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A year and a half…
A year and a half of lies, of deception… Of being used. Everyone always thinks "Oh it would never be me! I'd notice!" But as Izuku quickly learned, you don't. You only realize once you've done something so horrible and you ruin aspects of your life.
If you would have asked one of Izuku's friends what was happening, they'd probably tell you something was wrong. That they were worried for Izuku, but at the same time were too scared to address these to him. The one time things were brought up no one told Izuku the whole story… Not Mr. Aizawa, not Hound Dog.
All they did was reference to it… Sexual harassment, a big term for someone with no idea what was happening. Izuku, thinking things were only over a hug and being too close to each other, adamantly denied and protected him. Looking back now, if ONE person would have stepped up and explained, maybe Izuku wouldn't be where he is now. Although he was so highly brainwashed and manipulated into his lies he probably wouldn't have believed it.
It all happened in his first year, terrified and alone Izuku was able to make a friend, a nice 2nd year who would listen to his rambling and was… his friend. Growing up Izuku never had the best relationships, hell barely any, so when someone asked to be his friend he was all in. He'd never question the odd or bizarre of it.
Things were fine at first, but during summer break while they were separated, something… Happened. If you would have asked Izuku then, it would have been loneliness and being separated, but now? It was obsession. He needed to be around Izuku and it was fi n e. All Izuku was doing was offering platonic intimacy. Being close to a friend, but apparently you can't have that with someone of the gender you are attracted to.
The hugs… The… Comfort? In actuality Izuku questions it all. Were any of his actions true or was all of it lies and deception? Whispers… and stares, they never registered to Izuku that there could be more there. When they stayed after to train together Izuku mindlessly changed into gym clothes, but what he never saw was what he’d do. Stare and watch.
Others would notice it and were concerned, but never said anything. After being told about what had happened, for months Izuku couldn't change in front of anyone, too worried he was doing something wrong. Although that's only the start of the aftermath. In a similar vein Izuku would flinch from touch, his brain still not processing what HE did.
The anger and complaints were next. For days Izuku would cry thinking about what he’s said about others, what he's done. He hated and turned on those important to him… He almost lost everyone from his worst action yet.
The one thing Izuku will forever be grateful for is Kaminari’s patience and kindness. If not for him Izuku would have made an enemy of his entire class having thought they made rude comments about the quirkless… It was all a lie, a plot to make Izuku mad at his class but instead he exploded, screaming and crying at everyone, but Kaminari took a step back to explain that nothing was said, THAT IT WAS A LIE.
It was a horrid and messy situation, but… Izuku does not regret a single bit.
He’s Free