Chapter Text
Dabi looked at Izuku and smiled. He was currently staring at his clothes arms in wondered. The shirt had been Dabi’s when he was 13. But, even with all the weight Izuku had put on, even with how healthy he had grown, he was still dangerously small for his age. He hadn’t grown height wise at all. His body stayed 4’6, his head just barely reaching above Dabi’s waist. He suspected it had something to do with trauma inflicted on his bones and body. The only thing they could do now was hope time would heal him.
“You ready Starlight?” Dabi asked, covering his laugh as Izuku flopped the sleeves of his shirt. It filled him with sadness when Izuku discovered something he should have learned growing up. For example, a few days ago, in the dorms(seeing as Dabi didn’t currently have a home, he lived on campus with the students and Izuku), Dabi had asked Izuku if he was ready to sleep. The greenette had nodded and curled up on the floor right there. He hadn’t understood he could sleep in a bed.
Izuku nodded, his eyes wide as he looked up at Dabi. He looked worried, almost as if he was going to get in trouble. Izuku hadn’t smiled since he had been rescued. Dabi didn’t even know if Izuku could smile. And it hurt his heart. A lot.
Dabi picked up the child and opened the door. “Do you remember what you’re doing today?” Dabi asked, walking down the halls, to the elevator. Izuku frowned, thinking. “I-I’m m-meeting the b-bigger k-kids for a d-day out.” He said at last. “Indeed.” The elevator dinged, opening up on the first floor. “W-what are you g-going to do?” Izuku asked right before they entered the common room.
Dabi set him down, huffing and faking exhaustion. “Goodness, Shooting Star, you’re getting heavy.” Dabi regretted it the moment he said it. Izuku eyes filled with guilty as he hastily tried to apologize. Dabi sighed. His poor greenette. “Hey. It’s okay. I didn’t mean it alright? I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.” Dabi set him down, and placed his hands gently on his shoulder, feeling guilty when Izuku flinched.
“Okay. Listen Starlight. It’ll be a while before you see me. I want you to trust the kids you’re going out with. They’re not like him, okay? Also, don’t be on your best behavior. Pitch fits, yell, run as fast as you can. Some of them will even do it with you! I love you, and I’ll see you later, okay?” Izuku nodded. Just as Dabi was about to stand up, Izuku leaned forward slowly, almost to slowly for him to notice, and placed a quick, gentle kiss on his cheek. He turned away just as quickly, and walks do to the common room. Dani brushed hair finger sober his cheek, grinning. That was the first time Izuku ever reciprocated affection towards him.
Izuku stood in the doorway, his heart pounding. Why had he done that? What if he didn’t like it? What if he was wrong to do so? What if he was in trouble? With all the love and affection Touya had shown him, he was still terrified of getting in trouble.
“Izu-Chan!” Eri said, jumping up. She raced towards him and picked him up, grinning. “N-Nee-San.” Izuku said, squirming under her attention. “We were just talking about you!” She paused when she saw Izuku’s face. “Not that way! We were talking about how adorable you are.” Eri set him down, smiling. All of the girls crowded around him, making him squirm. He wasn’t used to attention from women yet. The facility had only ever had men. He stood silently as they fawned, until one of them shifted just enough to let him out. He stared at the hole terrified. We’re they testing him? Did they want him to try and escape and the laugh when they’d stopped him? His eyes darted from each girl, nervous. They all smiled gently, as if trying to assure him it was okay.
Izuku hesitated, before darting through the gap, hiding behind the first pair of legs he saw.