Work Text:
The night was entirely too calm for Shouta’s liking.
As he hid in the shadows on a building’s rooftop surveilling the streets, he felt uneasy. The quietness was nerve wracking, even the harsh wind had settled. There were no cars, no teenagers sneaking out, not even the occasional drunk person or animal noise. There was a heavy sense of dread and it almost seemed like the entire city was just... gone.
He had not exactly missed night patrols, but after everything that had happened, it had become an all hands on deck kind of situation. They were short staffed as it was and someone had to cover night shifts, so he’d volunteered to cover some of them.
It was mainly during the weekends, however, as he needed to be at his strongest for his students.
Tonight was an exception as the pro-hero who was supposed to work had been called to assist in the neighbouring city as there had been a major bank robbery.
Just in the blink of an eye, all semblance of peace had vanished and hope was crumbling. People’s faith in Heros was in shambles, society was falling apart and so many had already died. Not that Shouta had allowed himself the opportunity to grieve. He couldn’t afford losing it right now. But he had Hizashi waiting for him at home and the children were safe and that gave him strength to continue.
Speaking of children, and the worst, in Shouta’s eyes, was the fact that one of his problem children was missing and off to fight a major villain with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Shouta hated it with a burning passion. He wanted to track him down and drag him back home where Shouta knew he was safe, where he could protect him.
He felt a chill running through his body, whether from the cold or from knowing that he couldn’t protect Midoriya, he wasn’t sure but he didn’t really want to dwell on it.
The clouds hiding the full moon shifted, uncovering it for a few moments. Shouta blinked at the sudden increase of clarity and sighed.
He took the opportunity to take a better look at his surroundings and double check if he wasn’t missing anything. He searched the empty terrace, getting a little closer to the fenceless edge.
Suddenly a fast movement caught his attention and his head snapped to the side.
He could swear he'd seen a green flash, but it was so fast, it could have been his mind playing tricks on him.
Eye never leaving the same spot, he threw his scarf to a post on the roof in front of the one he was currently in and jumped to it as silently as he could.
He practically held his breath to try and catch any sound as he got closer. He didn't see anything moving again even after crossing to the other side.
He was about to give up and blame it on his head when he heard it - the faintest of sniffles.
Eye widening, he felt a rush of adrenaline travelling through his body and he quickly made his way towards the sound with practiced discretion.
As he got closer, he started being able to distinguish the silhouette of someone sitting against a wall with their knees drawn to their chest, shadows dancing around as the clouds moved.
As it was, the moon was mostly covered once again, so it was hard to see much other than a dark shaded fabric.
Shouta took a deep breath to calm himself and started approaching. Finally he was close enough to make out ragged bunny ears and he felt his heart squeezing tightly on his chest.
He opened his mouth but there was a growing lump in his throat. Midoriya, his missing student, was sitting right there just a few steps away from him and he felt paralized.
It was ridiculous really, but he was scared.
Midoriya sniffled again. After a second he straightened up and slapped his face with both hands. “I don’t have time for this, I have to move” he mumbled to himself. His voice was so heavy and dull. The lump in Shouta’s throat grew.
Midoriya stood up slowly and got ready to jump.
Heart now racing with fear that Midoriya would just up and leave without even noticing Shouta, he rushed forward and grabbed his arm.
Izuku, in turn, startled and turned around, snatching his arm from whoever had grasped it.
Shouta saw as his eyes widened impossibly large and his entire body sagged.
“A-Aizawa Sensei?” he whispered. Shouta swallowed and finally brought himself to speak.
“Indeed. It’s been a while, problem child.”
He looked horrible with his costume all torn, dirt and dried blood all over himself. But then Midoriya took off his mask and Shouta truly wanted to cry at how old and purely exhausted this child looked. He thought back to the first day of class and how his eyes shone so bright and hopeful.
They were almost empty now.
“What are you doing here? I-I mean, shouldn’t you be at UA?”
Shouta raised an eyebrow at him “You do realize I should be asking exactly the same thing to you right?”
Midoriya had the decency to look apologetic and mildly embarrassed. “I’m sorry Sensei” he averted his eyes “You know I couldn’t stay.”
“Do I?” he asked softly.
“I’ve explained everything about AFO and OFA. I couldn’t stay knowing he is after me. I’d put everyone in danger.” he replied just as softly, his voice laced with bitterness and longing. “I don’t want anyone else to get hurt. This is my fight.”
Those words got Shouta’s blood running cold. “You idiot child.” He all but snarled. “This is not just your fight.”
Midoriya’s expression twisted, eyes hardening and jaw locking. “Ultimately, it all comes down to OFA vs AFO. I was chosen for this, All Might chose me to be his successor and the other wielders have entrusted their quirks to me. I’m the only one who can defeat him.”
Shouta felt absolutely powerless and hopeless as he saw the first tear slide down Midoriya’s cheek.
“I have to stop AFO before he hurts someone else. Everyone is counting on me to do it. I can’t let you all down!”
Shouta’s voice became impossibly gentle and he took one step closer “Midoriya, you could never let us down.”
Midoriya’s eyes snapped up to Shota’s in surprise. Shouta felt a little uncomfortable since comfort wasn’t exactly one of his strengths, but he couldn't just not do anything when one of his children was clearly hurting.
“You are strong beyond your quirks,” he took another step forward so that he was standing directly in front of Izuku and put a hand on his shoulder. “But you’re not invincible, kid, you need to slow down.”
Midoriya shook his head harshly. “I can’t. I can’t stop. AFO is already one step ahead, I need to catch up to him!”
Shouta sighed and pulled Izuku forward, his other hand coming up and resting on the back of Izuku’s head, gently pressing him to his chest.
Izuku stood frozen, his body shaking ever so slightly under his touch. “Remember our first quirk assessment class?” Shouta asked with the same gentleness.
“The one in which you got the class convinced the one in last would be expelled?” Izuku asked with a clipped voice and Shouta chuckled.
“That would be the one. I did intend to expel the student with the lowest score, however. It wasn’t just bluffing.”
“Why didn’t you?” Izuku whispered.
“I think it’s incredibly cruel to lead a child on if they don’t have the skills to pursue their dream. Hero work is tough and dangerous. You know that better now, not everyone is cut out for it. Back then you were just a small reckless kid with a dream and a quirk too big for yourself. You were ready to break all your bones for a single throw. And I was fully prepared to stop you and put an end to it.” The shaking increased and Shouta started carefully threading his fingers through his hair.
“Do you remember what I told you then?”
“If your power destroys you, do you expect someone to come save you? You said I couldn’t become a hero with the power I had.”
Shouta hummed in agreement. “You were too self destructive. You still are. But you turned the situation around and quickly figured out a way of fulfilling your task with the least amount of damage.”
Reluctant arms came up around Shouta’s waist and he felt Izuku grasp the back of his shirt.
“I knew right then and there that you had potential to grow and be so much better. Today I know I was right. And I meant it as I said before, you are so much more than your quirks’ strength. You are learning how to control your power as it comes and dealing with everything else simultaneously. You are growing and adapting at an incredibly fast speed. You are doing such an amazing job, kid.” Shouta took the hand on Midoriya’s shoulder in favour of wrapping his arm around his shoulders.
“You look exhausted kid, and you know what exhausting brings? Mistakes. You are going to end up getting hurt and I don’t think you’ll be able to come back from it this time.”
“As long as I stop AFO. Why does it matter.”
Shouta felt his blood running cold and pushed Izuku forcefully, grabbing him by the shoulders tightly. He hated how numb his student looked.“ Of course it matters. What the fuck are you playing at?! ”Shouta was trying so hard to hold onto every last bit of self control not to outright scream at the kid.
Midoriya looked extremely shocked at the outburst. “How could you possibly think that everyone is just going to stand by and see you kill yourself?!”
“I- I can use OFA at 100% without causing my body damage now.”
“And what is it worth if you collapse mid battle?! Hell, by the looks of it you won’t even last that long!” Shouta snapped. “You look like you haven’t slept in weeks! Have you even been eating? Have you even eaten and drunk any water today ?!”
Midoriya averted his eyes once more, looking like he was going to cry. Shouta brought a hand to rub his own face harshly.
“Where is All Might? He was supposed to be watching you.”
“I told him that he didn’t need to follow me around anymore. I don’t want him to get hurt.” he choked out, still not meeting his teacher’s eye.
“God fucking damn it.” Shouta spat and Midoriya flinched hard.
“Like I said, I have full control over my quirks now.” Izuku gritted out and took a step back. “I’ll be fine on my own.”
Shouta followed after him, gripping his shoulder harder. “Oh no you don’t.” He grabbed Midoriya’s chin gently yet firmly and forced to look back at him.
“I think I have a pretty good idea of the fucked up shit that is going through your head right now, so let me tell you something, Midoriya: it’s bullshit.” he glared at his student who was trying to hold his own glare in place but failing miserably.
“I don’t care how many quirks you have or how powerful you are. You are a kid. No one, and I mean no one, is expecting you to do this on your own. In fact, we would all prefer it if you didn’t. ”
He opened his mouth to speak but Shouta cut him off. “Do you have any idea about how your classmates are feeling right now? Bakugou is restless, Shouto is barely sleeping either. I’ve never seen Kirishima cry so much, Uraraka and Iida and constantly checking the news. I’ve had to stop all of them from coming after you multiple times, especially Bakugou.
“We are all feeling helpless and powerless, worried sick because the only news we have on you are the few fights broadcasted on TV where you look half dead!”
Midoriya’s expression grew anguished, fat tears pooling in his eyes. He knew he was being too harsh, but he pushed through the guilt, he needed to get his point across. “Sensei-”
“We fucking care." he continued over him. “All of us, All Might, your mother and the other teachers and Pros. We care. So yes, answering your question, it fucking matters and no one is going to stay still waiting for you to drop dead!” The kid let out a sob and Shouta’s tears started falling without his permission.
He pulled Midoriya back to his chest, hugging him tightly when he met no resistance. “We don’t want to lose you, kid. Please.”
Izuku pressed his face to Aizawa’s clothes to muffle his sobs.
Shouta buried a hand on his green curls, and rested his head on top of Izuku's, supporting his weight as the kid leaned heavily on him.
Izuku could only muster the strength to bring one hand to grasp losely onto the belt of Shouta's costume, unlike earlier. He felt bad for crying all over his teacher, but as he felt him gently carding his fingers through his hair whilst holding him so tenderly, he realised that Aizawa did not really care about that. He allowed himself to be soothed and, eventually, his sobs died down to the occasional hiccup.
He took a deep shaky breath and finally got himself to pull away just enough to look at his teacher's face. “I don’t want to but what choice do I have?” he questioned, cleaning the tears with the back of his arm, “I am the only one who can defeat him.”
Shouta rubbed his back. “What do I do?” he pleaded.
“For starters, you need to take a break. Whatever you need to do, I am not trying to stop you. But I want to help.” he murmured, his voice raspy and sounding more tired than ever. “You aren’t alone in this fight, problem child.”
“But-”
“No buts. I will restrain you if I have to.” he threatened, his hair starting to float as his eye glowed.
He had to bite his cheek to refrain himself from smiling as his student literally gulped audibly - the same kid who fiercely fights Villains and throws himself into danger’s way, was scared at the prospect of his teacher using his capture weapon on him. It warmed his heart a little as, in that moment, Midoriya just looked like a student caught sneaking out, and not a feral Hero chasing a major Villain.
“I will tell you what we are going to do. You are going to come back to the school with me.” Midoriya opened his mouth to protest and, once more, Shouta cut him off, quirk on. “I am not finished.”
Midoriya sighed defeatedly and slumped his shoulders. “I am going to take you to mine and Hizashi’s quarters so that no one sees you,” his expression relaxed a little at that. “You are going to take a bath while I cook you something to eat, you are going to change into clean clothes, eat and then sleep. It’s not up for debate.” he added as Midoriya looked like he was going to argue. “Tomorrow, if you must, I will help you leave, after eating breakfast. We also have a new Hero costume for you to change into, this looks like it is going to fall apart at any given time.” It also makes you look like a feral killer. He didn’t say that aloud though.
“And I am calling All Might to let you know where you are.”
“But Sens-”
“I’ll tell him not to come to the school, you can meet him after.”
Izuku sighed heavily and nodded at last.
“Now let’s go. And don’t you even think about trying to escape.”
“Yes, Aizawa-Sensei.” he said defeatedly. Shouta ruffled his hair with a satisfied smile.
He guided Izuku through the buildings, doing a final check up on the area and shooting a quick text as a report and another to Zashi to let him know they were coming as soon as they entered his car. They were a 20 minute car ride away from the school.
Izuku seemed to melt into the comfortable car seat. He was visible trying to stay awake.
“We shouldn’t take long, hang on a little longer for me, okay?” he asked gently. Izuku hummed in response.
Upon arriving at the back gates, Shouta parked his car and took Izuku inside the building through a discreet door only the teachers were aware existed that led directly to their floor. Leading him inside his quarters, he barely even had time to close the door before Hizashi was tackling them both into a hug. He automatically activated his quirk, scared Hizashi would accidentally go off.
Izuku looked at Shouta in alarm, startled by his English teacher’s reaction. Shouta just shrugged with a little smile and let Hizashi kiss his cheek. “Sorry, sorry” he didn’t sound very apologetic to Izuku, but he didn’t really mind. “It's just really good to see you, little listener. We miss you.”
Izuku smiled apologetically. “It’s good to see you too, Yamada Sensei. Thank you for having me.”
“I am very happy to, kiddo! Now, off with you, I got a bath ready for you, second door on the right, there are towels and fresh PJs on the washbasin countertop.”
He gave him a gentle push towards the door and an encouraging smile.
Midoriya smiled shyly and did as told.
The moment the door closed, Shouta sagged in Hizashi’s arms.
“You did good bringing him here, starlight.” Hizashi murmured softly into his hair while supporting most of his weight. “Do you want to talk?”
Shouta shook his head and Hizashi kissed his temple. “Okay then. Let’s go to the kitchen, I am finishing dinner for the both of you.”
“Thanks ‘Zashi.”
“No problem, babycakes.”
He decided to call Toshinori in the meantime. The phone barely rang a 2nd time before he picked up.
Shouta wanted to scold the man and scream a little for good measure, but he couldn't bring himself to do so when he sounded as exhausted as Shouta himself felt. He was probably worried sick about Midoriya, so Shouta cut to the point and told him that Izuku was there, safe, at the school dorms with Hizashi and him. He briefly explained what had happened and how he made him come back for the night. Toshinori all but sobbed with relief and gratitude. He explained how Izuku had been growingly restless and refused to listen to him. He admitted that it was his fault he’d put so much on the kid's shoulders and he regretted not having properly guided him. Toshinori went on saying he understood the urgency and pure need to stop AFO, but this was getting out of hand and he had no idea how to stop Izuku before it was too late.
Shouta let him know about their conversation and how he thought he’d managed to get through to him a tiny little bit and that they should focus on stopping him from going overboard like this again.
They hung up with the promise to meet the next day.
When Izuku emerged from the bathroom almost half an hour later, he looked both better and ten times more exhausted. Shouta couldn’t really blame him.
They ate in silence and in the end Shouta directed him to the futon on the living room's floor. As Izuku setted in, Shouta sat by his head, his back against the couch. He played with the kid’s hair, smiling tenderly as he saw the kid fighting to keep his eyes opened.
“It’s okay, you can sleep.” he assured him “And please, don’t leave alone tomorrow. Wait for us. I’m going to grab your hero costume once you fall asleep. I promise I won’t try to keep you here. As much as I want to, I know you still have work to do.”
Izuku smiled sleepily at him and it was just adorable. “I promise Sensei. Thank you for everything.” his words were a little slurred with sleep and Shouta’s smile grew warmer. “Thank you, problem child. Now sleep. You are safe here, we will be watching over you okay? Everything will be just fine.”
Izuku hummed, drifting off. Eventually Hizashi joined them, sitting on the floor by Shouta’s side and laying his head on his shoulder. Shouta rested his own head on top of Hizashi’s and the two sat there cuddling for long hours just looking at Izuku, trying to engrave that moment in their heads.
Shouta just desperately hoped this would all be over soon, preferably with all of his students safe, halthy and happy.