fighting, promises damned.
How stupid are you to throw away a gift that most people would kill for? Why should you get
it back just because you finally had value to others? Worthless quirkless idiot!”

A hand slid between the space between the kids upper chest and the bed, gently leveraging
him up to his side and tucking him against a gray jumpsuit clad chest once the teen was in a
comfortable enough position to do so. The teen’s head rested against his teacher’s shoulder,
where he could feel the man’s voice rumble as he spoke. "Never say that about yourself
again." Aizawa's voice wavered, tears clear in it as he reassured the teen with a kind touch,
one of the man’s thumbs moving to gently run across the crease between cheek and eye
socket. "Never again, Izuku.” The use of the teen’s first name shook the boy, pulled him from
the spiral even as Aizawa continued to talk. “Ever. I never want to hear you describe yourself
as worthless. Or as stupid or dumb or about... 'going.' You will live an amazing life, gods help
me. And you will be a hero. End of discussion. But you need help, kiddo." The thumb picked
up its pace, sliding back and forth like a metronome. "Now, I need you to breathe, please kid.
Deep breaths, in and out, alright? Follow mine."

Pulling in a few deep breaths of his own, Aizawa kept the green teen close to him, soothing
both of them. Once the boy's breathing evened out, he spoke again. "I need you to listen to
me, OK problem child? I know it's hard. I know you have a reason to distrust all teachers—
valid reasons that I hate with a vengeful fiery passion that will burn your previous middle
school, elementary school and possibly day care to the ground—but I ask you to trust me not
as a teacher, but as a hero and an adult who cares about you. Can you do that?"

Too drained to fully speak, Izuku let out a low grumble before leaning more heavily into the
man's side. "Alright. As you are currently, you do not trust others to help you. You don't trust
because of years of institutionalized abuse and you have every right to be distrustful of
everyone you've ever met. Myself included. I understand this. But kiddo, you don't have to do
everything on your own. I promise you that. I will make sure that you do not leave my class
—you are my problem child, quirkless or not, and I will not be letting you go easily. Ever."

"But... weren't you mad at me? I heard you when I got pulled from the car and you said that
you would handle me later, that I was "living up to my name', I thought.... I figured..."

"You heard...?” Aizawa seemed to pause, consider. Izuku could feel when the man stiffened
minutely. “Oh. The radio. Kiddo, no. I was not mad at you—or not really. I was angry that
you put your life in danger. That you went willingly with someone who had tried to murder
you before. Never ever do that again, kiddo. I won't scold you—you’ve already suffered
enough and you had a reason, I'm betting."

"I... wanted to hope. Just once. That he'd actually want me. That this one time, an adult would
care." The teen’s voice broke, over and over as he struggled through the sentence.

"You really feel that adults don't?" Aizawa’s own voice held a few cracks of sorrow.

"Yeah."

"Mmnnn..." The hand gently brushed a few curls aside, careful in the weight if put on the
teen. "I am not angry with you—not wholly. I was scared, kid. I know you're smarter than
what you did—and I expect that you'll NEVER go with someone who tried to kill you again."

"I mean... yeah?" Izuku did his best to inject humor into the words.

It worked.

"Good." Aizawa tried to smother his snort when Izuku chuckled. “Now, please listen to the
rest first.” Aizawa spoke softly, keeping his hand within reach of the teenager. “Because I
believe in you, Problem Child. I believe in you—your heart, strength and mind. You can do it
—you can be better. And I will help you get there, come hell or high water. OK? Now
breathe, you’re OK.”
Shaking a bit at the emotional whiplash, Izuku let his breath shudder out. “I don’t entirely
understand.”

“You will be required to go to therapy—and you’ll be placed with a family that UA approves
of. You need support, Midoriya. To have someone tell you that you are not at fault for the
way society treated you. You need someone to help you learn to trust again, to learn to value
yourself as important. I will not let your death be one of the ones that happens. Not because
of a lack of support or understanding on my part, or on the part of UA.” Holding out a hand,
Aizawa waited.

Taking the support, Izuku clung as he wrapped his fingers around the man’s palm and held
tight. “That…sounds nice. I don’t want to be alone. I just…. I didn’t want to be used for the
organizations my dad was going to sell me to. I didn’t want to live in slavery, sensei.”

“I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t, either. But if you take the forever way out, you don’t get
another chance. Kid, life is worth living.” Clutching the teen for a second, the man held a
breathe before letting it out and releasing the boy slowly. “UA was on their way as soon as
we found out about your father, and we were looking to help you. If you’d gone, you’d have
missed this chance.” Aizawa held tight to his student. “Do you understand me, kid?”

“Yes.” Izuku rubbed away the tears on the shoulder of his gown.

“Now, I owe you an apology. I could tell something was up with you the moment we told you
your dad was coming, but I assumed it was just nerves from seeing the man again after so
many years. His background check had come up clean—which, as we found out, was a lie.
He had a techno-quirked friend who could hide links, pages and other evidence for a set
number of hours.” Aizawa pressed his free hand to his temple, rubbed it in a circle like he did
when a migraine was oncoming. “And something was off when the man came to get you. I
thought you were OK because you chose to go with him, but it still felt off. Then Bakugo
called and explained everything. He told me about your quirk, and told me why you were so
stuck—If you’d admitted about your quirk, you’d have put more people in danger. If you
didn’t, you didn’t have a reason to object.”

“It was scary.” Izuku shuddered, wincing at the dulled knife pain. “I didn’t know what to do
—I didn’t have anywhere I could go. I thought maybe I could get him to leave me behind,
point out that since I was quirkless that I was useless. He insisted that there was no way I was
quirkless, that I’d been lying when I was four. He then decided to…test… if I was quirkless.
He took a piece of rebar and heated it, before….” Waving over his back as a lump formed,
Izuku turned away. “I… I can still feel it.”

“Oh, kid.” Aizawa held tight to the small hand grasping his, trying to offer reassurance as
best he could. “It’s OK, kiddo. We won’t let you go, you’re safe. I promise.”

Letting out an exhausted wheeze, Izuku nodded. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. Now, at least All Might should be back soon. Try to stay awake so I
can discuss your quirk with him”

“I’ll try. Healing this way sucks.”

 “All the more reason to not ever get this badly injured again.” Aizawa teased, looking to the
door. “Don’t worry, Recovery Girl and your doctor are discussing what to do for you now.
But Nezu is also having to deal with the director of this hospital and that woman is as
terrifyingly determined as he is. If they become friends our society is doomed and they will
take over.”

“I, for one, welcome our new overlords.” Izuku joked, surprised and pleased when Aizawa let
out an actual huff of laughter.

“Don’t say it too loud or it’ll put ideas into their heads.” Aizawa cautioned with a half-smirk,
keeping Izuku’s hand in his as he slid out from the embrace and moved back to his chair as
he pulled out a tablet with his free hand and began to work while remaining a steady, calm
presence in the room.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking. Kudos and comments are appreciated. :-)
 Chapter 16
Chapter Notes

Hello, everyone. Don't be surprised if I vanish, I'm having to move all my furniture and
stuff out because my family is getting new flooring in our house. As such, the internet
will be a victim of the move during at least a few of the days, maybe more. And I've got
work on top of that. Yeah!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

A half an hour passed before the door to the room opened, and all of the members of the
group from UA walked back in. While All Might made his way to the couch to stay out of the
way, Nezu, Recovery Girl and Dr. Lee—who’d come with the group—converged on the teen.

“Hello, Midoriya.” Nezu was the first to greet him. “I am relieved that you’re alright,
although I do have a few questions for you. However, I would prefer to ask these privately.
As such, All Might, Eraserhead, would you please take Bakugo back to the hotel? I’m sure
that you two wish to speak to the boy about some of the new information that has arisen.”

All Might and Eraserhead looked to each other, and Izuku could see the contention between
the two of them before Nezu cleared his throat.

“I will keep both of you informed, but I doubt Izuku wishes to go through the retelling with
his classmate present. Unless he deems otherwise, it is best to have only the necessary adults
in the room and no one else. An officer will be joining us in a few moments—one I know we
can trust. Dr. Lee will be here to provide medical testimony as to the severity of the wounds,
and Recovery Girl is here to help with Izuku’s medical history.”

At the mention of Izuku being uncomfortable, Aizawa let out a long sigh. “Understood. Let’s
go, Bakugo.”

Bakugo kicked his toe into the floor. “I don’t like it, but I’ll listen. Can we come back later, to
check on the nerd? I promised I wouldn’t leave him alone.”

“That’ll be up to him.” Nezu cautioned gently. “This will be very taxing—both physically
and emotionally. It might be best for him to go to sleep after this.”

Bakugo nodded before turning to Izuku. “Promise me you’ll be OK, alright? Don’t go over
your limits.” Bakugo got closer than the others had, bumped his fist against Deku’s forehead.
“You still need to get to number one so I can kick you out of the spot before I gloat.”

“As if I’ll let you be number one once I get there.” Izuku challenged, to see Bakugo’s eyes
light up. He never changes.
“Good. Keep thinking that way, nerd.” Bakugo turned, joined the teachers at the door. They
then walked away, with Izuku straining his ears to hear their footsteps as they vanished.

“Very good. Midoriya, an officer will be joining us shortly. If you don’t mind, though, I have
a few questions of my own.”

“Yes, sir.” Izuku did his best to shift toward the principal.

“Why did you not inform the staff of your situation as soon as it arose that your father was
coming?”

“I didn’t have any proof. A police report was never filed, and I didn’t remember it outside of
flashes of feeling. I couldn’t describe what had happened even if I’d wanted to. The only
people who have the full story now are Kacchan’s parents. I ended up calling Bakugo’s mom,
to ask and she told me the story then.”

“We would have investigated, looked into things. Why not speak up?”

“I was scared. I’ve had people ignore me before. And even if UA seemed better, that doesn’t
mean you’d believe me.”

“Midoriya.” Nezu climbs up on a stool he’d pulled from the corner of the room. “Do you
truthfully believe that we’d have ignored you?”
“I don’t know what to believe, sir. With hindsight, no…or at least probably not. But just
because you say you’d believed me doesn’t mean much now. I know I should trust you—I
know! It’s just hard.”

“Alright.” Nezu acquiesced, eyes sad. “I understand. Now, can you tell me what you do
remember from the first attempt? Do you remember anything at all?”

“No, sir. I can’t. Or at least, I can’t tell you anything first hand. I can tell you what Auntie
told me, though?”

“Please.”

“I’d been taken to a doctor—a quirk specialist. I don’t remember the name now……but I’d
been telling the man how I wanted to be a hero and his response was ‘not going to happen.’
He then explained that I was never going to get a quirk. That I was one of the twenty-some
percent of people who were quirkless.” Tears began to trickle down his cheeks, seeping from
closed eyes.

Taking a deep breath to try and steady himself, Izuku continued. “Dad was at work that day
—I don’t know where or what he was doing at that time, but I think it was legal. Welding or
construction or something.”

His stomach tensed up. “Mom called him into the kitchen the second he got home—and then
he attacked mom. After which, he grabbed me.”

Unaware, Izuku reached up to rub at his throat as it closed in on itself and started to cough. “I
think…” Wheezing, the teen grabbed at his sketchbook, threw it open to the nearest blank
page and began to sketch even as tears leave the paper damp.

“M…riya…. Midoriya?” Nezu voice pulled him back to the present moment, and he looked
down to see what he’d begun to sketch and draw.

Hands—big, strong—wrapped around a throat with another set of smaller hands grasping at
the fingers. I… how did I draw this? Is it a latent memory or something?

“Well. Guess I remember more than I thought I did.” Sickened, Izuku put the pencil down,
turned his face away from the depiction to see the weathered face of Recovery Girl as she
came closer.

“Sweet boy.” Her hands were slow, careful as she reached up and took his cheek in her hand.
“Don’t push yourself. It’s alright now.” Letting her thumb gently move over the upper
cheekbone, she waited until the teen relaxed to smile.

Trying and failing to offer his usual sunny smile, Izuku nodded “I know.”

“No…I don’t think you do. That man is not here, and he never will be.” Recovery Girl took a
hand in between hers, her own half the size of his. “You have done so well, but I need you to
keep breathing for me, alright?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Izuku shuddered to a stop, using shoulder to brush away the still seeping tears.
My eyes are going to be so dry if I don’t stop this soon.

“It’s OK, sweetie. You’re safe, we’re here to help.”

“You mean you’re not upset about me getting hurt again?”

“No, dear boy, no.” Recovery Girls eyes went sad. “Were you worried I was going to tell you
that you had to heal the slow way because you got hurt?”

“I didn’t think you’d say no to healing me…. but I wasn’t sure if this fell under the ‘if you get
hurt again’ deal.” Izuku whispered.

“No, Midoriya. You did not hurt yourself this time with your quirk, you didn’t foolishly keep
pushing past your limits.” Recovery Girl reached up and pushed a curl out of his eyes,
meeting his gaze with her own firm countenance. “I will help you, dear boy.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Izuku nodded again. Turning back to his principal, Izuku tilted his head.
“Anything else?”

“No, I think we’ve put you through enough off-record.” Nezu’s soft paws joined Recovery
Girls. “We are here, we will help.”

Voice shrinking, Izuku fought past it. “Thank you.”

“No, Midoriya. We are sorry we didn’t see this before. Now, rest. The detective will be here
soon enough.” Nezu let the teen pull his hand back to the mattress, and moved with Recovery
 Girl to the couch, where they began to discuss something that quickly drifted off Izuku’s
radar as he let his mind drift on the edge of unaware and awake and rested his eyes.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking, kudos and comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 17
Chapter Notes

Hello. Hell week at my house is over, I have new carpet and shelves! I even put the
shelves together and I love them. Now to finish my laundry and help my dad anchor the
shelves to the wall....

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The sound of heavy, rubber soles on tile brought him back, and soon enough Izuku
recognized the detective. “Sir.”

“Hello again, Midoriya. I’m sorry this happened.” Detective Tsukauchi stood over the teen,
eyes going to the charred skin on the teen’s back. “I’m so sorry.”

“Nah. Sorry to drag you out here, wasn’t sure what they meant by ‘someone we can trust.’
Should’a figured it was you.” Izuku tried to offer a smile, but his face refused to go beyond
an exhausted curl of his lips.

“No need to force it, kiddo.” Tsukauchi looked to Nezu. “Sorry it took so long—this place is
in the middle of nowhere.”

“For a reason.” Dr. Lee stood, crossed the room with purpose. “Thank you for coming, I’m
Dr. Lee. Dr. Lee Megumi.” Holding out her hand, she waited for the detective to take it
before she continued. “I’m the head of this hospital and I was one of the doctors who
admitted Midoriya. His burn doctor—Dr. Nakajima Hisoka—is unable to attend but asked me
to be here to pass on what his conclusions were.”

“Understood. Let me get the camera set up and we can get started. Is it alright if I close the
door?”

“A nurse will be coming shortly to adjust bandages and if you need photos then, we’ll have to
pause for that.”

“That will be helpful to get images of his wounds.” Tsukauchi sighed, looking to the teen. “I
know it’s going to be rough on you, and I’m sorry. If we could put it off, we would. But as it
stands, we need a reason to charge him and keep him in custody. The American authorities
are chomping at the bit to get him back. So we want to make sure our case is ready.” Setting
up a camera, Tsukauchi looked to the other adults. “Do we have permission from whomever
is holding onto guardianship here?”

“The hospital has taken him in as a ward until it’s decided where he’s going to be going
afterward. So yes, go ahead.” Dr. Lee answered, before retaking her previous position on the
couch.
“Alright.” Flicking on the record button, Tsukauchi turned to Midoriya once he’d gotten the
formalities out of the way. “OK. I’ve heard a lot from multiple sources, but I’d like to hear
how all this began from you, Midoriya.”

“I was going to the hospital to visit my mom. I bumped into my teacher in the elevator. He
asked me why I was there and I lied and said I had a friend here. I don’t know how or why he
didn’t believe me, but he ended up checking the patient roster. He found out about my mom
being on life support—the mom I’d told UA I was living with. He ended up texting me—
asking if I wanted to explain. I panicked and turned off my phone.”

A semi-humor filled snort tore from his chest. “I should’ve known it wouldn’t have stopped
there. I’d gone back to my shelter—a small space between pipes on top of the elevator of the
parking garage next to the hospital. I’d bought a tarp and made it a roof, so I knew I’d be ok
in the winter because the pipes were warm and the tarp kept snow off of me. And I was close
enough to mom that I felt…safer. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but no one ever came
for me when my mom was placed in the hospital. I don’t think staff bothered because I was
quirkless. Dead weight on the system, I guess.” Tears began to leak, as the teen paused to
take a deep breath.

Tsukauchi winced. “That’s awful.”

Yeah. I know. Forcing himself to remain monotone, Izuku agreed. “Yes. But also true. The
first night, I went home. I was told by my landlords that rent was going up. I couldn’t afford
that. I went back to the hospital that next day, begged my mom to wake up. She didn’t. That
night, after I was kicked out of her room, I ended up being chased by a security guard. When
I got to the top, I realized I didn’t have anywhere to go. Then I spotted the small break in the
pipes, and somehow finagled my way between it. The guard gave up—I think he assumed I’d
jumped or something. The next day, I went to the local library and logged onto my mom’s
bank accounts. I knew enough to set myself up with a small allowance—which is how I was
able to afford to eat most of the time.”

“That’s…rather amazing. How old were you?”

“Uhhhhh…. twelve to thirteen? It was in the middle of middle school.” Izuku shook his head.
“Sorry, backstory stuff. Anyway, once my teacher had called, I heard him come up to the roof
of the parking garage. He was upset that he didn’t know where I was—was worried I was in
trouble. As he and his…friend or husband, I’m not sure which? Once he and the person he
was with walked past the wall, they noted a mud print from my boot on the wall. They found
me pretty fast after that. He pulled me out, contacted Nezu. I was put into UA’s fostering
system. I was more than a little scared.”

“Why?”

“Because I knew they’d start looking for my guardian, and I didn’t know if I had one. I
wasn’t sure if mom had ever designated someone—I think the disease hit her too fast—and
the only other person I was biologically related to…. well…”

“He’d tried to murder you before.” Tsukauchi finished the sentence. “Can you tell me about
that?’
“I was diagnosed quirkless, he got mad and hit mom enough to stun her and then he tried to
strangle me. At least according to my auntie—my mom’s best friend—that’s what happened.”
Izuku kept his voice tight, controlled.

“Did you mom ever file a report?”

“I think…Auntie told him that if he ever came back that she’d make sure he didn’t leave
alive. I don’t know how, but…actually, no I have no idea.” She probably planned to oxidize
her glycerin and create epichlorohydrin before feeding it to him somehow.

“And he stayed away?”

“Yes, sir. He left us, left mom to raise me on her own. It was fine—mom loved me, even
when the rest of the world was trying to find out exactly how much bullying I could take
before I broke. Then, one day, mom fell. I didn’t understand, but she did and went to a doctor
the next day. I didn’t go with her, but she ended up pulling me out of class that day. And then
she explained that she’d gotten a terminal diagnosis.”

Tears began to fall. “I didn’t understand—I was still in elementary. But I started to
understand as she went downhill fast. She couldn’t stop working—I was dependent on her.”
“What about asking for help? You mentioned a best friend, one she’d gone to before. Why
not now?”

“Uh…how to put this delicately… her son and I did NOT get along at that point in time.”
Izuku waved toward his back. “He thought of me as less than pond scum.” Thinking on it for
a second, Izuku blew out a breath. “Actually, that might have been an improvement of what
he viewed me as.”

“Ah.” Tsukauchi said, noncommittal and nonjudgmental. “So you weren’t safe with them.”

“No, I wasn’t. And that was about the only person mom knew well enough for her to trust my
care to. So, mom was eventually put into a medically induced coma as the pain got bad. I
assumed someone would come—at least a foster care person or something. No one ever
showed up, not that I was aware.”

“Understood. Now, what happened when you were taken in UA?”

“Well, they told me it was, one, unacceptable for me to be homeless and that, two, they’d be
looking to see why I wasn’t taken into foster care.” Izuku heard a knock on the door. “I think
the nurse is here.”

“We’ll pause, then.” Tsukauchi said, reaching to the camera and pausing the recording. “You
OK, kiddo?”

“Yeah.” Izuku knuckled away the drying tears. “I’m fine.”

“Kid.” Tsukauchi held out a hand. “You sure?”

“I’ve been through worse.” Putting his head down, Izuku did his best to recenter himself, as
he struggled under the weight of the memories while the nurse carefully stripped the
 bandages off and began to apply the ointment and other treatments. He could hear the pained
gasp from Tsukauchi and Recovery Girl, who’d come over to look at the wound.

Nezu’s paw gently took one of the teen’s hands. “Midoriya. Are you truthfully OK to
continue?”

“I want it over. The sooner I finish talking the sooner I never have to think about him again,
or what he did.” The teen didn’t bother to lift his head, letting it rest on the pillow in front of
him as it muffled his speech. Letting his mind drift as he pulled his hand back, a piece of a
melody came back to him and he began to hum it under his breath as the camera continued to
click.

A piece of plastic—one of the rulers used for crime scene photos was laid down gently on his
back—but it still stung as it got closer to the still-in-the-earliest-stages-of-healing second
degree burns. Then someone’s finger grazed the wounds. FUCK!

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking, kudos and comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 18
Chapter Notes

Welcome back. Extra long chapter today. :-)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Letting out a strangled cry, Izuku ground his teeth together and forced himself to stay still
even while his head swam in the ensuing pain. When that didn’t work, he spoke.

His voice was rough, even to his own ears; sounding more like a growl than speech.
“Everyone away from me. NOW.”

The force in his voice sent people back and away, allowing him to breathe through the pain
until it’d dimmed enough for him to relax again. His breathing slowed down as the pain
vanished by increments. Silence filled the room as the harsh breath slowed, and once it was
quiet, Izuku could hear Nezu speak up.

“Better?”

“Yes, but whomever brushed the wounds? Don’t do that again. The second-degree burns have
exposed nerves.”

“Right. Sorry.” After that, the nurse carefully rejoined them and they finished the last few
photos of his back. More ointment was applied, and then the nurse turned to the teen. “Are
you OK with us leaving them exposed to the air for awhile?”

“As long as no one touches me, that’s fine.” The tone was a bit harsh, and the nurse
seemingly sped up her care before she turned to the door with a ‘alright, you’re good.’

After a moment, Tsukauchi reappeared next to his camera. “Sorry about that, kiddo.”

“It’s fine. Just don’t do it again.”

“Those are some serious wounds. We’ll swing around to that next, but I was wondering why
none of your prior teachers to those at UA ever said anything?”

“Oh, that’s easy. They thought I was useless because my quirk came in late. Ignored any
issues I had, looked the other way when students attacked me. Homeless? They didn’t care. It
was that simple: I was not worth their time.”

“Noted. Can you tell me what happened to cause those burns?”

Looking to Nezu, Izuku met the principal’s gaze. “Do I need to go over what UA did to track
down my dad or what happened during my time there?”

“No, Midoriya. That has been discussed already.” Nezu nodded to the teen, who turned back
to the camera.

“Alright. So, my dad came to pick me up—and that was a surprise. I was told the morning he
was going to arrive. I didn’t think he would. He picked me up, and then we stopped at a
hardware store. He gave me a drink and went in on his own. Should’ve figured it out then and
there, but hope springs eternal. I didn’t realize he’d drugged my drink with some sort of
designer drug until after it started to taste funny. After that, he took us to a hotel—a seedy
one in a district where the managers don’t hear screams.”

“Is this the place?” Tsukauchi held out a photo of the front of the hotel.

“I’m not sure, I woke up after we were already in the room.”

The detective pulled out another photo, this one of the bedspread. The purple, red and green
splotches had Izuku looking away. “That’s the room. After I woke up, my dad tried to scare
me into using my quirk.”

“Why didn’t you? You could’ve gotten away from him, gotten help.”

“Pause the camera.” Izuku waited until he’d done so to continue to speak. “I am quirkless.
And I knew when my dad came for me that it was either slavery or death. You are aware of
how One For All works, correct?”

Tsukauchi reached up, pushed his hat back. “Yes, I am. Why?”

“Then you’ll understand what I mean when I say I gave it back to be passed on to someone
else.”

“Kid, are you telling me you walked into a situation knowing you were likely to die and gave
away your best chance of survival?”

“Yes. If I’d kept it, I’d have been forced to hurt people. Murder, extortion, drug trafficking,
human trafficking. I was not willing to use OFA for that. I refuse to become a villain, and
that’s what he’d have made me. Hell, he might’ve even sold me to the League with the power
and then I’d have hurt those I cared about. What would my classmates do, if I’d been the one
who they had to kill to keep people alive? Or if I turned up as a nomu? What if I’d been
forced to free All For One? And don’t say that isn’t possible, One For All is versatile.”

Tsukauchi looked as if he wanted to argue, but held his tongue as the grass-haired teen
continued to speak.

“And I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I’d ever hurt people. I know how much it sucks
to be alone and hurt. I will not inflict that on anyone else. If I was going to die, I was going to
do it on my terms. I was going to be innocent. So, yes, I gave the quirk away…” Pausing,
Izuku gestured to the camera, waited for a second for the red dot to blink again. “I prayed
against all logic that my father wasn’t going to hurt me. After all, he was my father. Was it a
stupid hope? Yes. I know it was.” Izuku gripped the sheets, looked toward the detective.
“After that, my father decided to test to see if I had a quirk. His quirk is fire breath. He has a
special internal sac that stores his kerosene-esque spit. He’s able to control the fire, and his
mouth is fireproof. So, he stuck the piece of rebar he’d bought into his mouth, and began to
heat it. I couldn’t move by this point—even as I was scared for my life, I couldn’t even really
scream.” The syllables began to catch in his throat as he spoke and he coughed hard to push it
away.

“Do you want a break?” Nezu spoke up, concern clear in his voice for his student.

“No. I want this over.” Izuku was too tired to soften the pained, cutting anger in his voice.
“Anyway. The rebar didn’t heat evenly. He pulled it out—the tip was a bright cherry red. He
then put the tip between my shoulder blades—where the burns are deepest. I couldn’t do
anything but pass out. It hurt so badly—and the ghost is still there, even with the pain killers
I’m on. I don’t know if it’s psychosomatic or what, but it haunts me.”

Bile rolled in his throat. “After that, I woke up in the backseat of the rented SUV he’d got at
the airport. The drug was starting to wear off, I knew that because I began to curl my toes in.
But the pain was exponential if I tried to move. He got to wherever that was—I think I could
smell salt, so I’m assuming some docks—and he got out. I could hear Toga’s voice. So I’m
guessing it was the league. They either wanted to use me as a hostage against UA or they
were going to use me for parts for their nomu. It didn’t matter either way at that point. I was
going to die either way. I couldn’t run. I was in too much pain to focus on anything. And the
drugs were only just starting to wear off. I was stuck.” Full tears fell as the teen’s vision
blurred. “D…. Did…Didn’t tt..thi think I’d even get…..get t…get to adulthood. I wouldn’t be
able to say goodbye to my friends, or tell them that I was OK. I started to pray that UA would
lie, let everyone in my class down easily. Kacchan, especially. He’d have been hit hardest by
my dying. Everyone else would be OK, would move on. It’s a part of the hero industry—
you’ll lose someone. I just… didn’t want them to be too hurt.”

“What about you?” Tsukauchi asked.

“What about me? Pain, fear, longing, loss and mourning stop when you’re dead. I wouldn’t
feel anything anymore, be it a nomu or just dead. Mourning’s for the living to grieve. The
dead don’t feel it.”

Izuku could see the pained expressions on the adults in the room as that last statement hung
in the air. Giving it a moment, Izuku spoke again. “After that, I was rescued. I don’t know
who all was there—I was way too out of it to identify heroes beyond Aizawa sensei except in
the most vague ‘I know that person’s voice’ sense. They put me in an ambulance. The
paramedics noticed I was able to move my pinkie toe. They knew what that meant. After
doing the bare minimum, they wheeled me into the quirkless section of the hospital. And left
me alone. There, two people approached me, asking if I wanted to go to a hospital where
everyone had the extra toe joint. At that point, I was tired—I hadn’t been given enough pain
killers. So I said yes. I thought I might actually get help, even if it was an organs trafficking
ring.”

“Dear gods.” Tsukauchi put his face in his hands, reeling at the teen’s half-dead monologue.
“Yeah, I know. Dumb. But it worked out. The two filled out the appropriate paperwork to get
me transferred—and the hospital let me go. That should tell you quite a bit.”

“It tells me that the license should be revoked.” Recovery Girl muttered, which caused Izuku
to snort.

“After I was admitted here, I was taken care of. It was so nice. I wasn’t hurting and left alone.
I think I went into surgery that night to get the necrotic tissue out. I woke up about two days
later… I think? Dr. Lee was the first person who spoke to me—she’d been waiting on me to
wake up. After that, I ended up telling her everything.” Shuffling his fists on the sheets, Izuku
blushed. “I know I shouldn’t’ve. I was just so exhausted I didn’t think it through.”

“That’s alright, Izuku. Thank you for your time.” Tsukauchi reached up, stopped the
recording. “Well, we’ll reconvene in a few moments. Excuse me.”

“OK…” Izuku looked to the other adults. “I’m going to sleep. Wake me only if you need to.”

Without giving them a chance to protest, Izuku closed his eyes and fell fully to sleep.

Blinking awake to a blessedly empty, quiet, and dark room, Izuku let out a long breath as he
looked to the window. “Today sucked.”

Standing and making his way to the bathroom, Izuku winced at his back twinging. “Ow.”

Laying back down, the teen closed his eyes. Only to open them twenty minutes later when
nightmares sent him back into the nighttime quiet. The cycle repeated itself four more times,
before the teen gave up and reached for his sketch pad.

Only to find it missing, with a note where it usually was.

Your sketchbook was taken for evidence, and will be returned to you tomorrow. My
apologies for not asking, but we were unable to rouse you and we wish to get the evidence to
the proper authorities as soon as possible to keep him in jail. –Nezu

Damn it.

The cycle was vicious, repeating until it was about two in the morning. Letting out a groan,
Izuku reached up to rub at red, dry and tired eyes. “Damn it.”

“I’ll agree.” Bakugo answered, and Izuku jolted at the sounds of his friend’s voice, jerking
his head to face the doorway where the blonde was.

“Kacchan? What are…”

“Figured that you’d be having nightmares. Didn’t think you’d want to deal with them on your
own, and I wasn’t sleeping anyway.” The blonde teen huffed, walking over. “And it’s not like
you’ve got room to talk, shitty nerd. You’re just as awake as I am. So what’s going on in that
fucking fun house mirror of a mind?”
“I… I keep seeing him. Feeling the rebar press into my back, the burn.” The pain had Izuku
shuddering.

“Easy, easy. Your piece of shit father won’t get near you. I’m here now.” Moving to the edge
of the bed, the teen dropped down by his friend. “I’m the best and I’ll keep him away.”

Recognizing the gesture, the green haired teen relaxed a bit at the thought of his friend there
to protect him. “Thanks, Kacchan.”

“’tch, whatever nerd. Now, lay down so we can both go back to sleep.” Lying down alongside
the green-haired boy, the blonde reached out to his friend. “If you promise not to make it
weird, you can hold on like you used to.”

Too tired to fight it, Izuku took the offer and buried his nose into his friend’s neck. The scent
of caramel was calming, warming as the boy let his eyes drift closed. “Thanks, Kacchan.”

“Sleep, shitty nerd.” Bakugo’s voice was already drifting off to the early stages of dreamland,
the sound of his breathing falling into a steady rhythm.

The nightmares stayed away from Izuku’s mind, banished by the warmth and familiarity of
the boy staying close to his side.

The sound of encroaching footsteps was enough to have Izuku blinking one eye open to see
Aizawa come into the room at a fast clip. Then closing said eye again because of the worry
and anger written all over the man.

Nope. Grasping tighter to Bakugo—who he was half on top of again—Izuku fell back to
sleep.

The whispered argument seemed to pull on the boy’s senses, especially with the rasping voice
being right under his ear.

“I didn’t mean to scare you, caterpillar-sensei. Calm down.”

“That’s not the point right now. It’s inappropriate for you to be holding onto Midoriya like
this. It was even more inappropriate for you to sneak out of the hotel with just a note to
inform us that you’d gone to see him! Bakugo, we thought you might have been kidnapped
again!”

“That’s why I left a note! I wasn’t sleeping anyway, and neither was the nerd when I got here!
He was shaking, alone in the dark as nightmares scared him. I wasn’t gonna leave him. Fuck
that. He was dreaming of the asshole finding him. I just made it so he’d sleep. If you want
him healed, he needed to rest.”

“That is NOT the point, Bakugo. You’re on thin ice here, and if you push it, I will make your
life a living hell when classes resume.”

“I will not leave the nerd alone—not unless he asks me to.” Bakugo sounded firm,
unyielding.
“If you sneak out again, you will be running laps until you drop.” Aizawa’s tone was dark.
“Understood?”

“Yes.”

Deeming it safe enough to open his eyes, Izuku yawned before looking to the clock on the
wall. “Missed breakfast…”

“Feeling OK, problem child?” A hand gently ruffled the green hair. “Sounds like you had a
rough night.”

“Did. ‘Till Kacchan showed up. Then I could sleep.” Izuku shifted off his friend, resolutely
keeping the blush off his face.

Bakugo slid off the bed in a split second, moving to the couch without saying anything

“As I’ve surmised.” Aizawa’s tone was much gentler. “I heard the interview was rough.”

“That’s one way you could describe it, yes.” Izuku slid off the bed, once again using the IV
as a support. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

Walking to the bathroom and getting ready for the day as best he could, Izuku walked back
out in time to see Dr. Lee, Nezu and Recovery Girl walking into the room.

“Good morning, Midoriya.” Nezu’s usual happy demeanor was tinged—sadness was a
shadow at the edge of the shine. “We were just coming to discuss further medical treatment
for your burns.”

Dr. Lee smiled. “While we are OK with speed-healing some of the burns—the first- and
second-degree ones will be easy—there is some concern about the third- and fourth-degree
burns. Burn scars tend to pull in as they heal, which can cause serious problems with
movement. If we speed-heal them, they could end up just tearing when you try to move
around or move your arms. Normally, we’d do skin grafts and let the wounds close around
the new skin. However, if we go that route, you’ll be in for another surgery. We can’t risk
speed-healing those wounds until we’ve got the skin grafts done.”

“However, extra surgery means that you’ll be staying here for a little while longer.” Recovery
Girl’s wizened face wrinkled as she scrunched her nose. “I do not trust the hospital close to
UA to treat you until I’ve had a chance to rake it over the coals for its treatment of you and
other quirkless people.”

“So you’d be here for the foreseeable future. We were planning on doing the skin grafts later
this week. However, that would likely put a damper on your school’s plans. And we still need
to figure out where you’re going after you’re healed.” Dr. Lee’s grin seemingly went up in
smoke.

Nezu spoke, tapping at a tablet he’d pulled from his bag. “The UA wards system is meant to
be a holding state—not a permanent one. We’d want to place you with a family that you’d be
safe in. As it stands, there are a few families that have volunteered.”
“But that is not your only option, Midoriya. You’d be welcome to join us here in our foster
system—be it as a member of a specific foster family or in a group home. You’d be
surrounded by other kids who are similar to you.” Dr. Lee brushed a stray hair out of her
face.

“But…. I’d be putting people in danger no matter what I do!” Izuku felt panic rise in his
stomach. “If I go to a family, I’d be putting a target on their backs. That’s not fair to them.
And a group home would be worse because I’d be putting an entire group of kids—some
even younger than me—in danger because of the League.”

“Midoriya. That is for the adults to worry about, not you.”

“But my actions have consequences. I would know if I got someone killed. I couldn’t handle
that.”

“Midoriya.” A hand landed on the teen’s head. Dr. Lee smiled down at him. “Breathe, and
listen.”

Pausing to allow the teen to huff out a reluctant breath, the doctor continued. “We—the adults
—are aware of the dangers and risks. We will be considered all of that when we place you.
But you have the option to go either way. No matter what, we’ll do our best to protect you.
And don’t worry about quirked verses quirkless. After all, around here we shoot first if a
quirked person comes at us and it’s considered self-defense.”

Snickering, Izuku nodded. “Good idea.”

“So don’t worry. You’ve got some time to consider. You still need to be healed—but that’s
another question for today. The skin grafts are something we need to do here—most hospitals
rely on healing quirks and while they are useful for a lot, but there are limitations to them. As
people have become more reliant on healing quirks, some of the techniques and other
necessary skills for them have fallen by the wayside. But here we have a bunch of kids who
come in with burns, so I’m confident that we can help you out here. But there is the problem
of the holidays. Given how close it is to Christmas, it’ll be a few days to get anything set up
that I’m assuming you’d like to spend elsewhere. And if you go back to UA right now, we’d
need you to come back for them. And there’s a question of what treatment you’d get outside
of our hospital.”

Recovery Girl sniffed. “There are other hospitals, but if the problem of discrimination is as
universal as it’s implied here, there’d be a high likely hood that he could face more quirkless
discrimination.”

“It is.” Izuku grumbled, putting his head down. “It’s been like that since I was four.”

Dr. Lee sighed. “Midoriya is right. Which is why I’m hesitant for him to go anywhere. But I
also don’t want to keep him away from his friends or familiar area—especially given the
danger he’s in from the League.”

Wait, what happened to them? Were they caught? “Oh, that reminds me—what happened, to
the League? I know that they were on scene… I could hear Toga talking.”
“I can’t tell you much, kiddo. Still under investigation.” Aizawa offered a shake of his head.
“But you’ll be updated on the situation when I can, alright?”

“Yes, sensei.” Izuku said, turning back to the doctor. “Sorry, ma’am.”

“Not a problem, kiddo. I’d be curious too. Anyway, the question remains: What do you want
to do? You’re welcome to stay here over the holidays, but you’d be away from your friends
and teachers. We could schedule the day after Christmas, I think there are open appointments
then.”

“That sounds good. Will I be healed enough at that point?”

“Enough for surgery, yes. While I think we can speed-heal some of the smaller burns, the
third- and fourth-degree ones will likely tighten up too much to do so.” Dr. Lee looked to
Recovery Girl. “However, you’re concerned about the boy’s stamina, correct?”

“Those burns are serious and I don’t want to use too much of his stamina and potentially
harm his healing process.”

“Makes sense. So, Izuku. We can plan on doing the skin grafts after Christmas, but that does
mean you’ll be here for Christmas.”

“That’s a problem because?” Izuku asked, confused. That’s not an issue?

“Well, you’ll be separated from everyone you know for the most part.” Dr. Lee cautioned.

“And? I’ve spent the last few Christmas alone—or sleeping next to Mom if I was lucky
enough that the nice head nurse was there.” Izuku waved a hand, unable to shrug. “It doesn’t
really bother me. I’m used to being alone for most events and holidays.”

“Not gonna this year.” Bakugo grumbled, sliding over to sit next to Izuku. “The Hag’ll flip
her lid if you are. Something tells me she’ll be here soon enough, anyway.”

“Wait, I thought your aunt was visiting?”

“Are you saying you think my mom won’t take the first chance to dump her bio family to
come to see you? Because if so, you need your head checked.” Bakugo poked at Izuku’s
bicep.

“I didn’t want to get in the way of your family’s….”

“Hah. You know how the hag feels about her bio fam. That’s why your mom and mine were
so close.” Bakugo smirked. “So yeah, you’re not going to be alone this year. I’m pretty sure
dad said they’d be leaving home in an hour or so.”

Aizawa groaned. “Now you tell us. Do we need to worry about your mom interrupting the
process going on here?”

“If it’s for the Nerd’s best interest, no. She knows when to listen.” Bakugo scrolled through
his phone. “Yeah, last text was about twenty minutes ago. Said she’d be here as soon as she
 could be.”

“While that’s fine for now, I don’t think that your family will be the one where Midoriya is
placed. There’s too much of a history between yourself and him, Bakugo.” Nezu spoke,
moving forward. “And UA will decide where he’s placed after this. Does that sound fair, Dr.
Lee?”

“Mercy General will be involved with where he’s placed.” Dr. Lee’s eyes were narrowed.

“Of course.” Nezu agreed, magnanimously. “Our organizations are in agreement here—we
want whatever is best for Midoriya.”

“Indeed. But, very quickly back to the medical issues. Recovery Girl, I’m guessing you’ll
want the boy time to heal after his surgery, correct?”

“Yes, very much so. I would prefer to let the skin graft heal at least partially so he’s gotten
enough stamina back that he’s not going to be potentially drained through his first week back
at school. We do want what’s best for the boy.”

“Good. I will fight anyone—including UA, if I have to—to make sure of it.” Turning back to
Nezu, she took a breath before relaxing as she let it out. “When can we expect members of
your staff after the holidays?”

Nezu offered a squeaky grin. “I doubt that all of my staff will be leaving with me.”

All Might coughed. “I’ve nowhere else to be this holiday and I’d rather stick close to young
Midoriya.”

Aizawa directed his comment to Izuku. “If I didn’t have patrol, I’d be staying as well.
Unfortunately, everywhere is understaffed right now and crimes always shoot up right before
Christmas. So I can’t.”

Nezu continued. “I’ll be back the 28th if that works for you?”

“I’ll arrange it with my staff. Midoriya, you’ll likely be in a brace for a bit of time after
surgery, I just want you to be aware.” Dr. Lee offered a smile to the teen as she stood and
turned to the UA staff members. “Thank you for being here. It’s set my mind at ease. It’s
been a pleasure. Here’s my card should you need to contact me.” Holding out the card, the
doctor waited until Nezu had it to turn to Izuku. “Alright, kiddo. I’ll be seeing you around.”

“Thank you. Bye.” Izuku called as the door closed.

Chapter End Notes

And I'm just now realizing that my American *TM* proclivities snuck in when the Dr.
Says "Shoot first, ask questions later" and I apologize, but that's just where I live. Let
me know what you're thinking, kudos and comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 19
Chapter Notes

Hello, everyone! Guess who got lucky enough to get a concussion through work? Yep, it
me! As such, I have been ordered to avoid screens and all other bright lights until my
brain has decided not to punish me for them anymore! YEAH! (This is going to hurt
more than the stupid damn package landing on my head.)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

For a few moments, silence took over the room as the entire group processed the last few
moments before Izuku voiced a hesitant question. “What now?”
“Well, after lunch we’ll speed heal the first- and second-degree burns. You’ll likely fall
asleep after that.” Recovery Girl looked to Nezu. “Then, those of us who are leaving will
head down and back home for the holidays. As for the foster care or adoption, I’m assuming
you’ll be given information on those who are willing to take you in, my boy.”
“Most certainly. So keep an eye on your email.” Nezu chirped as he made the way to the
couch. “You’ll have a choice between the families that make the cut.”
“I understand, sir.” Izuku leveraged his head onto his arms. “I’ll do my best to not be as much
trouble as I’ve been the past few weeks.”
“Kid, you didn’t do anything.” Aizawa moved to stand by the teen and reached down to ruffle
the grass-green hair. “You don’t need to apologize.”
Leaning into the touch, Izuku nodded. “I know, but… it was still a lot.”
“Yeah, but you shouldn’t ever have to worry about your biological donor ever again.” Aizawa
threw a grin to All Might. “We’d make sure of it.”
“With shovels if needed.” All Might agreed as he leaned forward.
Did two heroes just plot murder in front of me? Blinking, Izuku ignored the implications of
that statement “Alright. Kacchan, when is your mom getting here? I want to be asleep by
then.”
“Nah, I’m not letting you get out of that lecture.” Bakugo continued to read over his
messages. “Oh, and we need to get you a phone so the extras bug you instead of me.”
“Wait, you told everyone?” Izuku asked, nervous.
“No, I just mentioned I was hanging out with you and the group chat went nuts. They said
they’d been unable to contact you and were worried. Speaking of your phone, where is it?”
“I’m not sure? The last time I had it was when I called you for help.” Izuku looked down at
his hands. “I think I dropped it once whatever the hell he used on me kicked in. Stuff worked
fast.”
“Huh. Knew he was too much of a coward to face an actual enemy.” Bakugo scoffed, looking
to Izuku. “Hey, nerd. Did you end up finishing your homework early?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Wanna work ahead on the syllabus?”
“Don’t you have an extra paper you need to do?” Aizawa chimed in, to Bakugo’s sneer.
“Please, it won’t take long to do an eight-page paper.” Bakugo turned back to Izuku. “Or do
you want to play a game?”
“We haven’t played games since we were four. And my mom always stopped us from playing
most video ones. Especially the FPS’s. Wanna try one now? I bet we could….”
The two boys began to distract themselves as the adults in the room went back into planning
mode. The morning flew by as the boys played game after game. After lunch, Izuku fell
asleep as Nezu, Aizawa and Recovery Girl left.
Aizawa had knelt down next to the bed, putting his hand on Izuku’s upper arm right before
Recovery Girl’s healing kiss landed on the teen’s forehead. “I will be back for you, Problem
Child. As both your teacher and as an adult who cares. So be careful, OK?”
Three-quarters of the way asleep, Izuku hadn’t been able to say anything back as sleep
claimed him.
Blinking awake hours later, Izuku was unsurprised to see Bakugo next to him. “..achan?”
Bakugo looked over from the phone he was working on. “Hey, nerd.”
“Your mom and dad?”
“Came in, saw you were asleep and decided to get checked in and come back with food.
Mom asked your doctor if it was alright, and he approved food out for the night but said to
tell you not to get used to it.”
“All Might?”
Bakugo sat up, putting his phone aside. “Said he was going to go look into something and
made me promise to be on my best behavior. Like I’m ever not.” Bakugo sneered playfully at
the laughter Izuku was doing his best to smoother under his arm. “What? You got something
to say, Nerd?”
“Nope. Nothing.” Izuku just laughed as the comfort of his friend drew away some of the
darkness. “Thanks for being here. I know I’m not your best friend anymore—and I’m pretty
sure I heard Kirishima boasting about your plans to go rock climbing over the break so sorry
I got in the way of that.”
“Nerd…. I wanted to talk to you. I owe you a huge apology.” Bakugo rubbed at the back of
his neck but he kept his eyes on Izuku’s. “I haven’t treated you like a person for a long time,
and I was wrong to do so. You are probably the best friend I could ask for. You care, even
when I was the worst about you not having a quirk. You never left my side. And I realize how
much I’ve hurt you. I don’t know if I can ever make it up to you, but… I’d like to try.”
“Sincerity looks weird on you, Kacchan.” Izuku watched as Bakugo reared back at the
comment. Using his elbow, he bumped his friend’s hip. “Saving my life really helped.
Thanks.”
“Not a problem, nerd.” Smiling a little—not a smirk—Bakugo turned back to his paper.
“And I’m proud of both of you.” Mitsuki’s voice rang in the room. “Even if I’m a little sad it
took you so long to figure it out, Kats.”
Bakugo blinked. “You’re not going to yell at me?”
“Gods, I would have to be the biggest hypocrite to do so, sweetheart.” Mitsuki crossed to the
boys, putting a hand on her son’s head and gently giving him a noogie. “You got a lot of my
negative traits, kiddo.”
Bakugo pushed the hand away. “I’m not sweet. What do you mean, biggest hypocrite?”
“Well, back when I was in middle school with Inko, I was a bully, too.” Mitsuki’s eyes went
liquid, and a few tears fell. “I won’t defend my actions back then—they were inexcusable.
But I generally took it out on those who didn’t seem like they were going to hit me back.”
“Unlike your crap father.”
“Yes, unlike him.” Mitsuki looked to Masaru as he stood in the doorway. “You coming,
hon?”
“Yes, my love.” Walking in, Masaru carefully managing the bags of food. “But for now, let’s
get food sorted out. We got you Katsudon, Izuku.”
“Really? Kacchan, can you scoot so I can try sitting up?”
“How about I help you sit up and you lean on me? You shouldn’t be straining your back yet.”
Bakugo slid off the bed, offering a hand to Izuku. “If you don’t mind, we’ll just sit together to
eat.”
“I don’t mind.” Taking the hand, Izuku allowed himself to be helped to an upright position.
“Thank you for the food.”
“Not a problem, Izuku.” Reaching out, Mitsuki put a hand on his cheek, cupped it.
Mom used to do this. Leaning into the touch, Izuku felt a few tears fall.
“Oh, sweetheart.” Mitsuki’s voice was rough. “I know you miss her. I do, too.”
“I…do you think she’d be angry with me, Auntie? For not going to help or for not respecting
her wishes? I didn’t want to let her go.”
“Oh, my love. She loves you. Trust me, a mother’s love is infinite. She’d be more upset at the
system that let you be so badly hurt. And she’d be upset that you were hurt and alone. But
with you, specifically? No. True, you made some bad decisions but the adults should’ve
caught them.” Mitsuki smiled, but it was sorrow laden. “And I’m sorry you couldn’t come to
us.”
“Same.” Bakugo chimed in, holding his meal in front of him. “That was my bad.”
“It was.” Izuku agreed, before turning back to Mitsuki. “But I want to know how you and
mom became friends after that.”
Masaru laughed from his position on the couch. “Oh, that’s a story and a half. But let’s eat
first.”
“I want to hear this, too.” Bakugo chimed in, as the boys ate.
Mitsuki blushed, putting her face in her hands. “I’m so embarrassed by my actions.”
Masaru put a hand around his wife’s shoulders. “You should be.”
Aww.
“Aren’t you supposed to be supportive?” Mitsuki complained, but leaned into the man’s side.
“So, as I’ve mentioned, I was a bully. And Inko and I knew each other from the time we were
in middle school. I made your mom’s life hellacious. I was awful. I won’t go into specifics,
but Inko never fought back. She’d cry—which I took as my victory. After middle school, my
family moved away to where your grandfather lives now.”
“Which is why you moved back here during college, right?” Bakugo cut in.
Smirking, his mother reached out to ruffle the boy’s hair, much to the blonde’s annoyance.
“Yes. When I started college here, I ran into Inko again. And when I tried to approach her,
she laid out—in no uncertain terms—that if I was back to make her life hell that she’d have
no problem slapping a restraining order on me. Then when I pushed, she punched me hard
enough to break my nose and used that sweet-as-sugar personality to get out of trouble.”
“Mom hit you?” Izuku asked, eyes going wide as he listened.
“Hah!” Bakugo grinned. “I am your kid.”
“You doubted that?” Mitsuki teased. “My love, you’re a male copy of me with more positive
traits because of your father. You should thank him for those.”
“Thanks, dad!” Bakugo called, smirking at his mom’s pout.
“I was teasing, Kats. I have a few good traits.” Mitsuki complained.
“I know. Lord know I wouldn’t have made it as far as I did without the stubbornness you
gave me.” Bakugo grinned at the surprised look on his mom’s face. “What? I’ve been told I
need to be better at communicating.”
Masaru roared with laughter at his wife’s shocked face. “Kid, you are the best.”
 “I know.”
The simple statement had everyone in stitches, until Izuku winced. “Alright, no more making
me laugh. I think I strained something.” Wincing a bit, Izuku looked to Katsuki. “Help me
back down?”
“’Course, Nerd.” Putting away the last bite of his meal, Bakugo put his container back on the
hospital tray table and helped Izuku lie back down. “Better?”
“Better. Thanks.” Izuku smiled. “And thank you for coming for me. I know I didn’t listen to
you about dad, but… I just…I wanted…”
“You wanted to believe in him. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Masaru said, as he
collected the trash. “Your heart is big, Izuku. Just be more careful with letting people who
will hurt you in, alright?”
“Please never scare me this way again, Izuku. I know your mom wouldn’t want you to do this
again, either. And I promise you we are here for you, OK? Even my emotionally brain-dead
brat.”
“I take back the nice thing I said about you.” Bakugo grumbled, picking up the abandoned
game controllers. “’Zu, want to play a few more rounds? We have time until visitors’ hours
are over.”
“Would you mind playing me, too?” Mikuu asked, poking her head in. “And I come with
contraband, ‘Zu.”
“I don’t mind. Kacchan?”
“I don’t think we’ve been introduced yet, right?” Bakugo narrowed his eyes. “I’m pretty sure
I’d remember you.”
“Oh, I guess not. I’m Sanada Mikuu—it’s nice to meet you.” Mikuu nodded to all of the
Bakugos.
Mitsuki was the first to speak. “It’s nice to meet you. I assume you’re a lot like Izuku here?”
“You mean…?” Mikuu asked, nerves peeking through the tough mask that slammed onto her
face.
“Quirkless.” Mitsuki reached out a hand as Mikuu froze. “No, it’s OK. I promise we’re not
that bad.”
Mikuu looked to Izuku. “They’re not, right?”
“Yep. Parents were always awesome, teen is learning. Mostly because I’ve kicked his ass
enough for him to pull his head from it.” Izuku and Mikuu grinned at the indignant squawk
Bakugo let out.
“Hey!” Bakugo handed Izuku a controller. “Let’s just play and see who’s the best.”
“Fine by me!” Mikuu walked in, sat on Izuku’s other side. “What game?”
“We rented a shooter from the desk.” Izuku explained. “Although, we might need another
controller…”
“Not a problem. I’ll take back the other games and grab one.” Mikuu offered a dark grin.
“While I do that, though, you two are going to want some practice time cause I’ve been
playing this game for years.”
“Challenge accepted!” Both boys chorused as they turned to the game while the adults
watched with grins as they reclined on the couch.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking! Kudos and comments will be appreciated as soon as
I can get back on my computer. (So probably a bit of a delay.)
 Chapter 20
Chapter Notes

Hello again! I am allowed back at my computer and I get to write again. (Also, thank
you Refracted, for your kind words. They meant a lot. Sorry I haven't responded to your
comment yet, brain still healing.)

A quick note: to anyone who is a fan of Bi Mineta, I am happy for you, if you like him. I
respect that my taste and yours are not the same and am fine with that. I, however, do
not like Mineta as a character. So he will remain the perverted jerk that he's been for
most of story that I know of. And anything I write will likely replace him as fast as
possible with Shinso.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The rest of the hospital stay passed mostly with time spent with the Bakugo family and All
Might. The treatment and physical therapy were easier to handle, as Izuku got back into the
swing of movement. And the emails concerning his future foster home were all positive.
“Wait, Aizawa sensei and Mic sensei??” Izuku asked one night, after the Bakugos had left for
the night.

“That doesn’t surprise me at all.” All Might’s smile was soft. “You are his problem child, of
course.”

“But…I thought that they’d just adopted Shinso. Isn’t that a lot to take on at once?”

All Might looked up, surprised. “You know about Shinso?”

“Yeah, I bumped into him and we sort of started talking. He was all indignant about how the
entrance exam only allows for those with physical quirks and I agreed with him. After being
unable to talk for a few moments, he pulled me aside and we sort of became friends after
that.”

“Well, I’m glad you’ve made friends with him. I think he’s going to make a fine hero.” All
Might moved from his position on the couch to the chair. “Why not text him and ask? It’s
better than sitting here and stewing.”

“I guess.” Pulling out his new phone—the one Bakugo had chosen for him—Izuku tapped
out a fast message to Shinso.

Hey. Did you know that Aizawa sensei is offering to be my foster parent? :I
Shinso: Uh, duh. And before you ask, I’m cool with it. It’d be neat to have someone my age
to hang out with at home.

Are you really sure? I don’t want to intrude and mess both of us up.: I

Shinso: Not intruding. And besides, you don’t get to leave the hero program this way. I refuse
to take a spot of someone who wussed out instead of earning it.

Scowling while trying to keep the laughter in, Izuku decided to simply email Nezu and let
him know he’d prefer to go with Aizawa and Mic over the other offers.

“How are you feeling about the surgery, Midoriya?” All Might asked, pulling the teen from
his phone.

“A little nervous, but hey. Survived the first one, so I should be fine. I just wish we could fix
the muscle issue as easily.” Izuku shifted, still feeling nothing at the very center of the
wound.

“I wish it’d never happened.” All Might put a hand on the now-healed upper shoulder. “It’s
going to be an adjustment, but it’s one we’ll figure out.”

“I know. I’m just glad that I’m not going to be alone anymore.” Izuku rolled his shoulders as
best he could to stretch them, despite the pain. “That was probably the worst part. Just being
alone.”

All Might looked up from his tablet, eyes sad. “I will be here, Izuku. For as long as I can be.
And even if I wasn’t? Something tells me that you’d never have to worry about it. Especially
now. You are so loved, Midoriya.”

“I guess. It’s a weird thought.”

“What is? That others love you?”

“Yeah, kind of.”

“I wish I could help fix that.”

“Meh. I’ve lived with it for so long that it really doesn’t bug me. I’m used to it.”

Saying nothing, All Might simply scooted his chair closer and put a hand on the teen’s
forearm. Accepting the touch, Izuku offered a smile. “It’s OK.”

Again, All Might said nothing and simply held tighter. After a few moments, he released the
teen. “I’ll see you in the morning, alright? I’ll be here as soon as you wake up from your
surgery.”

“OK.” As All Might left, Izuku happily fell to sleep.

Blinking awake at seven a.m., Izuku looked up to see the head nurse for the unit smiling at
him. “Good morning, Midoriya. We’re going to wheel you down in a few minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am. Is it OK if I get up and go to the bathroom first?”

“Of course.”

Doing so, Izuku did his best to control the anxiety spiral that tightened in his stomach as the
gurney he was on was rolled into the elevator.

“Are you feeling OK, kiddo? You’re looking a little nervous.” The nurse asked, bending
down so her hair fell in a waterfall behind her as she spoke to him.

“I guess I am? I wasn’t awake the first time I went into surgery.”

“It’s OK. You’re in excellent hands. Dr. Lee and Dr. Hideo are both stringent directors and
accept nothing less. Dr. Yu is an incredible surgeon.” As the elevator dung, the woman
guided him out. “So as soon as we get you into prep, we’ll get you set up with your IV and
all the other things. We’ll be fitting an oxygen mask over your mouth, and you’ll have a pulse
oximeter on your fingertip as well as a heart-rate monitor on your wrist. They may be a little
uncomfortable, but you’ll forget once you’re under. We’ll give you the anesthetic and then
have you count back from ten.”

“OK.”

“Here we go.” Rolling into the prep room, the other nurses and assistants sprang into action,
and Izuku was in the OR within the next five minutes.

“Good morning, Midoriya!” A voice with a higher, more feminine register spoke to him as
the doctor squatted down to speak with him. “I’m Dr. Yu, and I’m going to be your surgeon
today. I promise you’ll come out OK. This is a fairly simple procedure, and you’ll likely only
be under for two or so hours. Alright? Any questions?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Alright, Kataoka, start the gas.” Nodding to the anesthesiologist, Dr. Yu turned back to
Izuku with a nod. “See you on the other side, kid.”

Awareness and sight came back by inches as Izuku opened his eyes to stare blindly at the
clock next to him on a table. Off….? Why?

His mind caught up to what he was seeing. “Oh.” The hands on the clock—and the numbers
on it—were painted in wavy lines.

“Hey, you’re awake.”

“…. don’t want to be. Going back.” Closing his eyes, Izuku was asleep in seconds as muffled
laughter filled the room.

“I swear, he’s just like you!” The voice sounded like Mic-sensei, and at the sound, Izuku
wiggled until he was facing the voice.
Three blurs—dark haired, light haired and lavender haired—all sat around each other.
Rubbing at his eyes to clear them, Izuku looked again. “…hi.”

“Way to wake him up, ‘Zashi.” Aizawa’s grin was mirrored by Shinso who made his way
over to Izuku at Mic’s squawk.

“Welcome back. Feeling OK?”

“Mmm…mostly numb? It’s not a new feeling. Might still need to wake up.” Looking around
the room, Izuku moved his arms to cushion his head. “Kacchan? And his parents?”

“Went to go get lunch.” Aizawa answered, crossing over to put a hand gently on Izuku’s
bicep. “You doing OK?”

Ignoring that for a moment, Izuku glanced around. “All Might?”

“He stepped out for a moment, he should be back…” Aizawa’s gaze landed on the door as it
opened. “There he is. All Might, he’s awake.”

“My boy!” All Might rushed forward, hands burying themselves in soft hair. “I need to leave
in a few minutes, but are you OK?”

“Where are you going?” Izuku asked, pressing his head more firmly in the touch.

“I have an appointment that I need to make—I was worried you wouldn’t wake up before I
got to see you.”

“I’m OK, don’t worry.” The teen yawned. “Tired, but OK.”

“I am so proud of you, Midoriya.” The hand was gentle, ruffling his curls before retreating.
“But I need to go. I am so sorry, but…”

“Not a problem. Go.” Purposefully letting his eyes drift close, Izuku let himself drift until he
heard the door close behind All Might. Letting out a yawn, he turned back to Aizawa, Mic
and Shinso. “…Hi.”

Aizawa smiled. “Hey, kid. I’m glad you’re awake. But more importantly, how are you
feeling? You said you’re feeling OK, but does anything hurt?”

“No, not ‘hurt.’ It feels weird, but that’s been the norm since everything went down.”

“You’ve had a crap break, huh?” Mic asked, coming up behind Aizawa to sling one arm
around his husband’s shoulders and the other to reach out to the teen.

“Mmph, not all bad. Got to spend time with people on Christmas. Wasn’t cold. Had food.
Was OK.” Taking the hand, Izuku held even as his arm started to fall back to the bed.

Mic winced, hand gently releasing the teen’s to rest on the bed. “And that…”
“Is the exact same bar I’d set for people.” Shinso chimed in. “It’s easy to be happy with little
when you’re used to it.”

“Mmm.” Humming in agreement, Izuku looked to the tired-eyed boy. “You OK with this?
You’re sure?”

“Yeah. Of all the potential other kids they could take in, you’re one of the best.” Shinso
plopped down next to Izuku’s hip. “And I would love to continue our complaint-fest about
how biased the entrance exam is.”

“It is!”

“Like, you’d have to actually put thought into it to make it worse.”

“Ohh, what’s the first thing you’d do to make it worse?”

“Take away recovery points. That’s, like, the only saving grace for anyone who doesn’t have
a physical quirk.” Shinso started to talk with his hands, gesturing to the window. “Like, that’s
the only way a lot of people can get in, and even then, it’s not enough.”

Aizawa smirked, gaze bouncing from teen to teen as he was pulled to sit on the couch. “You
two are trying to make it worse?”

“I mean, fixing it is too much work.” Shinso said.

“But making it worse is easy and lets us figure out the flaws more quickly.” Izuku chimed in,
and Mic just snorted.

“Oh, they’re going to be trouble.”

“You say that like we’re not already?” Izuku answered, while Shinso chirped: “I mean,
yeah? We already are.”

Mic groaned as Aizawa leaned back into the man. “This is going to be fun.”

“Not you, too!” Mic looked to Aizawa. “Come on, you three aren’t actually going to do this,
right?”

Aizawa offered his grin and blatantly lied. “Of course not.”

Mic hung his head, then laughed quietly. “You’re right, this is going to be fun.”

“Anyway… are you going to be able to walk, Midoriya?” Shinso turned to the teen.
“I think so? It’s going to be limited for a while, but I should be able to move again when the
drugs wear off.”

“And training?” Shinso asked, gentle as he spoke.

“I…don’t entirely know. The muscle fibers in my back that were burned away are responsible
for helping stabilize me while walking and my shoulder movements. And the fiber is going to
have to be built back and it’s never going to be wholly the same.”
“That blows.” Shinso poked at his side. “Want a workout buddy once you can do so again?”

“Yeah, that’d be nice.” Izuku answered, as the door whooshed open.

“Hello, is... I can see he is! Welcome back, kid.” The nurse from earlier carefully moved to
the teen. “How are you feeling?”

“Um… mostly still numb? It doesn’t hurt.”

“Well, that’s good. Feeling off or too warm or anything?”

“Mmm… nope, just kinda numb.” Izuku shook his head. “Am I OK to move?”

“Give it another half-an-hour, and don’t stress the site too much, OK?” The nurse offered a
smile. “You’ll start to feel it then, and we want to make sure you’re less numb when you do.
You need to be able to feel if you’re pulling too much. Given the unique area where you got
burned, we don’t want to push it, OK?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Don’t worry, Midoriya. You’ll be up and moving soon enough.” Shinso teased, leaning
back. “But while I’ve got you captive for a little bit, I would appreciate your analysis of my
quirk.”

“Really?” Excited, Izuku turned his head to see Shinso out of the corner of his eye.

“He’s never going to shut up about it now, you know that right?” Bakugo’s brash voice came
from the door. “I’ve known him since we were conscious and he still hasn’t stopped talking
about mine.”

“Wow, someone dedicated and smart enough to still have more to say about how to use your
quirk and is willing to help you? How awful.” Shinso deadpanned, looking to Midoriya and
rolling his eyes. “How do you stand the bomberanian?”

A snort, followed by laughter, is the only thing Izuku responds with when he looks to see
Bakugo’s face frozen as he processes the implications. The wheel is spinning between
outrage, small scraps of humor and logic as the blond teen’s face mirrors his thought process.

“’M not a small dog.” Bakugo settles on as he makes his way to Izuku’s other side. “At least
make it a big dog.”

“Nah, the reason it’s a small dog is because small dogs are aggressive things.” Shinso tossed
back, as Izuku settled in between the two to listen.

“Yeah, but big dogs are cooler.”

“And tiny dogs are obsessed with thinking they’re bigger than they are. Besides, your hair is
puffy and spiky sort of like a Pomeranian and ‘bomberanian’ just rolls off the tongue.”

“C’mon, there are cooler animals than Pomeranians.”

Izuku jumped in. “Hedgehogs are small and spiky.”

“Yeah, but bomberhog doesn’t sound as good.” Shinso said, then paused. “But it does fit you
pretty well, Bakugo.”

“’tch, whatever.” Bakugo conceded, turning to Izuku. “You feeling OK, nerd?”

“Mmm…numb, but less so than a few minutes ago. It’s kinda tight, but in a good way? My
shoulders have felt so disconnected that the tightness feels more correct.”

“Good.” Saying nothing else, Bakugo pulled out his phone. “Oh, also, jump back into the
group chat before the rest of the extras lose their minds, ‘Zu.”

“I will…. once everything’s gotten settled.” Izuku waved a hand over his back. “And once I
figure out what to say about this.”

“What is there to say? You were caught by a villain and survived. Bless the gods.” Bakugo
looked down. “You’re worried about explaining the whole family thing?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s no one’s damn business but yours, ‘Zuku. And I won’t say anything about the villain
attack. I haven’t yet and I won’t until you decide—or if you decide—to tell the others. Sure,
they’ll be questions about your mom, but something tells me if you just well up they’d back
off.”

“And I’ll jump in if you need me.” Shinso offered. “They don’t need to know. All you have
to say is ‘it’s complicated and I don’t want to talk about it,’ and if they don’t listen come find
me or the bomberhog.”

“Back to that? C’mon, just stick with Bakugo.”

“Bakugo’s right, Midoriya. What’s happened to you is nothing you have to discuss with your
classmates.” Aizawa chimed in, clearly grading papers as he spoke. “But you are not
obligated to tell them anything if you do not want to.”

“Your classmates and friends should respect you when you say that you don’t want to talk
about things. However, people are curious by nature. I’d have something in your back pocket
as a pseudo-explanation.” Mic cautioned; eyes soft. “But Shinso and Bakugo are both right—
and if you need help, we’re here, too.”

“Thank you.” Heat rising up the back of his neck, Izuku rolled his shoulders to test the
stretch.

“Kats!” Mitsuki said as she walked in. “We should get out of the way so Nezu and Izuku can
talk. Izuku, sweet boy, we’re going to head on home. Feel free to drop in when you’re settled
in.” Walking over, she gently pressed a peck to his cheek. “I’m so glad you’re OK,
sweetheart. I love you—please don’t be afraid to smack Kats if he ever gets bad again. I’ll
pay for bail.”
 “Yes, Auntie.” Izuku ignored the annoyed grumble that came from Bakugo. “See you,
Kacchan.”

“Yeah, see you nerd.” Bakugo stood, put a hand on Izuku’s head and gently tugged. “Make it
so you’re not in a lot of pain when you get back to class, OK?”

“Yes, because I will magically will my wounds to heal.”

“I wouldn’t put it past you.” Bakugo smiled, turned to Shinso. “And you. Replace the grape
fuck already. You deserve the spot more than he does. Lord knows he’s been enough of a
creep to warrant being kicked out. Senseis.” Nodding his head to the suddenly very
interested teachers, he stood and walked out.

With that, Bakugo left.

Shoot. Now Aizawa’s gonna ask me about Mineta and I don’t want to lie but the girls swore
me to secrecy.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking, Kudos and comments are appreciated. (Even if I've
fallen off the wagon for respond to them.)
 Chapter 21
Chapter Notes

Hi, everyone. Hope you're all doing well.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“Midoriya? Is something up with Mineta?” Mic asked, voice firmer than its normal bubbly
tenor.

“I’m not the one you need to ask, Sensei. Have I heard whispers? Yes. I’ve been asked to
keep my mouth shut by the people who it has affected.”

“So that’s a yes, with a ‘don’t tell anyone I said anything’ chaser. Got it, Lil’ listener.” Mic
offered a smile. “Don’t worry.”

Shinso just shrugged. “From what I’ve heard around campus, I’m surprised he hasn’t been
caught yet.”

“I’m going back to sleep. You tell them, you’re not sworn to secrecy like I was.” Closing his
eyes, Izuku heard the door open.

Blinking back awake, Izuku turned to see who it was.

“Hello, kiddo.” Dr. Lee stood there. “How’re you doing?”

“Hi.” Izuku offered a grin. “What’s up?”

“Just checking on you before you check out.” Dr. Lee walked over. “So, how is your back
feeling?”

“Tight, but in a good way. It’s like I’m all attached again.”

“Have you tried sitting up yet?”

“The nurse said to wait for a half-an-hour. I think that should be up soon enough.”

“That’s good. Nezu said he’d be here in a few moments, with all the papers necessary to
transfer your custody from the hospital to your new foster family.” Turning to Aizawa and
Mic as they sat together, Dr. Lee smiled. “It’s good to see you again, Aizawa. And you’re
Yamada Hizashi, correct?”

“Got it in one!” Mic flashed his usual ecstatic grin as he stood and crossed to offer his hand.
“The boy on the bed next to Izuku is our other foster son, Shinso Hitoshi.”
Shinso nodded. “Hello, Doctor.”

“Good afternoon. I’m glad to see that you two seem to get along.” Taking the hand, Dr. Lee
shook it before turning to Shinso and Mic rejoined his husband.

“Of all the people I could be saddled as a sibling, he’s the first choice for me.” Shinso smiled
down at the muffled half-broken sound Izuku made. “You Ok, Midoriya?”

“Just go with Izuku, and yeah.” Reaching for Shinso’s hand, Izuku hesitated until Shinso
grabbed tight.

“Right, Izuku. Go with Hitoshi for me, then?”

“Sure.”

Again, the door slipped open, and the sound of footsteps came once again. “Good morning,
everyone.”

Nezu—and the same nurse from earlier—came in.

“Good morning, Principal Nezu.” Izuku greeted, before looking to the nurse. “Am I allowed
to move?”

“Sure, kiddo.” The nurse smiled. “How about we let you move and if that works out and it
doesn’t hurt too much, we can let you get changed out of the robes you were in for surgery?”

“God yes.” Izuku nodded, letting go of Shinso’s hand to slide it under himself and start to
leverage himself up. Shinso backed off, moving to the couch with Aizawa and Yamada as
Izuku carefully flipped over.

Completing the turn, Izuku pulled the blanket around his hips and sat up, leaning a bit
forward as he did so. “Didn’t hurt. Please let me have normal clothes again.”

Shinso snorted. “Oh, come on. It’s not that bad.”

Izuku snapped his head to glare at the obvious shit-eating grin on Shinso. “Until you
experience being stuck in this,” pinching the fabric and plucking at the offending garment,
“you don’t get to talk.”

Aizawa snorted, eyes soft. “Midoriya’s right. Hospital gowns are cold.”

“Is that why you were back at work within one day of the USJ?” Izuku asked, tilting his head
sideways.

“I refuse to either confirm or deny that.” Aizawa said, smile half-sarcastic half-sincere.

“Yes.” Mic jumped in, grinning at the betrayed choke from his husband. “Anyway, we have
paperwork to get done, correct?”
“Very much correct.” Nezu squeaked, pleased. “Midoriya, we’ll have you fill out your
portion first and then you can change while the adults finish it off, OK?”

“Sound wonderful, sir.” Izuku agreed, taking both proffered paperwork and pen before
scrawling his signature and initials on several pieces of paper before a question stopped him
cold. Resting the tip of the pen on the table beside the paper so it wouldn’t bleed, Izuku spoke
in a bare whisper. “What about…what’s left of my mom?”

With that question, tension descended on the room. Looking to each other, Aizawa and Mic
nodded before moving from the couch to sit on either side of Izuku.

“When the situation was discovered, the medical durable power of attorney was checked. It
was that person’s decision to pull the plug. Your mother was buried in the plot she’d
purchased and with the gravestone that the power of attorney chose.” Aizawa was careful,
wrapping an arm around the boy as he delivered the news. Mic also took the hand not
occupied with the pen in between his own.

“OK, so Auntie was there for her.” Lip wobbling a bit, Izuku bit back on the tears. “OK.
That’s all.” Turning his attention back to the paperwork, the green-haired teen quickly
finished it and held it back out to the chimera being. “I’m done.”

Nezu took the paperwork. “Excellent. Are you OK, Midoriya?”

Izuku didn’t bother pretending he didn’t understand the question. “I mean, sort of? Mom’s
been gone for a long time.” His voice broke, but he pushed on. “It sucks to think she’s not
somewhere where I can reach her anymore, but the fact that I thought she was for so long was
wrong. She’s been gone for at least two years. The only part of her that was left was the
husk.” Folding his hands in his lap, Izuku let his tears fall. I want her back. But… that’s not
possible.

Aizawa and Mic shifted, pulling themselves close to the teen’s sides as he kept his head
down.

“It’s OK to hurt, kiddo. You loved her so much—and she loved you.” Mic gave the teen’s
hand a gentle squeeze, and Izuku squeezed back for just a second before letting go.

“I know. It’s OK.” Rubbing away the tears, Izuku let out a long breath. “I miss her—I will
always miss her. But I’ve known she’s been gone for a long time. I just didn’t want to let her
go.”

Looking to the nurse, Izuku offered a fake smile and changed the conversation. “Is it Ok if I
change into regular clothes? Where do I need to put the brace?”

“The brace will need to be put on over the bandages, but it can go under the shirt.” The nurse
smiled. “I’ll bring it to you.”

“Thank you.”
“We’ll move this elsewhere to let you get changed.” Nezu offered a smile. Nodding to the
principal, Izuku inclined his head as he reached for the folded clothes on the side table.

Fifteen minutes later, Izuku was dressed and braced. Happily, Izuku exited the restroom to
find his new foster family, principal, Dr. Lee and Dr Yu waiting for him.

“Alright, kiddo. I’ve been asked to pass along a few things. One—no showering for a little
bit until your wounds heal, or you have to wrap them to do so. Dry shampoo will be your
friend for a little bit, OK?” Dr. Yu laughed at the wrinkled nose Izuku gave her. “I know it
sucks but it’s better than getting an infection. Second—we’re prescribing you both an anti-
biotic and painkillers. Take all of them as directed—with food. If it starts to throw off your
appetite, take them after meals.” Pausing for a moment, Dr. Yu waited until she got a nod
from the teen to continue. “As for exercise, don’t overdo it. You’re still healing. Don’t try and
work out until you’re cleared by your doctor or by Recovery Girl. I know you’re a hero-in-
training and all, but no strenuous exercise until then.”

Nodding, Izuku offered a smile. “And the brace?”

“At least until Recovery Girl heals you, and after that as needed. However, you may need it
for the rest of your days, so expect that.” Dr. Yu reached out, offered her hand. “Be strong,
kid. It was a pleasure to know you.”

Taking the hand, Izuku shook it before looking to see Aizawa approaching him.

Aizawa held out the yellow backpack to the teen. “How are you feeling, Problem Child?”

“It’s so nice to be fully upright again.” Taking the bag, Izuku arranged the straps over one
shoulder and let the bag dangle just off of his back. “And to not feel like I’m going to fall
over without help.”

“Don’t get used to it, you’re still taking the wheelchair out of the hospital.” Aizawa motioned
to the chair that a nursed held, even as Shinso joined them, snickering.

“Self-sufficiency is nice.” Shinso teased, walking over. “It’s weird to see you standing at your
full height, though. Normally you’re looking down when you’re in the halls.”

“I do?” Blinking, Izuku found himself starting to look down. Oh. I’m doing it now. Lifting his
chin again, Izuku winced. “I didn’t realize.”

“Well, now you do.” Shinso offered simply. “C’mon, let’s get going. The sooner we do, the
sooner we get home and can set up your half of the room.”

“Alright.” As he was wheeled down to the lobby, Izuku caught sight of a flash of blue in his
peripheral before he felt someone jog up next to him. “Hey, you headed home?”

“Hi, Mikuu. And yeah, headed back to the world outside this paradise.” Izuku smiled when
Mikuu let out a snorted laugh.

“Yep, well, you don’t get to drop everything here. Trauma twins, remember? We stick
together. Give me your number.” Mikuu held out her phone.
Fumbling for his own, Izuku quickly unlocked it and went to the settings for phone
information. “I don’t have it quite memorized yet. New number and everything.”

“I mean, you’ve been busy with everything.” Mikuu copied the number into her phone.
Clicking away, Mikuu looked up when Izuku’s phone chirped. “Now make sure to add my
number, too. Be safe, OK?” Holding out a hand, the young girl waited until Izuku had taken
it to pull him into a hug, bent in half to do so. “Be careful.”

“I will.” Izuku promised, stepping back. “Let me know how your competitions go.”

“Will do. Bye!” Mikuu let go, dashing away and out of sight before long.
“So…trauma twin?” Shinso asked, poking Izuku’s side.

“Lots of the same issues. Hence, trauma twin. Her term, not mine.” Izuku turned back to the
group. “Sorry, didn’t mean to slow us down.”

“Not a problem, Midoriya. Let’s get going, though. It’s going to be a long drive home.”
Aizawa was gentle as he put a guiding hand on the teen’s shoulder.

“What about All Might? Is he not riding back with us?” Izuku asked.

“…that’s a good question. Nezu?”

“He’ll be coming back later this week. As for the reason, they’re not mine to tell.” Nezu
offered, walking ahead. “We should be going, though.”

With little fanfare, Izuku and Shinso loaded into the back of the van, with Nezu taking the
intermediary seat while both Aizawa and Mic took the front seats.

“Sooo…now that we’re stuck together for the foreseeable future, would you mind helping me
with my quirk?” Shinso asked.

“Oh, right!” Izuku grinned, rooting around in his backpack to check for any of his journals. “I
don’t mind, but don’t be surprised if I don’t hit everything. I have your quirk documented in
my journals back at UA but I don’t remember all of it off the top of my head.”

“The journals you left under the bed, correct?” Nezu twisted in his seat to look at the boys.
“Those journals are incredibly detailed, Midoriya. But I am concerned that they are not
encoded. The information in them could be used against the heroes in question.”

Izuku blinked. “I…didn’t think anyone would ever see them. I just did it as practice.”

“And while I understand that, the information you took in and speculate on is dangerous. As
such, they’ve been moved into the restricted section of the UA library. You’ll have access to
them through the library, but we’re going to ask you to only work on the journals while on
UA campus.”

“Oh. Um… can I have the entry on my mom? She’s passed now, and it has some of her
handwriting in it.” Relief flashed through the teen as his principal nodded. I can’t lose that bit
of her.
“I suppose that’s not an issue. You can have her section of the journal back. However, if you
do wish to continue analyzing heroes and quirks, I would recommend you do so on your
student account at UA. There is software there that would allow you to organize it a bit
more.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s available to the support course students by way of their academics, but you have
been given an account.” Nezu relaxed into his seat as he turned back around. “Oh, UA has
also sent emails to your classmates regarding your improvements, Midoriya. I have to say, the
work you did was excellent.”

A flush covered the back of Izuku’s neck. “Thank you, sir.”

“Yeah, yeah—you’re an excellent analyst. Now can we talk about mine?” Shinso teased as
Izuku turned back to his new sibling.

Two-and-a-half hours later, Izuku was leaning against the window and watching as the
scenery passed by. “Man. I didn’t realize how far out I was.”

“How did you not? You got taken to the middle of flippin nowhere.” Shinso groaned. “And
we have another hour before we’re in the vicinity of home.”

“I mean, I’m not surprised that it’s out of the way. It’s probably safer for a lot of the people in
the town. Without much to control, villains are probably less likely to attack them.” Izuku
yawned. “And by not talking about the existence of towns for quirkless people outside of the
quirkless people they serve would also protect them. Although, I have faith that they could
handle a few villains if they needed to.”

“Really? Quirks can do a lot.” Shinso asked, and Izuku himself look at the other boy before
turning back to the window.

“You’re still human, Shinso. We break in the same way. You have the same frailties that we
do. Quirks may negate one of them—say Kiri’s hardening quirk. It protects him from
puncture wounds, or from a lot of physical things. But only when it’s activated. And it only
works on some things. Humans are fragile. Put us in the wrong conditions, we break. And
that’s true across all types of quirks as well as the quirkless.”

“I guess I never thought of it that way.” Shinso admitted as he paused in scrolling on his
phone.

“A lot of people bought into the superhuman idea, because of the way heroes were portrayed
before quirks came to be. I mean, Superman is still an icon and symbol eve now. He was
practically a god.”

“I…don’t know Superman. What even?”

Izuku turned from the window, eyes wide. “Dude, those comics are classics!!”
A muffled snort came from Mic’s seat as he turned to watch the boys. “Hey, Midoriya, who’s
better? Batman or Superman?”

“I mean, in what way?” Batman.

“Which is your favorite?”

“Batman.” Izuku answered, without hesitation. “He’s awesome.”

“Don’t you think his ideal are a little unattainable given the system he’s working in?” Aizawa
asked, hands on the wheel as he stared ahead.

“The whole no killing thing?”

“Yes.” Aizawa confirmed, looking to the rearview mirror to meet the boy’s eyes.

“I admire him for sticking to his ideals. Even if I get why Jason’s so upset.”

“I am so lost.” Shinso looked from the front of the van to the boy beside him. “What?”

“Don’t ask unless you want to be given enough reading material to drown even Nezu.” Mic
said, grin wide. Shinso held up his hands up, quietly watching.

“Those comics did run for decades.” Nezu agreed. “However, I’ve always been much more
partial to Marvel because of Squirrel Girl and Iron Man.”

“Iron Man is awesome, too! I always kind of wondered how that would work today.”

Nezu looked back. “Just imagine Hatsume in your course and go from there.”

“You’re totally right, and I’m gonna see if she’d work on a suit of power armor with me next
time I talk to her.”

Shinso laughed at tolling silence of the adults all realizing the idea they’d unleashed. “You
did this to yourself. Can I help, ‘Zuku?”

“Heck yes.” Laughing at the lack of input by way of the adults in the car, the teens flashed
grins before returning to their own thoughts.

A break for gas and a driver switch and another hour later, the van arrived back at UA.
Wincing a bit at the final pothole, Izuku gritted his teeth as he was careful to slide of the van.

“We’re only a ten-minute ride from here, kid. You can take your meds and lie down when we
get back home.” Aizawa’s statement was met with a grim nod from the green-haired teen.

“Alright. Thank you.” Shuffling and keeping an arm on the wall to brace himself, Izuku felt
Shinso a step behind him, ready to help.

Landing a bit awkwardly on his feet, Izuku started to stumble as his back ached from the now
straining amount of time he’d had to stay upright. The brace was also starting to rub at his
skin, irritating it. Few more minutes. You can handle it.

Reaching out to catch himself, Izuku was surprised when Mic’s arm caught him, stopping his
momentum. “Whoa, kiddo. No need to cause more injuries.”

Regaining his feet, Izuku nodded. “Yeah, sorry. Just tired.”

“Been upright for too long, huh?”

“And I think the medication is wearing off enough that I’m really starting to feel it.” Izuku
took a deep breath and pushed it out as he pushed the pain down. “I can make it back, though.
I’m fine.”

“Izuku. Are you sure?” Aizawa walked over, gently taking the backpack from the teen’s half
limp hand.

“I think so. I can handle it. Not worse than anything else I’ve had to deal with.”

“What were you doing for injuries before we found you?” Aizawa asked, guiding the teen to
lean into his side.
“Sleeping them off? Not much else I could do. Meds—even just over-the-counter stuff—are
expensive. Expired stuff wasn’t worth the risk, either getting it or taking it. And I had to be
careful not to take too much money out so the bank wouldn’t be alerted. With tuition and
stuff having already left, I couldn’t afford to get both food and drugs. Food was more
important.”

Aizawa nodded. “Sounds about right. Well, no need to make you suffer more. Let’s get going.
Nezu, you’re going to look into that thing I texted you about, right?”

“I have been combing over footage for the ride home. I’ll be sending you paperwork later, but
don’t worry about it until after New Years. Midoriya, we’re glad you’re alright but we will
need to discuss everything that was revealed to us later.” Waiting until the teen wearily
looked to the creature, the chimera smiled. “Now go get some rest and settle in.”

“Yes, sir.”

Nezu nodded, and left the group standing together. Wordlessly, Shinso moved to Izuku’s side,
and put the other teen’s arm around his shoulders. “Hey, lean on me, OK? I cannot wait to
introduce you to the cats.”

“Kitties?” Izuku felt himself perk up despite the fresh wave of pain at doing so. “Animals are
the best.”

“Better than people, that’s for sure.” Shinso agreed. “They’re fluffy and sweet—and weirdly
perceptive toward injuries so no need to worry there.”

“What kind?”

“Uh… a munchkin—she’s a golden-tan color, and super sweet. Her name’s Leona. Then
there’s Twinkle—he’s a short-hair tuxie.” Shinso smiled as he helped Izuku balance all the
way to the train station. “They’re the best. I didn’t know you liked cats.”

“I love them. There was a stray cat that lived with me for awhile. I called her Cookie Cat and
then Mama Cookie when she had her litter. She let me hold them and it was probably the best
time I had where I was alone.”

The train ride was spent as the adults kept the boys tucked between them, guiding them back
to a simple two-story house and leading them in.

“Alright, Shinso. Would you take Izuku up to the room and show him where he’ll be? We’ll
bring up the medication and a snack so you can take it.” Mic ordered, gently grabbing onto
Aizawa’s arm. “We’ll talk about what we need to do next after you get some rest, Midoriya.”

“You can call me Izuku.” Izuku turned to his teacher and rubbed at the back of his head. “I
don’t mind.”

“OK, Izuku. Head on up, OK? You’re looking a little pale.”

Doing as ordered, Izuku leaned on Shinso as the two teens climbed the stairs. Walking down
the hall and taking a left, Shinso revealed a room with two beds set up—one on each end and
desks next to them. “We’ll be sharing a room until you’re fully healed. Dad and Pops didn’t
want you in your own room in case you needed help and couldn’t get up to get to us. So,
sorry about that, but we’re going to be together at least until you’re back at a hundred
percent. Also, the bathroom is right next door.”

“I don’t really care about sharing if you don’t.” Izuku offered, taking in his blanket and quilt
on the bed. “My stuff made the jump here?”

“Yeah, Dad and Pops picked up what had been left at the UA house. Pops put the blankets
and clothes through the wash and then told Dad that they’d need to take you to get new
ones.”

Izuku flushed. “Yeah.... I was putting it off until I was able to get a part-time job somewhere
before I tried to pick anything up. Even thrift stores are expensive if you’re as picky as I am
when it comes to clothes.”

“Why and how are you picky? Dude, those high-tops are the ugliest things I’ve ever seen.”
Shinso helped Izuku lower himself to the bed. “That feel better?”

“Yeah, I think it was just a lot for me since I’ve been mostly flat on my stomach for the past
couple of weeks.” Izuku felt his body relax a bit, even if the ache was still there. “And I love
my shoes.”

“You have no fashion taste to speak of.” Shinso deadpanned, walking back to his bed and
sitting down. “How…” Shaking his head, the lavender-haired teen wrinkled his nose.
“Never…”

“Did I end up on my own?” Izuku guessed and taking the guilty flush as a confirmation,
explained. “Mom went terminal. Given that I was quirkless at the time, they didn’t want dead
weight in the system. Found a place to stay, made a shelter and stuck to it. Got caught
because I was going to see mom and bumped into Aizawa.”

“I swear he has a ‘lost child, come collect’ sense. Because that’s how he found me, too.”
Shinso leaned back on his palms. “It’s amusing to me to have it proven.”

“To have what proven?” Mic asked, knocking on the door frame.

“Oh, that dad has a ‘lost little lamb’ sensor built in that attracts all of his lost and alone kids
to him.” Shinso grinned at the exhausted huff that came from behind Mic. “What? You do.”

Dad is Aizawa, Pops must be Mic.

“Hush, kid.” Aizawa grumbled. “Mind if we come in for a moment, boys?”

Shinso looked to Izuku, waiting for the “mmmhmm” before agreeing. “Sure.”

Both Mic and Aizawa entered the room, with Aizawa carrying an unopened bottle of water, a
small granola and fruit bar, and the orange bottles with medications. Handing the three items
to Izuku, Aizawa tilted his head. “You OK to sit up and take the medication?”

The sharp spike of pain at the reminder of his wounds had Izuku hissing. “I’m OK to sit up.”
Leveraging himself back up half-way, Izuku opened the granola bar before taking a few bites.
Grabbing the water, Izuku quickly poured out his medications and downed the respective
dosages with water. Putting the bottle off the side of his bed, Izuku laid back down.

“Feeling alright, Problem child?” Aizawa asked as he sat at the desk chair nearest the green-
haired teen.

“Mm… I will, when the drugs kick in.” The gentle touch of fingers along his hair has Izuku
leaning into the calming touch and closing his eyes. This feels good.

Aizawa’s gentle half-snort-half-laugh warmed the teen. “I know you’re tired from today, but
we wanted to work out a schedule for the rest of the break. We do need to go pick up the
essentials for you, Mid… Izuku. Clothes, school supplies—including electronics—and stuff
for your room. But with your injuries, it’s going to be a bit of a task for you. So we were
hoping to give you a few days where you can sleep in and recovery naturally before we go.
But we also want to avoid any of the giant crowds that will be out and about on New Years.
And the usual drunk idiot patrol is in a few days.”

“You enjoy New Years Eve patrol way too much, Sho.” Mic rolled his eyes as he took
Shinso’s desk chair.

“It’s funny to see drunk people being dumb.”

“Until one of them vomits on you, sure.” Mic’s nose wrinkled.

“Fair. But that’s beside the point. Izuku, what do you think?”

“Um…aren’t I going back to the dorms? I don’t need furniture if I’m going to stay there.”
Aizawa looked to Mic before moving to sit down by the head of the teen’s bed. “Izu, kiddo,
you have a home here—and we want you to be comfortable. What about breaks and
holidays? And you’ll be here until you heal enough to be comfortable moving around the
dorms. We’re hoping the smaller space means less stress on you.”

“I…hadn’t gotten that far.” The teen mumbled, blush rising. “I guess….”

Aizawa continued to run his hand over the teen’s head. “Alright. What are your thoughts on
when to go?”

“I’d like a day or so. But if it’s going to be a problem, I’m OK without stuff. I’ve survived
this long.” The soothing motion of the fingers on his scalp paused, and Izuku blinked his eyes
back open.

“Kid…” The tension in the room skyrocketed, and Izuku felt his stomach bottom out as he
waited for the lecture. Before Aizawa could say anything else, Izuku heard a familiar meow.

“Nnmay!” A black and white cat burst into the room, running toward Izuku. “Nnmay!”

“Nnmay.” Izuku felt a huge grin stretch across his face as he mimicked the cry. “Mnnahe.”

“Nnahe!” The cat jumped up, ducked under Aizawa’s hand and began to but his head against
Izuku’s cheek.

Moving his hand, Izuku began to scratch at the chin. “Hi, Drox. Looks like you found a good
home.”

“Mmnahah!” The cat agreed, flopping to lie along Izuku’s neck and nuzzling in.

“HOW? He barely lets me pet him!” Shinso whined, and Mic grumbled in agreement.

“Easy. This is Hydrox—or I guess Twinkle, now—he’s one of Mama Cookie’s kittens.”
Happily occupied with the furball, Izuku scrubbed his fingers where he could reach along the
feline.

“Hmmph.” Mic stood, arms going above his head in a stretch for a few seconds. “Well, I’m
going to go grab dinner. Hito, mind coming with? I want to walk to the ramen place.”

“Exercise would be awesome.” Shinso was on his feet in seconds. “And then I’ll come back
and steal Twinkle from Izuku.”

Giving Twinkle chin-scratches to make the cat purr louder, Izuku said nothing as the two left
the room. Aizawa let out a long breath before turning to the teen. “Izuku.”

Leveraging himself up so he was leaning on his arms, Izuku looked to the man.

“Are you OK?” Aizawa gently moved to brush his fingers over the cat’s ears as he spoke.

“It’s… a lot.” Izuku looked down. “It’s been…. Just a lot.”

“Yeah. Kid, I know you’re tired, but can I ask you a few questions?”

“As long as H—Twinkle stays.”

Aizawa snorted. “What are the odds that you know him?”

“Probably not astronomical. I mean, same general area, so that shelter had a good chance of
being picked.”

“Right. Kid…I know you’re probably adjusting. I know that this is going to be strange for all
of us until we settle in. But I want you to know that we want you here. You can come to us—
talk to us. We’re here to help you.”

“I know.” The answer was canned, tight against his lips as he spoke it, but Izuku knew of no
other answer as he looked toward the wall.
A hand settled itself on his head. “Alright. I have some things to say, but tell me if you need
me to stop.”

Nodding in lieu of answer, Izuku waited.

“I know that a lot of this has to do with your quirklessness—and I know that your quirk is
one given to you by All Might. But I’d like to understand where you are, mentally, around
adults and other authority figures. I want you to be able to comfortably trust us, and I know
that you’re probably holding onto a lot of your hard-earned and built independence.”

“I want… I do… it’s weird.” Izuku locked his gaze on the black and white cat, spoke slowly.
“I want to trust a lot of people, but I know that if I was still quirkless that I’d be brushed
aside. Or ignored. And I still feel quirkless a lot of the time—because I still am, kind of? It’s
just…”

“A liminal space. Not both or either at the same time. And you’re caught there—because
quirkless people can’t trust adults and quirked kids can?”

“A lot of it, yeah. You said you’d started to look into my old school, right?”

“We have and they are not a school. That place was a purgatory.”

“Nah, it was the fifth, sixth and seventh rings of hell.” Izuku caught the smirk Aizawa tried to
hide by ducking down into his capture weapon. “I think Mikuu said it the best—I’m
incidental when it comes to situations.”

“Meaning?”

“I… I’m usually there, but if something happens, it’s not because or for me. It’s because of
something else. Teachers turned away because I wasn’t important, focused on helping the
other kids. Heroes saved the other people in a situation; they weren’t there to help me. And I
keep waiting for everyone to find out and let me go again. Because I’d be less important
again. Hell, I’m surprised UA came after me because I don’t have a quirk anymore.”
“Understood.” There wasn’t any censure or judgement in the tone, and Izuku dared to look to
see what the man’s expression said.

His usual scowl was softened, half-tilted in a bittersweet half-smile. “Hey, problem child.”

“Hi.”

“Is that why you didn’t tell anyone you were homeless?”

“No one else had cared before. I didn’t know that anyone would’ve if I’d come forward.”

“Mmm….” The sound of door opening downstairs caught both of their attentions.

Standing, Aizawa looked to the teen. “Time for food. Have the pain killers kicked in?”

A twinge caught him. Almost. Close enough to deal with. “Yeah, they have.”

“Good. Let’s get some food into you.” Holding a hand out, Aizawa waited until the teen took
it and used it to brace himself as he stood. As soon as the teen was back on his feet, the man
let the hand go and walked to the door.

Following, Izuku stayed quiet and close. “Aizawa?”

“Hmm?” Turning to look over his shoulder, Aizawa raised an eyebrow.

“Thank you.”

“There’s no reason to thank me, kid.” Tossing an arm over the teen’s shoulders—careful to
avoid any painful spot—and hugged the teen close.

Dinner was mostly quiet, with conversation flowing around Izuku as he observed the other
three around the table.

“So… did you decide when you’ll feel up to heading out?” Mic asked, as dinner wound
down.

“Not tomorrow, but maybe the day after?” Izuku watched at as Mic grinned.

“Sound excellent, listener.” Mic finished putting the dishes away. “Now, I think it’s best that
you get some rest. Healing takes forever, doesn’t it?”

“Mmhm.” Leaning back against the chair before standing up, the teen relished the weird and
warm feeling of the people around him. “Night.”

“G’night, kiddo.” Mic called as the boy started up the stairs.

“Remember to take the brace off, Izuku.” Aizawa reminded the boy as he made his way
upstairs and to the room he’d been shown before. Checking to make sure Shinso wasn’t there,
Izuku carefully shucked his shirt before sitting down and unbuckling the fasteners on the
brace. Immediately, the strength required to stay sitting upright became exponential, enough
 that Izuku was barely able to stay upright long enough to pull his shirt back on. Letting
himself fall face first into the pillow, Izuku let out a low groan at the feeling of not being
confined by the brace. Shifting enough to pull the blankets over himself, the teen sighed. I
can’t wait to be healed.

“NNmmmay.” Twinkle jumped up, lying down next to Izuku and purring.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking. Kudos and comments are appreciated, even when I
don't have the energy to respond. :-)
 Chapter 22
Chapter Notes

Hello. Sorry this is so late, I found a Batman series that I have been reading since about
noon. It is sooo good.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Peaceful, Izuku simply drifted along the edge of conscious and unconscious thought.
Comfortable in the absence of the sound of the hospital, Izuku was falling under the line of
consciousness when the sound of a door opening and closing downstairs caught the fringe of
his awareness, and the sound of feet on the stairs had Izuku perking up a bit. Waiting for
them to pass so he could go back to the pseudo-nap he’d been taking.

Another knock sounded on the door. “Izuku? You awake?”

It took a second for his vocal chords to wake up enough for him to respond. “S’rt ‘f?”

“Mind if I come in?” Mic asked.

Letting out a cracking yawn and shaking himself a bit, Izuku half-huffed out a “That’s fine.”

Mic slid the door open, half-smirking at the black-and-white purrbox stretched out along
Izuku’s side. “He really loves you, doesn’t he?”

“Good kitty.”

“He is. I wanted to talk to you. Are you feeling up to listening? I know you’ve had a lot go
down today.” Mic said, taking a seat on the floor near the head of Izuku’s bed.

“I’m still mostly awake.” Izuku answered, shifting halfway to his side so he could meet his
new guardian’s eyes. “What’s up?”

“Well, I wanted to talk to you about some of what Sho told me you said to him. About you
being ‘incidental’ or less important.” Mic paused at the embarrassed flush going up the teen’s
neck. “You OK?”

“I didn’t mean to worry either of you.” The teen’s voice was small, and the blonde man shook
his head.

“We worry because we care about you, kiddo. It’s OK.” The man reached out, cupping the
teen’s cheek in his hand. “I know how hard this can be, sweetheart. I had a hard time the first
time I was moved into a foster home.”
“You were in a foster home?” Surprised, the teen watched the play of sorrow-joy across the
hero’s face.
“Yep. I was put into the system as an infant. As far as I can tell, I got my quirk early—at two
or three. And from what my paperwork said, I ended up deafening myself and my parents.
After that, they decided they couldn’t handle me and put me in the system because I freaked
myself out and would activate my quirk.” Mic’s usual smile was nowhere to be seen; eyes
shaded under the memories. “For years, I was bounced around orphanage to orphanage as my
needs made it difficult to place me.”

Tears started to fall on the pillow below Izuku’s head. “That’s awful.”

“Yeah. They didn’t think I was going to be able to do much, given my disability.”

“That’s dumb. You’re one of the coolest heroes I know.”

“Thanks, jellybean.” Mic booped the teen’s nose, before resuming his story. “I was later
adopted by a throuple, two of whom were deaf and one who had a similar quirk to mine. But,
by that point, I was a severely jaded twelve-year-old. I’d been around long enough that I
didn’t trust them to care for me—why would I? The others got rid of me. The others ignored
me, or left me alone. I had started to smile as a defense mechanism. Because no one ever…”

“Looks past them. They just see the smile and assume things are OK.” If no one looks too
closely, they never see the pain.

“Exactly. And I didn’t trust anyone at that point. So I kept my head down, went to school and
did my best to just be left alone. To the point where I’d purposefully turn off my hearing aids
during the social parts of school so I didn’t have to deal with people.”

Izuku snorted, laughter bubbling up and pouring out at the idea. “Nice.”

“I thought so.” The smile Mic sent the boys was much more relaxed than his usual sun-bright
blinding grin. “Then, one day, a boy approached me and tried to talk to me. Of course, I had
my hearing aids off and just stared at him. Then he started to sign. Caught me so off-guard
that I nearly tipped out of my chair.”

“Who was it?”

“You probably don’t know of him—he was a classmate of mine and Sho’s, but…. well things
happen to hero students.” The smile dropped, grief taking over for a moment.

A few moments went by as Izuku waited for the pain to clear from the blonde man’s face.
“What happened next?”

“Well, he started to talk to me regularly using sign. I was so surprised, but I guess I hadn’t
had anyone try that hard before to talk to me. It was nice to have someone who could talk to
me. After a few months, we were basically fast friends. And I told him how I was still
waiting on my parents to kick me out because I was unlovable. And he asked me if I believed
in him.” Brushing a few strands of hair out of his eyes, Mic snorted with laughter. “I was
confused and told him yes. He then said that he thought I was very lovable, and then told me
that if I did believe in him, I should have more confidence that I was the awesome future hero
he knew I was going to be. And that if my parents gave me up, it was because they were the
dumbest creatures on this planet and would have to not have sentience to do so.”

“Sounds like an awesome friend.”

“He was. And the way I believe in him, I started to believe in my own worth. It took a long
time—right up to my graduation from middle school—for me to have really built up the
confidence to fully believe in myself. But I found a way to start through others. I know you
feel incidental, that you’re not worth as much as others because others have treated you as if
you’re not. And it’s a hard mindset to break—because it’s a baked in survival skill.”

Letting out a weak ‘uh-huh’ Izuku waited.

“Is there something you’re comfortable enough to believe in?”

“Um…. I guess… I’m not sure. I feel like no matter what I do, I’m hiding some part of
myself. I know that if I was quirkless, I wouldn’t matter.”

“You believe that?” The man kept his voice kind, without censure.

“Without question.”

“Can you believe in us the same way? Even if it’s just a fraction?”

“…With you and Aizawa. Yes. You’re my heroes, after all.”

Mic blinked. “I’m kind of surprised you don’t include All Might.”

“I…” said that out loud. Deflecting, Izuku tried to course correct. “He’s different. He was my
hero before I knew him and it’s a different trust. I trust him to help me become a hero. I trust
you and Aizawa to tell me the truth.”
“OK. If I say we believe in you, that we think your important, will you trust us?”

“I can try.” Izuku shrunk a little when Twinkle carefully picked his way over the teens’ arm
to butt at his cheek. “OK, pushy.”

Mic reached out, to scrub his fingers along the cat’s back. “He loves you.”
“It’s good to see he found somewhere to land. I just hope the other siblings did, too.”
Relieved that they’d switched topics, the boy let himself dedicate the attention to the cat. “He
was always the most stand-offish of the litter. But, with some handling, he was a lot more
welcoming.”

For a few minutes, Mic let the conversation center around the small fuzzball before standing.
“Alright. Well, it’s probably time for you to go to sleep.”

“Are Shinso and Aizawa OK? I know I heard the door open before you came upstairs.”
“Oh, yes. They’re fine. They’re just night owls and decided to get a good workout in. They’ll
be back around midnight.” Mic stood. “Need anything else?”
 “Umm…. I had a sketchbook back at the hospital. But it got taken as evidence. I was just
wondering when I’d be getting it back?” Izuku let himself fall more to the bed. “It helps with
nightmares sometimes.”

“We can grab you a new one, that’s not an issue.”

“I’d like that one back, if possible.” Izuku closed his eyes. “But that can wait until later.”

“We’ll look into it later, alright?” Mic promised, looking down as he stood. “OK. Bedtime,
jellybean. See you in the morning.”

Izuku could hear the door as it was shut quietly, and able to hear the footsteps that retreated
down the hall. Closing his eyes, Izuku listened to the rumble of the contented cat as he sunk
into sleep.

Chapter End Notes

Kudos and Comments are appreciated. Let me know what you're thinking. :-)
 Chapter 23
Chapter Notes

I'm off to IKEA. If I don't come back because I got lost in the store, know that my
friends are probably laughing at me. :-)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Flashes of the man he now despised shook the teen from sleep, whimpers eking out of his
mouth as he shot awake, sweaty and panicked for a few seconds before logic reasserted itself.
Nothere, nothere,not in the house. Safe here. It’s OK. He’s not here. Shifting under the
blankets, the teen brushed his hand over the warm spot where the monochromatic cat had
ben, only to find it empty.

The smothered whine that came across the room had Izuku turning, blinking as he saw the
whirling dervish that he assumed was Shinso. He’s…. dreaming. A nightmare. Like me.

The small cry had Izuku sitting up as best he could. “Shinso!”

The cry the other teen let out was as if he’d been stabbed: Painful, loss filled and scared. I
can’t leave him like that. Standing—half-hunched like a gargoyle—Izuku shuffled over to the
boy and put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Hey…it’s OK. Wake up.”

Gently shaking the boy, Izuku nearly had to jump back when Shinso sat upright and tried to
swing at him. Dropping back and away, the grass-haired teen landed on the ground just as the
purple-haired teen’s fist passed by the Izuku’s face by mere half-inches.

Scrambling back, Izuku did his best to land on his butt and side to spare his back. “Hitoshi!”

The purple boy blinked, eyes becoming aware as he fell out of the swing and to the bed.
“Huh?”

“Yo…yo..you we-were ha’ing a n’ghtm’re.” Izuku scooted back, enough that he was back by
his own bed.

Shinso blushed. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s OK. Is there a better way to wake you up?” Pushing up against the ground, Izuku
climbed back onto his bed.

“Uh… not really. I would suggest next time getting Aizawa. His capture weapon works well
to touch me without anyone risking getting hurt.”

“Alright, will do next time. You OK?” Izuku asked, lying back down.
“Yeah. I didn’t hurt you, right?”

“No. You didn’t. But damn, your instincts are good.” Izuku joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“…yeah.” Shinso curled back up, looking to the floor. “They are.”

I just put my foot into my mouth hard. Probably best to just stop talking. Letting the silence
take over, Izuku did his best to not shift under the tension that descended on the room. Note
to self, moving hurts and should not be done. Ow, ow ow.

It stayed that way for a few minutes, both boys lost in their respective thoughts until Shinso
spoke again. “Why were you awake?”

“You’re not the only one with nightmares.”

“…That sucks.”

“Yep. I just wish I had my sketch book. I’d usually draw to calm down with that, but…”

“I always listened to tabletop rpgs.” Shinso offered, reaching for his phone. “If you don’t
mind…?”

“Heck no. Have at it.” Putting his head back down, Izuku listened as the sounds of the
podcast Shinso was listening to filled the empty room.

Following along as best he could, Izuku drifted as the story of the Lorelei siblings played out.

Blinking awake, Izuku took in the late morning glow on the wooden floor before pushing to
his feet. Huh. Shinso’s not here…

Grabbing his brace, the teen pulled it on over his shirt before making his way to the bathroom
—wiping away the nightmare sweat and using the dry shampoo he was limited to given his
injury—and then downstairs.

Leona—the less openly friendly of the cats—came to him, and put her paw on his shoe
before looking at him with a “Mrrp!”

“Hi.” Scooting his foot forward in order to kneel at the bottom of the stairs, Izuku held his
hand out to the golden-brown lioness. “I didn’t get to say a full hello. Sorry about that.”

The cat regarded the boy with her heterochromatic eyes before rubbing her cheek along the
proffered knuckles. Shuffling back his foot, the teen moved to look in the living room, Izuku
saw Shinso on one end of the five-person couch, and a familiar yellow sleeping bag on the
other end.

“Problem child?” The bag moved, sitting up. “Oh, you’re awake. You feeling OK?”

“Need to take the painkillers, but…yeah.”

“Hey.” Shinso waved Izuku over. “Wanna watch a movie with us? Dad votes for Book of
Life, and I say we should watch Jurassic Park.”

Before the teen could answer, his stomach growled. “Maybe after food?”

Aizawa stood. “Excellent idea. There’s a plate ready for you. Do you want to eat before or
after your meds?”

“I think she said to take it after IF I felt nauseous… I didn’t last night, so I think I’ll take
them then eat?” Phrasing it as a question, the teen kept his eyes down.

Luckily, the man didn’t make much about it. “Sounds good. Sit down, I’ll grab the food and
drugs for you.”

“So…where did Mic go?” Sitting down at the indicated table, the teen studied the cracks
along the wood.

“Kiddo, stick with Aizawa and Yamada here.” The scold was gentle, as the man slid the plate
down in front of the boy. “And he had a shift at the radio station and then said he wanted to
do some kind of errand.”

“Oh. OK.” Keeping his head down, Izuku cleared the plate before taking the medication.

Aizawa sat next to him. “You’re uncomfortable. Why?”

Relieved that Aizawa was straightforward, Izuku pushed the plate away. “I’m not used to
being around people for very long. I’m still having nightmares of him—and I expect I will
forever. And it’s just weird to be around adults? Especially after lying for years to adults as a
whole and to you specifically in the last year. About a lot.”

“Don’t worry about it. Believe me, I’m just impressed by the poker face.” Aizawa saw the
flash of a smile that Izuku tried to hide. “C’mon, you gotta admit you did a damn good job
keeping everything under wraps.”

“I did. I felt awful about it, but I didn’t know what else to do.”

“There wasn’t much you could do, with everything being considered. You were trapped—by
both your experience and by the fact that the adults in your life asked you to keep secrets they
shouldn’t’ve.” Aizawa gently put a hand on Izuku’s shoulder. “Your mask will be useful
when you get older. Holding an excellent poker face can save you a lot—villains who try to
out bluff you will be easier to read; it’ll also make you hard to read so you’ll be able to
bluff.”

“I’m guess? But it also makes me a lot more questionable. Especially because of the traitor at
UA. I’m surprised you didn’t try to have Tsukauchi question me.”
Aizawa let out a sigh, before placing the plate he’d pulled from the fridge down on the table.
“We had considered it. It was suspicious—a kid who hid all of this from us would have little
problem keeping a poker face regarding the LOV. And the LOV would have something
tangible to offer you—money for services or a shelter that you could hope for ‘one day.’ It
 would make sense for you to trade for a better future—after all, the prospects for a quirkless
kid without parents or some type of guardian aren’t…. well, anything. Most quirkless kids are
dead before then and after they’re often very adverse to going anywhere near government
officials. Or they left to go to one of the towns.”

“So why was I not questioned?”

“Simple. I believe in you.” Aizawa huffed as he found his arms full of the green-haired teen.
Careful, Aizawa moved his hands to embrace the teen. “Everything OK?”

“I’ve never had anyone say those words and mean them.” The words were muffled against
the hero’s t-shirt.

“Huh. Overdue, then.” Aizawa let the teen hold tight for as long as he needed as the two
stood together in the kitchen.

After a few moments, Izuku let him loose. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong. And if you were the traitor, you’d have left
after getting your quirk. You’d be much more useful to the villains that way.” Aizawa walked
back to the living room. “Anyway, enough of that. What are you thinking: Jurassic Park or
Book of Life?”

“I’ve never seen either?” Izuku slid down onto the couch next to Aizawa.

Aizawa looked to Shinso. “Both?”

“Both is good.” Shinso looked to Izuku. “But are you going to be able to sit up for that long?
We want you to rest.”

“Mmmph, I want to try to push it a bit so I can handle it when I go back to school.”

“Fair enough. Lie down if needed. “Aizawa instructed, working the remote while also
picking up what appeared to be a messenger bag. “Alright. We’ll do Dinos first and then
death.”

The rest of the day was calm—the three of them chilling out on the couch, joined by both the
cats—as the movie played. Aizawa ended up working on papers for the majority of the first
movie.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking! Kudos and comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 24
Chapter Notes

Hello, how are all of you? I need to turn off my brain so it stops comes up with WIPS
that I'll probably never get to but that I would really, really want to get to... (I have a 140
page document of WIP ideas, I need to stop.)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Mic rejoined them nearing the middle of the second movie. The three were so absorbed that
they didn’t notice the front door opening or the sound of footsteps approaching the living
room. “Really, Sho? You’ve seen this more times than I can count.”

All three occupants jumped—Izuku as much as he could while he’s splayed out across the
available seating—which Mic found to be hilarious. Chortling, the man made his way to the
kitchen. “Well, I’m thinking pizza for dinner? I’m the mood for it.”

“With that homemade dough?” Shinso perked up. “Please!”

“Sounds good.” Mic shuffled around the kitchen, opening cabinets and pulling out
ingredients.

“Can…” Unsure of how to continue, Izuku stopped talking.

“Something up, Jellybean?” Mic asked, looking up from the binder of what appeared to be
recipes he’d pulled out.

“Can…can I help?”

“Of course!” was the chirped answer. “Come on over, wash your hands. And I’ll show you
how to make the dough. I’m guessing that you don’t have a lot of experience in the kitchen,
right?”

“No, not really.”

“Not a problem! Shinso didn’t, either. But he’s learning, aren’t you, fluff?” Mic tried to keep
the grin off his face at Shinso’s groan.

“Really? You’re sticking with that as my nickname?” Shinso complained.

“You’re fluffy. So yes, it’s yours!” Happily measuring out flour, Mic dumped it into a bowl as
Shinso grumbled. “Alright, so I tend to premeasure the ingredients. Mostly because it saves
me time and stress when there are steps that need to happen in a certain amount of time. So,
for this recipe, we’ll need to mix a fourth cup of water, and a teaspoon of honey with the
pizza active yeast that we keep in the fried. It’s a small yellow packet with a red stripe. It
should be in the door, next to the milk. Could you?” Motioning toward the fridge, Mic waited
for Izuku to pull the specified packet from the door. “Alright! Now, the water needs to be
a…”

Talking the boy through the recipe to the first rest, Mic smiled. “Well done. Now, we need to
wait for the dough to rise to where it doubles. So we’ve got some free time. So, how was
everyone’s day?”

Taking a seat at the table, Izuku folded his arms and rested them on the scarred wood.
“Quiet.”

“Mostly chill.” Shinso chimed in. “Just movies and relaxing. You?”

“Just fine, fluff. It was a call-in show, so you know I got some interesting people.” Mic
offered a grin. “No one to top tortoise lady, though.”

Tortoise Lady? What? Izuku didn’t get a chance to ask what that was about as Aizawa huffed
out a laugh.

“I don’t think anyone will ever top that weirdo.” Aizawa said, rolling his head back so he
could look at Mic. “I still have nightmares about that one. Did you get whatever errand
done?”

“Oh, come on. She was a civ. Not a villain.” Mic teased as he made his way back to the front
entry way and picked something up. “And yes, I did. Izuku.”

Turning to look, Izuku’s eyes filled with tears at the sight of a familiar sketch book. “I!” It’s
safe. I got it back! Rushing forward, the teen took it gently from the hand that offered it.

“Yes, it’s yours. Called in a favor from All Might’s favorite detective. He said they’d copied
the pages they needed, so it was fine to come back to you.”

Taking it back to the table, Izuku opened it to the page of the portrait of his mom, traced it
with his fingers. “Thank you.”

“Not a problem.” Mic asked, moving to stand by the teen’s side. “How old is that book? It
looks like it’s been with you for a while.”

“It was one of the last things mom gave me. So since middle school, at least.” Rubbing his
fingers over the roughened edges, Izuku flipped through it; taking comfort from the feel of
the paper under his fingers and the drawings in it. Seeing one of Mama Cookie and her
kittens, Izuku looked over to Shinso. “Wanna see what Twinkle looked like when he was
little?”

Shinso was at his side in half a second. “Yes. How…?”

Looking over the drawing, Shinso’s jaw dropped. “Dude! You drew this? It looks real!”
 “Minus the fact that it’s monochrome, yeah.” A bit embarrassed about the compliment, Izuku
started to point at each kitten. “So, there were a couple of different fur colors. I named one
Ginger, she had stripes. Twinkle you’ve met, and then there was Flour, Choco, and then
Vanilla.”

“Why the cookie motif?”

“I was hungry.”

“I know that feeling.” Shinso smiled. “Haven’t since I got to be here, though.”

“Good thing.” Aizawa joined the group at the table. “Mind if I look, Midoriya?”

Izuku shook his head. “Don’t flip over the other pages, but it’s OK to look at this one. Some
of the stuff is too personal to share..sorry...”

“No need to apologize.” Aizawa backed off. “Mic, how long until we roll it out and do the
second rest?”

“Mmm…” checking the timer, Mic grinned. “Another few minutes. Why?”

“Mmm, time enough for us to plan out tomorrow?”

“Yep!” Mic looked to Izuku. “Why don’t you go put that away so it doesn’t get flour on it?
Or anything else.”

Nodding, Izuku took the sketch book up to his room and tucked it between his bed and desk
before going back downstairs to help with the meal.

Chapter End Notes

Hope you enjoyed. Let me know what you're thinking, kudos and comments are
appreciated.
 Chapter 25
Chapter Notes

Hi everyone. Hope you're doing well.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The next day, the group trouped out to the mall for the promised shopping spree at a
surprisingly early hour. For the most part, Izuku stuck to jeans, t-shirts an odd flannel and the
occasional Mic-threw-it-in surprise for clothes; composition notebooks, pencils and a simple
pack of pens for school supplies; and did his best to stick to the cheaper furniture for his
room. I’ll just make a note of what all I’m buying and pay it back later on. With that
compromise to himself, Izuku was able to handle the sticker-shock for most things. The big
problem was when they ended up at the electronics section of a big-box store. Shinso and
Mic had wandered away, to the console section while debating said items, which left Aizawa
and Izuku to look over laptops.

Eyes goggling, Izuku tried to process how much a single laptop cost. “I…how?”

“I know.” Aizawa agreed, eyes roaming over them.

“I can’t… there’s no way… Do I have to choose one? I can just work with the library
computers. That’s way better.”

“Kid, those computers are slow, inaccessible from your room and run on an operating system
from before Nezu took over the school—when I was a student.” Aizawa followed the teen’s
gaze down to the laptop he was looking at. “Is that the one you’re thinking of?”

“I…it’s the cheapest. I feel like…”

“Alright, I’m going to stop you there.” Aizawa’s hand reached up, ruffling Izuku’s curls.
“I’ve found with laptops that it’s better to invest in a nicer model so you don’t have to buy an
entirely new one sooner than you think. Beside the laptop, you wanted to get a pair of
headphones, right?”

“Yes? I have my mom’s old music player.” Izuku looked away from the laptops, surprised.
“How did you know that?”

“Your physical therapist mentioned that Yamada and I should get you a pair. Said that it’d
probably make you feel better.”

“I…yeah. I let it die a while ago, figured it was dumb to keep it charged when I couldn’t
listen to the music. And I needed to charge my phone first.”
“That makes sense.” Aizawa nodded. “Let’s pick out a laptop and then go to headphones,
alright?”

“Yeah.” Scanning over the laptops, Izuku went with his gut feeling toward a middle-of-the-
road price-wise laptop. “This one?”

“It’s your choice, Problem Child.” Aizawa motioned to an associate. “Pardon me?”

Five minutes later, the laptop was at the register while Aizawa guided the teen to the
headphones section. Where they found a familiar blonde head paired next to a lavender one.
“Huh. Thought you were at the games section.”

“You thought Pops wouldn’t go to the music section? Did you hit your head?”

“Little shit.” Aizawa grumbled, moving over to pull the dead-eyed teen into his arm. “Love
you.”

“Love you too, Dad. Hey, Izu. Did you pick out a laptop?”

“Mmhmm…” Unsure of where he fit, Izuku looked toward the headphones. “It’s at the
register.”

“Excellent, Jellybean!” Mic shot him a grin. “We good to do?”

“I…wanted to look at headphones?”

Mic perked up. “What are you looking for? I can help!”

“Um…something with a long battery life that’s wireless. I tend to get tangled with cords.”
Blushing a bit, Izuku watched as Mic processed this.

“Works! There are several options I know of here…” Making his way to the headphones,
motioning the teen to his side. “Well, let’s look over the options.”

Following the request, Izuku stood off just a bit as he rubbed at his upper arm. “OK?”

Shinso joined Izuku, nudging him. “Hey.”

“Hi?”

“Want a hug?”

Opening his arms, Izuku accepted the warmth of the hug Shinso was careful to give.

“Better?” Shinso asked, leaving an arm over the green-haired teen’s shoulders.

“Mm.” Shifting as a spike of pain hit him, Izuku winced. “I’m OK.”

“Meds wearing off?” Aizawa asked.

“I think so.” Shifting to try and push down the ache, Izuku looked to Mic. “I trust your
judgement. If there’s a cheap pair that fits those criteria, I’d very much like them.”

Mic nodded, smile gentle. “I know a pair that we can order. Should be here by the end of the
week, if we order fast enough. So let’s check out and head home. Shinso, did you get the
game you wanted?”

“Yep! It’s at the register, next to Izu’s laptop.” Shinso grinned, turning to Izuku. “Hey, have
you ever played video games? I can’t imagine you did a lot.”

“Um…not really. Didn’t have the capital and mom didn’t like them. Most of what I’ve played
was in the hospital.”

“Cool. We’re playing once you get your laptop set up. And some social media. Because it’s
annoying as hell that I can’t bug you online.” Shinso teased while Izuku backed away.

“Are you kidding? I avoid so many problems by not having a social media!”

Aizawa snorted, laughter pouring from him as he walked off. “You guys go to the car. I’ll
meet you there.”

Doing as he was bid, Mic took the front seat while keeping an eye on the boys in the back.
“Better, Jellybean?”

“Mm… tired, but I’m glad to be done.” Leaning forward to rest his cheek on the driver’s seat,
he closed his eyes.

Mic and Shinso then started to argue over consoles while the conversation flowed around
him. The sound of the hatchback opening and closing caught the attention of all occupants,
before hearing the drivers door unlocking had the green-haired teen blinking slowly before

Saying nothing, Izuku shifted back as Aizawa took his place at the drivers seat.

“Alright. Home.”

“Huzzah!” Came the response from the seemingly exhausted Shinso.

“Introverts. All of you.” Mic reached back to Shinso, holding out his hand.

Taking it, Shinso squoze it. “Oh, stop lying. You’re a social introvert.”

“Lies! Lies and slander!” Mic crowed, only barely resisting the activation of his quirk as
Aizawa glared at him. “I am…”

“A complete social introvert. You’re outgoing and love parties—but you keep everything
personal close to your chest. After all, most of the students we have, have no idea that we’re
married. Or have kids—plural—now. Except Nemuri, All Might, Hound Dog, Recovery Girl
and Nezu.”

“Not even Snipe, Ectoplasam and the rest of the teachers know?” Izuku asked.
“I’m sure they have a vague idea, but we haven’t confirmed any rumors. We prefer to keep it
that way. It’s our business, not anyone elses. Nemuri only knows because she’s known us
since high school…”

Mic jumped in, putting his hand over Aizawa’s as the man started the car. “And was at the
wedding, Sho.”

“…and was at the wedding, which I was getting to.” Shaking off the man, Aizawa got them
out of the parking lot and on the way home. “Nezu because of our employment, Hound Dog
and Recovery girl because of Shinso, and All Might because of the most recent debacle.”

“…Kacchan and his family because of me, too.” Izuku dropped Mic’s gaze when the blonde
man looked to him.

“It was worth it.” Mic’s hand appeared in his corner of his vision, hand open.

After a few seconds, Izuku slid trembling fingers into the hand. “I hope so.”

The hand closed around his, warm. “I know it was.”

Looking up, Izuku caught sight of a smile sent his way of the rearview mirror from Aizawa.
Lips tilting up unconsciously, Izuku dropped it again to relax against the driver’s seat again.
“If you’re sure.”
“Undoubtably.”

“You’re the only hero student I could handle.” Shinso poked at Izuku’s side.

“You’re my problem child.” Aizawa’s words half-broke the teen, tears falling silently.

“What game are we playing when we get home, Shinso?” Izuku tried to focus on something
other than the roiling emotions in his stomach.

“Well, if we’re starting off, my money for you would be on a story-based game. Thematic,
fun to pick apart. And a shooter.”

“A man chooses, a slave obeys.” Aizawa intoned, turning into the garage.

“The main villain is here!” Shinso mock-cowered back against his seat, laughing at the
playfully exasperated glances sent his way.

“We get everything else put away first—clothes, furniture, supplies and electronics. With the
last, we set them up. Then you two can nerd out until dawn.”

“Yeah! I’ve missed late-night gaming sessions! It’s been a long time since Sho has had time
to do one. Turns out, being an adult means that staying up till dawn isn’t as fun anymore.”

Meeting Izuku’s eyes in the rearview mirror, Aizawa rolled his eyes with a smile at his
husband’s whining.
Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking! Kudos and comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 26
Chapter Notes

Hi, everyone. How are you this weekend?

See the end of the chapter for more notes

After getting the room done, Izuku looked to Shinso. “Games?”

“Games!” Shinso war-cried, charging to the door frame before pausing. “After you take your
meds.”

“Finnnneeeeee.” Izuku followed the purple teen downstairs, navigating to the kitchen and
pulling out a water bottle and taking his meds. “Anything you want?”

“Grab me a soda—second shelf in the fridge. Orange, please.” Shinso clicked on the TV,
turned on the console and selected the game. “Also, get some snacks! Cabinet, second shelf
from the bottom. I prefer chips over popcorn but will eat either.”

Looking into the cabinet, Izuku looked over the options: sour cream and onion chips, cheddar
and sour cream chips, and three variants of popcorn: kettle, salted and plain. Popcorn it is!

Grabbing the salted popcorn bag, Izuku joined Shinso. Happily set up, the two teens migrated
to the couch where Shinso had set up a nest so the boys could lay out and play games
together.

“Hey.” Shinso’s character on screen ducked out of the way from one of the villains. “How
long were you on your own?”

“By that you mean homeless?” Izuku followed the action on screen. “I think the frost plasmid
would…”

The character died, screen going red before the character respawned in a swirling northern-
lights-esque tube.
“Damn it.” Handing over the controller to Izuku, Shinso nodded and grabbed a handful of
popcorn to munch on. “Yeah, homeless.”

“Two years.”

“Did you ever find yourself getting sick a lot?”

“Oh, yeah. I just ended up rolling with it.”

“Same.” Shinso offered a grin to Izuku’s wide eyes.

“How long were you homeless?”

“Technically? About a year. In reality, I haven’t had a safe place for about three—my first
orphanage wasn’t bad, but it got closed down when the government cut funding.” Shinso
leaned back. “On your left.”

Ducking away on screen, Izuku hummed. “And the next home wasn’t great, right?”

“Terrible. Used a muzzle on me. So I did my best to avoid going back there as much as
possible until the last year before UA. Oh, and they actively tried to stop me from going to
UA.”

“How’d you get around them?”

“Spite.”

“Makes sense.” Sharing a grin, the boys turned back to the screen.

That cycle continued—trading off whenever the other died—as time flew by in conversation
and complaining about mechanics. Falling asleep under a blanket at one end of the couch,
Izuku blinked up at a screen at what felt like the middle of the night. Looking up, he smiled.

Aww.

Shinso was asleep, cuddled against Aizawa’s side as the man held a controller and leaned into
Mic’s side. “Still miss the late-night gaming we used to do, ‘Zashi?”

Mic’s rested his head on Aizawa’s shoulder. “I have to admit, there are some perks to now.”

Scooting closer, Izuku slowly slid to lean into Mic’s other side.

Unconsciously, Mic pulled the boy close and continued talking. “They’re great kids.”

“Mmm.”

Izuku could feel as Mic shifted, the man’s hands going through his hair. “I’m so glad we
ended up with our second baby.”

Falling back to sleep, Izuku let the warmth sink in.

The rest of the break flew by, Izuku resting and healing as he enjoyed the time he spent with
his new family.

The alarm at six-thirty was a departure, as Izuku grumbled at the alarm clock on the other
side of the room. “Kill it with fire.”

“I would, if it meant we’d get to sleep. But we have school.” Shinso grumbled back.

Hearing the sound of a fast slap, Izuku groaned. “Right. Education. Fun. Just not right now.”
Pushing up to a sitting position, Izuku observed the blanket monster that was Shinso. “I’ll
take the bathroom first, then.”

“Not like you take long, considering you’re not allowed to shower still.” Shinso turned over
as the boy closed his eyes again. “Wake me up when you come out.”

Can I do it by dumping water on you? Shuffling into the bathroom, Izuku scrubbed on the dry
shampoo, and used a washcloth to quickly wipe away everything else as best he could. I
cannot wait until I can shower again. Stupid grafts.

Tugging on his undershirt and brace, Izuku left his blazer unbuttoned after pulling on his
uniform pants. Exiting, Izuku walked into the shared room, picked up his bag and shook
Shinso awake. “Hey. Bathroom’s open.”

Shinso rolled out of his bed and to the floor. “Nooooooo.”

Leaving the floor teen to his own existential crisis, Izuku stumbled down to find Mic and
Aizawa at the breakfast table. “Morning.”

“Hi, Jellybean.” Mic cracked an egg as he looked over with an excited grin.

“Mmnph.” Aizawa’s head was on the table. “Shinso?”

“On the ground, lamenting being awake.”

“Mmmph.”

Sliding a plate onto the table in front of the lump, Mic turned to the boy. “Want some eggs
and toast?”

“Please!” Izuku kept his voice low, mindful of the half-asleep dark haired man with his head
on the table. “How soon do we head out?”

“Mm, forty-five minutes. We’re only about ten minutes away from UA, so we should be
there early enough for the teacher meeting. You two boys can curl up either in your
classroom or in the lounge.”

Classroom? As in singular? “OK. Is it alright if I leave my blazer unbuttoned? I think the

brace is stretching it to where it’d might rip if I button it fully right now.”

“What ‘ver mak’s y’u comfortable.” Aizawa lifted his head just enough to look at the boy.
“Dress codes can be ignored for injuries.”

Shinso stumbled down the stairs, taking the chair next to Izuku. “Life is pain and I want to
sleep.”

Mic didn’t answer, just sliding a plate to Izuku before putting another forth to Shinso. “Eat.
We do need to leave soon enough.”
 Taking the words to heart, both boys quickly finished their plates and were tugging on shoes
before following both men out to the car.

Letting his mind work over the tidbit Mic had let slip, Izuku looked out the window.
Classroom. Singular. Is Shinso transferring in? Who’s being kicked out? I don’t think I am,
right? They said I wouldn’t be.

Breathing picking up as his mind circled, Izuku’s own insecurities came out to torment him,
despite the illogical assumption that he and Shinso would have the same classroom if
Midoriya was being kicked out. Why would they hold your spot? You’re quirkless. Even if
they care, they can’t let you corrupt the others. They’re going to kick you out. You’re
worthless aga…

“Midoriya.” The use of his last name pulled the teen out from his thoughts. “No, that’s not
what’s happening.”

“What’s not happening?” Shinso leaned to insert himself into the conversation. “What?”

“It’s something we’ll be discussing with you once we get to school.” Aizawa took a hand off
the wheel, held it back to the green haired teen. “Trust me, Problem child.”

Reaching out and grasping on for a second, Izuku eased his breathing down in half-second
increments. I trust him. Them. “OK.”

Arriving at the school, Aizawa led the group to the teacher lounge where he put down his
own bag at his desk. “Alright. Izuku, you can either crash here or in 1-A. It’s up to you.
Shinso, we’re going to ask you to join in the meeting.”

“What’s it about?” Shinso asked, following Aizawa out of the room.

Mic looked to Izuku, smile fixed as a mask, but warmth in his eyes. “Where’re you going to
be, jellybean? Couches here are probably more comfortable.”

“I’m gonna go to 1-A. I want to see if I can flip my chair around and sleep there.”

“Alright.” Mic reached out, placing a hand on Izuku’s head and ruffling the curls. “See you,
jellybean.”

With that, both exited the lounge and headed to their respective locations. The silence in 1-A
is a comfort—the stillness calming. This is the first time I’ve been alone since this all started.

Chapter End Notes

Kudos and comments are appreciated, let me know what you're thinking.
 Chapter 27
Chapter Notes

Hi, Everyone. Happy October/Spook season. :-)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Turning his chair so that the backrest was against his chest, Izuku leaned the chair forward
enough so that the last inch of the backrest was braced against the last half-inch of the desk.
Putting his head down, Izuku shivered. Is it always so cold in here, or am I just now noticing
because I don’t have my uniform jacket on?

Pulling one of the surprise hoodies Mic had slipped into his closet out of his bag, Izuku
tugged the oversized neon-yellow flannel lined black hoodie on. Pulling the hood up, Izuku
let his mind drift in the quiet of the room, dozing as he had back in his small shelter.

The sound of a door opening had Izuku tilting his head to the side away from the sound. Noo!
It was finally quiet and calm.

“If your chair slips, problem child, you’re going to crack your chin on the desk. Trust me,
that hurts.” Aizawa cautioned, footsteps coming up to the desk he was lying on.

“But it’s comfortable and less energy than lying down on the ground. And I braced it so I
wouldn’t slip!” Izuku whined.

“For my peace of mind, four on the floor, kid.”

Grumbling, Izuku rocked back so that all four of the feet were on the floor. “Better?”

“Yep.” Aizawa popped the word out, making his way to the front. “I’m going to sleep until
class starts.”

“M’kay. Can I keep my hoodie on? It’s freezing in here.”

“Not a problem.” The footsteps walked to the front of the room, followed by the sound of the
zipper of a sleeping bag.

The silence that took over after the zipper sounded again was just as complete, but there was
something different. I’m not alone.

Crossing his arms along the rim of the back of the chair, Izuku let his chin rest on them for as
long as the quiet time lasted.
The time was both infinite and over much too quickly when the 1-A door opened to reveal
Iida, Todoroki, and Bakugo. Lifting his head to look at the other as they entered, Izuku shot
off his usual smile—if a bit dimmed and tired.

“Midoriya! You are out of uniform!” Iida’s usual stick-straight nature was showing.

“Can it, glasses. You doing OK, nerd?” Bakugo’s sneer didn’t quite cover up the concern.

“Still healing. Hence the hoodie. The brace makes my uniform shirt fit weird, and the
uniform jacket isn’t warm enough.”

“You were hurt?” Iida moved over; worry etched into his face. “You have the worst luck. Are
you going to be OK?”

“I should be.” Looking up to the clearly worried class rep, Izuku let the smile warm. “I’ll be
fine, Iida. It was serious, but I should be back to normal sometime within the next week or
so.”

“That does sound serious.” Todoroki’s monotone did nothing to hide the worry in his eyes.
“Can you tell us what happened?”

“I…” Spluttering, Izuku tried to find a way out. “I’m not… I don’t…”

“Nerd doesn’t want to talk about it.” Bakugo stepped in, putting a hand on the green-haired
boy’s shoulder. “Hence the flailing. It’s personal, right?”

Relief that Bakugo had stepped in, Izuku nodded. “Intensely.”

Todoroki’s face flushed, in either anger or concern. “How would you know, Bakugo?”

“I don’t owe you answers, Halfie. And neither does the nerd. If you’re his friend, you’ll
respect when and if he wants to talk.” Turning deliberately away from Todoroki, Bakugo
looked down to Izuku. “Speaking of, my mom said to extend an invitation to join us this
weekend when we go to visit. She said she figured with everything else going down that you
hadn’t had the chance to. You have my number—and she asked me to give you hers—”
digging a scrap piece of paper out of his pocket, Bakugo handed it to Izuku before
continuing. “So just let us know. It was peaceful, just so you know.”

I should’ve been there. But I couldn’t. Izuku felt his eyes well up as his stomach shrunk,
tucking the note away in his pocket. “Oh. Thank you, Kacchan.”

“’Tch, whatever.” Stomping over to his desk, Bakugo pulled out his notes and began to try to
appear as if he was studying while sneaking glances and keeping a listening ear out to Izuku.

Others were filing in, noting Izuku’s lack of adherence to the dress code. Most were curious,
but when Izuku simply put his head down, they avoided bugging him despite the curious
gazes he could feel on him. I might need to find someplace to hide for lunch.

“Alright.” The sound of the zipper on Aizawa’s sleeping bag was a welcome relief.
“Welcome back, kids. For the most part, you all stayed out of trouble. Good on all of you.
Now. You might all have noticed that there is someone missing from our classroom.”

Huh? Taking a fast headcount, Izuku let his excitement show. Mineta’s missing!

“A complaint was lodged over the break about behavior of Mineta Minrou. As such, UA
opted to investigate. There was some evidence of misconduct, and as such he will be
suspended until we are able to conclude the investigation. Given that this is his homeroom
class, anyone who wishes to lodge a complaint against him is encouraged to do either during
this period or at lunch. Now…”

Turning back to the blackboard, Aizawa began the lesson while the shock was still settling in.
Pulling out his notebook, Izuku did his best to follow along until Aizawa broke to let the
class work on a corresponding worksheet. “If anyone wants to leave, just let me know.”

A few moments passed with everyone breaking into groups but nobody taking up the offer to
leave. They’re scared to be the first person to leave.

Quickly scratching out a note, Izuku stumbled his way—half-stumbling and hunched because
of both injuries and brace—walked to Aizawa who was remaining awake.

“Problem child?”

Sliding the note to the teacher, Izuku waited. If I go as the first, the others might find their
courage.

“Sure, go ahead.” Aizawa nodded to him.

Slipping out of the room, Izuku walked away to the lunchroom vending machines. I’ll get a
drink and then head back. Besides, I need something to down my medications with.

Walking to the nurse’s office, Izuku knocked and waited to be acknowledged before stepping
inside. “Good morning, Recovery Girl.”
The older woman was at her desk, looking over her papers before she looked up to see the
boy. “Hello, Midoriya. You’re here for your antibiotics and pain killers, correct?”

“Yes, ma’am. I got used to taking them at about now, so I didn’t want to throw off the
schedule too much.”

“Good boy. Here you are.” Handing him a small paper cup with the medication, she smiled.
“Do you need something to drink?”

“No, ma’am. I went and got a drink before I came here.” Taking the medication, Izuku
smiled. “Thank you. Unless you need me, I’ll be heading back to class now.”

“Very good. Go on.” Waving the boy back out of the door, she turned away.

Arriving back at the classroom, Izuku opened the door closest to his desk. At least a few of
the others aren’t here.

Taking his seat again, Izuku got back to work. Classes went by, and then lunch rolled around.
“Alright, there’s the bell.” Present Mic chirped, everyone packing up. “Remember, you’ll
need a few minutes to get changed after lunch for heroics, so plan accordingly. Midoriya, if
you wouldn’t mind staying back for a moment, I would appreciate it.”

The others stood, filing out.

Iida tapped Izuku on the shoulder. “We can wait for you?”

Izuku shook his head. “Oh. No, thank you. This probably has something to do with what
happened over break. You guys don’t have to waste time waiting for me. I’ll see you after
Heroics.”

“After heroics?” Ochaco stepped forward. “Are you not participating?”

“Midoriya.” Mic called, gesturing him forward. “Come here.”

Offering up a shrug, Izuku lurched his way to the teacher. “Yes, Sensei?”

“Walk with me.” Turning the door, Mic guided the teen out. Quiet, he began to speak under
his breath just to the teen. “Didn’t think you’d want to be drilled about what happened over
break, and I have somethings to tell you once we hit the teacher’s lounge.”

“I was going to get lunch from the canteen. Am I still going to have time?”

“Of course, jellybean. This should only take a few minutes.” The affectionate nickname had
the teen smiling. As the two arrived at the teacher’s lounge, Mic opened the door and ushered
the teen to a set of couches, where Shinso and Aizawa were waiting.

Shinso waved to them. “Hi. Aizawa-sensei said something’s up?”

“Yes, but I’ll him explain.” Mic brushed past the dark-haired man, hand brushing the other’s
shoulder as he walked to his desk.

Wow, they’re serious about the whole keeping secrets at work thing.

“This is information that should not be spread outside of this room until it’s announced later
today, do you both understand?”

“Yes, sensei.” The boys chimed in, together.

“Mineta Minrou has been expelled, thanks to the testimonies of his classmates and other
evidence gathered by the school. As such, there is an opening in the hero course and the
support-course student who got the furthest in the sports festival has been selected to be
moved into the course. Congrats, Shinso Hitoshi, you’re going to be in 1-A. Midoriya,
you’re being informed of this as well because we’re going to ask you to give Shinso the run-
down of everyone in class and act as a guide when he joins our class at the end of the day.”
Aizawa barely kept a straight face, half-dead smirk inching to a smile. “Shinso, you’ll be
joining Midoriya for the next few class periods so he can give you an idea of what to expect
in the hero course. That’s all, so plan accordingly.”
 Shinso seemed dumb-struck, jaw dropped and mouth open. “I….I..”

Poking at Shinso’s cheek, Izuku smiled at how the boy reared back before joy took over.
“Congrats. You deserve it.”

Shinso was on his feet and pulling Izuku up so he could hug him. “Holy shit, I’m going to be
in the hero course!”

“Careful with the back, but yes, you are!”

Aizawa stood. “I’ll leave the two of you to discuss the rest of your day. Remember, Midoriya,
that you have a micro-session with Recovery Girl during your normal heroics class period.
Be there. I will not have you not taking care of your injuries.”

“Yes, sir!” Izuku chirped, before turning to Shinso. “Want to go get food?”

“Oh, yeah.”

He’s so out of it. Snorting, Izuku walked out of the lounge.

Chapter End Notes

Yes, I'm early for Spook season. Do I care? Not really. Anyway, Kudos and comments
are appreciated.
 Chapter 28
Chapter Notes

Hi, everyone. Hope you're having a good day. Now, onto the story.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Shinso caught up. “I’m on cloud nine but I wanted to ask—you doing OK?”

“I’m really glad I’m going to be able to lie down soon, and I’m hungry.” Izuku stepped into
the canteen. “Congrats, though. I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. Why don’t you grab a table and I’ll get food. What’d ya want?”

“Katsudon, please.” Scanning the lunch room, Izuku spotted an open table. Taking the spot,
Izuku let himself relax onto the table. “Owww.”

A few moments passed before Shinso joined him. “Hey, I think some of your friends
might’ve spotted you. The spiky blonde and his friend group. It looks like the people you
normally hang out with aren’t here.”

Willing himself back up, Izuku glanced around. “Strange. But Ok. So, what do you already
know about 1-A?”

“That you’re all a bunch of braggarts who blow shit up and get into trouble.” Shinso
deadpanned, sending Izuku reeling.

“HEY!” Be grateful you don’t have the nightmares I do of seeing what is now my parent
being slammed mercilessly into concrete by a monster.

Taking a bite of his rice, Izuku calmed down. “Alright, so some preconceived bias. It’s true
we seem to attract trouble, but that’s mostly because of circumstances outside of us. And
we’ve lost more than most should at this point.”

Looking away, Izuku closed his eyes tight. Aizawa was bleeding out, and I couldn’t do
anything. Kacchan was taken and would’ve been dead if… Putting his chopsticks down,
Izuku was somber. “Be glad you weren’t there.”

“I… Sorry. I guess I never really thought about what it was like.”

“Be careful opening wounds. People might snap at you if you do.” Putting his head down, he
let his stomach calm as the sounds of the cafeteria insulated the two and their conversation.
After a ten-minute pause, Shinso shifted audibly in his chair. “…you need to eat. Please?”
Shinso reached for Izuku’s hand, tapped it. “You’ll need it to heal.”

“Right.” Sitting up and forcing the food down, Izuku did his best to clear the plate.
“Anyway…”

“Let’s leave the discussion until after you’ve eaten and been healed, OK?”

Too drained to disagree, Izuku nodded. Taking his time as the others in the cafeteria exited
for classes, Izuku let out a long breath. “Come on, I don’t want Recovery Girl to read me the
riot act because I was late.”

Bending under the pain, Izuku tightened his arms across his stomach and walked with his
eyes locked to the ground. Shinso walked beside him, feet slow to lift as the boy fell behind
step-by-step.

Knocking and once again receiving permission to enter, Izuku stepped through. “Hello
again.”

“Midoriya! You’re looking terrible. Here, your meds should be wearing off.” Handing him
another small cup of his current mediation, the woman watched the boy. “Take these and then
let me see your wounds. I’ll do a micro-heal if they’re looking good and if not, we’ll see
what’s going on.” The old woman turned to Shinso. “He’s likely to be asleep during his
treatments, so you’re better off going to the library. He’ll be there next hour, OK?”

Shinso nodded. “Yes, ma’am. See you, Midoriya.”

Waving to his adopted brother, Izuku made his way to the first open curtained-off bay, and sat
down on the exam table. Reaching for the edge of his hoodie, Izuku started to tug it off when
he felt his arms go leaden. “Um… give me a moment.”

Struggling against the overwhelming urge to drop his arms, Izuku pulled the hoodie off and
dropped his arms to let the still unbuttoned uniform shirt slide off. “Do I need to take the
brace off, too?”

“Yes, Midoriya. Just for a few moments so I can check the wounds.”

Pulling off the undershirt, Izuku unbuckled the brace and nearly fell into the cot. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologize, it’s not surprising you’re likely tired.” Recovery Girl stepped up
beside him, carefully looking over the wounds. “How do you feel?”

“Mostly tired—but I have been sitting upright for longer periods of time. It does hurt when
meds wear off, but it’s hurting less and less.”

“Good. Feeling stiff?”

“A little. When I wake up. But that usually goes away after walking. And it does get stiff
when I’ve been up for too long.”
“Alright. Sounds like you’re coming along wonderfully.” Letting the boy take a deep breath,
Recovery Girl placed a gentle kiss to his temple. “Now, you have twenty minutes. I’ll wake
you when you need to go. So get some rest.”

Letting his eyes fall closed, Izuku was asleep in seconds.

A hand shook the teen. Nooooo.

“Midoriya, wake up.” Recovery Girl’s tone brokered no other answer. “You’re to report to
Hound Dog for the rest of the hour.”

“Hound Dog?” Izuku blinked awake, reaching for the undershirt.

“Yes, Midoriya. UA mandated that you’re going to talk to him for a little bit. So get dressed.”
Stepping back outside of the curtained bay, Izuku could hear the cane retreat to the front of
the room. Pulling on the clothing with as much energy as he could muster, Izuku climbed to
his feet, hand bracing himself on the table. Fastening the brace, Izuku perked up before
pulling on both shirt and hoodie.

Heading out to Recovery Girl, Midoriya nodded to her. “Thank you. Do I just head to his
office?”

“Yes, my dear. Head on over. I’ll let him know you’re on your way.”

Making his way, Izuku tucked his chin close to his chest as he stood outside the office,
willing himself to knock. It’s OK, It’s OK. He’s not angry at you.

Raising a fist—shaking and trembling as he did so—Izuku braved one knock before dropping
it and stepping back.

Hound Dog opened the door, frame imposing despite Izuku knowing he was a kind man.
“Hey, Midoriya! Please, come in.”

Sliding past the arm that was held out, Izuku stuck his gaze to his shoes. “Yes, sir.”

Letting the teen settle into a chair, Hound Dog offered a small smile. “You’re nervous,
correct?”

“A little, yeah.”

“Can you tell me why?”

“Authority figures…haven’t always been the best thing.”

“Tell me about it.” The relaxed slouch the man took had the teen relaxing in response.

“How much do you know?”

“Just that you were quirkless up until the entrance exam. And that All Might really should’ve
done a better job covering up what he did.” The droll smile Hound Dog flashed made Izuku
smile.

“Alright, so, I am quirkless. That hasn’t changed.” Starting his story, Izuku talked the rest of
the hour away.

As the end of the hour neared, Hound Dog leaned forward. “Alright, so let’s figure out what
our schedule looks like from here. While you’ll be asked to come back here for the rest of the
time during the healing process, after that you’ll be back in your normal heroics class. I know
that your adoptive parents normally don’t leave until five or so, so how about we plan on
sessions after school?”

“At about three-thirty?”

“Sounds good to me. In the meantime, we’ll look into the anti-anxiety medication you were
given during your hospital stay, see if we can get you diagnosed. Now, I believe there’s
someone waiting for you in the library.”

“Yes, sir.” Standing, Izuku wobbled a bit.

Hound Dog reached out, caught him while keeping his claws away from the boy. “You OK?”

“Mm. Just a lot to get off my chest.”

Making sure the teen was balanced safely, Hound Dog released him. “I agree. How about I
walk you to the library? I’d like to know you made it safe.”

“I’m fine, no need to make a fuss.” Izuku shuffled backwards, out the door.

“Are you sure you can make it to the library?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Alright. Be safe, OK? And close the door on your way out.” Hound Dog turned away to his
desk as Izuku exited the room. Closing the door, Izuku walked as he paused ever few hundred
yards to catch his balance. Arriving at the library, Izuku waved to Kanno Noboru—the
librarian—Izuku made his way to her. “Pardon me, I was wondering if you knew where…”

“Midoriya. Hello, little book worm. What can I do for you?” They turned to him, silver hair
up in a bun, dressed in a cardigan, button-up and black slacks.
“I’m supposed to meet a friend here. Lavender toned hair, tired eyes, looks like Aizawa
sensei if he were my age?”

“Ah, yes. Shinso Hitoshi. He’s also a book worm, but he sticks to a lot of fiction. He’s on the
second floor, near the restricted section. Speaking of, Nezu asked me to hand this to you next
time I saw you.” The woman pulled a small key out of her cardigan, handed it to the boy.
“It’s a key to your section of the restricted section.”

“I have an entire section?”

 “It’s a half-shelf, if that. But yes.” The laughter dancing in the woman’s heterochromatic blue
and golden eyes glowed. Shooing the teen with a wave of her hand, she turned back to her
desk. “Go on.”

Scurrying off, Izuku grasped the railing and made his way up. Catching sight of Shinso,
Izuku made his way over and gently poked the boy in the shoulder. “Hey. What’cha
reading?”

“Book.” Shinso responded, almost absent from the conversation as he turned a page. “Good.”

“Oh, excellent. Well, I’m going into the restricted section.” Walking away to the sectioned off
room, Izuku heard Shinso scramble after him.

“Wait, don’t…” Shinso stopped talking when he saw Izuku pull out his key. “Oh…”

“Yeah, not breaking in.” Unlocking the door, Izuku walked in as he dutifully ignored all of
the sections he knew were off-limits. Locating the comforting sight of his journals, Izuku
picked them up, held them close. I didn’t think I’d see them again.

Chapter End Notes

Kudos and comments are appreciated. Let me know what you're thinking. I stopped
thinking, so I need someone to have the brain cells for a bit.
 Chapter 29
Chapter Notes

Hello. I'd say I was sorry, but I'm not.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Carefully replacing every journal but the first and last three, Izuku tried to fight the tears.
Chin wobbling a bit as his eye welled, Izuku clutched them to his chest as he walked out to
the table where Shinso was.

The purple teen perked up. “Are those your journals?”

Nodding, Izuku put them on the table before he reached for the first one, opened it.

There, his analysis—if it could be called that—was written in pink crayon.

Miodriyadoriya Inko. Qurik: Lev…lifting things

His mother’s handwriting corrected things, with some small notes simply stating:

I love you.

You are wonderful.

I’m so proud of you.

Shoulders silently shaking as the tears fell, Izuku frantically wiped away the tears that landed
on the paper, dampening them. No! Don’t smudge the ink!

Panic flew through the boy, causing his hands to rush, and a small tear appeared around the
binding and the page which caused more tears to fall. NO!

Quietly, hands came to his, pulling the journal from him and put it aside before taking his
hands and holding them in a gentle and warm grasp.

Breaking in silence, Izuku kept himself tucked into a ball as he pulled away; knees to his
chest, arms wrapped around his legs with his hands grasping each other, face pressed into his
thighs. Why? Why did she have to leave?

Shaking in his seat, Izuku held tight to the numbness he’d been using; trying to pull himself
out. C’mon. Smile. You don’t want the others to worry about you.

A hand slid between his hands, tugging the defensive posture open carefully. Fingers
wrapped around his own, tugged gently as sound finally reached him again. “..ia….
Midoriya. Oh, dear, please look at me.”

Turning so he could see with one blurry eye, Izuku caught sight of Kanno, knelt down next to
him. “Hey there, book worm.”

Trying to summon the smile and failing, Izuku simply stared as warmth streaked down his
cheeks.

The woman motioned to the journal. “You wanted a copy of that journal, correct?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Right, well, let’s go do that, OK?” Standing, the woman gestured to something that Izuku
couldn’t see. “Were the other journals to show Shinso?”

“Uh-huh…”

“OK, well, Shinso, I think that’s permission to look at them.” Taking the silent ball by the
hand, Kanno guided the teen to his feet “Now, it’s the first section you want, right?” Leading
the boy to the copier, she gently had him lean on the counter next to it. “Breathe, sweetie. It’s
OK.”

Shaking his head, Izuku glued his gaze to her feet.

The hand came again, gently brushing tears from the cheeks. “Shhh…. It’s Ok. Just breathe,
book worm. You can talk to Shinso later.”

Guilt slammed into him. You’re supposed to be helping Shinso. He needs to know everyone
and he’s been working toward this for years! Stop crying, you useless…

Hands curled into fists, Izuku tried to hold it in. Worthless little…

The feeling of someone his height wrapping their arms around him shook him, made him
blink when he pulled his head up. Shinso was there, pulling Izuku into his arms and holding
on. “It’s OK.”

“I’m sorry. I should be happy for you. You’re finally getting into the hero course.”

“And you’re mourning. It’s OK.” Shinso held on, hand tracing circles on Izuku’s back to help
calm the other boy’s breathing and shedding a few tears as well. “I cried too, then.”

“I… sorry.”

Letting out a huff—reminiscent of their tired adoptive parent—Shinso looked to Kanno.

“May we use the conference room just off your desk, please?”

“Of course. I’ll bring this in as soon as it’s copied. Did you leave the journals out? Because if
so, I need to go grab them, tuck them back away.”
Holding up a hand, Shinso showed the three journals pressing rings into his palm as he held
them. “I’ve got them. Didn’t want them to be left alone. ‘Zu’s freaking out enough now. I
love this brother of mine, but he’s an anxiety riddled bunny.”

A surprised snort wormed its way out of the tear-stained teen. That’s one way to put it.

“Thank you, Kanno Sensei.” Pulling the other teen, Shinso walked Izuku into the room,
before mostly closing the door. Sitting next to Izuku, he held a hand. “It’s OK.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to rain on your parade.”

“Nah. It’s OK. I don’t mind. Hell, having someone my age to celebrate is awesome.” Shinso
poked at the green-haried teen’s shoulder. “By the way, have you shown these to any of your
friends?”

“Uh…” Looking to the journals, the boy shook his head. “No?”

“Good. Because I’m going to use the fuck out of them to be the best in the class for weeks.”
Shinso’s grin was downright evil, before a questioning light entered his eyes. “But there’s not
an entry on that living human bomb?”

“Oh, Kacchan is spread across the journals. I think he’s the second entry, after…” A few tears
spilled.

“Oh. How long have you known him?”

“Um… If I said I’m about 99.95 percent positive that our moms bought a couple of cribs big
enough for both of us, does that answer the question?” Sniffling a bit, Izuku used the back of
his wrist to rub at his nose

“And he still developed into the angry hedgehog? Jesus, you’re the sweetest person. How did
he get so angry?”

“You saw his mom. Angry comes natural.” The sound of the bell caught the attention of the
boys as Kanno came into the room and slid a copied bunch of papers to the green-haired teen.

“Here you are. Feeling better?”

Taking the bundle in his hand, Izuku clutched them tight to his chest. “Mmm-hmmm.”

“OK. If you need to, go to Recovery Girl. Don’t push it, one breakdown is enough.”

“I’ll be OK.” We go home soon, anyway.

“Alright. Shinso, I’m trusting you to keep this rapscallion in line.” Kanno grinned at both
boy’s smothered laughter. “I know what thou art, even if thoust deny it. Away, young
rapscallions, away!”

Laughter—real, but tinged with loss and sorrow—followed the boys as they made their way
to Class 1-A. Poking his head in, Izuku looked to Aizawa, who was leaning against the
podium at the front. “Do you want both of us, or…?”

“Both of you, please.” Aizawa motioned them in. “Class, as of today Shinso will be joining
us. Shinso, your desk is next to….”

“You’re kidding me.” Mashirao spoke up. “He’s joining our class? His quirk is villainous.”

Aizawa looked offended, eyes flashing red as he started to speak before Iida also spoke up.
“Ex…”

“Sensei, I do not agree with Mashirao. You’re welcome here, Shinso. It’s not as if you’re
quirkless.”

At those words, Izuku tilted his head back and began to laugh manically. That took less than
a half-a-day for someone to say a slur.

Startled, everyone turned to Izuku, and he saw the rising panic in Aizawa’s eyes. Shaking his
head, Izuku picked up his stuff. “Fuck this, I’m out.”

Everyone stopped, frozen in place with wide eyes as they stared at the green-haired teen.
Breathing, sounds, noises of protest as Izuku scooped up his things and put them away.

Iida was the first to snap back out of it, eyes wide. “Midoriya! That language is unbecoming.
I expected better from you! Why would you use such profanity?”

“Because it was the only thing to match the complete and utter crap of you and Mashirao at
once. One, Tailman: No quirk is inherently evil. Two, Ingenium: Quirkless people could be
heroes. Three: I’m leaving before I snap. Good day to all of you.”

Before he could leave, Yaoyorozu spoke up. “Midoriya! You can’t believe that quirkless
people can be heroes—they’d get hurt!”

“Wow, how are you able to see around that quirked ego of yours?” The girl’s eyes were wide
at the vitriolic anger. “What hurts is you infantilizing us and assuming that we’re not smart
enough to be able to plan around those nifty abilities of yours. Believe me. Speaking as
someone who was quirkless—literally up until the fucking entrance exam here—fuck you.”
Watching shock and horror take over most of the faces, Izuku opened the door. Turning back,
he looked to Shinso. “Wanna come with or do you want to sit here and watch the fallout?”

“Where are you going?”

“Right now? Either the library or Recovery Girl’s office. I haven’t decided yet.”

“Your back hurting?”

“No, but I think I pushed it too far and am liable to fall flat on my face soon.”

“Then I’ll go with you to Recovery Girl.” Moving to stand alongside Midoriya, Shinso
looked to Mashirao. “I’m sorry I made such an awful first impression on you, Mashirao. I
 promise I’ll only use my quirk on you in training, but I am going to be a hero. Even if you
don’t agree.”

Closing the door quietly, Shinso eyed the teen. “Ready to go?”
“Mm, think we made our point.” Crumbling up as a cramp wracked across his back, Izuku
held an arm out. “Help.”

“Sure, let’s get you to Recovery Girl.” Sliding the arm around his shoulders, Shinso helped
Izuku brace as they walked. “Thank you, by the way. For standing up for me.”

“I just did what anyone should’ve. I can’t believe that they’d treat you that way.”

“I mean, I wasn’t exactly friendly to them.”

“And? So what! You weren’t kind, big deal. Do you know what Kacchan called us for
MONTHS? If they can forgive him, they should be able to forgive you.”

Shinso let out a now familiar huff. “Fair.”

The rest of the walk was made in comfortable silence. The door to the nurse’s office was
open, and Recovery Girl was waiting for them. “Blew up on them, did you?”

“They earned it.” Izuku grumbled.

“I’ll take your word for it.” The amusement was clear. “Go on, lie down. Aizawa has already
excused you two from class. You’ll likely be getting a lecture after school.”

“Time to go to sleep, then.” Walking to an open bay, Izuku moved to lie down. “Wake me
when it’s over?”

“You think I’m staying awake for it, either?” Shinso moved to sit next to the table. “Nope. Do
you want help out of the brace before I conk out or not?”

“I’m just going to unbuckle it. Easier than pulling it off to put it back on.” Drained from the
emotions and pain, Izuku let himself drift along the line between reality and dreams until he
heard the door open and shut firmly behind the people who entered. “Are they here?”

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 Chapter 30
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Blinking, Izuku saw the curtain move as it was opened, but didn’t look to see the man
standing in the entrance.

“Alright. Up. Now.” Aizawa demanded, but when Izuku stumbled in doing as ordered, the
man held out a hand helped steady him while also flashing his phone screen toward the teen.

Me: Act like you’re in trouble, Problem child. Head down, maybe tears. It’ll save us the
likelihood of you two being stopped by the others. You’re not in trouble , but act like it.
We’re going to the teachers’ lounge first, and then we’ll head to the car. I’m taking off a bit
early to get the two of you home.

Shinso, you’re less likely to be stopped so no need to pull out the waterworks. But keeping
your head down might not be a bad idea.

Inclining his head a bit, Izuku pulled the water works to the surface with ease. Oh… I guess
I’m still upset from earlier.

Shinso was on his feet seconds after he woke, looking to see Izuku’s face wet with tears
again; visibly upset. “Damn, you can’t catch a break, can you?”

Pulling the other boy close, Shinso hugged tight. “It’s OK, we’ll be home soon.”

Aligning themselves so that Aizawa was looming over them, wearing a grumpy face that
warned everyone else off, the trio left the room.

Izuku could see the others surrounding the door as they waited to pounce. Before he even
had to do anything, Bakugo stepped between the two groups and popped the hand closest to
the rest of their classmates. “You all know he’s had a rough time. Now leave him fucking be.”

Aizawa nodded. “I’ll deal with this, hellspawn. Now, school’s over. Either head back to the
dorms or go to your scheduled activities.”

The group didn’t disperse, but they didn’t follow either as Aizawa shepherded the two boys
away from them and to the teachers lounge. Once they were totally out of eyeshot, Aizawa
put a comforting hand on Izuku’s shoulder. “You’ll be home, soon.”
Saying nothing else but keeping the hand as a constant pressure, Aizawa opened the door to
the teacher’s lounge, pushing the boys in before going to his desk and picking up his bag.
“Alright. Let’s go.”

Without arguing, the three found themselves in the car and out of UA within ten minutes.

“What…?” Aizawa started to ask, worried eyes in the rearview mirror, but Izuku simply
shook his head.

Taking the hint, Aizawa turned on the radio and allowed the sound of classical music to fill
the car. Arriving back at the house, Aizawa was quick to pull both boys inside and to the
living room couch; settling them under a warm blanket as he crouched down. “What’s going
on?”

Tucking himself into Shinso’s side, Izuku let his voice break a bit. “I… miss her. I got to see
her entry in my journal and I…” Choking, Izuku sobbed harder.

Aizawa moved, sitting on Izuku’s other side. “Oh, kiddo. Come here.” Opening his arms,
Aizawa let Izuku burrow into his side as he reassured by gently running his hand in circles on
the teen’s neck and upper shoulders. “You’re OK. It’s OK to miss her. It must have hit hard.
I’m so sorry we couldn’t be there to help you.” Pressing his chin into the teen’s hair, Aizawa
held as the storm raged in the mourning child and kept up a comforting stream of
reassurance.

Izuku wasn’t sure how much time passed before he was able to breathe easily again,
collapsing against the couch as he pulled air into his lungs in gasps. Breathing evening out,
the teen tilted his head to look up at his dad. “Sorry.”

“You’ve done nothing wrong. In fact, I’m proud of you. You stood up for what you believed
in. Albeit in a very much ‘drop the bomb and evacuate’ type of way.” Aizawa rubbed away
the tear streaks on the teens cheek. “I don’t envy you what’s going to happen tomorrow—or
for the next few weeks until something else big happens—but I am proud of you for standing
up for Hitoshi and yourself. And Hitoshi? I’m sorry about what happened with your
classmates. I spoke to them before I came home, made them understand that you are their
classmate.”

“It’s OK. I didn’t really expect that they’d welcome me.” Shinso was quiet.

Turning, Izuku grabbed the other boy. “They should, though!”

“Izuku’s right. They have no basis to treat you the way they did.” Aizawa reached over the
green-haired teen and cupped Shinso’s cheek. “And I am so proud of you for getting into 1-
A.”

“Same…” Izuku dropped his arms, tired. “You deserve it.”

“I do.” Shinso’s smile was wide. “I got in!”

“You did.” Aizawa nodded. “Now, go on up and change out of the uniforms. You’ll feel
better and be more comfortable.”

“OK, dad.”

“Will do.”

Trooping up the stairs, the two changed out into more relaxed clothes. Bumping into each
other as they headed back down to the living room as Aizawa went up to his room, Izuku
nudged Shinso. “I really am happy that you got into the hero course.”

“I know. You even let me look at your journals so I could rule dominant for a few weeks!”
Shinso flashed back a malicious grin. “It’s going to be so much fun.”

“Give ‘em hell for me, OK?”

“Hell yeah. Shake on it.” Shaking on it, the two made their way fully down to the couch.
“Wanna play some more games?”

“Yeah!” Splaying out on his stomach, Izuku let his head rest on his arms. I’m tired.

“Homework.” The voice from above reminded them.

“Homework first.” Shinso put down the controller he’d been picking up.

Pulling out books from the bags that’d been left abandoned when they two had collapsed
onto the couch earlier, they started their work.

Ten minutes in, the boys looked up at the sound of a key in the lock.

“Pop’s home, I think.”

“I’d hope it’s him, otherwise there’s a problem.”

“I’m home.” Mic called out, door closing behind him.

“Hi, pops.”

“Welcome back.”

Mic poked his head into the living room. “Hi, kids. I’m gonna change and then I wanna hear
about whatever caused Sho to text me that he was taking off early to get you two home. And
why both Recovery Girl and Konna told me to keep an eye on both of you.”

Raising a hand in acknowledgement, Izuku turned back to his work. Shinso’s mumbled “uh-
huh” had Mic rolling his eyes at the teens with a smile before he bounced up the stairs.

“Aizawa’ll tell him?”

“Dad’ll tell him.”

“Good. I’m tired.”

“Think we can talk our way into something great for dinner tonight?”

“Maybe.”

At the respective truce, the boys returned to their homework as the muffled shuffling and
voices from upstairs got progressively louder and then vanished.

Looking to each other, the boy raised eyebrows.

“Silence is…. strange?”

“Silence like this is very strange.” Shinso agreed, putting down his pencil. “I think we might
want to prepare.”

“For what?”

“Not sure. Plan for evasive maneuvers.” Shinso stood, and Izuku followed his lead.

Tiptoeing to look up the stairs, both boys were shocked to see both parents looking down
with a mix of concern and ‘I’m gonna hug them until it’s all better’ aura radiating down.

“Danger?”

“Danger. Run.” Shinso said, already turning to high-tail it. Laughing, Izuku followed his
adoptive brother as the two ducked behind the couch for protection.

“What do we do?”

“I don’t know! This is strange!” Shinso hissed, as a shiver flew down both boys.

Aizawa’s dark chuckle sounded. “Oh, come on now. You’re fine.”

“RUN.” Shinso shot to his feet, even as the capture weapon caught him. Laughter poured
from the boy as he struggled. “Go, ‘Zuku. Survive!”

Shooting off as best he could as tired as he was, Izuku only made it to the bottom of the stairs
before Mic had him in his arms. Laughing, Izuku squirmed. “Let go!”

“Nope. I have one of my favorite people in my arms. And it’s the one who seemed to have an
awful day. You Ok, Jellybean?”

“MM. Shinso promised to kick 1-A’s collective butts for a few days, so I’m happy.” Leaning
into the embrace, the teen relaxed. “It’s going to be glorious.”

Mic grinned his ‘home’ grin, maneuvering the two onto the couch. “So it will be. I want to
hear everything.”

“Oh, don’t worry.” Aizawa’s grin went maniacal. “I’ll tell you.”
“Excuse you, I’m the one who’ll tell him because I will be the one doing it. With help from
‘Zuku’s notes.”

Aizawa dropped his chin, leaning to the side to meet Shinos’s gaze from the corner of the
teen’s eye. “No killing.”

“Oh, please. That wouldn’t be nearly as much fun as what I’m going to do.”

“Maybe you should dissuade the others from thinking of you as a villain?” Mic suggested,
reaching over to ruffle the purple fluff.

“Maybe.” Shinso muttered, headbutting at the hand softly. “But I’m still kicking their asses.”

“Good. I’m sorry your first sort-of day with 1-A sucked, but we have to celebrate. What do
you guys want to do for dinner?”

“I’ll leave it to Shinso—it’s his celebration.”

“Cat café.” Shinso answered, eyes going wide. “Please?”

“He is SO yours.” Mic’s smile was fond as he looked at husband and son.

“I have no problem with this.”

Shinso laughed, left foot tapping on the ground. “When can we go? I want to introduce
Izuku!”

“Well, go grab whatever you want to bring, and then we’ll go if Izuku’s feeling up to it?”

“Twenty-minute nap?”

“Twenty-minute nap.” Aizawa agreed. “So grab what you want in the meantime, Shinso.”

“OK!” Shinso rocketed up the stairs as the fond smiles of both parents followed him.

Yawning, Izuku tucked himself more into Mic’s side, closing his eyes as he did so. Nap time.

Mic jumped a bit, but settled quickly. “Night, Jellybean.”

“mnmnnph.” Sleep’s siren song pulled the teen under to rest.

Shaken awake twenty minutes later by an excited Shinso, Izuku found Mic reading at his side
while Aizawa is off on the other end of the couch, asleep.

It doesn’t last long as Shinso beelined for the man. “DAD. Time to go.”

“He’s SO like you.” Aizawa deadpans, making Mic laugh.

“Yes, yes, I’m a perfect fusion. Now let’s go!” Shinso deadpanned, excitement clear. “C’mon,
you like the café as much as I do.”
 Laughing, Izuku slid off the couch. “I’ll take the drugs then we can go.”

Getting ready, the four exited the house once they’d all pulled on shoes.

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 Chapter 31
Chapter Notes

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“How far is it?” Izuku asked, following along behind Aizawa and Shinso, next to Mic.

“It’s about a fifteen-minute train ride.” Mic looped an arm over Izuku’s shoulders. “It’s a
place Sho’s been going to since he was in high school.”

Aizawa shot back a grin. “It’s a good place.”

“And it was the first place he took me when we met.” Shinso chimed in. “They’re super nice
there.”

“Mmkay.”

The relaxed nature of the walk persisted as the group boarded the train, stepped off and made
their way to the café, where Shinso and Aizawa were welcomed by a woman a few years
older than Aizawa warmly. “Hello, Aizawa. Shinso! It’s good to see you.” Turning, the
woman caught sight of both Izuku and Mic. “And you brought Yamada and a new one! Hello,
it’s nice to meet you.”

Mic grinned, hugging the teen to his side. “This is Midoriya Izuku, newest addition to the
insanity.”

“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Izuku inclined his head.

“Sakuma Riko, sweetie. Just call me Sakuma.” The woman offered a smile. “So what are we
celebrating?”

Aizawa nudged Shinso. “Go on.”

“I got into the hero course!!” Shinso crowed, and the woman’s face lit up.

Coming around the counter, she held out her arms. “That’s wonderful, Shinso! You deserve
it!”

Shinso took the invitation, quickly hugging the woman before stepping away. “Dad said I
could pick the place for dinner, so I said here! And I wanted to test a hypothesis.”

“Hypothesis?” Sakuma asked.

“Yeah, you said you got a lot of your cats from the same place where we got Twinkle, right?”
Shinso asked.

Wait…. If it’s the same shelter…that would mean?

“Yes, we often take on adoptable babies from that shelter—why?”

“I think some of Twinkles littermates are here, and they’ll probably swarm ‘Zuku because he
knew them when they were newborns.”

Izuku looked to the tired teen. “Wait, you’re thinking….”

Looking into the sectioned off room with a bunch of cats, Izuku let his gaze bounce between
all of them. The stark white fur with a tail-tip of gold and the striped dark brown fur patterns
caught his eye. Flour and Choco. “I see a few of them!”

“Go on in.” Sakuma smiled. “You’re good for a few hours.”

Shinso needed no further prompting, grabbing Izuku’s wrist. “Come on!’

Tugging him in to the room, Shinso pulled his brother to a couch. “C’mon, sit. The cats here
tend to swarm.”

The second the boys sat down, two small bodies pelted their way past the others and jump
onto Izuku’s lap.

“Rrrmrmmrrrrr!” Choco’s deep rumble paired with his sister’s soft “mmrrwm.”

Flour took it a step further, climbing up his side to press her head into his neck. “mmwmm.”

“Hi.” Hands occupied as he pets all the right spots on both, the teen didn’t notice the click of
the shutter. Passing the time with both cats, Izuku enjoyed the familiar cat vocalizations and
the warmth of his new family bonding over cat picture and blackmail photos.

The next morning came too quickly, with the alarm shaking Izuku out of a sound sleep.
“Noooooooooooooo. Too early.”

“That is the pain of life.” Shinso was sitting up on his bed, phone in hand. “C’mon, the
sooner we get to school, the sooner we can go back to sleep.”

“But it’s not as comfortable there.”

“Either way, gotta go.” Shinso stood. “I’ll take the bathroom first.”

“Wanna shower.”

“I want you to, too. But you can’t. So suck it up, buttercup.”

Shinso retreated to the bathroom and Izuku buried his head in his pillow. “Five more.”
 The promised five minutes went by—followed by six more time slots of ‘five more’—until
Shinso returned. “Alright. Bathroom’s open.”

“Mmmmmm.” Standing, Izuku ran through his morning routine, and the group left a few
minutes early. Arriving at UA, the group trouped their way to the teacher lounge where Izuku
and Shinso curled up together on the couch and passed out.

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 Chapter 32
Chapter Notes

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Woken a few moments before class began by Aizawa, the two half-heartly following into the
lion’s den that was the 1-A classroom.

The tension rolled out of the room when the three stepped in together, most of the others
clustered in their own little groups. Iida, Todoroki, Asui, Ochaco and Yaoyorozu were in a
group, and it froze when Iida let out a startled “Midoriya!”

Looking at him, Izuku inclined his head before making his way to his desk. “Shinso, you’re
next to me on my left.”

“Got it.” Taking his seat, the two waited for something to happen.

Before it could, Aizawa stood. “Alright. In your seats. I have an announcement: We’re going
to be having an assembly during our normal morning hours this Friday. It’s on a topic that
came to light, recently. There will likely be a media presence. You will display all of the
dignity we expect you to have as UA students and future heroes. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sensei. But may we inquire as to the nature of the assembly? We do not often have
them.” Iida stood as he asked.

“You may inquire. But the topic will likely be discussed in your modern studies class with
Midnight, so I’m not going to say much at this time.” Aizawa’s gaze was passive. “We’ll be
discussing discrimination of all types—including quirklessness.”

All eyes in the room snapped, looking to Izuku. Keeping his gaze straight, Izuku ignored the
looks. Wait, what? This is sudden. Is there anything I need to know about this assembly?

“Alright, let’s get to work then. I’m assuming you all did the homework—so…”

Classes once again flew by, and lunch rolled around when the bell rang. “Alright, that’s
lunch!” Mic waved. “See you all later.”

Standing, Izuku and Shinso looked to each other, when a very clearly nervous Ochaco
approached them. “Izuku…. Shinso. Would you two like to join us for lunch?”

I… don’t want to push them away. “If you’re OK with it, I know I kind of just dropped a huge
bomb on you guys and left yesterday.”
Ochaco rushed to reassure, waving her hands out in front of her. “No, it’s not a problem. We
just… I don’t know how to say it. I guess we didn’t realize how much we were hurting you.
We’re sorry!”

Hands in front of him, Izuku waved it off. “Don’t worry about it. You didn’t know.”

Shinso shuffled his feet. “I’d like to join, if you’re sure.”

“Great!” Ochaco reached out a hand to Shinso. “I know we got off on the wrong foot—and
that you had reasons to dislike us at first—but I hope we can be friends?”

Taking the hand, Shinso shook it. “I would like that—but you’ll have to forgive me the
occasional slip. I’m really not used to being around people.”

“Fair enough!” Leading the two to the cafeteria, she waved to the others. “Looks like they’re
waiting for us. Let’s get food and go over?”

“Sure!”

Grabbing their respective lunches, the three joined the rest of others at the table.

Iida was the first to speak. “Midoriya…are … I… I was wrong.”

“You weren’t the only one. Just… don’t make those quips about quirkless people anymore?
We’re not useless.”

“I…understand. I will do my best.”

Yaoyorozu coughed, looking down at her plate. “I will, as well. But, I have to admit that I’m
kind of hurt you didn’t tell us.”

“Because it was none of your business.” Izuku picked up a bite, swallowed it. This is going to
go badly, isn’t it?

“You’re right.” Todoroki spoke up. “And that’s all we need to say about it—right?”

His frozen monotone worked, Yaoyorozu and Iida both turning back to their food for a little
bit before they started to talk about the break.

“Yeah, mostly just hung out with my parents.” Ochaco’s grin was wide. “They were able to
afford to take time off. It was nice. Our business has been picking up since I got into UA and
during the sports festival.”

“My younger siblings clung to me like limpets.” Asui rolled her eyes, but the happy lilt spoke
on its own.

“That’s wonderful! I was also able to spend time with my family—my older brother Tensi
was even there.”
“How is he adjusting? It’s been a difficult year for him.” Todoroki rested his elbows on the
table.

“You’re right, but he’ll be OK. And you, Midoriya? Shinso?”

“Uhh…” Crap. They know break wasn’t great for me. “There was a lot. But I think some if
it’s a part of a court case and….” Trailing off at the incredulous gazes sent his way, Izuku just
balled his hands in front of him. “So…yeah. Lots happened. Not a lot that I want to talk
about.”

“I got a new sibling.” Shinso chimed in, and most of the group turned to look at him.

“That’s wonderful. Boy or girl?”

“New brother. He’s adopted, so he was a bit nervous when he came into the family but it was
nice.”

“How old are they?” Todoroki’s analytical gaze landed on Izuku.

“Mmm, about the same age of us. He’s the baby, though.”

I’m getting you back for that later. Keeping his thoughts off of his face, Izuku turned back to
his meal. “So how is heroics? I know I’m missing a lot.”

“Nothing you won’t be able to catch up with. I’m assuming this has something to do with
your break?” Iida worded his question carefully, pushing his glasses up as he did so.
“Yeah. I was hurt. Fourth-degree burns kinda suck.” Izuku let the smile fall, moving past that
information before the others could comment. “Speaking of, I need to go to Recovery Girl for
Heroics and I’m really starting to feel things wearing off. So I’ll be going now. See you guys
later?”

“We’ll escort you.” Iida was on his feet in seconds. “We haven’t been able to spend as much
time since everything’s gone down. I, for one, have missed you.”

Izuku grinned. “I missed you guys, too. I am sorry about how I reacted yesterday. I just hit
the end of my rope.”

“Understandable.” Yaoyorozu placed her hands in front of her, folded. “Everyone has one of
those moments. I apologize for my part in it.”

“As do I.” Iida chimed in. “We’d do a group hug, but if you’re still healing, we don’t want to
risk it.”

“Agreed, Kero.”

“Yeah! We’ll do our best to be better friends.” Ochaco held out a hand. “Now let’s get you to
where you’re supposed to be.”

The safari to Recovery Girl’s office left Izuku happily deposited at the curtained bay, with the
others taking off for their respective locker rooms while Izuku took his meds and nap. After
that, he was once again directed to Hound Dog.

Knocking, Izuku waited to be acknowledged. “Sensei?”

“Hello, Midoriya. I take it your class was informed of the assembly?”

“Yes, sir. I had some questions about it.”

“Good. We wanted to talk to you about it, as well.”

“We?” Izuku asked, as a knock sounded.

Looking to the teen for permission, Hound Dog opened the door. “Nezu.”

“Good afternoon, Hound Dog. Midoriya.” Scurrying in, the creature nodded in greeting. “I
hope you don’t mind me visiting your session, Midoriya. But I wanted to warn you of what is
coming in the upcoming assembly. It will be dealing heavily with testimonials from quirkless
people in the town where you were taken.”

That’s…. going to be rough. Pulling his shoulders in, Izuku as if a metal rod had been inserted
into his back. “Am I going to be able to leave if it gets to be too much?”

“Of course. That’s why I wanted to forewarn you. This will likely be hard for you—both
Yamada and Aizawa have both said that if you need to skip class that day or step out that you
can go to either of their classrooms or remain in the teacher’s lounge at their desks.” Hound
Dog leaned back in his chair.

Letting his shoulder slump from the tense and panicked position, he took a deep breath. I
want to tell my story, too. “And if I said I wanted to join in on the testimonials?”

Hound Dog leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. “Are you sure, Midoriya? You
do not have to do anything that might make you uncomfortable.”

“I…yeah. I do.”

Nezu nodded, approvingly. “Well, that was also something I wanted to give you the choice to
do. However, I would caution you about doing so. It could be hard for you to be there to hear
about the other things that the others have gone through.”

“I guess, but I would like to try, at the least.”

“Alright. We planned on having a few members of said community—Dr. Lee and a few
others who agreed—being physically present. They’ll be coming down tomorrow, and acting
as guests of UA for the next few days.” Nezu returned the grin that Izuku gave him. “You
seem excited.”

“Yes, sir!” Izuku nodded, before worry crawled back down his spine. “I want to participate,
but I don’t want everyone at UA knowing who I am. Is that possible?”
“We’ll work it out.” Nezu promised, and the rest of the hour flew by as they set out what
would be happening.

Between the healing sessions, classwork and setting up his part of the assembly, Izuku was
half wiped out by the end of that Thursday, flopping down on the couch the second he got
home with. “Am now cat. Do not disturb.”

Mic sat down next to him. “Are you feeling OK about tomorrow, Jellybean? It’s not too late
to back out of it.”

Rolling to his back, Izuku looked up to him. The smile that Izuku saw was tight on the man’s
face, the corners turned down. “I don’t want you hurt.”

I wish this wasn’t weighing on him as much as it is.

“I know; that’s why I’m leaving after the assembly tomorrow.” Sitting up slowly, Izuku put
his back to the couch. “It’s going to be hard, but…having a voice this way.... I want it.”

“You are absolutely sure?” Mic reached and, brushed a stray curl out of the boys face.

“Yes.”

“Alright. Do you want to practice what you’re going to say? Sho and Shinso will be out until
dinner, we have time for you to breathe and practice.”

“Yeah. That’s a good idea. Are you sure you’re OK to listen, though?” Looking down at his
hands, Izuku began to pick at a loose string. “I know this has been weighing on both you and
Aizawa.”

“Izuku.” Mic spoke quietly, as he sat down next to the boy. “It’s because we’re worried about
you. This is…a brave move, but it could be one that really end up damaging you mentally.
We do not want you to be hurt—and the reliving of all of this as you talk about it might send
you to a dark place. And you’ve suffered so much already. We just…” Pulling off his glasses
and placing them to his side, Mic rubbed at his eyes before letting his hands fall into his lap.
“We want you to be happy. We want you to have what you should’ve had for all these years.”

Emerald eyes met carmine and Izuku let out a sigh as he looked away after a few minutes. I
wish I knew what to say to get it across. “I know that there’s a lot that’s going to make me
sad—put me back into that headspace you’re worried about. I know that. It scares me, too.
It’s not fun to be trapped back there.” Curling up on his back, Izuku let his head rest on Mic’s
side and stared at the wall. But… “The thing is, I’m going to have to face it forever. This isn’t
ever going to go away. At least with the assembly, I’m choosing to face it on my own terms.
And I won’t be alone….” Right?

Mic pulled him close, hugged him. “You’re not. And you never will be again, OK?”

“I know. Love you.” The words are easy, slip from him before he realizes he’s said them.
Crap, I didn’t…

A watery “Love you too, jellybean” stopped the train of thought in its tracks.
Moving back so he could see Mic’s wet eyes, Izuku felt his stomach settle. “Then we’re
good.”

“Yeah, we’re good. Now, what do you plan on saying?” Mic sat back, relaxing as Leona
jumped up onto his lap. Reaching down to stroke the cat, the man took a deep breath and then
let it out. “It’s going to be hard for you.”

“Yeah, but I’ll have you there the entire time.”

“I suppose. Do you have any signals for ‘get me the hell out of here’?”

“No…should I?”

Mic leaned forward. “It would make me feel better if you have a way to get out if you need it.
We use hand signals at the radio station if I ever get called in while on shift there.” Holding
up his right hand, Mic pointed out two fingers before tracing a circle in the air as he tucked
them in. “If I need to leave and someone else has to stand in, that’s the signal I use. Why
don’t you try?”

Mimicking the gesture, Izuku looks to Mic. “Like that?”

“Good. Very good. And yes, exactly like that. If you need to stop tomorrow, make that signal
to me. I will cut the broadcast and take you home.” Mic took the boy in hand, held it for a
second. “Promise me you’ll use the out if you need it.”

“I will. Can we start on dinner?”

Mic looked up, at the clock. “It’s a little early, but sure. Did you have something in mind?

“I was hoping to learn to make more stuff. I really liked the pizza.”

“Well, that’s doable. How about we look through recipes and see if there’s something that
catches your eye?”

“Sounds great.”

“Good. C’mon, food sounds like an amazing idea.” Standing, Mic gently put the cat down on
the couch.

“Do you really think there’s going to be a media presence, tomorrow?”

“Nezu wanted something—mostly to announce the partnership between UA and the

Quirkless organization to help create some foundation to help kids who are quirkless and
change some of the laws in order to protect people better. He’s big on preventing abuse.”

“If anyone could do it, it’s him. Mouse-god is mouse-god, after all.” Grinning at the crack of
laughter from the blonde man, Izuku tilted his head. “What?”

“Mouse-god.” Chortling, Mic braced himself against the counter. “Don’t call him that to his
face or he’ll never let you live it down.”
 “You sound as if you speak from experience.”

“Experience by proxy. Ask Sho.”

Ohhhhh, there’s got to be an excellent story to that one.

Chapter End Notes

I'm off to do Christmas shopping to avoid the rush and shortages. If you can, I
recommend you do too. Anyway, let me know what you're thinking. Kudos and
comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 33
Chapter Notes

Hi everyone. Hope you're doing well.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Between steps to make the Takoyaki recipe they’d picked out, Izuku let the bits and pieces he
was struggling with the most flow from him as he focused on the task at hand. Once or twice,
his lungs would seize at a particularly difficult moment.

“Hey, breathe.” Mic whispered, one hand resting on the back of the teen’s neck to ground the
boy as he spoke. “It’s OK to be sad—it’s Ok to be angry.”

“I know.” Letting the touch comfort him, Izuku took a deep breath. “I can do this.”

“I believe you can—but you do not have to do it alone. You’ll have some of the others with
you—and you know the signal, right?”

Making the motion again, the teen nodded. “Yeah. I do.”

“Good. I…” pausing when the front door opened, Mic waited. “Welcome home.”

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

Both Aizawa and Shinso walked into the kitchen, Aizawa pulling a water bottle from the
fridge while Shinso sat at the table. “What’s going on?”

“Just practicing.” Izuku leaned away from the mixing bowl. “How was training?”

“Mmmmph.” Shinso turned away while Aizawa grinned.

“It was passable.”

“I’m gonna shower.” Shinso slid away from the table before sliding away upstairs, slouching
and keeping his gaze away.

“What…?” Izuku asked Shinso’s back as the other teen ignored him. ‘s up with you? Did I do
something wrong?

Turning to Aizawa, Izuku let his head fall to the side in an obvious question and then jerked
his head back to the stairs where Shinso had just disappeared.
Aizawa understood the wordless question. “He’s worried about tomorrow.” Aizawa looked to
the boy. “You ready?”

“Yeah. I am. I’ll be OK.”

“If you’re sure. But I want you to have a way out if…” Aizawa paused when Izuku quickly
made the ‘escape’ signal Mic had shown him. “Alright. You’re ready.”

Dinner was done within twenty minutes, as Shinso returned damp and in relaxed clothes. The
meal was relatively quiet, everyone lost in their own thoughts. After dinner was done, Izuku
ducked up to his room to let the other three have some time to themselves. Picking up the
new sketch book he’d chosen, he let his mind wander along with his pencil.

They all seem upset. I wish it didn’t worry them. I don’t want them to have to worry. I don’t
want to be a burden.

“You’re not.” Hound Dog’s voice spoke. “You were treated as one—and that’s awful. But you
are not a burden, no matter how much you were told you were. It’s hard, but I want you to
remember those who care about you whenever you feel that way.”

Starting to sketch, Izuku let the pencil follow his thoughts.

“Love you too, Jellybean.” A pair of glasses sat on a school desk.

“You’re my problem child.” A DVD copy of Book of Life

A game controller joined the other two items, encircled by cat pawprints to complete the ring.

Wait… I want this to be the second ring. Reaching for the big pink gum eraser, Izuku started
to run it over the paper when a knock sounded.

“Izuku?” Aizawa spoke. “Mind coming out here?”

“Give me a moment.” Putting away the sketchbook and pencil, Izuku poked his head out of
his door. “Something wrong?”

“No, not really. We were going to play a four-player game. Wanted to know if you’d like to
join?” Aizawa was leaning against the hallway, now in his usual sweatpants and tank top.

“I can, but I assumed you three would want to spend some time together decompressing.”

“Did you think you weren’t welcome?”

“I know I’m stressing all three of you out—and Shinso seemed…angry. I wanted to give him
some space.”

“Oh, problem child.” Waving toward the stairs, Aizawa waited until Izuku had come out of
his room to move away. “That big heart of yours isolates you far too often.”
“I just… I know proximity when I’ve angered someone can be dangerous. And I know I
shouldn’t be stressing you guys out like this and I…”

“Kiddo.” Pausing on the stairs, Aizawa turned back to him. “Listen to me: It’s not your job to
worry about us.”
“I know. But I still care.”

“Big heart. C’mon.” Aizawa turned at the sound of swears. “Shinso’s already lost a
minigame.”

“Does he do that often?”

“NO!” Shinso called, as Aizawa simply nodded.

“He denies it, but he’s probably the worst Mario Party Player we’ve ever seen.” Aizawa
explained as the two crossed the threshold from entryway to living room.

“Am not!”

“Look at it this way: You have to be better than me, Shinso.” Izuku sat next to the boy, on the
ground while Aizawa took the spot next to Mic.

The first game went to Mic, the second to Aizawa, and the last to Izuku. Which enraged
Shinso.

“No! I refuse!” Launching himself at Izuku, Shinso pinned him to the ground. “How? How
did you beat me?”

“I have no earthly idea.” Izuku felt the smirk he was wearing stretch. “How did you lose?”

“I. Don’t. Know! Stop laughing, you hyenas.” Shinso snapped at the adults as they howled.

“But fluff, it’s so wonderful.” Mic chortled, catching the lunging Shinso and tucking him
close. “Your skills at video games are amazing.”

Shinso made a show of struggling even as he let himself fold into his Pop’s arms. “Shut up.”

“It’s true.” Aizawa squished the teen between them. “They’re remarkably bad.”

“Shut up.” Shinso wrapped an arm around Aizawa.

“They are.” Izuku sat up, yawned.

“And that, my dear boys, is a sign it’s bedtime. C’mon.” Mic stood, stretched. “And don’t
give me the whole ‘it doesn’t matter if I lie down, I won’t sleep’ thing tonight. Better to be
ready for tomorrow.”

Izuku got up from the floor, stretched. “Night.”

“Night, Problem child.” Aizawa turned away, picking up his bag.

 “Nope!” Mic plucked said item from his hands. “You don’t have patrol tonight; I know
you’re caught up with grading and that you’re getting jittery and even darker eye bags from
lack of sleep. Tonight you’re going to bed at a decent hour.”

Aizawa sighed. “But…”

Flashing each other a grin, Izuku and Shinso let themselves watch. Mic is gonna win. But
how?

“Do I look like I’m accepting any excuses?” Leaning down, Mic pecked him before turning
back to the boys as they stood at the bottom of the stairs. “Yes?”

“We want to see who wins the battle of wills.”

“Yeah.”

Aizawa let out a huff. “There’s no contest. Bedtime.”

Leading the way up the stairs, Izuku ducked into his room. It’ll be over tomorrow.

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking. Comments and Kudos are appreciated. :-)
 Chapter 34
Chapter Notes

Hello. I am venturing out to go shopping in the pre-Thanksgiving rush. If I do not make

it back for awhile, know I passed while being trampled for a turkey and I died without
dignity.

Wish me luck. Also, extra long chapter.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Sleep was restless that night, stalking in and out as Izuku tossed and turned when moments of
memory buried themselves in his unconscious mind—the rebar, the feeling of being unable to
breathe, the smell of flesh burning, of being unable to move—all pried him from sleep.
“Damn it.”

I need to be fully rested if I want Recovery Girl to heal me. And make it so I can get back into
Heroics. And to finally shower without fear of infection or anything! And just to start working
out again—I think I’ve put on eight or nine pounds since I haven’t been able to move much!

Turning over, the boy punched the pillow. Sleep.

An hour and a half later, after another nightmare, he gave up. “Screw this.” It’s almost the
time we get up, anyway.

Sliding out of bed, fastening his brace, and picking up his sketchbook, Izuku slid down the
stairs to the comfort of the couch. Pulling on his headphones, Izuku clicked on shuffle to be
greeted with an old, slow war song. Keeping his voice low with one earbud out, Izuku sang
along.

“But here, in this grave yard, it’s still no-mans land. The countless white crosses in mute
witness stand: To man’s blind indifference to his fellow man, and a whole generation was
butchered and damned.”

Soft footsteps came up behind him. “Problem child?”

“Thanks for not spooking me.” Letting his head fall back so he met his dad’s gaze, Izuku
offered a smile. “I’m sorry, did I wake you?”

“No, I got my maximum amount of sleep—I only tend to need six hours, twenty minutes. I
got used to napping during the day. So I’m awake. I’m just confused as to why you’re down
here—you’re still growing. You need to rest.”
“Nightmares, mostly. And nerves. I’ve been tossing and turning. Got tired of being in my
room, so I came downstairs. Was that wrong?” Nerves sprang up in the teen as he dropped his
gaze to the side.

“No. You’re welcome anywhere in the house. Just make sure you get enough sleep.” Aizawa
moved to the kitchen. “I’m going to make food—want to join me?”

“Didn’t Ya…Pops say that you can’t? I thought you burned water.”

“Correction: I scorch water. And yes, he has banned me. But he made me go to bed and he’s
not here to stop me. And he doesn’t have his hearing aids in so he won’t hear me. Perfect
storm.”

“…. maybe another half-an-hour wouldn’t hurt. And the plausible deniability is also nice.”
Lying down, Izuku ignored the snicker and closed his eyes.

When he next blinked, an hour had gone by and he was being shaken. “Izuku…c’mon, kiddo.
We need to leave soon.”

“Huh…wait, what time is it?” Sitting up fully, Izuku looked around.

“It’s almost seven. We need to leave soon. Go on up and change, and meet me back down
here.” Mic smiled before he stood as he stretched his arms above his head. “We’ve got your
breakfast ready, and you just need to eat it. Hurry.”

Jumping up, Izuku bounded up the stairs. “Shoot!”

Aizawa chuckled as the teen passed him. “Good morning.”

Waving, Izuku ducked into his room, quickly pulling on his clothes over his brace and
jogging back downstairs. “I didn’t mean to fall back asleep.”

“You needed it, sweetheart.” Mic waved him to the table. “Here, eat and then we’ll go.”

Downing as much of the plate of eggs, toast and bacon as he could, Izuku stood and grabbed
his bag. “Let’s go!”

The group’s usual trip to UA went by in nerves and excitement.

“You sure you’re ready?” Shinso asked.

“Yeah. And it’s not like I have to stay afterwards—especially since I have my final healing
session with Recovery Girl afterward and I’m probably going to be asleep a lot of the rest of
the day. Pop’s is coming home with me just to make sure that One-For-All doesn’t knock me
too hard. Thanks, Pops!”

Mic turned with a smile and nod before going back to talking to Aizawa.

“So talk, healing session, and then sleep off the rest.” Izuku let out a long breath. “I’m
looking forward to the sleep part.”
“Sounds great. You’re headed out with the Bomberhog and his family this weekend, right?”

“Yeah, gonna go visit mom’s grave. Since I… couldn’t be with her at the end.” The tone
dropped to somber as the adults stopped their discussion to join the boys.

“I am sorry that you couldn’t be there, Izuku.” Aizawa turned around in his seat as they
waited at a light, met the boy’s gaze. “I know it hurts.”

“I mean, it was probably going to happen soon, anyway. No matter how many clinical trials
she was enrolled in, it never worked. I kept hoping—that maybe… —but I should’ve known
that was wrong. I was just so scared.”

With that weighing on the boy, the arrival at UA didn’t entirely register. I did something
awful to mom—I shouldn’t’ve kept her alive. She wanted to pass with dignity and I was
selfish and then I couldn’t be there when she did pass and…

The feeling of a hand on his shoulder broke Izuku from his trance, with Aizawa standing in
the doorway of backseat. “Come on, ‘Zuku.” Holding out a hand, the man waited.

Taking it, Izuku accepted the help to climb out of the car. “Thanks.”

“Mm.” Gently pushing Izuku toward Mic, Aizawa reached for Shinso. “Everyone ready?”

“Yep!” Izuku chirped, leaning into Mic’s side, tilting his head back to look at the taller man.
“Right?”

“Let’s kick some tail end, kiddo!” Mic pumped his fist in the air.

“You can swear. It’s OK. We’re teenagers. ‘Zuku dropped the f-bomb the other day.” Shinso’s
grin was wide as Izuku felt a fissure of betrayal go through him.

Mic snapped his gaze to the green-haired teen, displeasure clear. “Izuku?”

“It was after a breakdown and in defense of both myself and Shinso?”

Mic looked to Aizawa, who nodded. “Technically, yes. But also it was basically ‘fuck it, I’m
out.’”

“And you didn’t give him detention?” Mic asked as he tugged his teen toward the door.

“Nah, it was funny.” Aizawa walked next to Shinso.

“Sho!” Mic scolded, then sighed. “Later?”

“Later.” Entering the building, the four made the usual beeline for the teachers’ lounge before
three splits from the one—Mic staying at the lounge while Izuku, Shinso and Aizawa made
their way to 1-A’s classroom.

Taking their spots—Aizawa in his sleeping bag up front, Izuku and Shinso at their desks, the
three waited for the others.
Everything was normal—Yaoyorozu, Iida, Ochaco arriving together as they usually did—and
the others in the class joining at their own pace. As the homeroom bell run, Izuku let out a
deep breath, only to be surprised by the sound of the classroom door opening.

“Hello, I’m looking for a friend of mine.” Mikuu’s voice came, and Izuku shot to his feet as
everyone else gaped.

“Mikuu!” Izuku called, as the girl poked her head in the door. “Over here.”

The blue haired girl bounded forward, pink skater skirt flouncing over her black tights.
Lunging forward, she wrapped Izuku in a hug. “You’re upright! I’m so glad for you! And I
hate that you’re taller than I am.”

Izuku snorted, laughter pouring from him. “Are you a part of the assembly?’

“Yepppp!” Mikuu stepped back, looking the boy over. “I’m so glad I got to come. It took a
lot of convincing.”

“I mean, with what happened with your dad…” Izuku cut himself off, at Aizawa’s cough.

“Midoriya. You might want to introduce your friend, and then you’re to report to Recovery
Girl.” Aizawa gestured the two up to the front from his spot on the floor.

“Sorry, everyone. This is Sanada Mikuu, she’s a friend of mine. We met over the break.”

“It’s nice to meet you all. Sorry to interrupt.” Mikuu bowed, before standing back up with a
smile. “Now, do we need to head to the auditorium?”

Aizawa grumbled, unzipped the sleeping bag and stepped out. “We do. Sanda, we’ll escort
you. Midoriya, head to Recovery Girl’s office.”

“Yes, sir.” Bumping shoulders with Mikuu, Izuku smiled. “I’m sorry I won’t be with you,
but…”

Catching himself, Izuku glanced around to see all the curious gazes on him. Gesturing in a
circle so Mikuu got it, he said “Well, you get it. They’ll figure it out, but I don’t want
everyone to know.”

“I get it. Text if you want someone to lean on, and I’ll try to catch you before you leave.”
Mikuu nudged back. “See you then?”

“See you then.” Turning toward the door, Izuku was almost out when Bakugo tapped him on
the shoulder. “Hm?” When did he walk up here??

“Be safe, and I’ll come carry your dumb ass if needed.”

Flipping Bakugo off and then stepping into the hall, Izuku waded through the waves of
students being guided to the auditorium. Ducking into Recovery Girl’s office, he let out a
long breath. “It’s too people-y out there.”
Mic snorted, smile wide as he fiddled with the microphone. “OK, so we’ve got the voice
distorter ready, and the microphone. We’ll be streaming the gym so you can see and
participate as necessary.” Patting the seat beside him, Mic waited until the boy had taken it
before he handed him the earpiece. “Here, put this on.”

Sliding the earpiece in, and adjusting the mic so it was at a comfortable space, Izuku looked
to Mic and tilted his head before flashing a thumbs up. Am I good?

Mic returned the gesture. You’re good.

Sitting quietly, the two waited as the presentation started with Nezu speaking.

“Good morning, UA! It’s wonderful to have you all here for this assembly—we even got 1-A
to attend!” Chuckles rang across the computer screen. “Yes, I know. Miracles do occur.
However, this assembly is on a rather serious matter—while many among us are blessed with
gifts in our lives, not all who are a part of our world are. Discrimination is a problem the
world over and we at UA are no different—we all have biases and preconceived notions that
sneak up on us. In order to combat this both in our student body and ourselves, we have
asked several representatives from different groups to speak on their experiences and
tribulations. As such, I expect everyone to be on their best behavior. Anyone who interrupts
or is rude to the representatives will face harsh consequences. Expulsion is not off the table,
depending on the severity.” Nezu’s words silenced the original jovial atmosphere. “I will not
tolerate bigotry among my students.”

After a moment of silence to ensure the message had sunk in, Nezu smiled. “Now, please
help me welcome our guests.”

As the principal introduce people, Izuku watched the group who took the stage.

A person in a wheelchair, a woman with a cane and service dog, a man who was carefully
playing with a fidget toy, a woman with a friend who seemed to be signing to her, Dr. Lee
and Mikuu took the stage.

“Hello, everyone! I’m Sera Eiko. It’s nice to meet all of you, and I’m guessing you can
already figure out what my deal is!” The person in the wheelchair spoke first, gesturing to
said chair. “Now, a lot of you probably think that with the advent of quirks that
discrimination toward people who are shaped differently vanished, because let’s face it—it
could be their quirk. And—in some cases—that is true. But for the most part, quirks merely
added to the stigma.”

The assembly speakers all took turns, following down the line. Then, it reached Mikuu and
Dr. Lee.

“Hello, everyone. My presentation is going to be a little different, and I’ll be talking with my
friend here, and the person who’s watching this from another room. Now, we’ve been
discussing discrimination in a personal stories way. This is going to be the case for me, but
I’m going to be speaking on someone else’s story, collaborated by myself and Mikuu. So,
Spirit, can you hear us?”
Izuku waited for a second before speaking. “Yes! I’ve been watching up until now.”

“Can you explain why you’re not in the room with us, please?”

“It’s because I’m a UA student myself, and I don’t really want to have to deal with questions
outside of this assembly. I’ll say that I’m very much blessed to be a part of UA, because I was
quirkless for the majority of my life.”

On screen, Izuku could hear the whispers and quiet questions starting to rise, some less quiet
voices came through clearly.

“What? A UA student who’s quirkless?”

“Impossible. There’s no way.”

“Aren’t quirkless people…usually less able to handle the academic rigor needed here?”

Pausing to let the whispers die, Izuku watched the screen. “To answer some of the questions,
yes, a Quirkless UA student. And no, I’m not less intelligent and therefore ‘less able to
handle the academic rigor’ here. Thank you for the concern, but my teachers have been
pleased with me since I started here. Now, here’s the real kicker: I’m a hero course student.”

The unanimous screams of “WHAT?” rang out, loud enough to hurt.

“You see, my quirk is one that requires a physical component to be able to activate—and my
physical component is a ridiculous level of physical fitness. Given that I was a couch potato
—and probably still would be if I hadn’t been influenced to work out—I probably never
would’ve unlocked my quirk. As it stands, I didn’t get my quirk until I started high school.
And as such, I still consider myself to be quirkless—years of bullying, suicide baiting,
homelessness and two different attempts on my life haven’t vanished in the time I spent at
UA.”

Izuku felt his phone buzz at his hip, but ignored it. I bet a few of 1-A have figured it out.

“Anyway… Let me take you back. I was first diagnosed as quirkless when I was four—when
my mom got worried about me not developing anything. My childhood friend had developed
his—and it was powerful. I’d taken to pestering her about when mine was coming. And
because she was worried, she scheduled the appointment. And, well, it wasn’t great news.
The doctor stated that—since I hadn’t developed a quirk yet—that it was unlikely to happen.
He told us that there was about a 5 percent chance of my quirk being something activated by
a specific condition, but that it wasn’t something I should count on.” Does this count as a
white lie or a whopper? “And from there, my life went to—not to so put too fine a point on it
—went to hell.”

Mikuu snorted. “That’s putting it lightly. When queried, quirkless people state that they face
bullying about 78 percent of the time. And while most of the bullying changes as the person
grows—verbal slaps usually graduate to physical abuse by the time that quirkless kids hit
middle school. And if they’re female, some abuse regarding dating, lack of dating and other
abuse of an adult nature occurs.”
“That’s true: I lost track of how many times I was told I was worthless and that I should give
up by the time my third year in school. By the time I hit middle school, I was scarred by
people who were very free with using their quirks. I had also received thousands of spider
lilies in various colors, and other gifts like bottles of pills, sharp knives and lengths of rope in
suggestion.”

Taking a moment, Izuku let out a long breath. “The bullies weren’t the worst thing: it was
what happened with my parents that nearly broke me. The first attempt on my life happened
when I was four. I don’t remember much of what happened. It was a friend of my moms who
told me the story. From what I was told we’d come home and mom had made me a snack or
something and sent me to play. I think I went to play on the computer, and I know she sent a
text to my biological father. He came home that night; it wasn’t good. I don’t know what
happened to set him off—or if he was simply enraged that I was quirkless. But my aunt came
over and discovered my father strangling me after knocking my mother out in the kitchen.
Thank goodness my auntie is a fighter who was able to pry him off of me with my mother’s
help. After that, he vanished from my life for years. Fast forward, I was in my last year of
elementary school when my mom got dizzy and fell down.”

Tears rose in his eyes as he wrinkled his nose to fight them. “And from there, it was endless
hospital visits that I didn’t understand were very important. At the end, it came out that my
mom was terminal—she’d waste away until there was nothing left. And I would have no one
left in the world to take care of me. My mom and Auntie had drifted apart—mostly due to the
fact that Auntie’s son and I didn’t get along. Gap in expectations, you could say.”

Tears started to fall. Reaching up, Izuku rubbed them away with the palm of his hand. The
feeling of an arm encircling his shoulders, warm and firm in its support had him smiling up to
Mic. “So, my mom felt she was trapped—quirkless kids who go into the system often don’t
survive for very long.”
“Very much true. Stats show that most quirkless kids who enter the system run away or leave
by the time they’re eighteen by about thirty percent—and that their lives once they leave the
system isn’t a good one. Most turn to sex work or illegal activity because that’s the only
people who hire them. If they’re lucky, they end up at low-paying, dead-end jobs.” Mikuu
chimed in again, keeping her face neutral.

“There wasn’t much she could do—she set up a trust fund for me, mostly a college fund—
and did her best to earn enough money to keep us both afloat and save for me. It was…hard.”
Coughing, Izuku pushed away the sadness. “And by the time I him my second half of my
second middle school year, she was comatose. And I was homeless; no one ever came to put
me in the system. I know the call was made—I watched it happen when the head nurse made
it. But no one ever showed up. And I didn’t know what to do, so I went outside—then home.
My mom’s landlords caught me outside our apartment door, told me that the rent was going
to go up. I knew what our rent was—if I used the money mom had saved for me, which I
would be accessing illegally—I would be out of money before I hit the end of high school.
And I knew I would need every cent to even get off to an OK start. So, I packed up what I
wanted—photos of my mom, mostly, a sketchbook and a few changes of clothes—and went
back to see my mom the next day. I became homeless, lived close to the hospital.” The
buzzing in his back pocket started again and didn’t stop.
“And that’s where I stayed for the next couple of years—living off what I could withdraw
without arousing suspicion from my mom’s accounts. And that’s where UA found me. I ran
into my teacher, who ended up looking at my records and calling me on my crap. I was
terrified. I thought he’d expel me for lying.” Letting out a weak chuckle, Izuku accepted the
flick to his arm from Mic before continuing. “I shouldn’t’ve, but that was what I could think
of in that moment. He informed Nezu, and that kicked off the search for why I was never
taken in to the foster care system, where my guardians were. As it turns out, my biological
father had signed for custody.”

The sharp intake from the laptop screen had Izuku laughing bitterly. “You’re already ahead of
me. Yeah, it didn’t go well. I ended up injured—and very nearly sold off for parts. Quirkless
organs fetch a fair price on the black market.”

“Very much true. Quirkless organs can be used for transplants without complications from
quirks, making them extremely valuable.” Mikuu poined to the screen. “If you want to see
how much we’re being sold for, here’s the chart.”

“And my dad was willing to do a lot to make sure I didn’t have a quirk. I had been drugged,
and that suppressed my quirk at the time. Now, fair warning, we’re going to flash a few
photos of what my father felt I deserved for being ‘worthless.’ These photos are graphic, so
feel free to look away.” Pausing as the horror washed over the entire student body, Izuku
gave them a moment. “I have to ask you: What person deserves this? And if your answer is
‘no one ever could,’ congrats, you have more of a heart then he did. You want to know what
the worst part is? I’m going to cede my time to one of the amazing doctors who can give you
guys a better idea of just how unfortunately common my story is. Attempts on my life via
parental units and all. Dr. Lee, I leave it in your hands. Thank for your time, everyone.”

Looking to Mic, Izuku saw the man disconnecting the earpiece and microphone from the
wireless connection they’d been using. Waiting until his foster parent looked at him, Izuku
tilted his head. Am I off?

“You’re clear, kiddo. Safe to talk.” Mic confirmed, moving to pull the boy into a hug. “Were
you really worried about being expelled when we found you?”

“Well, yeah. I’d lied to UA. No one who does that stays.” Wrapping his arms around the man,
he clung. “I’m just glad I was wrong.”

“You were.” Mic said, laughing a bit. “But that’s neither here nor there. Let’s get you healed
up, and then we can go on home.”

“Home sounds good.”

Recovery Girl entered the room. “Well done, Midoriya. You were clear and concise.
Although, I do believe that your classmates cottoned on to who ‘Spirit’ was very quickly.”

“I can still feel my phone in my pocket. I’m kinda surprised that Aizawa hasn’t called them
out on that.”
“Oh, I’m sure he will.” Recovery Girl assured, walking over. “Now, are you ready to be
healed?”

“If it means I can shower finally, I am more than ready.” Making his way to one of the cots,
Izuku curled up into a ball.

“Sensible.” Recover Girl judged, leaning over to gently peck Izuku on his temple. “We’ll
check when you wake up, and then you can go.”

“Yes, ma…’am.” Closing his eyes under the pull, Izuku was asleep within the space between
breaths.

Awareness came back slowly, warmth and silence almost pulling him back down. Blinking
his eyes open, he saw Mikuu and Mic engaged in what appeared to be an impromptu teaching
session of JSL. “Mmph?”

“Hi, sleeping beauty. It’s like we’re back at the hospital.” Mikuu turned to him, smile
stretching wide. “Although, this should be the last time you need to heal, right?”

“Yep. Now it’s building back as much muscle as I can and figuring out a new brace that’ll
compromise between offering support and allowing me to build said muscle.” Sitting up and
stretching, Izuku winced at the tightness in his back. “I don’t know that I’ll ever get back to a
hundred percent.”

“Well, we’re still kids. There’s hope. But you’re probably right about not ever being back to
the ‘before’ stage.” Mikuu hopped over to him, sat next to him. “Glad you’re OK. How are
you feeling?”

“Like I might be able to shower soon. I am excited.” Izuku deadpanned as Mikuu snorted.

“Wow, one-track mind on you.”

“Pretty much. I am tired of being stuck unable to shower. My hair is a pain if I don’t clean it
regularly. I should’ve shaved it off when I got burned, but I just never thought about it.”

“Well, it is a gorgeous color, so I’m glad you didn’t.” Mikuu reached up, tugged at one of the
curls. “So, what’s going on with you?”

“I’m sure we’ve been texting this entire time but it’s been amazing here. Mostly just me
adjusting to my parents and sibling. Who are hysterically funny, by the way.”

“Aww. I’m glad. It’s been mostly quiet back home, too. School, skating and sleep. That’s
pretty much my life right now.”

“Are you headed for any major competitions soon?”

“Not too soon.” The sound of the curtain moving had all three occupants looking toward the
opening to the squat older woman in the gap.
“Good afternoon, Midoriya. If you two wouldn’t mind stepping out, I will check my patient
and then he and you will be free from this campus.” Recovery Girl allowed the other two to
shuffle past, eyeing the boy. “How does it feel?”

“Tight. But not painful. I think that’s just going to be how it is at times.” Reaching for the
shirt, Izuku began to unbutton it to pull it off.

“Unfortunately, that’s likely true.” Once the shirt was off, Recovery Girl nodded. “Well, to
these old eyes, you look about as healed as you can be. Finish your course of the anti-biotics
and you should be fine.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.” Tugging his shirt back on, Izuku tilted his head. “Am I cleared to
start exercising again? And normal activity?”

“You should be fine with both, but don’t push it. You don’t want to rip or tear anything. If
you do, get help immediately by either informing your parents or coming to me. One last
thing, I was asked to give you this on behalf of All Might.” Recovery Girl held out a small
envelope, smiling. “It’s your power, after all. You’re free to go home and rest, but make sure
to have someone there when the power reawakens.”

“Thank you.”

“Not a problem.” The old woman hobbled out, and Izuku tugged on brace, shirt and jacket
before grimacing and downing the hair. There has GOT to be a better way to do this.

Ducking out of the bay, Izuku walked to where Mic was standing. “I’m ready to go home.”

“Yeah, we should hurry. Aizawa told me that if we don’t hurry, your classmates will track
you down.” Mic turned to Mikuu, singed something and then grinned at her response. “And
you should probably report back to Dr. Lee. Do you want us to escort you?”

“Nah, I’m good. Anyone gets in my way, I’ll probably end up punching and then running.”
Waving, Mikuu ducked out of the room. “Bye!”

“Bye!” Izuku called after her, before keeping pace with his parent.

Arriving at the car, Izuku looked to Mic. “Can I sit up front?”

“Sure.” Mic started the car as Izuku swung in. “Buckle.”

“OK.” Buckling, the teen let himself relax fully against his back as the ride home went by. “I
missed being able to lean on my back.”

“Mmm.” Mic made a noncommittal sound, pulling into the garage. “And I take it you’re
headed up to shower?”

“God yes.”

Making his way upstairs, Izuku stopped in his room to grab both a change of clothes and the
toiletries he’d had little chance to use because of his injury. Stepping under the spray, the boy
tended to his curls. Damn it, they’re nearly mats. This is gonna take forever.

Working with his brush, his detangler and a small mountain of both conditioner and
shampoo, Izuku worked out the near-month of knots that the dry shampoo hadn’t been much
help with. I am never letting it get this bad again. Tugging on a knot a bit harder than he
intended, Izuku winced and then froze at the familiar feeling of fire in his veins. It’s back!

Letting it settle back into his bones, Izuku finished showering as he marveled. It’s so weird to
feel complete again. It’s like it left a crater in me when I let it go. Pulling on the sweats and t-
shirt, he grinned even as he yawned. I just took a nap, really?

Making his way downstairs with his phone tucked into his pocket, Izuku flopped down on the
couch, next to Mic. “I’m gonna nap…”

Mic’s hand landed in the nest of curls, gently ruffling it. “Got your hair under control?”

“Yea….” Feeling a finger scrub over a curl, the teen smiled.

“Dang, you weren’t kidding. It’s so soft.”

“It can be. It can also be a huge pain to keep said way.” Letting his eyes droop again, Izuku
fell asleep as he felt a hand stroke over his scalp.

Twenty minutes later Izuku felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, in a seemingly unending
stream. Sitting up and pulling said phone from his pocket, Izuku blinked at the sheer number
of messages. “Jeeze.”

“What’s up, jellybean?”

“I think I have somewhere upwards of two hundred messages in the group chat, and about
sixty individual messages from various classmates.”

“You’re loved.” The simple statement had Izuku sighing before nodding.

“I am, it’s still weird and I have NO idea how I’m going to answer all of these questions.”

“Wellll…. Sho mentioned that he reserved Gym Alpha after school for two hours for an extra
training session open to all of 1-A. It would give you the opportunity to talk to them while
they have something to focus on, and address all the questions at once. Plus, you could get in
some of the exercise you weren’t able to complete while stuck.”

“You are a genius, sir, and I would very much like to.” And then I can go talk to mom without
worries this weekend….I need to call Auntie, though. Clicking through to her contact, Izuku
let his thumb hover over the call button. “Are there any plans this weekend that I need to be
aware of?”

“Mmm… not that I can think of. What’s up?”

“Kacchan and his parents are going to visit mom’s grave. They said I could go with them,
since I wasn’t there when she… passed. I really want to go. I should at least let mom know
I’m OK.”

“That’s fine. Do you want us to go with you?”

“No, that’s OK. I’ll have Auntie and Kacchan. I just didn’t know if you’d want me to walk
alone anywhere, given my current kidnapping score.”

“Yeah, that’s a good point. How about we agree to meet at the train station and go from
there?”

“Sounds good. Thanks.”

“Mmmhmmm.” Turning back to his phone, Izuku pressed call before sitting up and putting
the device to his ear.

One…two…. three…maybe she’s busy and can’t pic... “Hello?”

“Hi, Auntie.”

“Oh, Izuku, sweetheart! I’m a little busy, can I call you back in ten minutes?”

“Yes, Auntie.”

“You’re such a good boy, thank you!”

The dial tone rang in his ear, and Izuku flipped over to a game to pass the time. Eight minutes
later, his phone vibrated again.

“Hello?” Answering, he waited.

“Izuku, sweetie. What’s up?”

“Oh… Kacchan mentioned that you were going to visit mom’s grave this weekend? And he
said I could go with you, so I…”

“Of course! Where do you want to meet?”

“Well, my dads aren’t comfortable with me walking on my own because of everything that’s
happened. I think they asked if it was possible to meet at the train station and go from there?”
“Well, it’s good to hear that you’ve settled in to your new family so quickly. And of course
we’re happy to meet you at the train stop. I’m glad you’ll be coming.”

“Thank you…. for taking me. I should’ve been there in the end, but…”

“Stop.” Mitsuki ordered, voice firm. “You did nothing wrong.”

“But…”

“No buts. Inky would have understood why you weren’t there. And she’d be a little bit upset
about her being kept alive, but she’d have been angry at the system that let her and not you.
You did nothing wrong, sweet boy. Stop beating yourself up, OK?”
 “OK…. I miss her.”

“I do too, sweetheart. See you tomorrow, say around eleven-thirty? We’ll get lunch after and I
can tell you more stories.”

“That sounds great. Thank you.”

“Love you, Izuku. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Love you too, Auntie. Bye.”

Mic looked to the boy expectantly. “OK…?”

“Yeah, eleven-thirty at the train station. She said we’d probably get lunch afterwards, so need
to worry about me until later.”

“Alright, sounds good. It’ll likely be me who drops you off as Mr. Night owl who wants to be
Batman will have a patrol tonight.” Mic caught the snicker that the teen let out. “What?
Batman is pretty much an idol around here.”
“There’s a reason for that: He’s awesome.”

Mic declined to comment, shaking his head. “Now, if you’re going to be swarmed by your
friends, we should probably get there early so we don’t get stopped outside the gym. How
about we head back around three, get you into the locker room and to Gym Alpha before the
others so you can test your body? Remember, you’re not allowed to push it. If you get hurt
day one, we’re banning you for a week.” The man’s hand landed in the nest of curls, affection
pouring from him as he ruffled them.

“Yes, Pops.”

“Good. Now, probably best for you to stay flat until we head out—do you have the
homework for this weekend?”
“Yeah.”

“Best to get started on it, then you don’t have to worry about it.”

He’s got a point… “I’ll go grab it, then.”

Chapter End Notes

Kudos and comments are appreciated. Let me know what you're thinking. :-)
 Chapter 35
Chapter Notes

Hi, everyone. We're getting close to the end of this story....cat, no, not right now. Here,
I'll pet you with my elbow, just give me a few! (Cat: No. Pets now.)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The next few hours passed as the two worked on their respective items—with both finishing
right around the time to leave. Eagerly bouncing his way to the car, Izuku climbed in as Mic
just smiled and started the car. Arriving back at UA, Mic shadowed the boy to the locker
room. “Go ahead and change and go to the gym. Sho said he excused the class a bit early, but
they’ve been clustered in groups to discuss this morning’s assembly. I’m going to be in the
teacher lounge, and then check in with my substitute.”

“Yes, Mic sensei.”

Mic flashed him a thumbs up. “See you later, Kiddo.”

Switching to his gym uniform, Izuku made his way to the main gym to stand next to the door
as he waited.

Moments later, Aizawa appeared. “Hey.”

“Hi, Aizawa sensei.”

“Well done.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re going to get swarmed.”

The sound of explosions had the teen looking to the adult.

“Oh, and Bakugo is probably pretty done with you—they’re been bugging him for
information.”

“I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE.” Bakugo stormed out of the main compound and caught
sight of Izuku. “NERD. DEAL WITH YOUR IDIOT FRIENDS BEFORE I MURDER
THEM.”
“On that note, get inside the gym.” Opening the door, Aizawa tugged the collar of Izuku’s
shirt to guide him inside. “Bakugo, Midoriya, go start stretching.”
“Then I’m gonna punch something.” Making the way to the mats, Bakugo looked to his
friend. “So… is it back?”
“Yep. Once I was fully healed, I took it back. Gonna wait on using full cowling until I build
up some more muscle in my back. Do you think Kirishima could help me with a workout
plan for my back specifically?”

“Shitty hair would probably be perfect for that. He exercises his mouth more than his brains,
but he’s a dedicated man when it comes to his body.”

“Aww, a genuine Kacchan compliment. Those are rare.” Izuku teased in order to get a rise
out of the blonde.

“Shut up.” Bakugo looked to the door. “Are you going to tell them the whole truth when they
come in?”

“I think so. I am really tired of hearing quirkless slurs.”

“Oh, you should’ve seen everyone after the assembly. They looked like they’d seen the ghost
of the LOV come to kill them. Oh, speaking of people not worth life, what’s happening with
your court case?”

“I’m not actually sure. Between healing and everything I haven’t asked for updates. I assume
it’ll probably be fairly open-and-shut.”

“You know the fucking saying about assuming. Aizawa sensei?”

Aizawa looked over from his position on the bleachers, wrapped in his sleeping bag. “What?”

“What’s going on with the case against the nerd’s sperm donor?”

“He goes to trial sometime next week, Midoriya is not required to speak and UA has put their
force behind the case. In short, the man is screwed and he will never see the light of day
again.”

“Good.” Letting out a huff, Bakugo went into a very basic hamstring stretch. “Up for a few
laps, nerd?”

“God, yes. I might not have my normal stamina, though.”

“Oh, so you’ve come down from Mt. Olympus to give us mortals an actual fucking chance?
Horrors.”

“I’m not that bad!” Izuku protested, easily keeping up with the pace Bakugo set as they
looped around the gym.

“YES, YOU ARE.”

“If you can scream like that while running, you’re not running hard enough.” Aizawa said, as
the two breezed past him.

An enraged yelp had Izuku snorting with laughter.

 “Same with the laughter!” Aizawa called.

“Play along.” Izuku whispered, jogging alongside Bakugo before raising his voice. “Gee,
sounds like a challenge to me. Wanna go for another sparring match a la Ground Beta?”

Bakugo lit up even though he knew it was a ruse. “FUCK YES!”

“NOOOOOOO!” Aizawa called, sitting up with his quirk flaring.

Laughter taking over his frame, Izuku stopped running for a moment to roar. Bakugo’s own
lips twisted to a jovial smirk and nudged the green haired teen. “C’mon, we wanna be done
before the extras show up.”

Resuming the last few laps with a chuckle here or there, Izuku grinned whenever they passed
by Aizawa’s now incredibly watchful eye.

Chapter End Notes

comments and kudos are appreciated, let me know what you're thinking
 Chapter 36
Chapter Notes

Covid Booster Migraine: 1. Author: 0.5.

Sorry this is late, I hate shots.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

On the last lap, the two paused when the door to the gym opened.

“He hasn’t responded to our texts yet, I think it’s prudent to assume he’s…” Iida stopped
when his eyes met Izuku’s. “Midoryia!”

In less time than it takes between heartbeats, Izuku found himself wrapped in a hug.
“I never!” The taller boy held tight, only to be impacted when two other sets of arms collided
around the two and clung. Izuku felt his feet leave the ground, wheezing a bit when the group
squeezed tight.

“Guys, need to breathe.” Tapping at the arm wrapped tightest around him—Todoroki’s from
around his back. “And if you guys tear my skin grafts, I will cry.”

The three wrapped around him quickly loosened as Iida peered down at his friend. “Wait,
skin grafts?”

“It might just be easier to show you what had to be done to heal the wounds…” Stepping
back, the green-haired teen tugged up the back of his shirt to show the scarred skin.

The indrawn breaths communicated clearly the horror his classmates felt. Same….

“So please be careful with me. My grafts were just finished healing today by Recovery Girl
and she said that if I come back, she’s not going to be happy.”

The feel of gentle fingertips brushing at the wound startled him.

“Oh, sorry.” Todoroki stepped around the teen’s side to meet his gaze. “You can still feel
things?”

“I guess so. I wasn’t sure if I could or not—there was significant damage when…what
happened happened.” Letting the shirt fall back down and hiding away the wounds, the boy
shivered a bit.

“Izuku!” Ochaco reached out, arms wide. “It was you today, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah. That was me.”

“Two attempts on your life?” Iida asked, going pale as Izuku’s word came back to him.
“Selling you organs?!!!”

“Yeah.”

“So…. where is this sperm donor of yours and how long do we have to…” Ochaco cut
herself off at Aizawa’s ‘don’t do this to me’ huff. “Ah, well. I’ll ask again when there isn’t an
adult around.”

“Ochaco, it is inappropriate as future heroes to speculate on a murder.” Clearing his throat as

both Izuku and Todoroki looked at him knowingly, he offered a small grimace. “But it is fun
to speculate what could occur should the man ever get near Midoriya again and I would
prefer to be a part of that.”

His heart clenched at that. Aww. He cares! Ignoring the tears welling in his eyes, he offered a
smile. “Thanks, Iida.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you?” Iida sounded so lost as he tilted his head.

“No, no. It’s fine. Overwhelmed and happy tears. There’s a difference.” Brushing away the
stray tear or two, Izuku smiled. “Just not used to people caring. You heard most of the story
today.”

“Hah.” Bakugo chimed in. “We’re getting the rest of the story when the others get here.”

“Rest of the story?” Todoroki asked, looking to Izuku. “There’s more? More than the…” his
nose wrinkled in distaste, “suggestions?”

“Uh…….it has to do with my quirk. And it’s important that it DOES. NOT. GET. OUT. Do
you understand?”

“Of course, Midoriya.” Iida reassured him. “Most of the other boys are here—they’re just a
little distracted with implications, and worried about you. You haven’t responded to any of
our text messages.”

Rubbing at the back of his neck, Izuku nodded. “Sorry, I just… it’s easier to explain in
person.”

“I… are you alright? You said a lot today that makes me worry.” Ochaco asked, shifting her
weight from foot to foot.

“I… it’s weird to have it out there, but it’s important. I’m glad I said it. And just know that if
I hear any of you say any quirkless slurs ever again, I will be smacking you until sense
returns.” Izuku laughed at the crack of laughter of Bakugo.

“Wow, good for you, nerd.” Bakugo offered a grin as he passed by. “Tell ‘em.”

“I’d call you pot and kettle, but at least the pot wasn’t malicious.”

Bakugo winced, stepping back. “…fair.”

This draws the attention of the other classmates—including the majority of those who’d just
walked in. Shinso separates himself from the others, grabs Izuku. “Sooooo….you OK?”

“I’ve been to hell, flame and brimstone.” Gesturing to his back, Izuku made a face. “I’ll be
OK. It was a lot.”

“Favorite sibling.” Shinso teased, then froze.

“Favorite sibling.” Izuku agreed, patting the purple haired boy’s shoulder. “And it wasn’t me
who spilled the beans.” Shinso’s eyes widened before he mouthed several swears so he
wouldn’t get into trouble.

“You two are related?” Kirishima asks, coming over. “That makes the outburst on Shinso’s
behalf is so manly. Brotherly love.”

“Is everyone here?” Looking to Iida, Izuku waited for confirmation. When the bespectacled
boy nodded, Izuku looked to Aizawa, who was watching. “Alright. Is it ok if we have
everyone join Aizawa on the bleachers and I’ll explain what I’ve left out, OK?”

Iida nodded, before looking to Yaoyorozu who was on the fringe of the group. “Are all of our
female classmates present?”

“I think Asui is coming, but she wanted to talk to her parents about something regarding her
sisters. I’ll fetch her. Everyone else,” she spoke, raising her voice to her ‘class representative’
tone, “please join Aizawa on the bleachers.”

The group more or less obeys, with Izuku taking a spot on the ground in front of them.
“Alright, Is it ok if we wait for Yaoyorozu and Asui before I start? I don’t want to have to
repeat any information. Except this: What I’m about to tell you guys is dangerous—Kamino
Ward villain level dangerous. You need to not spread this around. Anyone who is told is a
potential target.”

That sentence effectively brought down the mood.

“Kamino? As in that monster who held Bakugo?”

“It deals with him, yes.” Izuku saw the small pockets of nerves open up. “Do you guys
understand?”

“What on earth could you tell us that has to do with him?” Kaminari reached up to play with
his hair, brushing it out of his eyes.

“I can tell you when…” The sound of the door opening had everyone turning to it, high alert
flush in their systems at the mention of the monster of Kamino ward.

Yaoyorozu took in the scene before her with wide eyes. “Might I inquire what’s occurred?”

“Yeah, come on in.” Waving her and Asui over, Izuku let out a sigh. “So… to start off, yes, I
was the unseen speaker today at the assembly.”
Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking, comments and kudos are appreciated.
 Chapter 37
Chapter Notes

Hi, everyone. Hope you're doing well amid this stupid goddamned surge of new cases of
the pandemic.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Those words set off a wave of concern.

“Two attempts on your life?”

“Quirkless?”

“Are you OK? You said you were homeless. Do you have somewhere to go now?”

“Slow down.” Izuku asked, and the questions paused. “To answer the questions: Yes, my
biological father tried to kill me twice for being quirkless. The second time was over break
when UA found out I was homeless. And do you really think either Nezu or Aizawa sensei
would ever let me stay homeless? I was adopted by a hero couple who value their privacy and
that’s all I’m going to say about them besides the fact that they have excellent taste in kids
because Shinso and I are now siblings.”

“What… is this why you haven’t been able to join in our heroics class?” Mashirao asked.

“Yes. I was burned badly because my sperm donor’s quirk is fire breath.”

“This doesn’t answer our question as to how this relates to Kamino Ward.” Toru piped in, and
Izuku took a deep breath.

Moment of truth. “It has to do with my quirk. As a lot of you have noticed, I’m particularly
close to All Might.” Seeing Todoroki pop up, Izuku pushed down the laughter. “No, he is not
my biological father, Todoroki. I just told you my father’s quirk was fire breath. Does All
Might breathe fire?”

“He might?” Todoroki’s eyes were glazed over, not really listening as he leaned back.

“Do you think he’d harm me in the way displayed by my burns?” Izuku asked, and nearly let
his jaw drop when Todoroki offhandedly muttered:

“I mean, my father did… so…?” The scarred teen’s hand rested of his cheek, just below the
long-since healed burn scar.
Aizawa was on his feet in seconds, practically warping out of his sleeping bag. “Excuse me?
Your father did that to you?”

“Sort of. He drove…. I mean, when I misbehaved during training, he burned me all…”
Snapping back to his senses, Todoroki clammed up.

“Alright, ignoring that because it’s not my place to say anything, no. All Might is not my
father. But I am his successor. As in, he passed his quirk down to me—I’m still quirkless,
underneath it all.”

The words came out in a rush, panic and desire to take the heat off of Todoroki palpable.
“And All-For-One—or the villain at Kamino Ward—is targeting me and everyone around
me. Which is why this has to stay a secret among those in our class. I’m really sorry, I had no
idea he was alive when I accepted the quirk. All Might didn’t, either. He thought he’d killed
him, which is…”

“Young Midoriya.” All Might’s voice came from the door. “Breathe.”

“All Might!’ Izuku squeaked, panic rolling in his bloodstream. I forgot to tell him, he’s gonna
be so angry and I screwed up, I wasn’t supposed to tell, I’m worthless and dumb and
should’ve never…

In a second, Izuku is wrapped in warmth and limbs, with both Shinso and Bakugo holding
him.

“Nerd, breathe. Please.”

“Eazy, Izu. Shhh….” Careful to keep his touch light, Shinso put a hand solidly on his upper
back and rubbed. “Easy.”

Sound outside of the direct sources came back in chunks.

“Midoriya.” All Might is kneeling in front of him. “I’m not upset. It was about time your
classmates were told. Now, let me explain, OK? You take a walk or a break.”

“I’ll take the nerd. Eyebags should probably listen to the debrief and I already know a lot of
it. However, that monster is the person that the nerd has to face down? The fuck were you
thinking, All Might?”

“That he was dead and we were safe.” All Might fixes his gaze on the blonde teen. “Don’t
worry, Aizawa has made it clear that I’m in trouble for that. Now, take Izuku.”

“C’mon, Nerd. I want a snack.” Dragging the still processing boy out of the room, Bakugo
put him down, sitting next to him. “When are you going to be diagnosed with anxiety? That
attack was rough.”

“Not sure. I think a lot of that got pushed back because of the thing this morning.” Izuku
lowered his voice so only Bakugo could hear. “I’ll bring it up with Hound Dog next session.”
 “Good….do you want to run around campus? I don’t mind getting a snack, but I’d rather do
that after the workout.”

“Sounds good. Race you around campus once? Whoever loses buys.”

“As if I’d lose to a nerd.” Bakugo huffed, taking up a starting position. “You coming?”

Bouncing back to his feet, Izuku nodded. “You’re on.”

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking, kudos and comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 38
Chapter Notes

Hi, everyone. Sorry this is late, my computer decided I either updated or it was on strike.
It won.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

By the time they’d run—full tilt—around the campus the anxiety had vanished from the
grass-green teen.

“Back to the gym?”

“The extras are probably done reeling now.”

Opening the door, the two poke their heads in to find their classmates paired up, sparring
under All Might’s watchful eye. The only noticeable difference being that a dual-colored teen
was missing.

“All Might?” Izuku’s voice trembled as bit as he slid in the door and made his way to the
teacher.

“My boy.” Holding open his arms, All Might caught the boy in a hug. “Are you OK?”

“Yeah. Sorry about earlier.”

“Not a problem.”

“Where’s Todoroki?”

“Aizawa took him to speak to Nezu and Hound Dog. He’ll be back later, and he said to tell
you to ‘bug the loud one’ if you need anything.” Smiling at the snort the teen let out, All
Might nodded. “Exactly. Now, are you feeling better?"

“Yeah. Is Kirishima still here? I wanted to ask for advice.”

“He’s sparring with Kaminari currently. The next round ends in a few minutes, but I don’t
think you’ve worked up to where you can spar with the others yet. So, please stick to either
weight lifting—again, not too much—or jogging.”

“Alright. I do have a question for you, though—where have you been? I haven’t seen you
since before the end of break.”

“Ah…. you are well aware of my injuries.”

“Yes?”

“Well, when I was first injured, I was taken to a quirked hospital—one that can’t do organ
transplants or anything like that. The practice has become significantly less necessary since
the sheer amount of healing quirks available to us. However, at a quirkless hospital….”

“Oh. So, they can help you?”

“They’re not sure yet, but they think that it’s a possibility. At the very least, they might be
able to help me manage symptoms better as I am quirkless.”

“That’s amazing!” Izuku grinned up at the skeletal man. “I’m glad.”

“As am I.” Hearing a timer go off, All Might called out. “Alright, switch among the parings
we discussed. Oh, also—Kirisima, could you come here for a moment?”

The duos split, respective halves shuffling off to find their next partner as Kirishima came up
to All Might. “Sir?”

“Midoriya asked to speak with you for a moment.” All Might gestured to the boy in question.

“Oh, sure. What’s up, Midobro?”

“I was hoping if you could help me with a workout that would stretch my back muscles and a
good lifting regime as well. I don’t want to overdo it, and you tend to be the most physically
educated when it comes to stuff like this.”

Kirishima’s eyes welled up. “You think I’m intelligent?”

“Well, yeah.” Startled, Izuku tilted his head. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“I dunno, guess I just got used to the ‘moron’ comments. Anyway, I’d be happy to help. What
are your restraints, currently?”

Talking to the half-stone teen for a little bit, Izuku explained the injuries and muscle groups
he wanted to work. After a few minutes, Kirishima nodded. “Alright. But I’ll need time to
look up some exercises that won’t strain you. Is it OK if we talk about this Monday?”

“Sounds great. Thank you, Kirishima!”

“Not a problem. Can I go back to sparring now?”

“We’ve only got about a half-an-hour left, but yes. Go on.” All Might confirmed.

“Sweet…. Oh, Midobro?”

“What’s up?”

“Hug?” Kirishima asked, holding his arms out.

“Sure!” Taking the hug, Izuku grinned.

 “Glad you’re here. And I don’t care if you have a quirk or don’t. You’re still you.” Kirishima
dropped his arms, stepped back. “Talk to you later.”

“See you.” Izuku turned to All Might. “I’m going to the weight room.”
“Alright. Don’t push it.” All Might agreed. “And make sure you head out to change in twenty
or so minutes.”

“Yes, sir!” Jogging off to the section of the gym where the weights were, Izuku picked up a
few simple—and light-weight—dumbbells and began to do a few simple arm curls as he kept
his eyes on the clock. Making his way back out once time ran out, Izuku was tugging off his
gym uniform top when he heard the door open as the others filtered in, chatter filling the
room and bouncing off the walls. Shinso joined him, having taken the locker next to Izuku’s
and started to change with a nod.

Looking at his brother, Izuku lifted his hand up to his chest in front of him to get Shinso’s
attention, made a thumbs up and raised an eyebrow to ask his question. You OK?

Shinso returned the thumbs-up, confirming. All good.

Feeling a few classmates approach him, Izuku turned his head. Mashirao stood, hand
awkwardly placed on his neck. “I wanted to apologize, for how I acted when Shinso showed
up. And for how I must have sounded to you, Midoriya. I was wrong to insinuate that Shinso
was going to be a villain because of his quirk—and I must have sounded like a complete
asshole to you because I assumed such a thing. I am sorry.”

Aoyama flashed his usual sparkle in a grin. “You sparkle no matter what, Midoriya.”

“I had always wondered about the darkness I sensed in you—and I am sorry that the darkness
has hurt you so.”

Mezo said nothing, just reaching over to gently clasp his shoulder for a second before going
back to changing out.

Sero merely nodded, and Sato did the same.

“So…we’re okay?” The words spilled from the green-haired teen.

“We’re fine.” Several voices answered, simultaneously. Even Koda looked up, quickly
signing to Midoriya. Good.

Breathing easier, Izuku pulled his jacket over-top after everything else. “Welp. See you all
Monday.”

Chapter End Notes

Let me know what you're thinking! Kudos and comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 39
Chapter Notes

Merry Christmas, I'm going back to bed now. Hope your holidays were/are good.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

long breath. We’re good.

“Nerd! Hold up.” Bakugo called as the emerald-eyed teen walked in the direction of the
teacher’s lounge.

“What’s up?”

“You comin with me and the hag tomorrow?”

“Yep. We’re meeting at the train station at eleven-thirty tomorrow. Your mom said we’d be
getting food afterwards.”

“A’ight. Good. Be on time, Nerd.” Bakugo made his way down the hallway, vanishing toward
the front gate with his pass off campus in hand.

Following the route to the teachers lounge by rote, Izuku poked his head in and saw Mic deep
in conversation with Midnight, and took the couch. A few moments later, as he watched
them, Shinso joined him. Sotto voice, the purple haired teen observed. “What’s going on?”

“I assume something with what Todoroki said today. I’m glad it’s finally out, though.”

“You knew?” Shinso asked, voice dropping in horror. “Why didn’t…?”

“I didn’t have the entire story. And I didn’t know it was that bad.” Izuku felt his stomach
shift. “I should’ve asked more, but I was afraid he’d shut me out if I did.”

Shinso eyed him, shrugged. “You were probably right to not push. He seems…. very
reserved.”

“I kind of wonder how much of that is him and how much is trained behavior.”

“I don’t know.” Shinso leaned back. “But that’s not a question for us to ask.”

“Fair. Do you want help with homework? I already did mine.”

“Sure.”
Arranging themselves over the papers Shinso pulled from his bag, the two worked through
the homework until a tall shadow fell over them. “Right, Listeners. Time to head on out.”

“Alright.” Shinso took the paper that Izuku was studying, tucked it away. “Ready?”

“Yeah.”

The three walked out, Izuku glancing back at Mic as they walked. I want to ask, but I don’t
think I can.

Arriving at the car, Izuku felt a grin rise. “Can I have the front seat?”

“Wait, I want it!” Shinso argued, and Mic just rolled his eyes, fond smile in place.

“You had it on the way here, Izu. Hitoshi, go ahead.”

The tired teen smiled, purposefully strutting past his brother as he took the seat.

“Peacock.” Izuku grumbled, taking the seat behind Mic and ignoring the playful stuck-out
tongue from Shinso.

“That’s one way to describe him. Now, what’s up Jellybean? You’ve been doing a bunch of
fast glances my way.” Starting the car, Mic put an arm across the seats in order to turn around
to back out.

“I…what’s going to happen to Todoroki? Is he OK?”

“That isn’t something I could tell you, kiddo. Tough situation at the moment. But we’ll make
sure he’ll be alright.”

UA will do so. And Aizawa won’t let it go, nor will anyone else. “OK.”

“Don’t worry.” Mic smiled. “Now, what do we want to do for dinner?”

The ride home, the downtime and dinner afterward were quite. After dinner, the three
gathered around a movie. At the end, the three simply relaxed, with Mic taking out his
hearing aids and reading a book while Shinso scrolled through his phone and Izuku put pencil
to sketch book.

Another hour went by when Shinso piped up as he scrolled through his phone. “So…. Dad is
going to be back tomorrow morning, right?”

“His hearing aids are out.” Izuku reminded, looking over to see Shinso remember, eyebrows
going up.

“Oh, right.” Reaching over and tapping on Mic’s hand, Shinso waited until the man looked at
him before he stared to sign.

Mic signed back, and Shinso nodded before passing on the message. “He says that Dad
should be back around four a.m., and that he’ll be the one to take you to the station to meet
 the Bakugos. He has an early morning shift at the station, so he’ll be gone then.”
“OK. On another topic, is there a place where I can learn sign language?”

“Oh, sure! I signed up for classes at the community center, but I think there’s an optional
course at UA…” sending Izuku a link via text, Shinso watched.

“Alright. That looks good. Thanks. I’ll look into it after tomorrow.” Standing up and closing
his sketchbook, Izuku tucked book under his arm while looking over the message on his
phone. “Night.”

“Night.” Shinso called, and Izuku waved to Mic as he started up the stairs.

Chapter End Notes

This is the second-to-last chapter, next update will be the last. Anyway, let me know
what you're thinking, kudos and comments are appreciated.
 Chapter 40
Chapter Notes

Happy New Year, everyone. Hope you had a wonderful evening.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The next morning came quickly, and Izuku was bouncing off the walls at eleven. “We can go
soon, right?”

“Kid, the train station is less than ten minutes away. Breathe.” Aizawa chided, reaching over
to ruffle the clean curls. “Man, Hizashi was right. Your hair is soft.”

“It is.” Leaning into the touch, Izuku glanced toward the door.

“Relax, kiddo.” Aizawa put down his red pen and clipboard, shuffling to grab his shoes.
Tugging them on, the dark-haired man went over a checklist. “Watch, wallet, phone, keys….
OK. All good.”

Rocketing to the door, Izuku opened it and ducked out. “Let’s go.”

“Can I have some of the energy, Mr. teenage battery?” Aizawa groused, fond smile on his
face.

“If I knew how, sure.” Izuku accepted the arm around his shoulders and the gentle shake.
Letting Izuku go, Aizawa kept pace with the teen as they navigated to the meeting spot.

As they arrived, Izuku caught sight of two familiar spiky heads. “They’re here.”

“Mmm.” Aizawa nodded to Mitsuki. “Alright. Go. Be good, OK?”

“I will. See you later.” Dashing forward, Izuku went to Mitsuki’s side first. “Good morning.”

“Hello, Izuku.” Hand going to the teens’ shoulder, Mitsuki held tight for a moment. “Are you
ready?”

Waving to Aizawa, Izuku nodded. “Yeah. I want to see her.”

“Alright. We were planning on stopping at a flower shop, then the cemetery.” Mitsuki held
tight, hands trembling a bit. “Let’s go.”

Masaru reached for his wife’s free hand. “Alright. Kats, you ready?”

“Yeah.” The teen’s voice was strangely subdued. “Let’s go.”

The ride to the correct stop was somber, the weight of the missing member of the family
weighing on all of them, but settling heaviest on the green-haired teen. Mom should be here.

Keeping his gaze down, he fought back the tears. Why?

The warmth of a hand on his arm tugged him from the thought, looking up to see Bakugo
trying to be comforting as he grimaced.

Masaru and Mitsuki took a position on either side of him, arms gently pressed across his back
as support. “It’s OK, kiddo.” Masaru whispered, while Mitsuki offered a watery smile while
the train swayed to a halt.

“I miss her too, sweetheart.” Leading the group out, she pointed to a small flower shop.
“There’s our first destination.”

Looking over the wares, Izuku quietly navigated toward a small bouquet of sunflowers. I…
think mom liked these? “Auntie?”

Looking over, Mitsuki smiled from where she’d been looking at a couple of different sets of
dark crimson roses, marigold and red spider lilies. “Those are perfect, sweetheart. She always
loved flowers like those.”

Paying for the bouquets, the group walked to the graveyard in silence. Clutching the
sunflower to his chest, Izuku let the mourning weigh on him as they navigated through the
slushed walkways, and the quiet relief of loss in the air in the yard. Following behind
Mitsuki, Izuku nearly froze when he saw the headstone. “Mom.”

Mitsuki sniffled, reaching up and around the flowers she held to rub away her tears. “Hi,
Inky.”

Placing the flowers down at the base of the headstone together, the two holding tight.

“I miss you.” Pressing her hand to the gravestone, Mitsuki carefully knelt in the slush. “I
wish we could’ve saved you. But I’m not the one who you probably want to talk to. I just
hope you know that we love you.” Standing again, Mitsuki brushed off the slush clinging to
her pants. “We’ll let you two talk for a few moments.”

Mitsuki, Masaru and Bakugo all took a few steps away, leaving Izuku the privacy to speak
with his mom.

Kneeling down the same way Auntie had, Izuku put a hand on the stone. “Hi mom. I guess I
didn’t end up keeping my promise. Sorry about that, I was really intending to spend time with
you. But… there’s a lot that happened. And a lot I didn’t tell you, because I wasn’t sure if you
could hear me or not.”

Explaining everything, Izuku was nearly out of breath from tears when he finished. “I miss
you so much and I’m sorry I lied to you. But I want you to know that I’m going to be OK.” I
wish you could’ve met Dad and Pops, Shinso and all of my other classmates. And maybe you
 do know them, somehow. I’m gonna pretend you do, even if I don’t know. But, I’ll… “I’ll be
OK now, mom. So you can rest. I love you.”

Standing, Izuku walked over to the quiet group. “I’m ready to go.”

Masaru and Mitsuki didn’t push. “Alright. What do you boys want for lunch?”

Walking off, the group had an argument split on the ideas of either American food or Italian
food when Izuku felt his phone ding.

Dad: Hey, Izuku. Shinso was wondering if you’d mind if we crashed lunch with you. Yamada
got back early and we figured you wouldn’t mind some extra support.

You’re telling me you WANT to spend time with one of your students on the weekend? :I

Dad: Time with you, yes. Time with my student unfortunately comes with that.

“Do you mind if my dads and brother join us?” Izuku asked.

“Not at all. We’re going for Italian, the small place up a few blocks. Just let them know.”
Mitsuki grinned.

Yeah. I’ll be OK.

Chapter End Notes

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