Chapter Text
“So, you’re really going to uphold your Pilot dreams from years ago?”
Izuku’s hair waved through the cool air, the tired light reflecting off his cheeks. Rody knew that change was capable, but that change is what scared him. He didn’t even know where to begin. But he had to try.
On this floral hill- one formed out of many to cradle out an endless pasture than ran longer than Rody and Izuku had been- Rody and Izuku sat elbow to elbow, their forearms brushing against each other. Rody was nervous. He wasn’t just nervous; he was in love. Due to the lack of childhood, Rody hadn’t thought about his sexuality at all up until meeting Izuku. Even with the snarky way he treated Izuku for the first few hours, it was Izuku’s such kind and caring way of wanting to help anyway that made Rody even more stubborn.
Rody couldn’t explain it. Even after knowing each other for a few days he felt so connected to Izuku; in a way that he was never nearly closely connected to his friends he had a long time ago. He, of course, had a group of kids he considered his friends that admired him for having a quirk- even if it’s small and silly. But he never felt that click with anyone besides Izuku.
Maybe it was just Izuku’s natural demure, but when Izuku asked him if he was locked onto changing the entire course of his life, Rody answered as truthfully as he felt in that moment.
“I want to,” Rody spoke truthfully as promised to himself, “But I don’t know where to start.”
Izuku hummed.
“I know how it is; having to start from scratch with no way of knowing what direction this new life is going to take you in,”
Rody gaped at Izuku.
Is he reading my mind?
“But” Rody blinked, “Just start from the beginning. Find a beginners training session. Work shorter shifts at Stan’s- which I know is going to be a tough conversation- but you deserve to start your life. You deserve to live. Stop surviving and start living.”
Izuku subconsciously rested his hand on top of Rody’s during his speech. The speech in fact did make Rody want to cry. But like always he held back his tears. The thought of crying and bawling his eyes about his shitty childhood made him cringe at the thought. And in front of a hero from Japan that he would most likely never see again after this? He’ll pass.
Crying is so embarrassing. Rody didn’t know why he thought that way. He used to cry all the time in front of his dad- whether it was just a small scab or when some kid broke his wrist for bumping into him in the 2nd grade.
Yeah. Talk about anger issues.
Either way, if there was ever going to be a day where Rody lest himself cry in front of Izuku, he would know how drastically he had shaped Rody’s life and how deeply in love he was with Izuku.
“I’ll do just that,” Rody softly smiled, “Thank you.”
Izuku beamed, “Of course!”
His voice echoed as everything around them fell into particle dust. A ringing overcame any birds cooing, wind blowing and voices sharing words with the night sky. Their bodies seemed to glitch into frame like it was some old VHS tape of their shared memory.
A jolt.
2:46
It was earlier than early. Izuku’s eye lids stuck together as he struggled to separate them. He squeezed his eyes and blinked wide- eyed to gain energy. Before he could raise his head, his body was quickly and shortly jolted. He tilted his head upward, his hair brushing against Rody’s chin and lips.
Izuku blinked.
It was Rody. And he was crying.
He’d never seen Rody cry before. Well, in the pit of Flec Turn’s base, yes, but sad crying? Those tears were light- hearted and full of relief. These however made Izuku’s heart sink. Rody was shuddering and sobbing, and he was clearly still asleep.
“Rody?” Izuku loudly whispered.
He started verbally letting out big sobs in between his breaths. His hands scrunched up into a ball of fists on Izuku’s back. His grip forcing a small gasp out of Izuku.
Izuku freed his firmly placed arm around Rody’s side and held his face, “Rody!” he urgently and softly whispered, “Rody, wake up!”
With a gasp, Rody shot up- his body shivering and his breaths rapid. His hands shook and he shot glances back and forth from them and Izuku’s scared and concerned face. Rody gasped a breath and wiped the next tear trying to escape down his cheek.
Izuku switched to sitting on his knees, one in between both of Rody’s and cupped his face, “Hey, what happened?”
Rody shakily breathed and swallowed hard trying to gain the availability to speak.
“I-” Rody coughed up a sob, “M- miss my da-d”
Rody coughed and his body jolted. He shoved his head into his hands and aggressively rubbed his teary eyes away, just for more guilt to fall from his eyes.
Izuku’s chest tightened. He had no idea what it was like to grow up with a dad. But he knew how much Rody’s own meant to him. He pulled Rody to his chest, both of theirs warm and bare. Izuku gently rubbed Rody’s back and played with his hair.
“I’m so sorry, Rody,” Izuku whispered.
“I’m,” Rody swallowed, “Sor-ry”
Izuku held the side of Rody’s face with the hand that was tangled in his hair seconds ago and locked eye contacted, “Rody, there is no reason to be sorry.”
“I know. It’s just-” Rody choked, “H-e was taken a-nd I didn’t get to say goodbye,” Rody put his hands over his mouth to muffle his cries.
“Rody,” Izuku rested his hand on top of Rody’s, applying firm but gentle pressure, “You’ve been holding onto all of this on your own. Being separated from the person you loved most was far from easy. That wasn’t fair.”
Rody took this all in like it was new information. They were just words, but words that spoke the truth. Truthful words that comforted Rody, knowing that someone finally understood. Someone to finally be there for him, listen to him. Someone to hold him and his limp body.
“None of what happened to you, Roro and Lala was not fair. I’m sorry that on that day no one was there to rescue you. I would’ve saved you in a heartbeat,” Izuku’s eyes lit with determination, “You’re safe now. And I will always be here to protect you. Quirk or no quirk you’ve made me realize I don’t need one to save people. Twice. You’ve proved it twice- one time saving the whole damn world for heaven’s sake!” Izuku loudly whispered.
Rody weakly chuckled, “I guess I did save the whole world. They should thank me.”
“Well, I thank you. And your dad is thankful, too.”
Rody’s face went numb with shock. Tears slowly stopped streaming down his face- the old ones leaving streaks and his eyes puffy and red.
“Do you think…” Rody inhaled slowly, “That he could’ve still been alive when that other guy ran away with the case?”
Izuku nodded slowly, carefully choosing his words, “I’m not sure. Even if he was, he was believing in you the entire time. He loves you, Rody. He never wanted to leave you.”
Rody swallowed hard, trying to push back the tears that again threatened to escape, “I know that now. I would’ve never known without you.”
Izuku smiled, caring less how bright his face was, “I’m glad I could put you at ease. And I’m so glad you were comfortable to tell me how you felt.”
“You know,” Rody started, Izuku perking his eyebrow up in curiosity, “When we were sitting on that hill,” Rody cringed.
Yeah, here it comes.
“I told myself I’d never cry in front of anyone, especially you. I hated the idea of it. And I hated the idea of it being you,” Izuku’s eyes quirked a little wide in surprise, “Hell, I never thought you’d even think of me one after leaving, yet here we are. Me; sobbing against your naked chest. Cuddling and kissing, too,” Rody scoffed, “What a dream come true.”
Izuku laughed, thinking Rody had to be joking, “You’re joking?”
“What? Absolutely not,” Rody said, almost offended.
Izuku reflected, “I never knew you thought of me that way-”
“I wasn’t trying to be mean,” Rody interjected, “Shit, I’m sorry.”
“No, no! I know. I meant to say that as a shock to me. I always think about people I save but…” Izuku leaned in, touching noses with Rody, “None of them really came close to being as attractive as you.”
Rody tilted his head, “Being a tease again, huh?”
“Maybe,” Izuku whispered low, “And I guess your stubborn and sly ass added onto that factor,” Izuku sarcastically toned.
Rody wheezed, “It really does send a shock down my spine every time you curse. And I guess it was fun messing around with you,” Rody mocked Izuku’s mocking, “You could barely keep up.”
“Still caught you,” Izuku sassed.
“And I’m glad my ass did get caught,” Rody blew confined air out of his lungs.
Izuku gazed at Rody in the silent for a few seconds. He was so warm.
“I’m sure your dad is so unbelievably proud of you.”
Rody lightly kissed Izuku, pulling back slowly, “Thank you. I’m sure he is, too.”
Izuku kissed him back- a little more firmly. He opened his mouth to deepen the kiss a little more, “I love you, Rody,” Izuku whispered, his lips grazing Rody’s.
Rody smiled against Izuku’s sweet- said lips, “I love you, too, Izuku.”
Izuku groaned and shifted the sheets. The space next to him was empty and cold.
How long has Rody been gone?
Panicking, Izuku thought that Rody may have had another emotional meltdown and swung himself out of bed and threw his t- shirt- well, Rody’s shirt back over his head.
What if Rody left without him? Why hadn’t he woken Izuku up if he needed someone? Izuku couldn’t imagine seeing Rody get hurt again. Not like last time. Last time wasn’t supposed to happen. Yes, they disarmed the bombs together, but Izuku could have at least prevented Rody from getting shot!
He quickly shuffled his feet to the door, slid it open and-
Rody swung his head over, “Good morning,” he smiled.
Izuku released the tension and anxiety from his chest and blew from his mouth.
“Everything okay?” Rody softly asked, stopping close in front of Izuku.
“Yeah- yeah,” Izuku rubbed his eyes, “Yeah, sorry. I thought maybe you woke up in an emotional toll again and I got worried-”
Izuku melted into Rody’s embrace. He smelled like fresh coffee and bacon. His hair fell effortlessly pretty, and his arms circled Izuku’s body lovingly. He was just as warm with the shirt covering his tan, freckle- touched skin than without it. Izuku could still feel his muscles when their core meshed. Izuku- aware of Roro and Lala’s close presence- slid his hand up the hem of Rody’s t- shirt and rested it against his scar.
Just as Izuku felt like he could fall asleep against Rody, he pulled away slowly and gave a soft, caring kiss on Izuku’s forehead and ruffled his curls.
“We can eat and then call your mom. That sound okay?” Rody spoke a bit above a whisper.
Izuku, still dazed over Rody’s warm and fresh scent, blinked and smiled, “Of course.”
“But I don’t want this to be our last breakfast with Deku,” Lala frowned, tears wanting to wave out of her ocean blue eyes.
“Don’t worry, Lala,” Izuku gently spoke, “It’ll only be a few weeks before you never have to worry about being hours away.”
“We’ll seriously see you every day?” Roro intrigued.
“Don’t doubt it. Izuku’s mom can’t wait to meet you munchkins,” Rody laughed and ruffled both of their thick- haired heads.
“She already loves you guys,” Izuku agreed.
Lala and Roro sat up eagerly and confidently. They couldn’t wait to be so close to Izuku, but they also realized what moving meant for their friendships. But like Rody promised, it wouldn’t be the last time they see each other.
Since Izuku hadn’t talked to his mom since the first day of his arrival, he felt the nerves in his stomach rise through his back and to his head.
Sitting on the bed- legs crossed- Izuku stared at his mother’s contact. He had to build up the courage somehow. As soon as Rody was finished cleaning up the kitchen there was going to be a life- changing conversation.
“Hey,” Rody peered his head in the door frame through the cracked door, “I’m almost finished. Is it okay if Roro and Lala were to sit with us?”
Izuku perked up, “Of course,” Izuku half smiled.
Rody’s eyes softened, “It’ll be okay, Izu.”
Izuku smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Rody
“Okay,”
Roro and Lala piled up on the bed next to Izuku. Rody joined beside Izuku and sat across Roro- who cuddled up under a blanket with Lala.
“You two stay quiet until I say you can talk, okay?”
Roro and Lala firmly nodded.
Rody nodded towards Izuku, him nodding back.
One button and there was only the ringing of Izuku’s phone filling the quiet air. Izuku sat tense and nervous.
Rody too, but he felt excited more than anything. Putting a hand on Izuku’s back, Izuku’s posture no longer stiffed and now relaxed.
The ring cut short.
Hey Izuku, sweetie! Everything okay?
Izuku opened his mouth to form any words so he wouldn’t sit there in silence, get nervous and back out, “Hey, mom! No, everything is okay.”
Great! How’s Rody and the two little cuties?
Roro and Lala kicked their feet in satisfaction.
Izuku airily laughed, “They’re doing great, ma. They’re all right here.”
Izuku held the phone out, signaling everyone to make their selves known.
“Hi, Ms. Midoriya!” Roro and Lala chanted together.
Hey, you two!
“Hi!” Rody happily chimed in.
Hey, Sweetie! It’s so good to hear your voice!
“Good to hear yours, too,” Rody smiled wide.
“Uhm,” Izuku looked over nervously at Rody.
“You can do it,” Rody mouthed.
“Mom, can I ask you something?”
Of course you can!
“So,” Izuku breathed deep and slow, “Rody has recently told me that he’s going to Pilot train Japan instead and-”
OH, MY GOODNESS REALLY? THAT’S AMAZING!
The shriek in her voice made Izuku rip his phone far away from his ears.
Sorry, continue!
“And uhm,” Izuku sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, “And since Rody is moving to Japan- permanently- I was wondering if it was okay he stays at our house? Just for a little bit until he’s up on his feet! And obviously I won’t live with you forever that’s ridiculous! I just felt bad for asking because I didn’t want to crowd the house, but I thought you’d maybe like it if you got to watch over Lala and Roro and since I’m not a kid anymore I’d be fun to-”
“Izuku, breathe,” Rody laughed, the air hollow.
Yes, please do as Rody tells you. Your rambling could kill you!
“Sorry ma, bad habits…”
It was silent for a long collection of seconds. Rody leaned his head towards the phone and raised a brow, eagerly waiting for an answer.
Shit, what if it was too much? He wouldn’t want to be in her way-
Who am I kidding? I’ve been waiting for this!
Izuku jumped, “Wait are you serious?”
I’m serious, Izuku! I want to meet Rody, meet Roro and Lala. Yes! Move them on in. They can stay for as long as they need!
“You’re the best, Ms. Midoriya!” Lala squealed.
“Thank you so much!” Roro could pop.
Of course, little ones! When are they moving here?
“Well,” Rody cleared his throat, holding those damned happy tears back, “I still have a few weeks of studying before I take my final exam. But it won’t be more than 2 months!”
Sounds great! I am so excited to see you. Izuku talks about you all the time!
Izuku drops his jaw, feeling the utter betrayal by his own mom! He didn’t dare look at Rody and held his head in his hands in shame.
Rody grinned widely, “Is that so?”
Oh, yeah don’t doubt it! He always talks about how much he misses you! Super thrilled you two got to see each other. And even better: you two could eventually live together if you’d want to!
Now it was Rody who wanted to hide his face away from everything.
Izuku shot his head up and started speaking again in a desperate attempt to change the subject, “Yeah, mom. He knows now!” Izuku swallowed, trying to distract himself from Rody’s stare, “I’m going to be coming home soon.”
The phrase sunk Rody’s heart. He was so caught up in the new memories he’d only ever think of dreams that he was making with Izuku that he forgot that he eventually had to leave. It won’t be like last time, but it’ll still sting.
Okay, I’ll be waiting for you! In the meantime, I’ll shift some things around in preparation for our new mover’s arrival. I can’t wait to meet you guys!
“Bye, Ms. Midoriya!” the kiddos announced.
Call me Auntie! Bye everyone!
It only took a few seconds after the dismissal call tone sent the two little ones spiraling throughout the house, Pino eagerly following.
Rody spun around, his face lighting up with a smile so bit it hurt, and squeezed Izuku into a hug, “You’re the best!”
Izuku laughed and squeezed him right back.
Izuku leaned back and tilted his head, “I told you I’d come back and visit.”
Rody scoffed, “You did a lot more than just visit.”
“Hey, you made the first move!”
“I did only because I knew you were going to be too scared to do it yourself.”
“I couldn’t help it! You were flirting with me within the first 5 minutes of knowing me,” Izuku pointed his finger in Rody’s face, “You were calling me nicknames in the subway!”
“Couldn’t help it,” Rody crossed his arms, “Your clueless hero ass was ordering me in half- broken English around and I admit it; it was cute.”
“Whatever,” Izuku pouted.
Rody slouched in the realization that Izuku had to be leaving soon. They both knew what they were doing. They were being the worst procrastinators.
“You need help packing?”
Izuku slouched, too, “I guess.”
Izuku threw his head back, glancing at Rody every few seconds. The corner of his mouth perked small, dreading smiles.
It’s not like last time though. Both of them knew that. They would only be apart for 2 months. Oh yes, 2 months is SO long. Izuku and Rody were so tied that even the slightest time of no physical contact, conversations or eye contact would drive them crazy. Or even just those sweet, subtle, quiet moments. Those moments where Izuku and Rody would observe what they were thankfully given. In a bed, on a wooden floor in front of a fireplace, in a cave, or- if you wanted to make it any gayer- under the stars. Under the stars. On a hill, its life preserved by a home of overgrown flower patterns.
It was just the beginning of what was to come. Their relationship was just starting. And it started in that stupid cave. You think you’d be focusing on the fact that villains are chasing and trying to kill you, but NO. Rody had to make it about Izuku. He’d almost forgot about the whole mission. Could ending the world take a little more patience?
What if Rody had more time? What if the trip lasted longer, the distance from the base being further. Maybe Rody would’ve learned a little more about Izuku. What if they cuddled again? What if Rody held Izuku’s hand. What if instead of staring at each other they’d both stop being pussies and tell each other they had fat crushes on one another.
But here they are. Their relationship is so much more than a close- bonded “friendship” that saved the world together. Rody’s feelings were so much more than a stupid crush. Izuku was so much more than his hero. He was his. All to himself. Well, not entirely but you get it.
“Oh- I almost forgot,” Izuku pulled “his” shirt halfway up his torso before Rody’s fingers pulled the hem of it back down.
“Keep it. And the sweater.”
“But- I don’t want to take all of your clothes, Rody!”
“You can just return it to me when I move in,” Rody smiled, “And who knows? I may be stealing your clothes, too.”
“You’ve stolen a lot more than that.”
Rody was thrown back, “What?”
Izuku balled his fist and thumped it against his heart, “You stole my heart,” and dramatically fell back on the bed.
“You cornball,” Rody wheezed and settled next to him.
Izuku couldn’t help but laugh. He laughed so hard that his abs clenched and his breathing came up in all one wheeze.
Rody and Izuku filled the air with their obnoxiously loud and contagious laughs- one making the other laugh harder.
Seem familiar? Oh yeah. Well, minus the blood- which was good of course! We don’t need that. This feeling felt so nostalgic. Like laughing was new. Rody used to think in these moments he’d wake up any moment, but he didn’t care. He wasn’t going to wake up. This was real. They were real.
Roro and Lala stood sobbing at Rody’s legs. In front of Rody was Izuku and his bag thrown over his shoulders.
Except this time Izuku didn’t have bandages wrapped around his head or his arms. And Rody wasn’t limping with crutches to his sides, propping him up his injured, wrapped up left foot.
Pino sat wet- eyed on Rody’s right shoulder. Izuku’s eyes shined the same way they did last time he saw her like this.
It was different this time. Rody knew this. Was it still depressing that he was right back at the same spot? Yes. Was he going to cry anyways? 100%.
But just in a few weeks Rody would be leaving this same airport. He’d be leaving and only coming back for friend visits- never looking back. He’d be sitting in the same cushy seats that other people seen were sitting in. He’d go up the same escalator that Izuku was soon going to do. Again.
“I won’t be coming back. This time you’ll be coming to me,” Izuku simpered.
Rody smiled with teary eyes, “I can’t wait.”
Izuku crouched and held out his arms. Roro and Lala came crashing into his hold and sobbed over his shoulders. Izuku rubbed both of their backs and leaned in to tighten the hug.
“You’ll see me again. Very soon.”
Izuku rested his hands on one shoulder each. Their red, puffy faces made Izuku’s heart melt. Izuku would take them now, but it wouldn’t be long until they see each other. This time they got a proper goodbye.
Izuku stood back up, facing Rody who’s covered half of his face with his hand. He tried his hardest not to just drop to his knees and sob right there. He was going to see him again. It was scary, though. Those 2 months leading up to his arrival could go sideways. But if Rody really wanted this to happen- and he did want it to- he would have to hold on for just a little longer.
Izuku wrapped his arms around Rody’s waist and rested his head against Rody’s shoulder blade. His breath washed up against Rody’s cheek.
“I love you, Tenshi,” Izuku’s whisper curved in an accent.
Rody buried his head into Izuku’s shoulder, “I love you too, hero.”
Izuku held his love for a little longer. He was too warm, too comfortable. Rody smelled fresh and sweet, felt like his and hugged Izuku so lovingly. He could stay there forever. Miss his flight, stand there until the sun goes down and stay in his presence.
After Izuku pulled away, Rody swiftly wiped away at his venerable eyes. As Izuku turned around and began walking towards the escalator, he would turn every few seconds. He did it like he was almost scared that Rody would suddenly be gone.
And eventually, that did seem to become a reality.
At the top of the stairs, Rody gave a hopeful smile and Izuku gave a bigger one right back. Before he knew it, Rody was no longer in Izuku’s furthest vision and Rody was left standing. He stared at the last place he saw Izuku like his silhouette would appear again. But he wasn’t by himself. He held both hands of his siblings who missed him just as much already.
These 2 months better be the quickest 2 months he’d ever have. Hell, better be faster than Roro and Lala’s Christmas Break. That’s for sure. He couldn’t wait to be back in his hero’s arms.
Like Rody had hoped, those 2 months went by faster than he’d wished for. He walked down the airport granite floor, dragging his suitcases behind him and securing both of his siblings next to him.
“You guys have everything?”
“Yep!” they both joyed.
Rody’s chest pounded. He could just pop. Moving to Japan felt like a movie dream but here he was.
Getting to the right gate, going through security, waiting for the call, getting on the plane and putting their luggage up in the overhead bins all felt like a familiar routine.
Before his dad’s unfortunate disappearance, Rody’s dad would take them on vacation as much as he could. It wasn’t easy. Since his dad was majorly needed and favored among his work, he didn’t have every year where he could take a week off work and take his kids om vacation. So, when they did, Rody made a memory out of every minute.
But it was finally time that Rody moved on from those horrid memories that were locked in Otheon and make new ones. He was going to make his dad proud.
Attention passengers, please fasten your seat belts, put any extra bags under the seat in front of you and enjoy your flight
“You guys ready?”
Roro and Lala sprung up in their seats and wore exhilarated grins.
It was only hours until Rody got to reunite with Izuku.
“Coming!” Inko hollered from the kitchen.
Inko opened the door and gasped to her surprise, “Oh, my goodness you’re here!”
Rody was so incredibly happy he thought he was going to die.
Inko hugged him and his siblings tight.
“Izuku! They’re here!”
Izuku practically came sprinting from his room, nearly falling on the way down the slippery hallway floor.
He jumped into Rody’s arms, “You’re back!”
Pino clutched herself to Izuku’s cheek, balancing herself on his shoulder.
“We’re here, too!” Roro sassed.
Rody rolled his eyes.
He knows. He has known. Smartass.
“Hi!” Lala reached out for Izuku.
“Hey guys!” Izuku hugged Roro and Lala tight.
“Glad to be home,” Rody beamed.
Izuku smiled wide, cheeks pinker than ever, “Glad you could make it.”
Inko ushered everyone inside, pulling Rody aside, “So, I’ve heard…”
Rody wheezed out a small laugh, “He told you?”
“Oh, he was bouncing off the walls,” Inko raised her brows.
“So, I take that I’m moving in with you as a yes?”
“A yes to what?”
“A yes to your acceptance of me as his boyfriend.”
Inko scoffed, “Didn’t think about it twice,” Inko leaned in against Rody’s ear, “I already knew.”
Rody smiled and followed Inko to the kitchen table- setting down his bags next to the chair on the way.
Izuku moved to stand next to Rody. Roro and Lala swayed back and forth overjoyed.
“So, tell me about yourself, Rody.”
“What do you wanna know?”
“Everything.”