Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“Midoriya Izuku?” An unfamiliar, feminine voice called out from the main waiting room, catching both Midoriya and Shinsou’s attention.

Looking over to the doorframe, Midoriya caught sight of a taller figure of a young woman.  The girl had dark moss hair, almost black, with a few strands of graying hairs pulled into a loose bun.  Her lips were coated with a gloss of scarlet lipstick, a prominent beauty mark near the bottom corner.

She bore a white lab coat, multiple piercings on her ears and two on her brows, holding a brown clipboard in one hand with her other propped up on her hip.

Although, what stood out the most was her eyes.  They were bloodshot, the hue a bright, piercing pink with dark circles worse than Shinsou’s surrounding them.

Simply speaking, the woman looked absolutely tired and stressed to no end (not to mention, incredibly intimidating.)

Nervously hopping off his chair, Midoriya fumbled with his shorts — a timid smile on his face. “Y-Yes?”

“Calm down, kid,” the woman grinned. “Not going to hurt you.  Now, what kind of therapist would I be if I did that? C’mon, it’s your turn,” she stated, nudging Midoriya over to her office as the boy said a small goodbye to his new purple friend.

“O-Oh…” The freckled boy murmured.  When he heard the word therapist , the dark-haired woman before him definitely didn’t come to his mind.  He would’ve expected someone… chipper, bouncy and energetic. His therapist looked about the opposite of that.

“Yeah, I don’t really look the part, huh?”

Thoughts disrupted, Midoriya shifted his attention towards her, closing the door behind him and walking into her office.

Her office was decorated just as anyone would’ve expected.  It was simple with a velvet wallpaper and monochrome loveseats and chairs neatly scattered around.  There was a dark oak bookcase filled to the brim with different genres, teddy bears perched at the top.

“S-Sorry, Miss!  I mean… you don’t b-but I’m sure you’re great at it!” Midoriya chimed in, flustered at possibly offending her.

The pink-eyed therapist shook her head. “Don’t sweat it.  It’s not offensive. The name’s Sei Nasake. It’s nice to meet you, green bean.”

Midoriya tilted his head to the side curiously at how easily she read him.  Maybe that was her Quirk? He was ecstatic to find out what it was!

“Izuku Midoriya!  Oh wait… you probably know that, Nasake-san… Um, what’s your Quirk?  If you don’t mind me asking!”

Nasake laughed softly at that, offering the younger boy a kind smile.  “It’s called Empath .  I can feel other people’s emotions and to an extent, sense their thoughts.  So don’t even try lying to me, got it punk?” She teased.

Midoriya gasped at that, a slight twinkle in his eyes.  “Wow…! That’s so cool! No wonder you’re a therapist…!”

“Speaking of,” the woman began after taking a swig of her dark roast coffee. (Midoriya grimaced at that.  She looked tired enough, she shouldn’t be drinking coffee!)

“Do you know why you’re here, Izuku?”

Said boy’s smile dropped as he switched his attention down to his feet. “Um… I think so,” he settled with.  Though he didn’t know the explicit reason why, everything from his mother’s behavior to Dr. Shikaku’s words had given him a good hunch.

“And what do you think?”

His breath hitched. “I think it’s… because of my Quirk.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“Well… Mama and Shikaku-san didn’t say it outright or anything but… I think they want me to get help cause they’re scared I’ll be a villain.  My Quirk is scary and hurt Mommy, the nurses and doctors were scared of it… and that’s why I’m here. They just don’t want me turning into a villain...”

The greenette decided that was the most reasonable explanation.  Inko had been sorrowful, melancholic even, around her son. Midoriya hated seeing her so upset, and maybe he even saw hints of fear in her eyes.  He could only believe that it was fear directed at him (it wasn’t.)

“Nope,” Nasake shook her head, popping the ‘p.’

Midoriya looked up at that, brows furrowed and head tilted to the side. “Eh?  That’s wrong?”

“Yup,” She said lazily, popping the ‘p’ once again.  “They’re not scared about you becoming a villain, Midoriya.  They know you won’t be a villain.  They trust you after all — especially your mom.” Nasake chuckled.

“You wouldn’t believe what she said about you while she was here.  She’s a really doting mom, huh? Midoriya-san couldn’t stop talking about how sweet and smart you are.  Not to mention, how nice your Quirk is. But if you don’t wanna believe that you’ll make a good hero then go off I guess,” She shrugged with an impish grin.

The child’s eyes widened at the revelation, chubby fingers picking at his neck as he looked down — soft lips pursing together in a tight line.

Did his mom really think that?  She wasn’t scared or sad because of his Quirk…?

He could feel a small smile tugging on his face.  It did give him a sense of hope but… his smile faltered.  The thought of having to use it on someone was like a haunting dream.

“Nasake-san… Do I need my Quirk to be a hero?”

The older woman paused, shifting in her chair as she hummed in contemplation.  “Elaborate,” she stated simply.

Midoriya took in a breath of air. ”I wanna be a hero like All Might… I wanna save people with a smile!  But I also don’t want to hurt anyone… Even if they’re a villain, my Quirk could possibly…”

Kill them .

“... Really, really hurt them.  So… Can I just be a hero without having to use my Quirk?  I could just use support gear! And rely on fighting with my fists and all!” He finished, averting his gaze back up at the dark-haired therapist with a tint of determination in his bright, sage irises.

Nasake stared back at him with her intense, scrutinizing eyes.  Her look was unreadable; devoid of any emotion as she fiddled with the handle of her puppy coffee mug.

“Izuku.”

“Yes…?”

“Don’t you think that’s a bit selfish of you?” A rhetorical question.

Midoriya frowned in confusion.  Selfish? What selfish about this?  “What do you mean?”

Nasake sipped her coffee before clearing her throat. “Not using your Quirk is selfish of you.  I understand why you don’t want to use it but think of it in this way… You’re blessed with a strong, flashy Quirk that plenty of pros would love to have—“

“— But my Quirk hurts people!”

She shot him an indecipherable look. “You’re basically saying that you want to be Quirkless.  But do you know how many people would throw everything away for a Quirk like yours? You don’t want to be Quirkless, Izuku.  You don’t know what they have to go through. You don’t want to go through all the ridicule Quirkless people endure.  I believe someone without a Quirk can be a hero but… would you be willing to be this selfish just because you resent your own power?”

The freckled child was silent, not willing to look her in the eye as he tensed up.

Nasake continued, her voice softer. “You’re smart, right?  I think a part of you already knows how you can use your Quirk to save people instead of hurting them.  Rescue heroes exist after all, yeah? No one is afraid of your Quirk except for yourself.” She stood up from her seat, walking towards Midoriya and kneeling down to his height, clasping his hands within hers — a fiery glint in her hot pink hues.

“That’s why I’m going to help you learn to accept and love it.”

Midoriya sniffed, head down as his shoulders quivered.  “But… Momma… I hurt her… A-And people said that if I became a villa—“

“You won’t become one.  You’re a good boy, Izuku.  I know you hurt your mom when it first manifested, but it was an accident.  You didn’t mean to hurt her. She’s already forgiven you, so it’s time you forgive yourself.”

The boy said nothing.

“... It’s okay.  Stuff like this takes time.  Your mom and I will be there for you with each step.  Don’t even think about giving up on me, punk. Be strong.  Be your own hero for now. Got it?”

His breath hitched yet he still reluctantly nodded anyways.

Nasake smiled, ruffling his messy hair. “Good,” she paused, humming softly. “Sadness, guilt and fear.  Those are the emotions coming off of you right now. We’re going to fix that, kay? It's only your first day so I won’t get into any heavier stuff.  Take all the time you need to open up, Izuku. For now, we can just get to know each other. Is that okay?”

The moss-haired woman saw how distressed he was.  She knew she needed to get his mind off of things rather than furthering their emotional conversation.  He was so young... He shouldn't be having to deal with this much mental baggage (though deep down, Nasake already knew life doesn't care about age.  It'll throw harsh realities to your way no matter how young you are.)

Midoriya finally looked back up, rubbing at his eyes and letting a small grin onto his face.  “Yes please...”

Nasake chuckled.  “Ask me whatever you want and I’ll ask you whatever I want.  You first.”

The child tilted his head, tears rubbed away as his brows quirked in thought. “Umm… How old are you?”

The therapist blinked, face blank. “... Really.”

Midoriya giggled, the heavy atmosphere previously lingering around fading in favor of a mirthful mood. “I’m just curious!”

Nasake rolled her eyes.  “Twenty four years stressed.”

“Stressed?  That’s not good…!”

“Nope.  It’s not.  I’m used to it though, so don’t worry kid.  My turn… Do you know that little purple fur ball outside?  Hitoshi Shinsou?”

Midoriya lightened up at the mention of his new friend.  “Yup! We’re gonna be part of a hero group together like the Wild, Wild Pussycats!  He’s Ragdoll and I’m Mandalay!”

The woman giggled, her laughter surprisingly sweet. “That little annoyance is my nephew.”

The greenette gasped. “No way!”

“Yup.  My adoptive sister’s son.  He’s staying with me for a few weeks.  Parents are on a business trip. I’m happy to see him make some friends.  God knows he needs them more than anything…” The last bit was spoken in a hushed murmur.

Midoriya’s smile widened. “That makes sense!  You both look super sleepy! And you look all intimidating and quiet but are secretly super nice!”

“Darn.  You figured me out.  What ever shall I do?”

“Okay, okay!  My turn! Why did you become a therapist?”

Nasake paused before shrugging. “It felt right.  My Quirk isn’t good for hero work but I still wanted to help people in some way so… here I am.  It’s not that deep. I don’t exactly have a tragic, mysterious past.”

“Wow…!  That’s really admirable Nasake-san…”

She rolled her eyes.  “Alright, no mushy stuff, green bean.  Who did you get your Quirk from?”

“I got it from my—!” He abruptly fell silent.  Midoriya hadn’t thought about that until now. Actually, he didn’t know who he got it from… His mom could attract objects to herself while his dad could breathe fire.  Neither of them had a disintegrating Quirk. Maybe it was an odd mutation of them? Maybe his Quirk wasn’t decaying, but breaking apart objects using heat he could draw to and from himself?  That didn’t make too much sense… Maybe one of his relatives had this Quirk? That’d be a lot more reasonable. Then again, someone having a Quirk completely different from any of their parents wasn’t impossible.  Maybe he should ask—

“Kid.  You’re freaking me out.” Nasake chimed in, earning Midoriya’s attention.

“O-Oh!  Sorry Nasake-san!  I have the habit of talking aloud…”

“It’s fine,” she snickered.  “So, you don’t know how you got it from?”

He shook his head.  “No… but Mama might know!  I’ll ask her! Now my turn!  Umm… Do you have a husband and any kids?”

Nasake’s fair face twisted in displeasure. “Ugh, bleh.  God no.”

Midoriya giggled at her reaction. “Why not?  I think you’d make a good mom!”

“Hm… Not really looking for a husband — or boyfriend for that matter.  And I can’t handle babies whatsoever.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m just not really interested is all.  I’ve already got a lot on my hands. It’s a busy life.”

“Ooh… I see…” the small child bobbed his head. “My Momma can be busy too!  So I’m happy whenever I get to spend time with her!”

“I’m sure you are, kid,” she smiled.  Pushing herself out her seat, Nasake stretched and let out a yawn. “Anyways… That’s all the time we have for today.  I’ll see you next week, green bean.”

“Awww… That’s it?  Already?” The greenette whined, jumping off his seat.

“Yup.  It’s your first session so it was only 30 minutes.  Next session will be an hour. Sound good?”

“Yup!  Have a nice day!” He called out, opening the oak door after waving at his therapist.

“See ya.  Take care, kiddo.  Tell your mom I already scheduled your appointment.  Just a week from now, same time.”

“Okay!  Thanks Nasake-san!”

“Don’t mention it.”

[You]: Are you free right now?  Izuku’s been begging to see Katsuki!

[Mitsuki]: AW SHIT!!!!

[Mitsuki]: We’re out for lunch

[Mitsuki]: Should’ve texted me sooner!!!!

[Mitsuki]: Now that damn brat is going to keep on bitching!!

[Mitsuki]: I payed for a goddamn buffet and I’m not wasting any of my damn money!!!!!

[Mitsuki]: Sorry Ink…

[You]: It’s okay!  Have fun, you deserve a break :) Tell Masaru and Katsuki I said hello.

Laughing lightly to herself, Inko tucked her phone back into her purse.  Mitsuki hasn’t changed one bit. Glancing down at her son, the greenette patted him on the head and shot him a sad smile.

“Katsuki’s out eating lunch at a buffet.  You can see him later, okay?”

Midoriya groaned, kicking a pebble on the sidewalk. “But it’s been so long!”

“I know honey, but you can see him soon.  How about we go to the mall? We can stop by that hero store you love!” She suggested in attempts to cheer up the shorter male.

Midoriya instantly perked up with that, beaming brightly and reaching out to hold his mom’s hand. “Okay!  Then we can see Kacchan?”

Inko grinned back. “Then we can see Kacchan,” she nodded in confirmation, gripping onto the boy’s smaller hand as they walked towards their car.

“How was the session?  Is Nasake-san nice?”

“I liked it!  Nasake-san said some stuff that really made me think and she’s actually super nice!  I think she drinks too much coffee though… Oh oh! Do you know who I got my Quirk from, Momma?”

“That’s wonderful!  Ah, your Quirk? Hmm…” She trailed off.  That did make Inko ponder. No one from her family had a Quirk like Decay, at least not that she knew of.  “I think you might’ve gotten it from your father’s side.”

Midoriya tilted his head. “Ohh… That makes sense!  Is Papa gonna come back home soon?” He asked, bouncing into the backseat of the car and into his car seat — buckling himself in.

Inko flinched at the question, biting the bottom of her lip. “Ah… I’m not sure sweetie…” She murmured, opening the driver’s door open and slipping in.

The younger greenette lowered his head, staring at his red shoes. “Oh…” He softly mumbled.  He didn’t know what he expected. The last Midoriya saw Hisashi was… the boy couldn’t even remember.  Midoriya only knew what he looked like from the pictures hanging from the walls of his house, no memories of Hisashi coming to mind.

He knew being a pro-hero called for a busy schedule — especially since his dad’s Quirk was needed overseas but… Midoriya wished he had some kind of recollection of him.  Just one memory of his father would’ve been enough.

“Mommy look, look!!  They have new Present Mic figurines!  And posters! Oh oh, lookie!! Trading cards!  Kacchan had the ultra rare Midnight card but he gave it to me!!”

Inko laughed warmheartedly as she watched her son enthusiastically chatter off about heroes.  It was so refreshing — seeing him continue to talk so animatedly about heroes. Inko was more than glad that he was back to his usual chipper self. (It was almost as if the manifestation of his Quirk didn’t happen, but they both knew well that it did.)

“Welcome!  Do either of you need any help?”

Looking up, Inko found herself face to face with one of the store employees.  The employee was a teenage girl with mint green hair, dark emerald eyes and a bright, wide smile.  The older greenette heard an audible gasp coming from her freckled son.

“Are you Emi Fukukado?!” Midoriya exclaimed, on his tippy toes as he bounced around — dark curls bobbing up and down with each small motion. “You’re a third year in Ketsubutsu Academy High School, right?  An upcoming Pro Hero? I can’t wait for your debut! I remember watching you in the Ketsubutsu Sports Festival!! Your Quirk is sooo cool!!! It’s perfect for impairing villains!” He abruptly paused, a dark scarlet tint brushing against his cheeks. “S-Sorry!” He apologized, bowing profusely.  “C-Can I get your autograph, Fukukado-san?”

Fukukado only laughed, doubling over and clutching her stomach as she wiped a small tear away from her closed eyes. “Dang, you’re too adorable!  Anything for a fan!” The upcoming hero beamed, inching towards the counter to snatch a pen and paper. “So who do I make this little autograph out for?”

“Izuku Midoriya!”

“I’ll be remembering that name!” The mint-haired teen cheered, handing Midoriya a paper with her signature on it.

Midoriya gratefully took the autograph, clutching it to his chest and letting out a small squeal. “Thank you!”

“Yup!  You planning to be a Pro Hero too?”

The greenette nodded vigorously. “Mhmm!  I’m gonna save so many people!”

“I bet you will!  Wanna go to Ketsubutsu?”

Midoriya sheepishly rubbed his neck at that. “Um… Actually, I wanna go to Yuuei!”

Fukukado rolled her eyes but continued to smile, patting the shorter boy’s head. “Of course!  It’s the top hero school right beside Shiketsu after all! I’m sure you’ll make it! Hope you’ll intern with me someday, Zuku!  I’ll watch out for you in the Sports Festivals!”

Midoriya’s smile was brighter than the sun itself at this point. “Yes m’am!  I’ll make you proud!” He giggled, pumping a fist in the air — freckled cheeks flushed with red.

The emerald-eyed teen glanced up at Inko, shooting her a soft smile. “You’re raising him right, Midoriya-san!”

Inko blushed at that, fiddling with a few loose strands of her dark hair ( like mother like son , Fukukado thought.) “O-Oh!  Please, Izuku’s always just been such a wonderful angel…” She brushed off the praise, resting a hand on her son’s fluffy head.

“Aww c’mon!  Don’t sell yourself short!” Fukukado snickered. “Now, didja want anything her lil’ Zuku?”

Said boy hummed, gazing around at all the merchandise before shaking his head with a dazzling beam. “Nope!  Your autograph is already enough!! It’s priceless!”

Fukakado gasped, covering her eyes. “Too bright!” She whined, though the grin on her face gave herself away.  “Darn! You’re too cute!”

Midoriya blinked, tilting his head to the side slightly. “What’s too bright?” He questioned, only making Inko and Fukakado laugh furthermore.

“Nothing, nothing!” The mint-haired girl ruffled his hair.  “Visit me sometimes, yeah? I’m usually here on Fridays and Saturdays!  I already can’t wait to see this mint chip again!”

“We will!  Thank you, Fukakado-san,” Inko confirmed, picking her son up in her arms and cradling him close — the small boy nuzzling his cheek against hers.

“It’s nothing!  Have a nice day you two!”

“Have a nice day Fukakado-san!"

Midoriya patted his mother’s cheek as she carried him out the hero merchandise store, a gentle smile on his tan features. “Let’s go to that jewelry shop you wanted to go to, Mama!”

Inko gaped at that. “Oh no, no!  Honey, we’re at the mall for you .  Where do you want to go to?”

The child pouted. “Aww… Okay fine… Then I wanna go to… The jewelry store!”

The older woman sighed yet grinned anyways.  Of course he would say that. Her son’s always been so selfless — never thinking much of himself in favor of thinking about other people and their feelings (it was never his feelings.  Never.)

“Alright, alright… You win this time, Izuku.”

Said child whooped in victory, holding his mom close as they made their way to the store. “Kacchan told me Uncle Masaru bought Auntie Mitsu a new necklace!  I didn’t get to see it but he said it was super shiny! Are you gonna get a new necklace too? Or maybe earrings! Pretty gold earrings!”

“Oh, I don’t know about that hun.  Just window shopping for me,” she chuckled at his enthusiasm, carefully putting him down and walking into the store.

Midoriya pouted once again. “That’s no fair!  You should get something for yourself, Mommy… You’re always buying me a lot of stuff but never yourself,” he huffed. (Yes, neither him nor Inko ever thought about their own feelings and wellbeing.  Selfless to no end.)

Inko’s grin didn’t falter. “Don’t worry about me, sweetie.  I don’t need to buy anything like necklaces or earrings when I have you as my favorite blessing.”

“Mommmm!” Midoriya cried out, covering his face in embarrassment as the woman laughed.

Two employees in the small store giggled at the conversation, offering the two warm grins.  The shorter employee — a young girl with curly blonde hair and sea green eyes — approached the mother and son duo.

“Need any help, Miss?”

Inko shook her head.  “Just looking arou-”

BANG!

……..

…..

…

Time seemed to stop.  Minutes turned to seconds.  Seconds turned to nothing.

Midoriya held his breath, mind processing what just happened as he avertedhis gaze towards the scene before him

His mother was on the floor, the glass container filled with jewelry shattered behind her.  The broken pieces of glass surrounded her like a spiderweb. The two female employees were dazed, on their knees with their hands behind their hands.  The blonde one was in a panic, breathing heavy and cold sweat dripping down her forehead.

Finally, Midoriya snapped out of his shock. “MAMA!” He shouted, dashing towards her side without a single thought.  The greenette could already feel his own hot tears stain his tears as he shook her shoulders. “Mommy… Mommy…” He whispered, panic lacing his words.

With what seemed like an eternity, Inko groaned softly and pushed herself up — carefully avoiding any lingering glass on the floor. “It’s okay, honey.  Mommy’s okay. It’s just a scratched,” she grinned shakingly in hopes of assuring her son.

Inko had managed to narrowly the bullet, the speeding metal only grazing her cheek and hitting the glass behind her.  

“Damn… Missed.  Oi! All of you, put your fuckin’ hands up!  Don’t try nothin’ funny, got it?!” A gruff, irritated voice shouted.

Midoriya’s breath hitched.  He’s watched enough hero videos to know what this was; a robbery.  Sage irises watched as his mother obeyed, Midoriya following after her and doing the same.

The young boy was sure a Pro Hero would come and save them — they always saved the day in the end.  Maybe Fukukado-san would save the day? No, she didn’t have her license. That would be an act of vigilantism.  Then again, maybe she had her Provisional Hero License…? He’s seen her in action at the Sports Festivals, Fukukado-san was incredibly strong and talented.

But just what if she didn’t have it?  Would that mean that she couldn’t save them?  Midoriya looked around. There were only four civilians in the store; him, his mother and the two employees.  They were hostages, the greenette knew that for sure. If his mom could reach out for her phone, or if the other two employees could call the police then maybe, just maybe…

“Tie em’ up, Deadlock.  Before one of them bitches try callin’ the cops.”

Midoriya’s heart dropped.   Deadlock , he’s heard that name before.  The freckled boy assumed his partner was the villain Crossfire.  Deadlock and Crossfire were a duo after all. If he remembered correctly, Deadlock had a Quirk that allowed him to create a strong barrier while Crossfire had a simple speed enhancing ability.  Neither of them had offensive Quirks so they used guns to cause harm.

The duo of villains weren’t necessarily famous, but Midoriya remembered them from their fight against the hero Ectoplasm.

He didn’t struggle as Crossfire bound his gloved hands with a tight rope, watching as Deadlock did the same with the other three.  Looking back at his mom for any reassurance or help, Midoriya bit his lip at the sight of Inko crying softly.

She was scared.  Who was he kidding?  He was scared too. Of course he was!  They were being held hostage for a robbery!

“Now, we’re not gonna have to kill any of you if you play along, got it?” Deadlock sneered, setting up a barrier in front of the entrance. “Ain’t no one comin’ in to save you so don’t try no dumb shit, alright?”

None of them said a word, one of the employees simply nodding.

“Crossfire, get whatever you can fit in the bag.  I’m gonna open that cash register,” Deadlock ordered, walking towards the female employees.  “Give me the keys.”

The blonde employee complied. “I-It’s in the counter drawer,” she whispered, shoulders tensing as she hung her head low.

“Heeyyy Nemuri!  Think Shouta would like this?  It looks just like him!”

Nemuri Kayama (also known as the rookie Pro Hero Midnight), a young woman with messy dark hair and intoxicating cerulean irises currently clad in a simple dark indigo sweater and black pants, took a single glimpse at Yamada before letting out a cackle.

Her blonde friend held up a sleeping grey cat rolled up in what she presumed was a blanket.

“Seriously Hizashi?” She teased with a smirk, wiggling her brows. “It’s our day off and you’re thinking about your boyfriend?  I thought it was just going to be us best friends but alas… Shouta always takes the spotlight…” Kayama sighed dramatically, enjoying the betrayed look on Yamada’s face.

“He’s not my boyfriend!  I told you, we’re just roommates!” The shorter of the two whined, covering his red face with the cat plush.

“Sure Jan.”

“I’m serious!  If we were dating, you’d be the first to know!”

“Oh, actually!” Kayama tapped her chin with a manicured finger. “You said you two were just roommates… Last time it was ‘just friends’ and the other was ‘just co-workers’... What’s the truth, Hizashi?” She snickered.

“All of the above!” Yamada groaned in exasperation, only feeding his friend’s amusement.

“Okay, okay!” Kayama held her hands up in mock defeat. “You guys are husbands , not boyfriends.  My bad.”

“Nemuri…” The blonde Pro Hero warned with a pout.

“Alright fine, I’ll stop!  You’re such a disaster bi.”

“And you’re not?”

“Nope!  I happen to be a functional bi, thank you very much!” The blue-eyed female laughed.

The two friends paused abruptly at an all to familiar, though unpleasant, echo.  Banter stopping instantly, they shot each other a look.

“Did you hear that, Nemuri?” Yamada murmured as softly as he could.

“Yeah.  Think it’s a villain attack?”

He nodded. “Let’s go.”

 Inko Midoriya was not a fighter.  Anyone that knew her for just a day could tell.  Sure, she was many things. Inko was a daughter, a wife, a stay at home mom and undeniably, a strong-willed woman.  But she was far from a good combatant. Her Quirk wasn’t exactly powerful either, but she needed to get rid of these restraints.  She could just wait in fear and hope for a hero but with her son there, she needed to be the hero.

Looking around for anything helpful, Inko’s emerald irises landed on a fragment of glass beside her.  She knew what she had to do and she couldn’t stop now. Taking in a deep breath, Inko moved her fingers around as discreetly as she could — the sharp piece of glass moving to her will.

Just a little bit closer… She thought, watching the glass move towards her from the corner of her eye.   Got it!

Gripping the jagged fragment in the palm of her hand, Inko harshly but down on her lip as it dug into her skin.  Her hands bled from the contact, but she couldn’t let it disturb her. She needed to focus. Like a makeshift knife, Inko used the glass to cut the rope — pushing through the pain and immediately becoming overcome with relief as she felt the rope loosen and eventually, drop to the floor.

Whilst still pretending to be bound, Inko shifted her attention to Midoriya.  Unlike her, his hands were tied from the front rather than the back. Inko mentally scoffed at that.  Of course they’d underestimate him — but Inko wouldn’t. She knew Midoriya was smart and observant, his analytical skills enough rivaled a pro’s.

But at that moment, he was shaking.  Fear painting his typically bright eyes.

Inko then looked back at Deadlock and Crossfire.  Crossfire was busy shoving precious jewelry into a brown sack while Deadlock was fixated on the cash register.

Heaving out a deep breath, Inko clutched the rope in her hands.  She’ll take down Crossfire, then Deadlock. But first, she needed a distraction.

Chewing on her lip in thought, Inko took her surroundings into consideration.

Behind Deadlock was a wooden shelf filled with magazines and books — most likely for the employees on break.  She knew she could only draw small objects to herself but right now, she had to push herself.

Concentrating her Quirk on the bookshelf, Inko broke a sweat as she tried to make it budge.   C’mon Inko… You’ve got this… Just… Another pull…!

“Deadlock!  Look out!”

CRASH!

The bookshelf toppled over the villain, immobilizing him under its weight.

Crossfire groaned. “Couldn’t you see it was faulty, dumbass?!  Dammit get that thing off!”

So he hasn’t suspected it was a Quirk but rather, just an unstable bookshelf?  Good… that’s good, Inko thought to herself.

“I’m tryin’!  Fuckin’ shit’s actually heavy…”

Inko had to make her move.  With the two distracted, her

grip on the rope tightened as she stood onto her feet — making a dash towards Crossfire.

“What the-?!”

He didn’t finish his sentence, Inko seizing the moment to pin him down to the floor — her knee pressing into the arch of his back harshly as she tied his hands together first, then his ankles with the remaining rope.

The shock from her sudden action made Crossfire easy to bound, Deadlock watching in the distance with a sneer as he hurriedly attempted to get the shelf off.

“Fuckin’ bitch!” Crossfire seethed, cursing under his breath.

“Don’t move!” Inko hissed, panting and greedily taking in deep breaths as she kicked Crossfire’s gun away from.

Midoriya couldn’t believe what he just saw.  His mother, a kind, soft woman with an even softer heart had somehow managed to stun a villain enough to the point where she could tie his hands and ankles together.  A glint of admiration shone in his irises as Crossfire’s fun skidded close to him.

He had to help.  He knew Inko couldn’t beat them with combat.  Using his teeth to slip off the parts of his gloves that covered his ring finger and pinky — Midoriya’s still tied hands darted out to grab hold of the gun.

He told himself he wouldn’t use his Quirk.  He shouldn’t use his Quirk. But in that very moment, he forgot what his Quirk has done to his mom.  He forgot how the doctors called it villainous. He only thought about helping his mother.

With all five fingers, Midoriya gripped the handle of the gun and watched it crack into dust — the once shiny revolver that’s taken lives now nothing but mere flecks of dirt.

Getting up onto his feet, Midoriya cautiously walked towards Deadlock.  His gun was on the counter. He turned that into dust as well (Midoriya felt no regret using his Quirk.  Why didn’t he regret it? He couldn’t think.  He just wanted to save .)

“Overpowered by a damn kid and some hag… Fuck…” Deadlock hissed to himself.  They really came underprepared, didn’t they?

“I-It’s over.  It’s better to just wait for the police then try to fight,” Inko mustered up the courage to state, her glare uncharacteristically harsh and scolding.

“Fuck you!” Deadlock spat out. “No Pro Heroes here?  We’ve still got ti—“

He was cut off by the shattering of his own barrier, a loud screech filling his ears.

Covering their ears, Inko and Midoriya winced at the abrupt noise.

“Oh my…!  Nicely done!  But next time, leave it to the pros, alright sweetie?” A sultry, low voice teased, the sound of heels clicking on the floor replacing the screeching.

“Color be impressed!  No casualties? No fatal injuries?  Dang, nice one, listeners!” Another, all too familiar voice in Midoriya’s eyes, praised.

“You’ll want to get out of the room for this, darlings.  Present Mic, escort the lovely ladies and little cutie out the room, will you?”

“You’ve got it, Midnight!  Maann, and I was hoping for a bit more action too!  But it looks like these listeners took care of themselves!”

Midoriya’s lips parted in astonishment.  Present Mic and Midnight?  He could already feel his excited fanboy nature surface up but it was easily overpowered by the concern for his mother.

With him, Inko and the two employees walking out the store safely, Present Mic grin widely at the group.

He really does look different with his hair down…! Midoriya thought only to shake it off.   No, not now!

Snapping his gaze to his kneeling, weeping mother, Midoriya instantly ran towards her and wrapped his arm around her.

“Mama!” He cried out, his previous excitement replaced with worry.  At that moment, no one and nothing else existed. Midnight wasn’t there.  Present Mic wasn’t there. It was just him and his mother. Just the two of them, safe and holding each other close.

Inko hugged him tighter, letting her tears freely run down as her son sobbed into her chest.

“I was so scared…” He hiccuped. “B-But… you saved us…!  It was because of you, Mommy!”

A relieved, shaky smile crept onto Inko’s face. “N-No… I didn’t save us… you did.  You were the one that made me brave enough to do that, Izuku… You’re a hero…!” She whispered, rubbing small circles in his back as comfort.

“You were so brave, Izuku… You did so good… You’ll be an amazing hero one day, honey.  I’m s-so happy you’re safe…”

A replay of the event flashed in his head.  Inko almost got shot. They were held hostage.  Inko had gotten herself free. She overpowered the villains.  She saved them. His mom saved them.

Midoriya said nothing in response, continuing to cry and sniff.  He could’ve lost his mother there. He could’ve died there. But he didn’t and it was all because of her .  Inko Midoriya really was his number one hero.