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Toshinori walked through the busy hallways at UA, casually waving at kids who all gasped and whispered while pointing at him. He was used to this, being a hero came with a lot of staring, but he was in his true form this time. After the fight with AFO it was difficult to get used to the constant recognition. When Toshinori still had the embers of One For All, his small form was his only sense of privacy, but it was apparent that times had changed. Of course school at UA was much more manageable than the outside world, but he liked being unrecognizable at school before the battle.
Toshinori could change up how he presented himself. For starters he started to wear form fitting clothes, not clothes that fit his All Might form, but instead his true form. Toshinori Yagi.It was weird that people didn't call him sickly looking anymore. At least to his face. But the most difficult change was that he couldn't meet his successor so mindlessly anymore. For a long time Toshinori would bring Izuku back to his dorms, or take him to eat ice cream after a full day of training. But people could notice the favoritism now, and there was already a sense of suspicion from the other UA teachers like Aizawa-Sensei. So to combat this unfortunate development Toshinori and Izuku have started texting instead of their frequent visits.
Today was different though, he spotted his young successor in the hallways with his head down, a certain level of gloom hung over him. Leaving Toshinori to feel a bit concerned. He brushed it off until he received a message from Izuku.
(12:17 PM) Young Midoriya: All Might, is it ok if I see you after classes?
(12:21 PM) Toshinori Yagi: Sure thing Young Midoriya, want to meet at the beach?
(12:21 PM) Young Midoriya: ok.
Toshinori put his phone back in his pocket and stared into space for a few seconds trying to figure out exactly why Izuku would want to meet him so suddenly. Was it a special day? Toshinori looked at the calendar in the staff room, and furrowed his brows. Not even a holiday… Toshinori sighed and looked at the clock. There was still 3 hours until the school day ended and he could leave for the day so he would just have to wait until then to see what Izuku wanted.
It was strange though… Normally Toshinori was the one to initiate the meetings. But it had been at least a week since they talked alone, without the worry of other people staring. Of course it was weird and people gave suspicious looks when All Might would talk to a seemingly normal kid in a hushed tone. It was a bit annoying, but Toshinori thought the brief lunches they would have occasionally were both inconspicuous and good for both Izuku and himself. The thought that something could be wrong was enough to make Toshinori feel slightly tense for the rest of the day.
The hours seemed to carry on for the longest time and when the bell rang Toshinori let out a sigh and released his class. He had a few things to take care of so he sent a quick message to Izuku that he would be leaving the school shortly. After a few seconds the message was left on read without a reply from Izuku. This was highly unusual, because normally Izuku was prone to spamming Toshinori’s phone with messages. Izuku was the type of his thoughts and sent them immediately after a sentence was complete. So to be left on read? I was unheard of, at least to Toshinori. But Toshinori took this as a sign to hurry up and go to their beach so he could see what the problem was.
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Toshinori scanned the beach for Izuku's green hair. It was pretty easy for Toshinori to find him because, thankfully, there weren't many people. And even more fortunately they weren't paying attention to him. They were all enjoying the sea breeze and chatting with their respectable friends and loved ones. Midoriya on the other hand was alone, sitting in the sand with his shoes placed to his side. He was drawing random shapes into the sand when Toshinori made his way towards him and sat down.
Izuku’s head was pointed down, his knees tucked to his chest, it was a drastic change from what Toshinori normally saw him behave. Toshinori was immediately concerned but waited and gave Izuku the chance to speak up if he wanted to. After a minute of silence Toshinori brought his hand to Izuku’s shoulder and patted him slowly. Izuku responded by a sudden shiver and silently leaned closer, silently begging for more of Toshinori’s touch. Toshinori complied and drew some slow circles onto Izuku’s back.
“All Might… I’m sorry for asking you to come right after school on such short notice…” Izuku’s voice was softer than usual.
“It’s quite alright my boy. It’s not often that I get to see you like this anymore.”
Izuku looked up to Toshinori with a duller expression than normal. This caused a sudden squeeze to Toshinori’s heart. He frowned and gently pulled Izuku closer so that their sides were pressed together and wrapped his arm securely around him. Toshinori decided to ignore the quiet gasp from his successor and instead lean against Izuke affectionately.
“Is something the matter?” Toshinori asked in an almost hushed tone.
Izuku sighs and his shoulders tense slowly, “N-no.. well yes. Yes and no, I guess.”
“How can I help you, my boy? I won't judge you, you know that. Just say the word and you have my full support.”
Izuku looked at Toshinori with a slightly embarrassed look before biting his lip and looking away. Toshinori could practically see the cogs turning in his successor's brain. Toshinori took this time to continue rubbing little reassuring circles into Izuku’s back while he waited for his words to come.
“I just… I dunno, felt kind of stressed out with school stuff today. Y’know? And well… I didn't want to worry mom. And going all the way home, it was too much. S-so I thought maybe I could talk to you about some stuff.”
Toshinori felt Izuku sigh and shrug lightly and Toshinori stopped his caresses. Since Izuku was looking away he couldn't see his successor's burning face, but he could see his blushing ears and nodded thoughtfully.
“Izuku,” Toshinori felt him slightly flinch when his first name was addressed, “You know that you can talk about anything with me.I told you I would devote myself to your development, and I meant it.”
“I know you said that but, this kind of thing, the things I would tell you… It's not really related to One For All. It’s… Different.”
‘It's more personal, the kind of stuff I would say to a father, not a mentor’ Izuku sighed internally trying to get Toshinori to understand without actually having to say anything.
Toshinori narrowed his eyes and released his arm that was tucked to Izuku’s side. This caused Izuku to shiver and slowly bring his eyes up to his predecessor. Toshinori then brought his bony hands to Izuku’s face, and held it and forced him to keep eye contact.
“I don't think I made it clear enough, Izuku. I dont stick around to teach you. To be frank, I am not sure how good of a teacher I can be for you considering how far you have manifested One For All.”
Shock danced across Izuku’s features, and immediately he started to shake his head, opening his mouth to speak, “All Might! You--” Toshinori interrupted him by shaking his head no and squeezing his successors cheeks.
“I’m not finished, my boy.” Toshinori stared into Izuku eyes, “I want you to know that I don’t see you just as a holder of One For All, you mean much more than that to me. …And if you want to talk to me about failed quizzes and love advice… I can always try my best to help you. I… Well I never had the chance to start my own family, but…”
Toshinori paused looking away, slightly embarrassed. Izuku’s eyes were already watering as he struggled to keep the sobs at bay while Toshinori spoke. Toshinori regarded Izuku for a moment before slowly licking his lips and hesitated on his next words.
Toshinori knew that Izuku had a dad. He didn't know the specifics besides that his father works overseas, and hadn't been a part of Izuku’s life since he was 2 years old. Toshinori didn't know what was appropriate to say, where the line was. He was his mentor, of course, but after the months they've been training together, it became apparent that this wasn't just business. It was way more personal. And now that All Might was retired, he felt the need to tell Izuku how he really felt.
“Izuku… I never started my own family, but I still see you as my son.”
Immediately Izuku gasped and started to sob. Toshinori let go of his face and instead pushed him into his chest. Within a second his shirt was soaked, but he didn't mind. Izuku wrapped his arms around Toshinori and openly sobbed, not caring who saw. Toshinori reciprocated the hug and felt himself to tear up a little.
“All mM-M-Might!! ‘hank you, so- so muahh-ch!” Izuku cried out slightly muffled by Toshinori’s shirt.
Toshinori did not respond, instead he continued rubbing Izuku’s back and slowly with his other hand petted his son’s hair lovingly. The two heroes sat quietly for a couple more minutes. The frequency of sobs from the younger hero steadily decreased and soon he went limp in Toshinori’s arms, all the tension slowly left Izuku’s body leaving him cold, moist, and slightly embarrassed.
“I-I.. I’m sorry for crying like that. I missed you and I just… You are--and since people know you... and I just love you so much, it's just--” Izuku flinched at the confession and pushed himself further into Toshinori’s arms, like it would somehow hide him from the embarrassment.
Izuku let out a sad groan and Toshinori chuckled, “My boy, don't feel awkward. I love you too. There is no need to feel any shame.” Toshinori smiled and leaned down to give a gentle kiss to the top of his head.
Izuku slowly looked up and tears flooded his eyes once more. And his mouth opened and closed like fish out of water while he wracked his brain to say something.
“Now, none of that, my boy. I think we’ve had enough tears for today. How about we buy some Ice Cream, and you tell me what was bothering you today?”
Toshinori gently pulled Izuku off and decided to disregard the snot and tear soaked shirt that stuck to his skin.
“O-Okay… thank you…” Dad, Izuku thought to himself with a ghost of a smile.
“It’s not a problem, son.” Toshinori smiled wholeheartedly and pulled Izuku to his feet and gifted him a bone crushing hug that left the duo laughing and grinning.