Chapter Text
He knew he was weird. Growing up, people tended to think he was an oddball, a weirdo, a strange person. He tended to enjoy his own company more than the company of other people, and it only grew worse when he didn't develop a visible quirk.
His way of speaking would change, too. Varying from what could only be described as dramatic, to very intelligent and sophisticated, to seeming to just want to get along, to even secluded. His mannerisms changed, too. However, they always corresponded. A stickler for the rules when talking sophisticated, daydreaming corresponded with the dramatic speech, and he was silly when talking friendly, and withdrawn when talking similarly.
Izuku Midoriya was a very odd child, indeed.
___________
When he was four, some very important things happened. Firstly, he was diagnosed quirkless by the doctor, which almost killed him. Figuratively, of course. Secondly, everyone except Kacchan started bullying him for not having a quirk. Thirdly, his father came back.
A little context here. His father was a very bad person. He never married Izuku's mom, but he acted as if he did, and she belonged to him. When Izuku was younger than he was now, he once asked his mom something that she never expected (but should've seen coming).
"Momma? Who's that?" the toddler asked, pointing to a picture of a smiling Inko with a man beside her. It was clear they were in love.
"That is the man who helped create you. However, he is nothing more. Never forget that."
He nodded sharply. "Got it."
When he grew older, he would learn the importance behind his mother's words that day, but at four, he didn't know.
The man let himself in, and seeing Inko and Izuku, walked over.
"There you are. Now, I hear the brat's quirkless. Is it true?"
Inko stuttered, suddenly looking very afraid.
"Hisashi, get out. You have no right to be here. Get out, or I'll call the police."
"You didn't answer the question, love."
"Don't call me that!"
His eyes darkened. "Answer the question, woman."
She stood protectively in front of Izuku, who didn't know what was happening, but was very afraid of the man.
"If you lay a single finger on him, I'll-"
"You'll what? Call the police? You won't do that, because then you'd have to admit what happened. And in the ensuing legal battle, you know I'd win."
She shuddered.
"Don't touch him."
Her words contained a threat, as subtle as a slap to the face.
"I fought you once for him, and I'd do it again."
He smiled dangerously.
"So be it."
___________
That very same night, across the neighborhood, another four year old was watching the news for heroes.
"This just in, a villain attack has begun at Apāto Apartments. Eyewitnesses say the building has been on fire since the attack began, and a mother and her child are trapped inside.
Heroes are on the scene now, trying to subdue the fire, or at the very least, rescue the two citizens inside and apprehend the villain. So far, none of their efforts seem to be making a difference."
"Zukkun…" the four year old whispered, recognizing the name of the apartments his best friend lived in. His mother and father soon joined him in the living room to watch the news report.
"It seems that one of the sidekicks has managed to get inside the building! Though he hasn't even made his debut yet, this sidekick shows the makings of a top hero."
It went on for several minutes as the heroes tried, in vain, to save the burning building.
"Here he comes now, rookie hero Edgeshot is coming back out."
At a question from another hero, the man shook his head sadly.
"And it appears he did not manage to save citizens Inko Midoriya, and her son Izuku Midoriya, from the fire. However, there were signs that the fire started from their apartment, given the heavy burns on Ms Midoriya's body, apparently too severe for her to have just been caught in the fire. Neighbors reported a strange man going into the apartment, just minutes before the fire started.
Edgeshot has kindly agreed to pay for all the funeral arrangements for the woman and her son. If anyone knew them, then if you could contact his agency to make the arrangements."
Mitsuki Bakugou dropped to the floor, hands over her mouth in shock.
Just like that, her best friend, was…
dead.
She left the room quickly after the newscast finished.
__________
Izuku woke up slowly, feeling too hot and too cold at the same time.
The autumn air did no favors to his almost bare skin, his pajamas having been mostly burned off during the fire. Which left the question, why didn't he burn in the fire? Looking at himself, he realized he was burned. Heavily.
He looked around. His home, which had once been full of laughter and joy, was now burned to nothing but ashes. He shakily stood up. He looked around slowly, and realized there really was nothing left. He started walking, trying to find his friend's house.
After three hours, he was starting to get hungry. He was still covered in soot and burns, and had no idea where he was going. He sniffled.
"Kacchan always did say I was a crybaby.."
He tried to wipe his eyes, but it was like they took that as permission to cry harder, and he started crying uncontrollably. Luckily, before long, someone saw him.
"Hey there little guy, are you lost?"
She bent down in front of him. He nodded sadly. The woman smiled at him.
"Do you know where your home is?"
"It's gone.. momma too."
She gently hugged him.
"I'll take you to the orphanage, ok?"
"What's that?"
"It's where little guys like you go when they don't have a home to go to. From the sound of it, you don't have a home."
She held out her hand.
"Come on."
He followed her to the orphanage, and waited while the nice lady talked to someone sitting in front.
"Sheba-san, who've you brought in this time."
"A little boy. He looks about 4, and he says he doesn't have a home or mom."
The lady at the desk sighed. "Sign here. You know, I doubt Ma'am would've given you this job if she knew you'd bring in so many lost ones."
The nice lady, Sheba-san, laughed. "Yeah, but she can't get rid of me. Not unless she wants to lose one of her best people."
A few minutes later, Miss Sheba was cleaning him off gently, and treating his burns.
"So, what's your name, kid?"
He mumbled something vaguely like "Zuku"
"Zuku? Cute name. Now, can you tell me how old you are, and what your birthday is?"
Not having the heart to correct her, the boy continued.
"I'm four. My birthday's in a couple days. It's on Saturday."
"July 15th? Nice, good date to have a birthday."
After she finished, she led the small child out.
"Zuku, meet your new friends."
He waved shyly.
"Everyone, this is Zuku. He'll be joining us. I hope you make him feel welcome."
___________
A few years later, a couple came in looking to adopt. The way the orphanage worked, all the children who could be adopted would hang around in the play area while a couple, looking to adopt, would come in and look around for someone they clicked with. Izuku was sitting in the corner reading hero books when he was approached.
The two people that approached him were polar opposites. A loud blond man, whose very presence could only be described as loud. Beside him was a man who exuded tiredness. His black hair was messy and tangled.
The blond man spoke first.
"Hey there, little listener. What's your name?"
"I'm Izuku."
"Nice to meet you Izuku. What are you reading?"
"It's a book about heroes."
The other man spoke up. "Who's your favorite?"
"Eraserhead! He's underground, so not much is known about him, but his quirk is so cool!"
The black haired man smiled softly. The two stepped away for a minute to talk with the caretakers.
They seemed.. adequate.
Lighten up! They seemed like wonderful people!
Are you kidding me? One of them seemed only to be awake and energetic because of his over the top personality, and the other was very obviously on the verge of collapsing.
Semantics!
I think they seemed like wonderful people!
You think everyone seems wonderful.
Because they are!
Maybe you just don't want to admit you want parents again, Ronri.
There was a stuttering sound, as the voice, Ronri, tried to figure out what to say.
Dang, Shai, I never thought I'd see the day he was rendered speechless!
I am not speechless!
You totally are.
Shin, a little help?
As much as I don't want to take sides, Yume has a point.
*Guys, can you quiet down?*
My apologies.
Yeah, sorry.
Sorry, kiddo.
I didn't mean to be a distraction. I'm sorry.
*Thanks.*
The two men came over again.
"Izuku, do you want to come home with us?"
"What he means , is do you want us to be your parents?"
Izuku started crying. In the 5 years he'd been there no couple had asked to adopt him. However, the two men assumed they'd messed up before he hurriedly assured them they were happy tears.
Half an hour later, he was brought back to their apartment, the very few things he owned in his hands.
His room was nice, if not sparse. They assured him they'd decorate it as soon as they could take him shopping. But for now, it was perfect.