Work Text:
6:50 pm.
He was late.
You sighed as you stared at your watch, waiting for someone you've been wanting to see ever since you've landed in Japan. He promised he'd be there, he even promised he wouldn't be late, but you knew better. You knew, he couldn't even keep his promises to you for even one second but what could you do? You knew his job was far more important than you. You knew, so all you had to do was understand.
Missed your birthday? Understandable, it was just you being one year closer to death anyways. No biggie.
Missed your graduation? It's ok, he saved tons of lives during that time. The graduation ceremony was boring anyway.
Missed the entirety of your whole life? Well, that was something you couldn't live with.
And that is why, you moved to Japan. You hoped that moving to Japan will hopefully erase some of the distance between you and your father. You hoped that moving to Japan will help you learn about each other and bond, you know? Like what fathers and their child typically do. You even hoped he'd come to the surfing spot you've been wanting to go to for ages.
Sighing once again, you hoped he felt the same way.
"Y/n!" A voice called out to you. Quickly recognizing the voice you've been waiting to hear, you turned your head towards the direction where it came from.
And lo and behold, you finally saw the face of your dad.
The (former) number one hero of Japan, and the symbol of peace; Toshinori Yagi, known by everyone as All Might. The fearless hero, the hero everyone-well not everyone-aspired to be.
Smiling, you quickly dragged your luggage as you spotted him in the crowd. He looked thinner than he used to be and that worried you a lot. Was he not taking care of himself? Does he not eat regularly? Oh gosh, you're definitely taking care of him, no doubt. Even if he doesn't want you to.
"Dad!" You exclaimed, tackling him into a hug out of excitement. He stumbled for a bit before quickly regaining his balance and hugging you back. His warmth was very inviting, his hug was as warm as home. In conclusion, the best hug you've gotten. The hug you've been wanting in your whole life.
"I'm sorry I was late, kiddo. Had to take care of some things at U.A." Oh right, he was a teacher now too.
"Don't worry Dad. I don't mind." You flashed him a smile. "So, a teacher huh? You might need a 'Teaching for Dummies 101' book or something. Knowing you Dad, you suck at teaching." You teased him making him scratch the back of his head in embarrassment.
"Wait, don't tell me-"
"I actually got one." He confessed making you burst out laughing. He seriously got one? If that ain't cute, you don't know what is.
"It's ok, dad." You were about to say something when your stomach grumbled making you blush in embarassment.
Now it was your father's turn to chuckle. "Alright kiddo. I know a diner not far away from here." Nodding your head, you let your father drag away your luggage as you two talked throughout the entire way.
A few days passed since you landed in Japan, you've been living in your Dad's apartment and let's just say it isn't what you expected.
What you expected was he actually lived in the apartment, but no, apparently kids at U.A. got attacked a lot of times teachers — and students — need to live in dorms for protection and security. You ended up being alone for 5 days.
Thankfully though, weekend is here! Which means, your dad was going home.
Gosh, you've been wanting to take him to the surfing spot for days, and now you finally have the chance!
You packed up everything you guys needed, and a picnic too. You made all the food he said he loved and a few of his favorite desserts too. You hoped he'll like what you planned for the two of you. You also hoped that he'll enjoy and relax for once.
You texted him, asking what time he will come back home as you patiently waited for him. Deciding to watch some silly show to pass the time.
By the time you reached the 3rd episode, you realized that it was nearing noon now and you've completely forgotten about the day you planned with your dad. Immediately grabbing your phone, you smiled when you noticed your dad replied. But the smile quickly faded when you saw his message.
From: Dad Might
To: Y/n
I'm afraid I won't come home today, Kiddo. I'm busy training Young Midoriya this weekend. I hope you'll do fine by yourself! I love you.
You understood, you really do. Hearing how that boy — his successor — broke a lot of bones just by inheriting your Dad's quirk was scary. You didn't even know bones were supposed to repeatedly break like that.
But... deep inside you heart broke.
Deep inside you envied Midoriya and his breaking bome curse. You envied the students at U.A. for having to see your Dad 24/7.
Deep inside, you knew you just had to understand.
Guess, you just had to go there by yourself.
From: Y/n
To: Dad Might
It's ok, Dad! Kick butt out today! Well, preferably not Midoriya's. Love you too.
The surfing spot was amazing. The waves were perfect, as well as it's temperature. The place was not crowded too! Just the way you like it. The only problem was... the corals and rocks you seemingly just scrape into everytime which causes a lot of cuts — hopefully not all of them are deep — and bruises. You try your best to keep them from your Dad, not wanting to worry him but with all the bandages, you knew it was hard to keep this a secret.
Little did you know, your father was much more observant than you know. Of course he was. He's a fucking pro-hero. Well retired. But still, he's a hero.
It almost killed him seeing you come home with numerous bandages on different parts of your body. At first, he brushed it off as you being clumsy because he distinctly remember you were such a klutz when you were young. But when the bandages grew in number, he knew something was wrong.
Millions of bad thoughts filled his mind quickly, who has the audacity to do that to his child? To his loved one?
"Y/n, are you ok?" Your father asked while you were preparing dinner. You turned to him, confused as to why he was asking that.
"I'm a-ok, Dad." You sent him a comforting smile before returning your attention to making dinner. "What made you ask?"
"The bandages." Your father simply said, making you freeze. Damn, you knew he would know sooner than later. "Why didn't you tell me, kiddo?"
"I-It's not a big deal, to be honest Dad." You faced him as you replied and you can clearly see the worry in his eyes. "Really. You don't have to worry about me, Dad. I'm an adult now."
"I have to worry about you. You're my kid." He sighed. "Who is it? Who did this to you?"
Wait, what?
Did your Dad think you were being abused?
"No! Dad! It's not like that, I promise!" You replied, waving your arms making an X with them.
"No, Y/n. You can trust me. Who is it?"
"Dad! I promise, it's not like that! I..." You took a deep breath. "I have been going to this surfing spot not far from here every weekend and it's perfect! The only problem is uh... I get cut on corals and rocks and whatnot everytime I surf. It's just me being clumsy, I guess?" You explained then placed your hand on top of his in a comforting manner. "Really, Dad. That's all there is. I'm not being hurt by someone. Plus, if they do, I can protect myself and I guess I have an awesome Dad that can kick their butts too."
"Still, why didn't you tell me Kiddo? I could've help bandaging those or went with you."
"I... you were just so busy all the time I couldn't find the chance to ask you and..." Oh gosh, you could feel the waterworks coming. "...and you just look tired all the time and I don't wanna burden you. Plus, I feel... I feel... like there's a distance between us. I don't know if it's because we've been apart for so long or we just don't click or I don't know but I just feel like you're a thousand miles away from me and I hate that." You started to ugly cry now making your father stand up from his seat and stand infront of you.
"I just... it's just me being silly, I guess. Don't mind me, Dad." You tried to laugh it off and wipe the tears on your face. But everytime you do, new set of tears just cascade down, sobs coming out of your mouth.
"No, no. Kiddo. It's not you being silly... it's me being a bad dad." Your eyes widened at his response but before you could even protest he started talking again. "I never knew you felt those things. I never asked and I never even tried to. I've been a bad dad to you so far. I chose my work over my family and I've been absent in your life. You're not a burden, you never were. You're the greatest thing that ever happened to me and i'm grateful the heavens gave something like you to me. Even though I'm not around often, nor say it often, I love you, Kiddo. Don't you ever forget that." This just made you cry even more. You hugged him tight, never wanting to let go as you realized the distance was erased now. He was no longer a thousand miles away from you, no, he no longer was. Instead, he was standing next to you with that big smile of his.
"I am here, Kiddo. I am here now."
You guys stayed like that for a while, only breaking apart when you realized you both burned your dinner.
"Wanna order pizza instead?"
"You know me so well, Dad."
"I can see why you like it here, it's so peaceful and beautiful." Your dad commented as you both reached your destination.
"It is." You replied, making him smile. "Now let's go Dad! Let's hit the waves!" You quickly got your board and ran towards the water making your father chuckle.
"Don't worry, Kiddo. I'm right here beside you."
Oh boy, let's just say your Dad earned more cuts and bruises than you. Who knew someone as mighty as him suck at surfing?