Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

It's always the same thing said.

“You can’t become a hero without power.”

“You’ll never make it far in life.”

“Quirkless Deku at U.A.?? Impossible!”

“Just learn your place, Deku!”

Always the same insulting, degrading thing. Not one point of support.

“I’m sorry, Izuku!!”

Not even support from his mother. A sad thing really, his mother not supporting him, just repeating words he didn’t want to hear. Yet, everything said struck a chord within. One of anger and bitterness, cousins with fear and anxiety. As the words he’s heard throughout his life surrounded him, he stared after the direction the skeleton hero left in. He was just left here. On the roof. Without getting checked out by medical care. Realistically, he knew he wouldn’t have been given good care, quirkless and all that, however it was still a protocol for victims of villains. He could still feel the phantom effect of the sludge down his throat, making him cough from the memory. A fit of coughing shook him out of his trance, turning his head from the door and staring at the horizon. The words from his idol - ex idol now - rang loud and clear as he made up his mind.

“I’ll become a hero out of spite.”

.
.
.

It took him nearly an hour to get down and out of the tall building. It was nice to get out in the air again though, the building smelled too much like chemicals and cleaning. Too fresh and pristine, which was a little shocking to his nose. As Izuku walked outside the building, his throat felt like it was constricting from sharp vines. Vines that felt like plasma yet so rough. That should probably get checked out. The sky and gradients around Izuku were a bit muggy, almost at sunset it seemed. Seemed more time passed than he thought. Conflictions rose if Izuku should ignore his phone, already feeling his neck being breathed down upon from his overprotective mother. Giving out a harsh, wet cough, Izuku made his way home, responding to his mother’s multiple messages.

It took Izuku around half an hour to get home, having to stop to have a coughing fit a few times (some sludge coming out more than half the time). To be breathing down his neck was an understatement, Inko was crying when Izuku got home. It was her usual Midoriya-family tears, with a mixture of yelling at Izuku about “where have you been” and “it’s too dangerous out there, you should have stayed away from it”. Izuku nearly sneered at her words but kept a blank face, not really wanting to jump into the usual sticht. When Inko started to calm down, Izuku gave a soft, fake smile. “Mom,” he started, holding back a cough. “I’m going to head to bed, I’m pretty tired.”

Inko gave a sigh as she wiped her tears, feeling pretty tuckered out herself. “Okay baby, just know that I love you.” She went over to Izuku and gave a gentle kiss to his head. “Good night baby.” She whispered before going into her bedroom for the night.

Izuku gave an inward grimace as his mother closed the door. He headed to his room and shut the door, unable to lock it. His tattered, yellow bag was set in front of the door as he changed from his burnt uniform (he should probably get his shoulder checked out) into a comfy big hoodie and joggers. After a quick glance to his, now realized, burnt shoulder, he had to give it a quick wrap after putting on some cream before his hoodie went on. The hoodie material would have definitely not felt nice directly on the burnt skin.

Now that Izuku was in comfy clothes, he can go now. It was too much of a discomfort to stay in the house right now, too caging. He felt like a pet, one injured yet nobody to give it the right care. Izuku slowly opened his window, relieved at the little to no noise it made. He climbed through and gently shut it, making sure it was accessible to get back into before his mother woke up.

--

It was late, that much was clear, so Izuku couldn’t really blame anyone for trying to rob someone. He could, however, blame himself if he didn’t do anything.

Izuku was just chilling on a rooftop, staring at the stars, when a rustle sounded down in the alleyway below him. He looked over and unfortunately, some guy was trying to rob another guy. Upon speculation, the guy being robbed seemed to carry a giant magnet. They had had a big build with shoulder-length, magenta hair and some sunglasses on (which Izuku thought was weird, it was night after all). The guy doing the robbing seemed to be a shorter man (there had to be some reason that the other person wasn’t escaping, they easily could), who was currently carrying a gun, which was pressed against the person’s face.

Izuku scowled as he glanced around the rooftop. All he noticed around him was some debris and rocks, which could be thrown. Carefully and quietly, as to not disturb the man towards his location, scooped up some rocks and one by one threw them at the blond man with his non-injured arm. The first few rocks missed they’re target, though it alerted both people of another presence. The next rock, however, hit the blonde man straight in the head which elicited a pained grunt from him. However the man kept his armed hand steady on the other person’s face.

Izuku watched the man turn his head and look around and stare right at him, eyes squinting, trying to see him. Izuku stared straight back, thoughts running wild. He drew back his arm and threw a rock dead on his face, which gave a pained curse from the man. The man drew back his armed hand to try and rub his face with both hands, apparently trying to dampen the pain.

Apparently that was all the red haired person needed before they drew back a fist and knocked the blonde man out. He almost flew into the other wall, it was pretty funny, Izuku had to admit. The magnet holding person looked up at Izuku and held up a finger before turning the corner. Now, Izuku was aware that that sign usually meant to wait and he was conflicted. He was curious about why he was asked to wait, on the other hand, he didn’t want to get scorned for being quirkless, if the person was aware of his shoe type. Unfortunately, Izuku was brought out of his musings with a flinch as a door opened and slammed shut. Looks like the person made it up.

Across from Izuku, the same muscular, red haired person stood in front of him, however the magnet was being held by their hands instead of strapped to their back. Izuku was about to wait for them to say before his throat convulsed and was thrown into another coughing fit. The cold air had helped with the throat pains, though it probably didn’t help that words were trying to be spoken. After a minute or two, the coughing subdued and Izuku straightened up, looking at the stranger, who surprisingly got closer with their arms stretched out as if to help. Izuku immediately backed away from the arms, tensing, not trusting it. The stranger stayed where they were as Izuku took a few breaths to speak. “Are you alright?” was his question to the stranger, as the person looked surprised and confused by it.

“Kid, you just had a coughing fit, which did not sound clear by the way, and you’re asking me if I'm alright?” Came the bewildered response, which was sounded in a gruff voice.

“You looked like you were getting mugged” - a harsh cough, though only one - “and I was asking if you were okay after the fact.” Izuku was confused by the person’s confusion. He deduced it as it was not realized that he was quirkless yet, which came as a relief for the most part.

The person gave a sharp sigh as they stared at Izuku. “Look, kid, I’m perfectly fine after the fact, the name’s Magne, and you should really get that checked out.” The response seemed hurried.

Izuku rolled the name over in his head. Magne, Magne, Magne. It was a nice name. Izuku gave a wet laugh, one of disbelief. “Yeah right, can’t even get properly looked at before getting kicked out.” He said, glaring at the ground. “Stupid quirk status.” He mumbled, though some of it was heard by Magne.

Magne checked out the boy in front of her, taking him in. She heard something about a quirk status so she thought that he probably had a deemed “villainous” quirk, or no quirk. Hospitals will still treat deemed “weak” quirks, after all they were still quirks, but they were iffy about “villainous” ones, and even more adamant about the quirkless. She sighed, looking around the roof and the night sky. The boy behaved like a rabbit, skittish and prepared to run, probably a conditioned response. Thoughts started to run rampant as she thought about what to do.

Izuku didn’t hear a response from Magne, keeping his eyes on his shoes. He could feel his throat tightening, whether by the leftover sludge, or something else, he didn’t feel like he could speak coherently. As Izuku went to apologize, he heard the rustle of paper and something being written. Curious, he looked up as Magne seemed to be writing something down. Before questioning it, a hand stretched out, holding the paper, towards him. “It's the address to a free clinic that’ll treat you. I say free, but you pay back the money by helping out with the clinic for a while. Everything’s safe, don’t worry, but you should get your throat checked out.” Magne explained, seeing his confusion.

Izuku took a half step before grabbing the paper in a state of conflict. He looked up at Magne, wanting to question what was happening, why they were helping him, and why they weren’t just ignoring him. Magne gave a slight chuckle before turning to leave. “Just tell the receptionist that Big Sis Magne sent you, okay kid?” was the last thing said to Izuku before Magne left the rooftop.

Izuku stayed where he was, waiting for the shock to subside before he went on his way home. It couldn’t hurt to check out the clinic, worst case scenario, they kick him out. He would have to check it out after he went to school though, preferably while his mom was still in work the next day. For right now though, Izuku just wanted to sleep in the bed in his room.

Chapter Text

It was Friday. Izuku’s favorite day of the week. He would have the whole weekend to not deal with Bakugo (Kacchan is no more after what he said) and his posse. Of course, Izuku would have to deal with his mom, but at least she would be acting like a loving mom. His day started out as usual; get taunted, attacked, insulted, put the red spider lilies in his bag, you know, the usual school day for a quirkless kid. Izuku seemed to get laughed at and taunted more after Bakugo’s “advice” from yesterday though. He wasn’t sure if someone had overheard, or one of the lackeys had spread the word.

Overall, it wasn’t a very noteworthy day. Izuku was going to try out that clinic that the stranger, Magne, had told him to go to. He was still pretty conflicted about the whole thing, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing to try. Izuku wondered if he would actually get treated. Musings about the clinic continued as he continued his way to the address, school being out. Izuku had already given his mother confirmation that he’ll be staying at school due to getting into trouble, Inko not even questioning it. It was kinda sad how she didn’t question him, not even caring what he did, yet being so critical and overprotective after the fact.

Izuku thought the sounds around him were getting quieter as he looked up from his shoes, staring at a small building. Nobody was around, just some birds, but even they were quiet. Glancing at the paper in his hand, he looked about the building, looking for an address. The addresses matched, which Izuku was fairly surprised about. He had expected something a little more sinister looking, but it looked like a nice little clinic. Izuku gave a breath, instant regret, and walked in after the induced cough. It was a nice little place on the inside as well, It didn’t smell like mold or dirt, very well cleaned. There were a few chairs lined up against the wall, some people sitting in them, two doors on opposite sides of a big desk. A dark woman wearing a surgical mask was sitting at the big desk. The receptionist, Izuku presumed. Said woman looked up and noticed Izuku, her eyes crinkling as if she were smiling. “Hello! How can I help you?” She greeted him cheerfully.

Izuku hesitantly walked up to the desk, still holding the address paper. He really did not want to speak, but knew he had to respond. “H-hello, uhm, Big Sis Magne told me to go here..?” He cautiously responded, sniping at himself for stuttering.

The receptionist’s eyes grew soft at the display. She thought that the boy in front of her was acting as a little bunny, precisely what Magne had described him as. “Of course! Magne already told us to expect you. Please head into the door on your left and go into the second room on the right. A nurse will be waiting for you.”

Izuku nodded his head frantically, ears going a little warm with some embarrassment. He heard the lady give a soft chuckle as he went through the door and into the second room on the right. Just as the receptionist said, there was a nurse waiting for him. Izuku gave a gentle knock so he wasn’t fully intruding even if he was told to go in. The nurse smiled at him and gestured to the bed. She held a clipboard and looked at it for a minute, seemingly reading whatever was on it. “So! I’ve been told that your throat hurts? Enough to where there's coughing attacks? Do you have an idea of what happened?”

Izuku thought this was a little strange, being asked his opinion for why he was injured. Maybe it was just his experiences being quirkless. He gave a low cough before trying to explain. “I was c-caught by a villain,” -cough- “and he got into my throat.”

The nurse tilted her head, a little confused by what he said. “I’m sorry for asking, but can you clarify what you mean by he got into your throat?” She of course held pity behind her words. Nobody should have to be a villain’s victim.

Izuku gave a slight nod, rubbing at his throat, hoping it’ll relieve some of the pain. “Made of sludge.” It was a simple answer.

“The man was made of sludge?” Izuku gave another nod while the nurse frowned. She had seen the news the other day where the sludge villain had taken a hostage. The boy in front of her, however, was not the one caught. That proposed another question. “Do you remember what time the villain had you?”

Izuku thought for a minute, trying to remember a time estimate. He coughed into his elbow before speaking. “Maybe around 3?” Confusion rose at the nurse’s pitying gaze. “W-why do you ask?”

The nurse sighed before setting her clipboard down. She knew she was probably requested for him due to her telekinetic quirk. “There’s most likely sludge still in your throat. Now, I’m going to use my quirk to get it out. To do so, I will have to touch the closest thing to your throat, not your actual throat. Is it alright if I touch your shoulder?” She was patient while asking, not wanting him to be uncomfortable during the process, despite it going to be uncomfortable.

Izuku’s eyes shined at the mention of her quirk. “You have a telekinetic quirk?! Why do you need contact for it to work? Is it to establish a connection with what you’re moving so you don’t move something else?? Wait, that would kind of defeat the whole purpose of it being telekinetic though..” His voice kept getting raw as he spoke, yet was easily ignoring it, excited at the quirk mentioned. The nurse cleared her throat and raised an eyebrow at Izuku’s stutter, pulling out of the muttered thoughts. “I’m sorry!! Y-yeah, you can touch my shoulder.” Finally getting an answer, the nurse moved closer.

She had placed a gentle hand on Izuku’s shoulder, unfortunately, it was his wrapped shoulder and he failed to hide the wince. The nurse paused. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to squeeze you.”

Izuku gave a little laugh, a nervous tic. “It’s alright. J-just, not that shoulder?” He asked, not looking at her.

The lady gave a nod and moved to his other shoulder. To her relief, he didn’t wince that time. She gave a breath and told Izuku that it was going to be uncomfortable for a minute. “I’ll be using my quirk to move the sludge out. It’ll feel like you’re puking, but if you do actually need to puke afterwards, that's understandable.” She held a hand in front of Izuku’s field of vision. “Alright little one, I’m going to need you to breathe in.” She flexed a hand as she said it, waiting for him to breathe in. “And slowly breathe out.” Her wrist flicked as she said so and Izuku could feel the sludge exiting his throat while he was exhaling.

He did have to throw up afterwards, hurling in the trashcan in the bathroom of the room. When Izuku came back out after wiping his mouth with a paper towel, the nurse handed him a small container of Advil. After he took them into his hand, the nurse explained. “These should reduce the inflammation in your throat. Take them twice a day, morning and night. Make sure to take them for a week and come back so we can check again. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids.” The nurse had a stern tone at the last sentence and Izuku nodded frantically.

She gave a slight huff, though it didn’t sound like she was annoyed with Izuku. She did explain that it’ll be beneficial for her to have some way to contact him and vice versa if something came up. Izuku thought that made sense and gave her his cell number. He profusely thanked the nurse, bowing a couple of times before leaving the room. He was about to leave the clinic before he remembered something and turned around, looking at the receptionist of the clinic. “I’m sorry for asking, but if you’re able to, can you tell M-Magne-san thank you? For telling me about the clinic..?”

The receptionist nodded, her eyes crinkling in a grin as she waved him off. She watched as the boy left and sent an email to Magne, telling her that the boy came by and wanted to thank her for telling him about it. Magne replied almost instantly, asking for contact with the boy so she can check up on the little bunny. The lady sighed, wanting to disagree but seeing how the boy was, made her comply. The boy was too skittish, and looked like he needed someone to look out for him. Who else to do that than Big Sis Magne.

–

A few hours later, Izuku was laying in bed at home waiting for Inko to come back. His phone dinged with a message and he reached for where it was charging. Once it was in his hands, he pulled up messages and became confused.

Unknown
Hey little rabbit, glad you were able to get that throat checked out. Don’t skip out on your meds, you hear me?

Izuku was a little startled, that was for sure. His mind ran through the people who could have sent it that he didn’t have contact with. The nurse was the one who checked his throat, and the message seemed to imply that they were told he got it checked out. Izuku thought about the person who sent him there in the first place.

Izuku
..Magne-san?

Chapter Text

Unknown
Hey little rabbit, glad you were able to get that throat checked out. Don’t skip out on your meds, you hear me?

Izuku
..Magne-san?

Unknown
Drop the san kiddo! You can just call me Big Sis Magne, little bunny

Izuku
I’m sorry
Thank you for telling me about the clinic! They were able to get the sludge out of my throat!!

Magne-san
Kid, why’d you have sludge in your throat in the first place??

Izuku
Oh! A villain made of sludge attacked me. Tried to take over my body.
Not pleasant

Magne-san
Well, I’m glad you got it out of your throat, even if you had to go to an unknown clinic due to your quirk status

Izuku
That’s a nice way to say they’ll treat the quirkless
Ah
Wait

Izuku started to panic, he just outed himself to Magne-san about his quirklessness. Oh no, what if she stops chatting with him. Despite the randomness, he does like talking to her. It’s been awhile since someone started to talk with him that knew about his condition. His phone dinged with a response as he was about to work himself into a panic.

Magne-san
Bunny, I can feel you starting to panic, relax. I didn’t know you were quirkless, but it does make more sense now that I know.

Izuku
I’m sorry!! I understand if you block me now. Just, thank you for telling me about the clinic and showing concern when you didn’t know I am quirkless

Magne-san
I get your fear, but I’m still going to talk to you. Also it's late, no? Get some sleep, I'll check in with you later.

Izuku paused at the response. Magne.. Still wanted to talk to him? Even while knowing what he is? This had to be a trick. There was no reason for her to be nice to him. Maybe it was pity? The word quirkless, if you search it, you’ll see a bunch of statistics. Statistics of death mostly. Maybe Magne wanted to play nice so she wouldn’t have his death on her hands. That seemed like the most reasonable response. Afterall, who would willingly interact with the quirkless kid.

As the thoughts in his head simmered into an agreement, Izuku could feel his body tire out, feeling exhausted and wanting to drown in his blanket. Wishing he had more blankets to just burrow into. There was relief at the thought that it was the weekend before the thoughts dimmed down as everything went to peace.

-

Magne looked at the messages that were shared between her and Midoriya, she had gotten his name from the receptionist. Wonderful lady, so full of care towards patients and Magne even if she knew that Magne could take care of herself. The messages that Midoriya sent Magne made her frown at the sight of them, a little mad. Not mad at Midoriya of course, more-so at people that caused Midoriya to act this way, even over messages. She swore she could actually feel the panic coming off of the phone when he slipped up that he was quirkless. She couldn’t blame him, but she still felt bad.

Under Magne’s foot came a groan from where her ex-boss’s face was. “Entirely your fault since you want to discriminate against me and pick a fight.” The man glared defiantly back at her.

“You're pretending to be a woman. The other staff were getting uncomfortable with your behavior.” What a practiced response, however the second part may be true. She has been getting into more fights and not having a good view on her. Yeah, she probably could have dialed down the fighting since she was employed, but they were all asking for it, catcalling then giving slurs once they saw her close up.

“Well what a wonderful day for you then. I’m quitting. No need to call the cops.” Magne gave a grin as she raised her foot before stomping back onto his face, causing him to pass out and most likely break his nose. All well. Sucks for him. She could hear sirens before giving a sigh. Someone probably saw what was happening and called it in. Before she could get caught, she quickly left the area, making sure to use back alleys, climbing onto the roof if necessary.

Chapter Text

Izuku considered Magne nice.

She didn’t berate him or degrade him, in fact she kept checking up on him even after he was finished with his antibiotics. He didn’t really get why, but he appreciated it. His mood was more uplifted the past few weeks of talking with her, even his mom could tell whenever she was watching him.

Bakugou still harassed him, which caused some more burns and marks on his body. He’s been more physical than verbal even if it's just catching him outside on weekends (since school was over). Which confuses Izuku. He does nothing to bother Bakugou, avoiding him, and staying out of his way when he’ll just come from nowhere and beat him up, “showing him his place”. All he’s usually doing is walking in the park for kami sake. Always the same words but it's not like Izuku will tell anyone. He’s still keeping it from his mom (which is probably a good thing, it's better than her crying and telling him to stop lying) and keeping it from Magne as well. Magne doesn’t seem to believe him though, always questioning his responses only to give a hesitant response in return.

Izuku started to trust Mange a little more, which may have been a risk, but she didn’t give him a reason otherwise. Sure, he was aware Magne was probably not the most law-abiding citizen, but it's not like he was an accomplice or victim of it. He was surprised he wasn’t a victim of it and questioned Magne about it, though with less words about not following the law and more words about why he wasn’t getting attacked.

Magne-san
Kid, I’m not going to go out of my way to attack you for being Quirkless, it doesn’t matter what your quirk status is, you shouldn’t have to deal with that.

Izuku
..Even if I want to be a hero?

Magne-san
If you want to be a hero, then go for it! Though you’ll definitely need more muscle there little bunny

The conversation ended on a light note, which Izuku appreciated. He knew Magne was right, he was pretty weak right now. The school year ended and there were only 9 months left till the entrance exams for U.A. Logically, that wasn’t enough time for him to get stronger with proper rest. He’ll have to apply for General Education and work his way up. Afterall, Eraserhead did it when he was in school, which was honestly amazing since he had a non-combat quirk! He could even be considered Quirkless if he were against mutant types since his quirk doesn’t affect mutations. Before his thoughts could ramble on about the amazingness of the underground hero, the door to his room was opened and his mom popped in with a pleasing smile on her face.

The sight of it made Izuku tense. “H-hey mom, what’s up?”

Inko looked him over before giving a sigh of relief. “Sorry baby, I wasn’t sure if you were here, it was so quiet, I thought you had gotten in the way of another hero fight again.” She responded with a quiet sniffle.

The answer made Izuku pause for a minute before his face became confused. “Mom, I don’t go into hero fights, I make sure to stay away from a distance and just watch. I’m usually at the back of the crowd.”

“Don’t lie to mommy, sweetheart. You wouldn’t have gotten any injuries if you had just stayed away from those fights instead of being in the middle.” She saw him about to object and raised a finger before continuing. “Stop saying that you got those injuries from your classmates, I’ve talked to your principal, your classmates were fully aware to not rough-house with you since you’re frail.”

Frail

Weak

Useless

Deku

Inko gave a hum, before reaching out and hugging Izuku, not noticing him tensing into it. “It’s okay baby, I get how hard it is being jealous and trying to pin things on your classmates for something they never did. It’s okay.” She soothed, petting Izuku’s hair.

Izuku didn’t hug her back, too into his thoughts, but was aware of what she was saying. He was jealous of his classmates? For things they never did? How could she say that?! He’s come home before after school with burns over bruises, straight home, no villain fight, no nothing, but straight home and she said it was from being in the middle of a fight? At least.. At least she had bandaged them when she saw them, fussing over him. He knew about the tracker in his phone, he had found a way to turn it off at times, but she should have seen him come straight home.

He didn’t realize his mother had drawn away and gave a kiss to his forehead before leaving the room. He didn’t hear the click of the lock of the room’s door nor hear the whispered words outside the door, “It’s okay baby, you’ll be safe.”

Chapter Text

Magne was worried.

The Midoriya kid seemed off the past few days. Now, he was skittish in general (like a bunny), but he had opened up a little after a while of them talking. However, the past few days he hadn’t replied. Of course, Magne can’t really call him acting off when he hasn’t replied, but it mostly just a gut feeling. Midoriya has been excited to talk with her about them training for the exam together, him being unable to get into a good gym since he was “weak” and “fragile”, so for him to not give her any updates or planning seemed odd. In all honesty, she had been looking forward to training him as well. She could give the bunny powerful legs and hopefully work more on his confidence and self-esteem.

Even if all they had been doing were texting, Magne quickly saw him as a younger brother. She could see part of his wall coming down the more they chatted, which made her happy. She didn’t expect herself to get this close or want to know the kid better, but it gave her a distraction to the discrimination world as it is on her side. The things Midoriya told her about his life, even the little things he tried to pass off, made her want to beat everyone who's hurt him. Midoriya seemed to catch on to this (which wasn’t a surprise, he was very intelligent) and always kept names out, opting for nicknames. Though he was probably being careful due to Magne not being very legal, which she was aware he was aware about.

Magne continued to dwell on her thoughts as she cleaned down her magnet, giving into her anxious habits, before her phone dinged. She watched it light up a few times before grabbing it once it stopped. Relief went through her face before concern as she read the time and messages. It was nearly 1 am. Sure, not that late (just incredibly early) but it was a weekday. Even if Midoriya was out of school, he was usually sleeping by 11 so he could get sufficient sleep for the next day. Especially with the entrance exam in 9 months. The concern only rose as she reread the messages.

Green Bun
Hi Magne-san! Sorry for not messaging, got a little sick for a while
Are you available to meet in person to come up with a plan? I feel like it’d be easier to do it in person, if that’s alright
If it’s not, I’m sorry!!
If you are available though, do you remember the alley-way/rooftop we met at? We can meet there! Since we both know it and there wouldn’t be any people listening in and all

Magne looked at the 4 messages, they were short yet gave her information in a way. She was relieved that Midoriya had messaged her, but him being sick seemed like a lie. As she was about to reply, her phone dinged again and she quickly responded to assure the young boy.

Green Bun
I just saw that it was 1 am, I am so sorry, you’re probably sleeping by now, probably can’t meet right now, i’m sorry!!

Magne
Well good morning to you little bun. Don’t worry, I was already up cleaning my magnet!
We can meet now if you can sneak out? Of course, you shouldn’t be sneaking out especially since you were sick, what a naughty boy !

Magne looked at the time and remembered what particular alley-way Midoriya was talking about. She lived close to where it was easy and refreshing to walk on foot.

Magne
If you are wanting to meet now, I can make it there in 30 minutes

Green Bun
That works Magne-san! I’ll be waiting ^^

She didn’t even bother to correct Midoriya on the honorific, just shaking her head as she let out a huff. This boy was too formal for his own good. Magne made sure to keep her magnet strapped tightly as she left her place, never leaving without it. Sue her, it was a safety precaution.

A bad gut feeling was ignored as the night air filled her nose as she walked.

Chapter Text

It was so dark out tonight. Izuku was waiting for Magne-san to come. He did feel a little bad about asking her to come out at like 2 AM but he didn't think he could stay in that house for another second. It felt too much like a prison. He was locked in his room, given meals and bathroom time but stayed in there nonetheless. Of course, he escaped through his window, could have at any time but didn't understand what his mother was doing and wanted to know why.

Did she really think he was that fragile?

That weak?

Was he a Deku to his mother?

Did she really feel the need to keep him in his room?

The need to feel as if he lies about where the burns come from?

He does now since it was the answer she wanted, but not at first. She only hears what she wants to hear, deeming him embarrassed since he was too weak to play rough with his classmates.

And didn't that just make Izuku mad. Or rather upset. A mixture of both, really. He had to hide the fact that he still wanted to be a hero, had to hide his notebooks so they wouldn't get thrown away. He couldn't let the notebooks get taken.

They were His.

Izuku flinched, shaking out of his thoughts when he saw a figure coming up onto the roof. He was tense before the figure called out to him. "Bunny, you know there's a cafe near here we can go to right?"

A breathe of relief escaped him once he realized it was Magne-san. "Nice to see you again, Magne-san." He greeted with a warm smile.

Magne-san came closer and he could see the giant magnet on her back. Probably smart to always bring a weapon with you. "Wait, there's a cafe near here? Is it neutral like the clinic? Is that why I wasn't aware of it until now?"

Magne gave a chuckle as Midoriya rambled. "Yes, there's one near here, it is indeed neutral, no fighting allowed in the cafe. We can talk there that way you don't catch a cold in this night air." She offered, not really expecting him to agree. After all, they've only been chatting with each other for a few weeks, only seeing each other once. Magne may have seen a glimpse of Midoriya sometimes but never enough for it to count. Honestly, she was partially hoping that Midoriya would disagree, technicality she was a stranger. Stranger danger and all that. The kid would have no self-preservation if he said- "Yeah sure!" Wait, what?

A dumbfounded expression stared at Midoriya as he rubbed his arm from the gaze. There was no way he trusted her enough to go to a cafe together. Though he did ask that they meet up at a rooftop where no eyes would be on them. Midoriya shifted from foot to foot before he spoke up. "You made a good point about the cold, I can't afford to catch a cold and I don't want you to either. It is my fault that you're here and not sleeping too so.."

Mange shook herself out of her shock and gave a smile. Why couldn't he afford to catch a cold? Was it so he wouldn't waste a day training? Or was it something else? Maybe she can get those answers after they talk. "Well then just follow me little bunny."

Chapter Text

The cafe was pretty warm. Definitely a better idea to talk here than on a rooftop at night. Izuku was a little surprised it was still open, despite Magne-san telling him it was open at late hours. A few people were still in there, some he recognized as thugs and another as a wanted villain. Like Magne-san said though, it was pretty calm. The interior was nice and neat, it had some low mood lights for lighting, maybe due to it being open at night hours. Another thing Izuku noticed was how you couldn’t see the inside of the cafe, but you could see the outside. A safety measure then. Just because it was a neutral area doesn’t mean heroes didn’t try to scope it out. It made sense. Back to the interior, it was nice and cozy. Izuku and Magne-san had picked a booth in one of the corners, mainly to dissuade from eavesdroppers despite the few customers in the area. They had both ordered drinks, Izuku a hot chocolate and Magne-san a hot tea. The warmth seeped through their hands, both of them giving content sighs. They both needed that. Izuku glanced up at Magne-san, waiting for her to take a sip of her drink before he took a sip of his.

His heart absolutely melted at the taste, it was simply heavenly. He felt like his troubles were melting away and felt like he could sleep for a week. That was probably a not good sign but he’s just going to ignore why it feels like that. He took another sip before setting his mug down. He wanted to try to savor the warmth, he hasn’t had hot chocolate in a good while. He looked at Magne-san, seeing her enjoying her tea, seeming to wait for him to start talking. That was polite of her. He went to grab a sheet of paper and pen before pausing. He didn’t bring his bag. Out of all things to not bring. Izuku groaned, putting his head in his hands, catching Magne’s attention. “What’s wrong, bunny?”

Midoriya gave an exhale of air as he lifted his head to where his eyes were above his hands. “I completely forgot to bring paper and a pen to write out what we were gonna discuss. I meant to bring my bag but must have overlooked it when I left.” He was fully prepared to shoot out one of his apologies before Magne gave a chuckle as she set down her hot tea.

“Bunny, I didn’t expect you to come with machinery.” She teased as Midoriya lowered his hands, showing his full face. “If you really want to write things down, I’m sure the cafe has a piece of paper and pencil you can use, or you can use the notes app on your phone.” She paused. “Your phone does have a notes app, doesn’t it?” She asked, slightly unsure. The notes app was a standard app for phones wasn’t it? Unless it was like a flip phone or a really old modeled program at least.

Midoriya brightened up at that. He did indeed bring his phone, after disabling the tracking portion of course. He checked his phone quickly, not wanting to be rude to Magne. His phone did have a notes app! He gave a grin at Magne with a nod to confirm her thoughts. Midoriya opened the notes app and put it face down on the table so he could give his attention to Magne.

Magne gave a kind smile before pointing towards Midoriya’s hot chocolate and he quickly grabbed it, giving a sigh in relief that it was still warm. He gave a few sips, sighing in content before giving his attention back to Magne. He didn’t want to be rude after all. He wondered if he could get a to-go cup of it, despite the risks of his mother realizing he left the house at night. Magne gave the table a gentle tap before speaking. “Alright, so as it’s been said before, your goal is for the General Education track and go to Heroics through your Sports Festival, right?” After the boy’s nod she continued, “You should definitely start studying and focus on that before any workouts right now.” Magne gave a chuckle at Midoriya’s confused look. “I’m not saying to completely not do any workouts, but your exam will be different, and I’m simply basing that on the track names. Stretching will be good to focus on currently so you can be more flexible. Working on getting more meat on you as well, because no offense but you’re looking like a baby bunny.”

Midoriya gave a flustered start as he tried to protest before cutting it off, going for a drink of his cocoa with a red face. “All I’m saying is to work more towards the actual exam you’re going to take while keeping in mind what you’ll be aiming for. Unfortunately you probably won’t be able to get into a gym or dojo due to your quirk status.” Midoriya could have sworn he heard her mutter ”quirkest monkeys” under her breath but he wasn’t going to comment on it.

Midoriya piped up. “Uhm, I can go to a public library and look at some self defense videos and books and possibly learn from those. That way you don’t have to bother teaching me and I won’t disturb you!” The boy looked a little relieved from his words, he didn’t want to burden Magne with teaching him. Magne immediately shook her head. “Going to a library is good, yes, you’ll be needing those resources to study anyway, but I’m perfectly fine teaching you. The videos will have you backwards, same with pictures from books. Learning from descriptions isn’t that simple either.” She turned down the option quickly.

Midoriya’s fingers fidgeted around his cocoa mug. He looked hesitant to respond to what she said and quickly glanced around the room before looking up at Magne. “But.. w-wouldn’t you teaching me disturb your d-daily life..?” Midoriya winced at his stutter before looking away from Magne. He really didn’t want to be a bother to her, he could learn on his own.

Magne shook her head before giving a smile. “It wouldn’t bother me at all! I’m happy to teach you, I think it’ll be fun. My days are pretty dull anyway.” She assured him the best way she could, seeing it work as Midoriya’s fidgeting ceased slowly. She gave a slight frown at his next question, taking a sip of her tea.

“Even if we have to train at night..?” was the cautioned question. The fidgeting ceased, which was good, but Midoriya was tense. Magne could question him about it, which she definitely would, but first it would probably be best to assure him. “If you can’t train during the day then night works for me little bunny!” Midoriya gave a silent exhale of breath before reaching for his phone to type what was just said.

Magne watched Midoriya type down some notes, like what subjects to study and to look up some stretches and exercises. She waited a few minutes, finishing the rest of her tea. There wasn’t really a gentle way to bring up this conversation. She gave a short sigh before beginning to speak. “So.. what happened for you to go quiet for a while?”

Izuku froze, he wasn’t really expecting the question. He hadn’t really expected her to care enough to ask. That’s okay though, he can easily respond. He looked up from his phone with a bright smile on his face, forcing the panic to rush down. “Sorry about that, Magne-san! My phone died and I couldn’t find my charger, so it took awhile to look for it.” His tone was guarded, Magne-san didn’t have an outstanding reaction towards that though.

“Then what about you not being able to train in the day? I wasn’t lying, I’m perfectly okay training you at night but wouldn’t your mother worry?”

Izuku gave a quiet scoff before covering his mouth. “I can only leave the house for a few hours during the day which I'll use for the library. It’s easier for me to remember to disable the tracker at night.” He reached for his cocoa, not really hot anymore and grimaced at the taste. Cold cocoa didn’t taste as swell.

“Tracker? Your mother tracks you?” Magne-san asked, causing Izuku to widen his eyes. He hadn’t meant to say that part. She sounded bewildered with maybe a touch of concern which confused him.

“She’s my mom? She’s going to track me, I'm fragile and useless.” His tone was dull while he spoke. It hurt him to say that he was fragile and useless, it hurt him to imply that his mother thought that way. It hurt to tell Magne-san how much of a Deku he was.

Magne-san reached a hand out, gently tapping Izuku’s hand. “Hey, bunny, you’re not useless.” Her tone was soft and gentle, something he’s heard from his mother but Magne-san’s tone didn’t make him flinch. “Whoever told you that you were is wrong. Same with you being fragile.”

Izuku looked up at her with a protest. “I’m quirkless though, I’m useless, fragile, I’m just a Deku!” At this point he was glad most of the cafe customers had left, though he did get a fleeting glance from the barista. He checked his phone, not wanting to look at Magne-san and saw that it was almost 4AM. Time really flew past. He abruptly stood up, his hand leaving Magne-san’s hand and bowed politely. “I’m sorry for the outburst, it won’t happen again, it’s getting late so I should get going. Please message me if you are still interested in training me, thank you for the hot cocoa. It was very delicious. Goodbye Magne-san!” He quickly rushed out of the cafe, remembering to bring his phone with him. It wouldn’t be till a few hours when his mom woke up but her internal clock made her a lighter sleeper when it got close to her alarm time. Which was in two hours. He was just glad the cafe wasn’t very far.

Magne watched Midoriya leave with a concerned expression on her gruff face. She couldn’t help but think how many times Midoriya has heard people tell him that he’s useless. “Kid..” She gave a sigh and looked down. The signs she saw in Midoriya’s behavior was frankly a little concerning. She was sort of expecting it since he’s quirkless but wanted to keep an open mind. But no, people are more discriminating than she thought. Midoriya’s mom sounded like a helicopter mom, way too overprotective. Magne groaned. She wasn’t expecting to get this soft with Midoriya.

Chapter Text

Luckily Izuku was able to get home before Inko’s alarm and internal alarm stirred her. Unluckily, he was staving off a panic attack. Experience with those though, he’s gotten pretty good at keeping it quiet, remembering grounding techniques and how to pull himself out of one. God forbid he started to panic during school, he would have gotten bullied harder. He wouldn’t have been able to fight back (not that he did so to begin with), not with his muddled mind and hazy eyes.

Izuku hadn't been expecting a text from Magne-san. Which sat unopened for about 10 minutes while he was overthinking about what it would say. Anxiety was fun.

Magne-san
Hey bunny, sorry if the questions I asked made you uncomfortable. I still want to train you, which I am perfectly fine doing at night don't worry. If you ever need any help, you can talk to me bunny. I can listen

A huge breath was removed from Izuku's heart. He hadn't disappointed Magne-san.

it's only a matter of time before you do

Magne-san was still interested in training him!

You'll be lying to Inko

This way he will be able to defend himself throughout the new year! His mom wouldn't have to purposefully ignore his injuries!

She'll ignore you either way

His breathing quickened, glancing at his phone to reply before he was fully alone with his thoughts.

Izuku
Sorry for running out of the cafe, I didn't mean to. Thank you for still dealing with me

His phone dropped out of his hands, landing quietly on the bed. It was only an hour until his mom woke up to get ready for work. An hour until his room gets unlocked. When he can roam the house. When he can start looking for books at the library to study for the exam in a few months. He should be able to find some high level textbooks so he can be prepared.

Out of his mind, his phone buzzed quietly. The vibration sounded murky. Something underwater. Were his ears getting clogged up? Why did everything sound so muffled? The air conditioner, the creaks in the roof, the wind outside. It all sounded so.. dim.

you can't lie to your mother deku

Magne will give up on you easily

What's the use of studying when you'll get failed?

Did you forget what you were?

They aren't going to want to teach a contagious, fragile Deku

You're just what All Might says

A liability

A small click made its way to Izuku’s ears. The door to his room didn’t open, it never did when it was unlocked. Izuku didn’t even see the point of Inko keeping him in here when all she does is act like a roommate most of the time. Ignores him yet watches his every move. A little exhausting.

After the click happened, Izuku’s hearing got more clear. The creaking in the floors became more evident as Inko walked around the house getting ready to leave for the hospital to start her shift. Izuku listened patiently, staying seated before getting startled by his phone notification. He half-heartedly grabbed at it and opened the notification, the blue light illuminating his pale face.

Magne-san
Kid, are you alright? If this is about what happened in the cafe, you don’t need to worry about it

Magne-san
I do want to talk more about what happened with you, but I won’t until you’re ready

Izuku’s heart slightly warmed, a small smile being brought to his face after reading her messages. Even if it was a diversion, she still seemed to care. Even if she didn’t, she still seems willing to help. Even if she’ll stop after seeing how useless he was, he’ll take all the help he can get.

He’s going to be a hero after all.

--8 Months Later--

Dear god, was Magne a heavy hitter. Bruises littered after bruises. Now, Izuku could tell that Magne was going fairly easy on him, but was still pulling her punches. Whenever she went a little too hard, she would always stop the exercise and treat the injury, which was kind of her. She always got quiet after seeing his other scars though, which seemed a little strange at first but he got used to it.

After that day of meeting Magne, he started going to the library, which Inko allowed. The library did allow anyone, they didn’t check quirk ID’s, which was a win. He only went there for a few hours, knowing that he’d get yelled at for staying more. He studied a lot, going more for higher level learning so he can be prepared. In all honesty, Izuku didn’t find it all that difficult. It was pretty fun to learn too!

Izuku started stretching, looking up some of Magne’s suggestions. He could definitely feel looser after doing them daily. He and Magne started to practice defense techniques two months after he started stretching. According to Magne, it was so he “wouldn’t get worn down so easily, easier to get used to one thing then go to the next”, which he supposed made sense. Magne was just so incredibly kind to him during the whole time. He was always waiting for her to switch, for her to become exactly like the others. They got closer together though, Magne opened up about some of her experiences and Izuku gave some more details about his (leaving names out of course).

Based on what Izuku knows now about Magne’s experiences, he could understand why she gets upset after he talks about his experiences. He gets upset about hers too, I mean, why would people discriminate just because someone is becoming more comfortable with their gender?? Same with sexuality! Society always talks about how people are equal, in mind and body, but that clearly isn’t the case when people attack others just for being different from what they view in their mind.

Today was the day before the exam, he had to leave tomorrow. His mom didn’t know what school he was going to, she never asked but he doesn’t think she knows he’s trying out for U.A. He planned to keep it that way, but he knows that she’ll find out sooner or later. He won’t be disabling the tracker during the day since it would be a little suspicious. Magne and him met up for the day so Magne could give him encouragement and let him know how much he’s going to pass.

“Hey, bunny? Can I ask why you want to be a hero?”

Well then. Izuku was not prepared for that question. He nearly choked on his drink and accepted a napkin from Magne when offered. They had met up at the cafe since they weren’t training today, both ordering drinks as usual. Once Izuku stopped coughing he glanced up at the woman. “Why do you ask?” Sue him for being cautious, he may trust Magne a little more now, but he wasn’t really wanting to go back to that day.

Magne gave a shrug, taking a sip of her drink (it was lemonade this time). “Most people have a reason to become a hero.” She paused. “Actually not really, most people go into heroics for fame and cash, but with what you have experienced, is it bad for me to assume you have a reason?”

Izuku gave a sigh, messing with the straw in his cup of ice (he had already finished drinking his water). “Out of spite mostly. I wanted to be a hero all my life, but kept getting discouraged. It solidified once I met my idol.. Though he’s not really an idol anymore.”

Magne held out a hand, palm up for comfort. Not an order, an option if he needed it. “What happened, Izuku?”

Izuku jolted, not expecting the first name. She always called him by a nickname. It was a little startling to hear, but it sounded kind. It made him relax a little and he let go of the straw. “Short story, got suicide-baited at school, captured by a villain after school, rescued by a hero, grabbed onto said hero to ask him a question, hero says no, hero leaves me on roof.” He bluntly said with a sigh. He looked up at Magne before flinching at the expression on her face, looking back down quickly. She looked bad. Was she mad at Izuku? I mean it was kind of his fa-

flick

Izuku held a hand up to his forehead, looking up at Magne with slightly teary eyes. “What was that for, Magne??”

Magne raised an eyebrow as if to say “what do you think” before sighing. “I can see those thoughts a mile away, you forget I train you. I may not know everything about you, but I've noticed some tells. I didn’t mean to startle you with my expression, I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at the buffoon called a hero.” She groaned as she crossed his arms. “As well as your old school. Makes me even madder that you won’t give me names but I can only assume why you won’t do so.” She gave a sigh before staring at Izuku. “I’m guessing you asked the hero if someone quirkless could become a hero?”

A nod.

“Their name?”

A head shake.

“Bunny I won’t be doing anything to them” yet “I just want to know what buffoon crushed my little bro’s dreams.”

Izuku tilted his head at her, reminiscent of a bunny. “I’m your little brother?”

Magne gave a chuckle. “Of course! You have a way of making people attached, I’m your Big Sis Magne.” She responded with a good-natured smile, which Izuku softly returned before he frowned. “Is that alright bunny?”

“..Ight” What?

“Pardon?”

“All Might..” It was a soft mumble, one filled with sadness.

Magne’s eyes turned soft as she realized what he was saying. “All Might was the one who saved you?” She asked gently.

Another nod. She could see that Izuku was starting to get more uncomfortable so she let it drop. “Thank you, Izuku. I know it was hard for you to talk about it.” Granted, she did also want a name for who baited him, but she knows when to stop. She’s noticed that on his bad days when they train, he speaks very little, if at all. It doesn’t bother her, it just makes her a little sad she can’t help.

“..Kacchan.”

Magne quirked an eyebrow, confused by the sudden name. “Who is Kacchan?”

Izuku fidgeted his fingers which caused Magne to gently thump her knuckles on the table, offering again which he took this time. He rested his hands onto hers, quietly gripping her fingers so his nails don’t go into his palms. “Childhood friend.. No.. Bully.”

Magne could see the moment Izuku changed his mind when his words changed from friend to bully. His green eyes looked conflicted before giving a resigned look. She gently ran her thumb along his fingers to let him know it was okay. “Was this ‘Kacchan’ the one who baited you?” She cautiously asked. It was the only reason she could think of that he would give her a name.

Izuku gave a nod before looking up at her with a torn expression. “Uhm.. Don’t hurt him, please? It’s not really worth it.”

Magne gave a huff. “I don’t have a full name, therefore I can’t track him down. So you have nothing to worry about.” She was a little displeased by the fact, but she didn’t want to upset her lil brother. If by some chance, she came across Kacchan, nothing would really stop her from acting. The little bunny didn’t have to know such things.

Magne gave Izuku a gentle smile before extracting her hand and standing up from the booth. “You should be heading home now, bunny. You need your rest for tomorrow. Remember what I said.”

Izuku stilled, giving her a nod for her to continue. “You will pass. You studied for this and know your stuff. You can do it, Izuku.” Izuku gave her a soft grin before standing up and walking towards her, faltering a bit. He reached his arms out before pausing and putting them right by his side, changing his mind about what to do. He performed a neat 90 degree bow towards Magne. “Thank you for training me. I appreciate your help with all of this.”

Magne grinned and nudged his shoulder. “Hey, you’re not getting rid of me that easily, little rabbit. I can still train you after you get in.”

Izuku straightened up, determination burning in his veridian eyes. Magne believed in him. She said after he gets in, not if. The first person to believe in him.

He won’t let her down.

Chapter Text

There were a lot of people here. Too many. Granted, this wasn’t the actual test, just an assembly so people know about the handbook and where they would need to go. Izuku found himself thinking selfishly, hoping there weren't many people in the Gen Ed exam site. He does not need to deal with a claustrophobia induced panic attack, not today at least. He may need to talk with people and it’d be easier when he’s verbal. Probably not a good impression if he wrote (or signed) his questions as answers, but he does wonder if the staff know sign language. Present Mic should since his quirk causes loud sound waves right? The sound waves would have had a drawback, as most quirks do, even if it wasn’t a quirk, that loud of frequency would have caused some ear damage. Izuku wouldn’t be surprised if Present Mic was hard of hearing and had a pair of reinforced hearing aids for hero work.

Actually, now that he thought about it, wouldn’t Bakugo be hard of hearing? His quirk is literally explosions, and those got pretty loud sometimes. Even Izuku has gotten ringing in his ears after some “chatting” with Bakugo. He can attest to not being able to hear for a little while afterwards. He could always hear afterwards after a while so it didn’t seem that serious. Regardless, if Izuku wasn’t capable of hearing for a while after encountering one of Bakugo’s blasts, then what's that to say to Bakugo’s ears? They would be much closer and get more of the attack sound (kind of ironic really).

Wait.. Oh crap, was he muttering about this the whole time during the assembly?? Izuku looked up to find a blue haired robotic boy staring at him with an annoyed look and many people around him were snickering. He shrunk back into his seat, not hearing whatever he said but knew it was something about him. Crap, he hadn’t meant to be muttering. He glanced up at Present Mic, who was saying something about the different tracks, about why people didn’t have the same book, and something about a no pointer robot. He couldn’t see Present Mic’s expression but felt like he was being stared at for a minute. He could not wait to get out of the gaze, happy luck decided to be friends with him when the assembly was called for a close.

Izuku quickly rushed out of the assembly room and made his way to the General Education exam site. He was both glad yet annoyed at being one of the first people there and went to a seat in the middle of the room, not in front, yet not fully back. Not so much distance towards the front so once he were to turn his test in, not many eyes would be on him.

He didn’t give much notice to where he sat before he heard a slight cough and glanced to his left. Sitting next to him was a tall purple boy. Said boy was looking at him awkwardly, seeming to not know whether to say anything. Before he could speak, Izuku spoke up first with an apologetic bow, which was a little difficult to do while sitting down. “Sorry I didn’t see where I was sitting, I didn’t mean to sit next to you, if you want me to I will move.”

The purple boy looked taken back before he rubbed the back of his neck. “It's not that, I was just going to ask if you had a pencil I could use for the test since I didn’t bring any.” Ah, Izuku could see how that question could be awkward. It’s easy to make fun of someone if they don't have any materials. Unfortunately for the purple boy, “Sorry lavender, I didn’t bring any pencils either. I was under the impression that we would be given any materials needed.”

“Lavender.”

“Yeah, I don’t know your name and you’re purple. Hence Lavender.” Huh. A little weird that Lavender used statements instead of questions.

“Shinsou Hitoshi.”

“Midoriya Izuku, pleased to meet you.” Not really. He did not really want to converse, but Shinsou seemed like a cool guy regardless.

“Green as in your hair.”

“Family trait.” Well that got a snicker out of the guy. Izuku went to make a retort before Present Mic made his way to the front. More people had piled in while they were talking and he desperately tried to avoid Present Mic’s gaze. It was a little embarrassing to see him after he was called out.

“Good morning everyone! This is the exam for General Education, so anybody not trying for this department please go to the correct room!” Present Mic can be so loud without meaning to be. Izuku could see some people wincing up front due to the volume. “This exam will go on for 3 hours and goes through a parade of topics about ethics as well as basic school knowledge that you would have gotten over the years. Ectoplasm clones will be handing out the packets and a pencil for you to use. Once you have gotten yours you are free to begin!”

Izuku could see the clones pass out the tests, startling when one appeared behind him, causing him to tense. Logically, he knew a Pro Hero wouldn’t attack him, at least not in public, but he can’t stop his habits when he’s surprised. He gave a strained smile and nod to the clone after getting his test. He didn’t notice the confused glance that Shinsou gave him before he wrote his name down and started the test. It’s 11 in the morning so the end would be at 2 PM, he should have enough time to check his answers.

-

He was a little surprised by the questions. They were fairly simple to him, especially the basic school ones like math, science, and history. The ethics questions were a little more complicated to him since he had to think a little more. The ethics questions went broadly also asking about morals which seemed much more opinionated than should be on an exam.

15) What should a hero have as their moral and code of conduct?

After thinking for a bit, some questions just seemed to use common sense. He quickly wrote down his answers, making his way through the test before a question made him narrow his eyes.

30) What should a hero do in the case of an injured civilian?

Okay so yeah, maybe Izuku was a little bitter that All Might went against protocol. He had to go to a nurse himself which could have been bad with the amount of sludge that was still stuck in his throat that day. He gave a ‘tch’ before scribbling down his answer.

In the case of an injured civilian caused by a villain, medical care is the first step. The civilian should get checked through by a professional because in regards to what quirk said villain may have, the civilian could have an after effect towards it. If a hero were to not give the injured civilian care and just send them on their merry way even after say, seeing them unconscious, then that would be going against health protocol.

In the case of a hero coming across an injured person while out on patrol, with no clear indications of a villain attack, they should still call for medical care. We do not know how said person got the injuries unless the hero has been told and if it's something they can do there, they would be able to provide first care right then and there, however only if they have had training. I’m sure heroes get first aid training either before their hero license or before they start going to patrols at least. Many people can easily make an injury worse if they are not proficient at first aid, for example stitches. Stitches are not something a beginner should do as they can quickly mess up the wound even further.

Izuku gave a huff as he looked over his answer, satisfied with it. He was just glad there weren’t any problems that were caused by the sludge villain. He continued on through the test, writing down his answers or filling in bubbles for others. He looked up at the time, seeing about an hour and half passed by. He was glad to see he had enough time to check his answers. Before he was about to recheck them, he noticed another question on the back of the page with a writing area.

56n) Analyze the person next to you for an educated guess of what their quirk may be. Names are not needed unless you already have them. Try to be as organized as possible.

Izuku paused for a minute before a smile spread on his face. He enjoyed analyzing. He preferred to have more to base things on than just someone next to him since he couldn’t ask questions but it still works. He was curious what the ‘n’ by the question number was though. Maybe a marking or typo error? It didn’t matter, he could write his analysis of Shinsou, he just needed to get his muttering to stay in his brain.

Shinsou Hitoshi(I was given his name before the test started). Age: N/A, Quirk: Unknown, Looks: Gravity defying purple hair, eyebags, lean build, purple eyes

Quirk suspects: Emitter, possibly a mental one. Doesn’t appear to be a physical mutation (no matter how much that hair defies gravity, look towards Eraserhead’s hair) gave no indication of transformation

Reasonings: I spoke briefly with Shinsou before the test, he didn’t seem to ask questions. Or at least, he asked questions in the form of a statement without the tone. Could be to just how he speaks or due to discrimination from childhood. Noticed faint scars around mouth, most likely muzzle scars. Possibly considered a ‘villain’ quirk if muzzled, no quirks are villainous unless used badly.

Shinsou tried to take a small nap before our exam started, considering the size of his eyebags, possibly insomnia. Alot of quirks can cause said sleeping problems, mostly mental due to the thoughts in their brain or how it's being affected.

Based on another theory of Eraserhead’s hair with the electromagnetic field for when he activates his quirk, causing it to raise, if i use that theory and apply it to Shinsou, it would make his quirk active all the time, a passive quirk in simplistic terms.

Circling back to how he refused to ask questions, possibly a call and response quirk with controlling the other person, either their entire being or possibly by their quirk. Maybe a brainwashing one or just a simple control, to my mind they are two different things. To activate the quirk is probably a response towards the question, probably something that would give him a connection towards the person. On the off chance I'm right, I have many questions about his limits on what he can do as well as some support gear items.

Izuku wished he could have more information to work with since some things were just out of his brain, he had more details in his notebooks. Still feeling a little satisfied, he gave a small nod and went to skim through his work. Once he was done, he paused, setting down his pencil. Did he have to go up there? Was he the first person finished? It was only one PM, so surely more people have finished. Swallowing down his thoughts, he picked up his packet and quickly made his way to the front where Present Mic was sitting. He did his best to avoid eyes, even though he could feel the glances. He gave his test to Present Mic as well as the pencil and quickly left the room to go die in peace (metaphorically).

–

Shinsou stared after the boy as the green boy rushed out of the room after handing in his test. He could practically feel the anxiety running off of him. A quiet mutter sounded and he shook himself out of his thoughts so he could finish his test before the time was up.

He was curious about the boy, he didn’t seem to want to talk yet kept up the conversation. The boy, Midoriya, showed some behaviors that he knew that he himself had. He wondered what happened to him to cause those. A hand drifted to his jaw before he frowned, returning his focus to his test. It wasn’t his problem.

–

It’s been two weeks. Izuku was thriving under his overthinking and panicking. He had messaged Magne after he was out of the school and on his way home with many exclamation marks and anxiety. Magne had laughed at him but called him so they could speak and he could calm down. He had to unfortunately end the call a while after he got home though since his mom came home early, though only to pick something up. She had left quickly, not even checking if Izuku was home, though she probably already knew based on the tracker on his phone. Which meant that she knew he was at U.A and left the house. He didn’t come home with injuries so Izuku doesn’t think he’ll be questioned. Afterall, there were no injuries on him, no reason to make Izuku know how fragile he is.

However, it's been two weeks. Which meant the letter would be arriving today. He’ll know whether he got accepted or rejected. The letter that was now staring at him from the countertop. This was not something he could deal with on his own. He quickly sent a message to Magne asking if he could call and not even five minutes passed, a call came to him which he accepted.

”Hey bunny! I’m assuming you’re dealing with some panic about the letter?”

“Yes, very much so, it’s going to be a rejection.”

”Bun, how would you know that?”

“They wouldn’t accept someone like me, no matter how they act inclusive they wouldn’t accept a-”

”Lemme cut you off there Izuku. You are going to get accepted, I know you will. You studied for this and know how things work. Don’t think everything you did was for nothing.”

Izuku sputtered, “B-but they shoul-”

”No buts bunny. Open that letter. I am here, you won’t be dealing with it alone.”

Magne made a point. He gave a deep breathing, trying to tie his nerves away. He could do this. He propped up his phone on the table and took out the letter opener, making a clean slice as the envelope opened. He was so glad that his mom works during the day and didn’t have any security cameras. Even that seemed a bit excessive to him.

He pulled out the letter, it was about two pages, though they seemed to be discussing different things.

”Well? What about it?”

Izuku was about to respond before the second letter caught his breath. “Wait, what..?”

Magne sounded concerned. ”Bunny, you alright?”

Izuku dropped the letter before quickly rereading the second letter. “I got in but..”

”But what bun?”

Izuku gulped, feeling dread creep up on him. “The principal wants me to go to his office on the first day and talk about becoming his student.”

”That’s incredible bunny! Why do you sound so scared?”

His eyes shifted from paper to paper. “Magne, what if he wants me to go there so he can expel me? What if he only accepted me to keep up the charade of being inclusive??”

”Izuku, if he does that then he’ll make my list, regardless you made it in, that’s still an accomplishment. And I seriously doubt he wants you to go to his office just to expel you in person. Maybe he does actually want you as his student!”

“But why would he want me as his student, I didn’t do- wait what list?” Izuku eyes the phone with a suspicious glint.

A chuckle could be heard from the phone. ”List, did I say list? There’s no list. Anyways, you must have done something to have caught his eye.” Izuku could hear a groan come from Magne before a muttered curse. ”Sorry bun, I have to get going, I forgot about a meeting I had with someone.”

“It’s okay, thank you for calling and staying with me while I opened the letter.” He was truly grateful for that, despite the sudden news, he was feeling calmer.

”Anytime bun. Let me know how your first day goes. That’s next Monday isn’t it? Talk to you later, bun!” The hung up click sounded from the phone.

The first day was next Monday? Izuku grabbed the acceptance letter and quickly looked at the dates.

It was.

Cue more panic.

Chapter Text

This day was the first day. The day he goes to U.A highschool. Somewhere where it’ll go differently than middle school.
.
.
.
Oh who was he kidding, he was either going to get expelled on the first day or it was going to go exactly like Aldera.

Therefore, Izuku was sitting in a corner seat of class 1-C, avoiding everything, every person, every stare, every conversation topic. As well as being prepared to ignore the person who was now sitting down next to him before a flash of purple flashed in the corner of his eye. He turned and saw the familiar gravity defying hair that he saw at the exam. It was Lavender!

Izuku was about to greet him when the other spoke first. “Like I said, my name is Shinsou, greenie.” Shinsou must have heard him.

“And I’m Midoriya, lavender.”

Izuku was happy to see a familiar face, but he wondered how long that face would remain friendly (well as friendly as a blank face could get) once he knew his quirk status. If Izuku was right in his analysis about Shinsou’s quirk, then he would understand the descrimination, right?

Even if he didn’t, Izuku knew how to deal with bullies. He’ll just treat it like Aldera, nothing more, nothing less.

Izuku was brought out of his musings, Present Mic being the culprit.

“Good morning, everybody! I’m sure you all know who I am, and for those that don’t, I’m your homeroom teacher, Present Mic!!” Everyone aside from Izuku and Shinsou started muttering about them, Shinsou seemed as if he didn't care and Izuku would rather not get lost in his mutterings.

“Now, to make things easier, you listeners can call me Mic-sensei! For right now, let’s get started with a little ice-breaker, how about it? We’ll go from up and down, right to the left, introduce yourself with name, pronouns, and a fun fact about yourself!” Huh. In the introduction, Mic-sensei didn’t mention quirks. Maybe he could get away with not saying it?

–
God
Have Midoriya Izuku come to my office after your class

Screech
Very concerned, it’s only the first day, but I’ll send him
…
Try not to traumatize him, please?

–

As everyone introduced themself, Izuku tried to keep note of names and pronouns, as well as quirks (the students unfortunately added them, which meant he may have to give his status anyway). They were good to know that way he knew how to deal with any injuries caused by said quirks.

Out of the corner of his eye, Izuku could see Mic-sensei staring at him with a concerned, and a little fearful, expression. Did he do something wrong already? He hasn’t even given his status yet. Which he would be next. Since it was now Shinsou’s turn. Oh joy.

“Shinsou Hitoshi, he/him, I like cats.” Mic-sensei had a look like he was about to laugh, but was holding it in. Did Shinsou say something funny? Wait, he was typing something in his phone, so maybe he just had to tell someone something.

Izuku was about to go next until one of the students exclaimed that Shinsou hadn’t revealed his quirk. Shinsou gave out a huff, sporting an annoyed look. “Brainwashing.” Came the short response before the giant uproar.

“So cool..” Izuku mumbled, catching Shinsou’s attention. “Excuse me?”

Izuku flinched, not realizing that Shinsou’s annoyed tone wasn’t aimed at him. “Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to mumble, I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.” He glanced around the room, seeing everyone had quieted down. His turn then.

“Alright, last student, if you would!”

Izuku took a deep breath and stood up, hands clenching at the edge of the desk. “Izuku Midoriya, he/him, I want to be a hero.” Here comes the moment of truth. He stared straight ahead of him, staring straight at Present Mic, with a sort of resigned look in his eyes, but also a mixture of fear. “I’m quirkless.”

And the uproars began again, this time louder.

“Quirkless?? How’d you even pass the test, you cheater!”

“You can’t be a hero when you’re quirkless!”

“That’s even worse than a villain’s quirk!”

“Get out of U.A, you’re tainting the schooluseless!!”

“You shouldn’t be here! Go back home and die!”

”Take a swan dive off the roof, and pray for a quirk in the next life!”

Just as he thought.

Exactly like Aldera.

Izuku didn’t see the look Shinsou gave him as he sat back down, blocking every word out. Blocking every word that he’s already heard before in his life. Blocking every stare. Every hateful gaze. Because he’s a Deku.

–

Shinsou stared at Midoriya, concern growing. He can clearly hear the things that are being said about Midoriya, and they aren’t pretty. While the complaints about him may be bad, the protests about the greenette were worse.

Yet the other didn’t appear to be registering the offensive words.

Shinsou looked up when he heard the names of students who said such things and told them to go to the principal’s office. Quirk discrimination. They had protested but couldn’t do anything under Mic-sensei’s glare. “U.A does not take kindly to quirk discrimination. Don’t ask about a second chance, this was your second chance.”

The purple boy was confused on what the loud hero had meant before it clicked. He gave them a second chance after they protested at his introduction. And blew that chance. A little sad really.

Shinsou looked back at Midoriya when he heard a quiet “tch” under his breath. A strained, fake smile was placed on his face and when he looked down he could see his hands were clasped together, in a way that had nails digging. The digging nails drew some blood, which probably caused the quiet reaction. He didn’t know how to help, or even if he could.

He got an idea (a pretty dumb one if he said so himself) and quickly scrawled something out on a sticky note as Present Mic spoke about outlines for their classes and what to expect, yknow rules and all that jazz. The sticky note, it had little paw prints on it, had his name and his number. Cause you could do that right? Shinsou slid the note in front of Midoriya’s face, seeing him jolt once he did. He may not be registering things right now, but at least he could see in front of him. If they did talk over messages, he most likely won't mention what happened. He thought it would be insensitive to bring it up too soon and would wait for a right time, if they ever got that close.

–

There was a peppermint scent in the air. Which was strange because Izuku didn’t remember there being such a scent in the classroom.

A glance around the room told him that he wasn't in the classroom anymore. Also that there was something in his fist, which, after opening his fist and looking at it, seemed to be a cute looking sticky note.

“I presume that you are back with us Mr. Midoriya?”

A voice that had Izuku flinching, looking straight towards where it came from. A desk. A big desk. With a rat standing on it. A rat?

“Am I a dog, mouse, or bear? Nevermind that, I’m the principal!” Came from the rat being.

Wait…

The principal???

“Principal Nedzu?!??”

“Yes that is my name, Mr. Midoriya. Now, how are you feeling?”

Izuku had to admit that he was a little confused (mainly by the question but also by wondering what species Principal Nedzu was). “I’m not entirely sure what you mean sir. I’m fine?”

The rat, now dubbed the principal, gave a polite smile, something that ran shivers up Izuku’s spine. “Well not to worry, I have expelled those troublemakers from the school!”

Okay, now he was really confused. “Sir, what are you talking about?” As Izuku gazed upon the other, he could see him drinking something from a teacup. Tea, perhaps?

Principal Nedzu gave a slight hum as he drank the tea. “You and Mr. Shinsou were discriminated against for your quirks, or in your case, lack thereof. Therefore, they’ve been expelled!”

Izuku was a bit hesitant, I mean, this was Principal Nedzu afterall! He also sounded way too cheerful to expel some kids. Though if it was based on discrimination, Izuku could somewhat understand why the principal would want them out, simply based on his experience as an experiment. “Thank.. You?” Izuku did not know how to respond to any of this. Nor was he entirely sure how he got to the office from the classroom. “Uhm.. you said to come to your office after school to discuss something..?” Was this after school? Wait, what time even was it?

“Just after 12, Mr. Midoriya. Today was basically an introductory day after all. Tomorrow would be the real day, today was just orientation, which you missed unfortunately.”

Izuku paused before standing up to bow deeply in a haste. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to miss orientation! I’ll try harder, I’m sorry.” He tried to apologize but Principal Nedzu just responded for him to sit back down.

“Not at all, Present Mic messaged me about what happened and asked him to bring you here ahead of time. That way you would get out of the spotlight as well as for you to calm down.” Principal Nedzu gave him a grin as he set his teacup down and walked his way over to the couch Izuku was sitting on. He reached a paw out to pat Izuku’s hand, which Izuku had to still his flinching(flinching would result in yelling). If Principal Nedzu noticed, then he didn’t say anything about it. “Do not apologize for dissociating, I do not blame you, and neither does Present Mic.”

Izuku gave a slight frown at the words. So he did dissociate again. He supposed that was the correct word for his ‘zoning out’ that he did sometimes during some events. “Sorry..” He mumbled. “You shouldn’t have to have dealt with that..”

Principal Nedzu shook his head, giving him an even wider grin (if that was even possible). “Not at all! I would prefer to be given updates on my personal student.”

Izuku gave a slight snort before freezing. Glancing over at the person/rat/bear/dog, he saw no traces of a joke. “Wait.. you weren’t making that up?? You actually want me to become your student??” Izuku was honored of course, but was he actually serious?

One of Principal Nedzu’s ears flicked. “Why else did you think I wrote that I wanted you to become my student in your letter?” He seemed genuinely curious by this.

Izuku gave a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well.. I thought it was just an excuse so you could expel me?”

“Have you done anything worth of being expelled?”

“..Being quirkless?”

“That is not a reason. I wouldn’t have accepted a quirkless student just to keep up appearances, you earned this by your own merit. I will not be speaking lies to you during your time here. I am a safe figure. I am your mentor.”

Izuku felt his heart being stabbed. To any other person, this may have just been lip-service, but to the greenette, it just felt so genuine, so sincere. So kind to him. Words that wanted him to trust the Princ-, no, his mentor. Tears whelmed up in his eyes, ever so silent as they fell. Words of thanks were slurred together under his breath as his mentor gave him a tissue. Perhaps Izuku found a figure he can trust.

(Inko doesn’t count, not anymore)

—

Omake:

We Serve the God

Screech: I found a mini shouta and a cinnamon roll, I’m keeping him now

No slept:and you get on me about bringing strays home

No slept: hypocrite

Screech:Come on!!! He had to deal with some quirkest students today and I just want to hug him

God: I share the sentiment. Quite unfortunate that my student had to go through that on orientation day.

Blood Bank: You agree with Mic??

Skinny legs: You have a personal student Nedzu?

Screech: Do not taint the cinnamon roll Nedzu!!! NO WORLD TAKEOVERS!

Skinny legs: Surely that is an overreaction?

Smooch: you haven’t met Nedzu then yagi

Chapter Text

We Serve the God
Day of the Entrance Exam

Screech: I saw the cutest little listener get scolded by tensei’s brother

Ghost: You mean the little green boy?

Screech: YEAH!!! you know him???!

Ghost: No, the kid ran into one of my clones, gave a 90-degree bow, apologized repeatedly, and ran back to the exam site

Ghost: why’d the little engine scold him?

Screech: apparently the broccoli was muttering

No Slept: really zashi? Already nicknaming him? You got attached that quickly?

No Slept: you’re gonna cry if he fails

God: He didn’t.

Screech: Suck on that shouta

Blood Bank: Mic, i would think not tormenting him while you’re supposed to be doing your exam watching

Blood Bank: also how do you know he didn’t fail when theyre still doing the exam

No Slept: vlad you should know by now that we don’t question nedzu

God: :>

Skinny legs: I’d like to know?

God: I’m keeping him.

Screech: SHOUTA YOURE INFLUENCING NEDZU

Smooch: Nedzu, dear, you mean to say?

Skinny legs: Nedzu, i’m sure that boy has a perfectly pair of good parents, I don’t think you can keep him

Sleep: aren’t we supposed to be watching the hero exam soon?

Screech: nem don’t act like you follow most rules

Sleep: yamashut

Woof: Nedzu, if you’re legally keeping him he’s going to therapy

Smooch: I’ll have to agree with ryo, dearie

God: Oh, no I won’t be adopting him.

No Slept:

No Slept:oh no

No Slept: Nedzu, I’m resigning.

Blood Bank: look at that, aizawa can use grammar

Sleep: oh crap

Sleep: zashi-

Screech: shouta used grammar

Skinny legs: Is.. that such a big deal?

Sleep: yes

Screech: yes it is

Smooch: Nedzu..

Skinny legs: Why is this such a big deal?

God: :3

Screech: the little broccoli just handed in his exam, he looked so nervous

Screech: i want to hug him

God: You will be able to.

No Slept: god dammit nedzu

—

Chapter Text

Nedzu was known for being smart.

That was literally his thing.

His quirk being High Specs, he was the smartest being in Japan (possibly the world, but he’s humble so he won’t say that).

However, that was literally book smarts. He gained his street smarts when he escaped the lab but he was very much a beginner emotional smarts. So when his newly acquired student broke down on his couch, he very much was struggling on how to proceed. He settled for handing Mr. Midoriya some tissues and just sat there next to him, not touching him. As he was a Pro Hero, as well as having some himself, he noticed when the green boy gave a minute flinch, one that was trying to hide yet still happened.

Nedzu wondered about what happened for Mr. Midoriya to have developed such a habit towards touch before remembering that he was quirkless. It was upsetting how much that made sense when he thought about it. He was aware of the statistics. Aware of the forums that quirkless children used to try and find a connection before they eventually disappeared. Aware of the discrimination. Discrimination that’s somehow worse than his own.

Nedzu saw as his new personal student began to calm down, the words of thanks quieting and stopping, just quietly sniffling. “Mr. Midoriya, don’t worry about being late for anything, like I said, this was a short day and I have already contacted your mother to inform you that you’ll be late going home.”

The other seemed to tense at that statement, the principal not realizing when. Was it due to the fact that Nedzu called his mom? Or was it due to him being assured that he wasn’t late for anything? Before Nedzu could speak again, he got interrupted (not intentionally) by an exhale of air, not necessarily one of relief.

Just simply an exhale of air.

Nedzu glanced up at the greenette’s eyes, seeing that they were hardened with something akin to fear and resignation. After a second, a small, strained smile appeared on the boy’s face, obviously fake, yet fighting some genuine feeling. “That’s thoughtful of you, Principal Nedzu. Another thing, please call me Izuku.”

There was no explanation for why his student wanted to be called by his given name. But he wasn’t one to refuse dropping formality. His teeth sparkled in his grin towards the boy. “Then let us drop all formality! Just call me Nedzu, Izuku!”

Nedzu was looking forward to working with his student, he could see some fun moments during the school year with Izuku. And if Aizawa accused him of plotting world domination with Izuku, well that was just between them now wasn’t it?

Nedzu clapped his paws together, causing Izuku to slightly jump at the suddenness. “Now, onto our first lesson!” He exclaimed gleefully, ignoring the slight sputtering from the other. “Oh don’t worry, think of it as an introduction!” He turned towards Izuku and held out a paw, keeping his movements slow and well seen. “Do you have your phone on you, Izuku? Might I borrow it?”

Izuku gave a hesitant nod, digging it out of his backpack (which somehow came with him when he was brought to the principal’s office). He carefully handed it to the animal, somehow making his movements to where he wouldn’t touch his fur. The phone was an old model, obviously used and a little battered around the edges but it still seemed to work. He opened it up (what kind of kid doesn’t have a passcode on his phone) and added Izuku to a chat.

The teacher’s chat.

Nedzu handed Izuku his phone back and watched as his eyes widened when he realized what he was added to. He looked up to Nedzu with an expression asking for an explanation.

“Not to worry, Izuku, they won’t realize that you’ve been added until you say something. Your nickname has been set to LittleGod as well, so they won’t know who you are! Of course, that is unless you want to tell them your name and introduce yourself that way.” Nedzu sent a sharp grin at Izuku which caused the boy to pause.

“You.. don’t want me to introduce myself that way.. Do you?”

Nedzu burst into a fit of chuckles. “You are a clever boy, Izuku.” It took him a few minutes for him to be calm before he continued. “No, I want you to introduce yourself by saying your answer to what species I am. I do want you to give it some thought too.”

The greenette appeared skeptical. “You are aware that I will most assuredly be wrong, right?”

Nedzu gave a hum as his ear flicked. “No I don’t believe you will, but if you were I wouldn’t be disappointed. You would still be my student.” Nedzu could see a silent breath of relief be released at that statement. Nedzu wasn’t so unreliable that he would take back his own words. That was just rude!

“Now I will be giving them a warning of sorts, but nothing that points out to you, alright? Take as much time as you need!”

Izuku gave a nod before beginning to sit up. He paused and looked down at Nedzu. “Sorry.. Was that the end of that? Can I head home now? I’m sorry, it sounded like the end of a conversation-” There was a sharp intake of breath when Nedzu raised a paw.

“Not to worry, Izuku, you can head home now. I have already given Present Mic your schedule, which you will receive tomorrow. You’ll be having regular classes for a week before having a period with me, though I would not object to you coming to my office if you ever wanted to talk.” Nedzu gave a softer grin to go with the last part. Sure, Izuku may not pay much mind to it, but Nedzu did get attached to his student rather quickly. Even if he wasn’t, he would want to help either way, he is a teacher after all, even if he’s the principal, he’s still a teacher.

Izuku gave a nod and quickly left the office, heading his way back home while Nedzu pulled out his phone to message the group chat, there being a slow conversation.

We Serve the God

No slept: yagi have you made a lesson plan for tomorrow

Skinny legs: Indeed I have! It’ll teach the young heroes well

Smooch: I better not see any students in here tomorrow

God: Midnight, don’t be inappropriate.

Sleep: i wasn’t even in teh conversation-

Screech: teh

No slept: teh

Sleep: oh shut it

Blood Bank: that was indeed random though

No slept: its nedzu

No slept: alright you have a point

Screech: NEDZU!! How’s my cinnamon roll???!?

No slept: not yours zashi and i doubt he’ll respond

You would be correct, Aizawa. Nedzu hummed, reviewing the conversation, as well as rereading the one on the exam day. They’ve already talked about Midoriya Izuku and know of his interest in the boy so they might already guess who the new chat member would be without even introducing himself.

Whoops.

—

Izuku was walking home thinking about Nedzu’s first(?) lesson. He was desperately refusing to remember crying in front of the other adult, even if he was his mentor now. It was embarrassing. He couldn’t believe he zoned out that long, nor does he believe that Nedzu didn’t see the stilled flinch. He thought more about Nedzu’s proposed question. Find what species Nedzu is and put it in the group chat.

That was harder than said Nedzu.

Still, the slight belief in him was nice to hear. Even if it was just lip service

Izuku glanced at the teacher’s group chat, skimming through some of the messages to see who was who. He was reddening to see who he realized was Present Mic, leaving the comments about him, he’s never been called a cinnamon roll before. Though that also meant that the teachers were aware that Nedzu has a student now, and based on some statements with other teachers (who he thinks is recovery girl, midnight, and eraserhead) it's possible that they already know that he, Izuku Midoriya, is said student.

He is curious about who “Skinny legs” is though. Based on his knowledge about the staff of U.A, none of the teachers there match up with the nickname. It could be Ectoplasm, but based on what “Ghost” said about their clones, he’s pretty sure “Ghost” is Ectoplasm.

“Smooch” was Recovery Girl.

“Sleep” was Midnight.

“Screech” was Present Mic (that one was kind of obvious).

“Ghost” was Ectoplasm.

“Blood Bank” being Vlad King.

“Woof” seemed to be Hound Dog.

“No slept” seemed to be Eraserhead, but he wasn’t entirely sure since he didn’t know personalities.

“Skinny legs” … he wasn’t sure.

“God” was obviously Nedzu.

He saw other nicknames, but they were more back in the chat than recently, so he didn’t pay much attention to them.

Izuku found the group chat name kinda funny as well.

Regardless, Izuku kept thinking about Nedzu’s question after putting his phone away, absentmindedly walking in his Inko’s apartment. Based on Nedzu’s greeting, he gave the option of three animals, knowing of his appearance, or was it another way to state what he was. Izuku knows of chimeras, mixtures of animals put together from experiments. Now, he wouldn’t be assuming anything (that was rude), but it did kind of coincide with Nedzu’s past that he’s been able to gather up. Therefore Nedzu is a chimera, yes, but that didn’t feel right. Chimera wasn’t technically a species.

Now, Nedzu seemed more rodent or weasel than bear or canine. He thought back to Nedzu’s features that he remembered seeing. Thin body, white fur, scar over eye (irrelevant, came from lab life, discard), four toed paws, long tail.

The paws are more dog-like than weasel or rodent, so that would be a reason why that's on the list of animals. Izuku tried to remember the principal’s side profile, trying to remember what his snout looked like. He hadn’t really been focusing much so that was no help.

Nedzu’s tail was more weasel than rodent though. Rodent tails are more ‘scaly’ and ‘bald’ than fur. It’s not really much of an indication but that’s as far as Izuku thought before he was brought out of his musings by a slap to his face. He was about to protest something when he looked up before flinching, seeing Inko in front of him.

“Now why would you make me slap you, baby. I’ve been calling you for the past 10 minutes.”

Now that surprised Izuku. Was he really thinking that hard? He was still wearing his ratty yellow backpack and just standing in the hallway. Did he just stop there and think in the middle of the hallway?

“Don’t ignore me!”

Izuku shook himself to respond to his mother, to please her words. “I’m sorry mom, I didn’t mean to. I was stuck in my thoughts.” He tried to go for that response with a tender, comforting smile. “Mom, aren’t you supposed to be working today? Why are you home early?” He asked as a way to change that topic.

Inko gave a sniff, her usual lying Midoriya tears starting. “What else was I supposed to do when I was called by U.A’s principal saying that you were at their school?! How could you pretend to be a student? I know you want to be a hero, but you need to stop this childish dream Izuku! You know I can’t stand to see you hurt.” She sniffed, a tissue in one of her hands as she dabbed at her eye.

Izuku took a deep breath, preparing himself for this conversation. “Mom, I am a student at U.A. I’m not in the hero course, I’m in General Education.” He said simply, choosing to not tell of his plans to try to make it to the hero course. He continued his polite smile before hearing a scoff coming from his mother.

“Yeah right! How could you get into the general education course of the most prestigious school in the country?! You should know better than to cheat, Izuku! I taught you better!!”

Izuku could feel his patience slipping. Little by little. He would usually be crying now, apologizing to her, but he couldn’t feel the tears come up. It felt tiring. Her words just felt.. Stiff and insincere.

“Mom..” Izuku began, which caused Inko to pause.

“Yes baby? Are you going to apologize to that principal for trespassing and lying?” Of course that was her response.

Izuku looked up at her with wet eyes. “Why do you change your act?”

Inko looked confused, did she really not know what he meant? “What are you talking about baby?”

The greenette gave a sigh. “You either act like you love me, like I’m a child that doesn’t know any better, or you just don’t acknowledge me.”

Inko gave a tsk while Izuku stared at the floor, trying to keep tears from falling. Tears of stress and exhaustion from having to deal with this. “Of course I acknowledge you, Izuku, it’s hard not to.”

She didn’t deny the other two parts..

Izuku shook her head. “No, you only acknowledge me when you say I’m lying, like now. I got into U.A. I passed the entrance exam. I am in the General Education track, yet you don’t believe me.” Izuku paused before pulling his hands into fists, steeling himself for the backlash that may follow. “You watch my every move when it convients you, even after days of ignoring me, you have a tracker on my phone yet when I say I stay in the back of hero fights you don’t believe me when you could have just seen it on the tracker.” He looked up at her. “Why do you-”

Chills.

A step back.

In Inko’s eyes, Izuku could see his reflection with disgust circling around it, as well as annoyance.

Her eyes softened as if the look never happened. “Izu, baby, you’re too fragile for me to not have a tracker on you! You get hurt so easily and you lie about all the causes. If you had passed the exam, why didn’t you tell me? You didn’t even tell me that you were going to take the exam! This is really your own doing for my actions.”

Izuku looked back down, not being able to look at her. “I didn’t tell you because I knew this response was going to happen..” He muttered as he clenched his hands, wanting to escape the conversation now. He shouldn’t have started it.

“Don’t mutter Izuku, you know it’s creepy.” Izuku could hear the frown. “If you want to continue pretending that you got into U.A, then fine, but I won’t be bailing you out when you get arrested for trespassing, you hear me? Now go to your room, I need to get some work done since I left early to speak with you.”

Izuku gave a slight nod as he silently walked past her and into his room. He shut the door, making sure not to slam it, no matter how stressed he was. The yellow backpack was shrugged off as he sat against the door.

He didn’t know what he expected.

He shouldn't have expected anything from her.

Izuku’s phone dinged and he noticed it was another message from the teacher chat. “Smooch” was asking how Nedzu’s student was. Izuku knew that it probably wasn’t the answer that Nedzu wanted right now, but he couldn’t bring himself to think anymore about it right now.

–
We Serve the God

LittleGod: chimera, weasel

Screech: UHMM???!

Screech: WHOM IS YOU

God: Is that your answer?

No slept: nedzu…

No slept: why

God: Why not?

LittleGod: best answer I have right now, I’m sorry

Skinny legs: Nedzu! There is an intruder in the teacher’s chat! They must leave!

Smooch: Hold on there, Yagi

Skinny legs: Why? They could be a villain!

Sleep: hey, zashi came to me freaking out whats going on

No slept: nedzu added his student

Skinny legs: You don’t know that, young Aizawa!

Screech: nem just got me to shut up, yagi, the nickname is literally little god

Smooch: he’s also the only one to add people yagi

God: :)

Gunslinger: now what is going on here

Ghost: oh look you opened the chat

Gunslinger: my guns were buzzin

Woof: your guns?

Gunslinger: yep

Screech: ALRIGHT THEN

Screech: HEY LITTLE LISTENER

No slept: zash shut up

Screech: no i must greet

LittleGod: hi mic-sensei

Skinny legs: I still do not believe it is right for a student to be in this chat!

LittleGod: nedzu had me join though?

Smooch: don’t worry dear, you can stay

LittleGod: thanks recovery girl-san

No slept: did nedzu tell you who was who?

LittleGod: no, I was guessing, sorry was I wrong?

No slept: you.. Were guessing?

LittleGod: yeah?

LittleGod: nedzu was that okay?

God: Of course!

God: Out of curiosity, who do you have named?

Screech: im curious too!!

Skinny legs: why are my thoughts being ignored

No slept: because we don’t question nedzu, get it through that pea brain of yours

LittleGod: uhm, ifs its alright then

LittleGod: ghost is ectoplasm, smooch is recovery girl, sleep is midnight, screech is mic-sensei, woof is hound dog, blood bank is vlad king, no slept is eraserhead, and god is nedzu

Gunslinger: what about me youngster

LittleGod: … Snipe?

God: Right you are!

No slept: hold up you know who I am?

No slept: how

Skinny legs: I suppose I’m glad you don’t know who I am then.

LittleGod: you’re my favorite hero eraserhead-san

Screech: hes my favrotie hero too little listener!

Sleep: favrotie

Screech: nem why-

No slept: im your favorite??

Skinny legs: dont children usually go for big stars like all might?

Blood Bank: subtle yagi

LittleGod: hes… not really my favorite?

LittleGod: i don’t really like him anymore, sorry

God: Interesting

Skinny legs: How could you not like him anymore?

Screech: its alright listener! I grow out of heroes too!

Sleep: as do I

LittleGod: okay.. Mic-sensei im sorry for zoning out in your class

Screech: have no worries!! You feeling better now?

Blood Bank: oh its this one?

LittleGod: yeah, thank you mic-sensei

LittleGod: nedzu, is it okay if I go now? I remembered something i have to do

God: Certainly

LittleGod: thanks

LittleGod went offline

Skinny legs: He could have shared his name

God: Do not go approaching my student just because he doesn’t like you Yagi.

Screech: how was he doing after orientation nedzu?

God: There may be some things I have to look into based on how he acted

No slept: tearing down a school?

Blood Bank: why do you need to look into things

God: This is for all the teachers that he has, do not go into his space suddenly, make sure he sees you approach.

Screech: im helping the school tear down

Gunslinger: how do we know if hes in our class

Sleep: he’s green!

Ghost: hes a broccoli

Gunslinger: very helpful thanks

Skinny legs: So I can’t have a name?

Smooch: yagi dont bring your pride into this or you’ll be meeting my cane

Skinny legs: yes ma'am

Chapter Text

Izuku
Shinsou?

Unknown
yeah its shinsou

Izuku
Lavender!! (￣▽￣)/

Lavender!!
are you gonna keep calling me that?

Izuku
*gasp* you asked a question!! Σ(°ロ°)

Lavender!!
my quirk doesnt work over phone
also are you just gonna put an emoji after each sentence?
actually you know what that suits you

Izuku
You know, I should feel insulted by that but I am just going to move past it

Lavender!!
like how you ignored Present Mic staring at you?

Izuku
I swear he was staring at me during the exam as well, i think he was staring at me cause i had to talk with the principal
But to answer your question, yes, yes I am

Lavender!!
whatever floats your boat greenie
Wait
You had to talk to the principal? why??

Izuku
you know what thats fair
(＃￣ω￣)
He had to talk to me about something
Why’d you give me your number though?
Dont get me wrong, i was wanting to talk to you more but you didnt seem like one who wanted to get bothered?

Lavender!!
I dont even know okay?
It was the only thing i thought i could do to help you during yesterday
And i dont want to get bothered because people that are around me usually berate me and bully me for my quirk
But i didnt think you would do something like that??

Izuku
Because im quirkless and have been discriminated against

Lavender!!
yeah
Was that okay?

Izuku
Yeah!! Ive been wanting to talk to you more after the exam anyway!! ^w^

Lavender!!
wait, you have? why??
Ajhbsjdhbfb WHO IS YOU TO BOTHER THE GREAT HITOSHIjhbdsbkbvk
kdxfbv

Izuku
uhm… shinsou?
You good?
(*・ω・)

Izuku was a little concerned when Shinsou didn’t respond. He had gotten a break from his mind and finally texted the number that was in the sticky note. He was surprised it was Shinsou that gave him the number, but he was glad nonetheless. He really did want to be friends with Shinsou, he seemed interesting and fun.

A notification from his phone.

Lavender!!
Jfc why is he so strong to get my phone back

Shinsou was with someone? Wait, that was a stupid question, that was kind of obvious.

Izuku
shinsou, you okay?

Lavender!!
Yeah a friend is over and he’s being annoying
Izuku
If youre with a friend you dont have to talk with me yknow?
Wouldnt wanna bother you

Lavender!!
Youre not bothering me broccoli dw
This brat is just annoyifkbgkdI AM NOT DONT LISTEN TO HIM bkfbbf

Izuku
Well uhm
Hi shinsou friend?

Lavender!!
He says hi
Dont be friends with him youll regret it

Izuku
If he doesnt attack me im cool with it

Lavender!!
He’s now concerned
Ill talk to you tomorrow broccoli

Izuku
Okay shinsou!! Bye to your friend too!!

Well that was successful. Probably. Izuku did wonder who Shinsou’s friend was, but he was glad Shinsou did have a friend. If his childhood was anything like his own, then making friends would have been hard. Especially if what Izuku thought about him being muzzled was right.

Izuku shook his head out of his thoughts. Despite the day being a short school day, it was still a long day. It was quiet though, which was nice now. He hoped his mom was working well with him in his room. He thought about his own work type things and wondered about what he was going to do for lessons. He was a bit curious about coding, which seemed interesting. He thought about messaging Nedzu but decided against it, not wanting to bother the chimera.

—

Mic-sensei acted a little strange. It was a nice strange though. Not like, bad person strange. If Izuku had to put a label on it, maybe a parental type strange? Mic-sensei kept staring at him with a sort of softness in his eyes. Maybe like how Inko used to look at him? He doesn’t remember those times anymore.

Another thing that was strange, throughout the week during his classes the teachers put themselves in Izuku’s vision whenever they were going towards him. Don’t get him wrong, it was nice not having to smother a flinch whenever a hand approaches him from the teachers, that would be embarrassing. It makes him wonder if Nedzu said something though (who was he kidding, of course Nedzu saw the flinch when he reached out to him).

Izuku still kept getting stares from his classmates though. They never said anything out right though, apparently the ones that protested against him being here really were expelled. Shinsou kept sitting next to him, taking some stares as well. He really wished they would stop that. He has no problems getting stared at like a freak, but Shinsou shouldn’t have to deal with it! His quirk is literally amazing for heroics! It could easily diffuse hostage situations and even comfort victims.

As Izuku and Shinsou got closer, the purple boy had put the greenette under his brainwashing at his request, just to see what it felt like, you know? It was the calmest Izuku felt in a long time. Shinsou was a bit awkward around Izuku in person but as the week passed, he got more casual and comfortable. He was incredibly sarcastic in person, he always made Izuku laugh!

As they texted more after school, Izuku would occasionally see an appearance from the ‘annoying friend’ on Shinsou’s phone. He never got a name but they were very interesting. They didn’t care about Izuku’s status either! Of course, they could just be faking it over the phone, but they seemed like a person who would speak bluntly. Shinsou called them blonde. He wasn’t sure if that was supposed to be an insult or their actual hair color, but he didn’t really question it.

Around after the fourth day of the week, Shinsou informed Izuku that All Might was teaching the heroics course. That really.. Put a damper on his mood. As well as plans to join the hero track. He wouldn’t stop trying, but he was aware how his appearance might bother All Might. After he was told that by Shinsou (actually, he wasn’t even really sure how Shinsou knew since he wasn’t in the hero course, but maybe his friend was?), he waited until lunch to go to Nedzu’s office to ask him a question.

Nedzu had greeted him warmly, seeming to expect him as there was tea for him. Izuku had politely declined the tea as he only had one question, which had turned to two questions.

–

”Uhm, Nedzu? Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course, my student! I ask that you come to me for any questions at any time! Did you want to go ahead and start lessons and begin those when planned?”

Izuku fidgeted from where he was sitting, a little uncomfortable. “No, I’m okay with starting those as planned. I had a question about All Might?”

This perked Nedzu’s ears, curious. He wasn’t really expecting that topic. “I shall answer as best as I can.”

“Is it true that he’s teaching the hero’s class?” Izuku knew he could believe Shinsou’s words (which was strange in itself), but he wanted firm knowledge about it.

“Yes it is true. All Might was hired as a teacher to the heroics class for the hero course.”

Izuku stared at his bright red shoes. That was a little unfortunate wasn’t it. Izuku jolted, remembering what happened on the rooftop months ago.

“I have another question..?”

“Of course!”

“Is All Might.. ‘Skinny legs’ in the teachers’ group chat?”

There was a brief pause after Izuku asked. He looked up at Nedzu, not fully expecting to see a grin. “How intriguing! What makes you think that?”

Izuku gave a slight frown before shaking his head shortly. He didn’t want to speak about it just yet again. He may have already told Magne, but she was nice enough to not dig. Nedzu seemed like someone who would pry until he got the exact information. “He was the only username I didn’t match to a teacher that I knew worked here.” He responded.

Nedzu nodded his head. “If that is your answer.”

–

Nedzu kept an eye on his green student after he left. Some out of concern, other out of curiosity, and the rest just adding him to one of his people. Nedzu had people that he considered his. They were considered his family, if we were to speak in simplest terms. Aizawa and Yamada were part of those. They were the closest to him. The rest of his staff were included, but he wasn’t as possessive of them as he was to the other two. Izuku was quickly climbing those ranks, even if they’ve only spoken fully once.

He was aware of how Yamada wanted to give Izuku a hug, but he didn’t want to make the boy uncomfortable. Aware of how Yagi’s pride was hurt when Izuku didn’t label him as his favorite hero. Yagi was quickly descending those ranks, Nedzu very much did not like the man. If his paws weren’t forced due to the commission, he wouldn’t have hired him, he could find a successor elsewhere. The man didn’t even have a teaching license, he was very much not qualified to teach a class, much less heroics. He caused 3 students to go to the infirmary on the second day for kami sake.

So yeah, Yagi Toshinori was not part of his people. The feeling got even worse after Izuku spoke about All Might. Izuku may not have been detailed, but it was clear something happened for him to not like the man. He didn’t believe that Izuku deduced that ‘Skinny legs’ was Yagi just based on elimination, something had to have ticked it off. You wouldn’t normally see the name ‘Skinny legs’ and compare that to All Might, All Might’s legs were most certainly not skinny.

But.. Yagi Toshinori’s legs were.

Could Izuku have seen Yagi’s real form? He’d need more information on this, his student was clearly not comfortable talking about All Might and if he pried, he’d cause Izuku to close off even further.

Nedzu did have a strange feeling in his chest after seeing Izuku and Shinsou Hitoshi communicate with each other. Was it a feeling of glee or of being proud? He wasn’t sure.

He had to write up the USJ class plan though, so he’ll think about it later.

Chapter Text

“Midoriya!”

Izuku turned his head to see a sandwich thrown at his face, making a soft thump. It still kind of hurt though. The greenette caught the sandwich before it fell to the ground, not sure what he was supposed to do with this. He looked up at who had thrown it at him, though a little bewildered to see nobody actively looking at him. It was strange though, the voice kind of sounded like Mic-sensei. Shrugging, Izuku headed up to catch up to Shinsou, holding the sandwich.

Once Shinsou caught sight of his short friend (he was not short, thank you very much) he grabbed onto his arm to drag him out of the crowd. “Jesus Midoriya, why do you get run over by the crowd.” Knowing how he could answer, Izuku ignored the question, instead just going with the flow of Shinsou’s walking. “Not my fault they’re hungry children.” Izuku grumbled once the two boys were out of the crowd.

“Yeah well, it gets annoying to deal with. I told my friend that we’ll meet him in the l- why are you holding a sandwich?”

Alright, so it wasn’t Shinsou that threw him the sandwich. “Someone threw it at my face. Couldn’t see who. I thought it sounded like Mic-sensei.”

Shinsou sounded even more confused now. “Why would a teacher throw a sandwich at you.”

Izuku shrugged and hesitated. “I don’t look that small do I?” Sure, the question may warrant teasing, but it was something he was a little concerned about. He didn’t really want CPS called on him because it seemed like he was getting neglected(he wasn’t, he wasn’t).

“Nah, you’re a good size. You got meat on you, broccoli.” Izuku gave a breath of relief, missing the concerned and hesitant undertone of the words. He missed Shinsou’s calculating eyes before he looked up at him, seeing the purple head’s schooled expression.

“Where are we meeting your friend?”

“Library. It’ll be out of the way.”

Izuku nodded at that, following the other. Following Shinsou proved to be much easier than trying to get through hoards of students. Shinsou seemed to know exactly what path to take to not get pushed over. Though that may just be his tall advantage.

Stupid tall people.

Taking Shinsou’s path to the library didn’t take any time at all. Izuku was about to ask the boy where his friend was sitting before Shinsou dropped his fist onto a blonde boy’s head. The boy had been currently reading, evidently in the zone, startled when his head was smacked. He seemed about to yell at whoever it was before his eyes brightened.

“What took you so long, Hitoshi!”

“Had to grab the broccoli.” Shinsou responded, sitting at the table, gesturing for Izuku to sit as well, who tentatively did so.

The blonde turned his head and stared straight at Izuku. It made Izuku tense, not knowing what he was looking for, not knowing how much he’ll disappoint the other boy. As the boy looked at Izuku, Izuku stared back, glancing at everything about him. The boy did indeed have blonde hair. He also had nice blue eyes. He wouldn’t lie, the other boy was pretty (like Shinsou!) but he also seemed a little cocky, from the way he sat and looked at Izuku.

Shinsou said that he didn’t have a problem with him being quirkless, but maybe it was just a ploy? What if they actually both had a problem with it and they just needed each other as moral support before they bully him! With how tall Shinsou is, he could easily be a look-out and warn the other of any teachers, and based on how he handled going through the crowd today, he could easily find hiding spots! Wait.. those could be related to Undergrounder skills! Was Shinsou planning on going Underground as a hero? He was curious about going Underground as well, his hand was being held, they were more- wait his hand was being held.

Wait, what?!

Izuku snapped back to attention, both boys staring at him now as his hand was being held by the blonde boy. Their attention was making Izuku red with embarrassment. “I’m sorry if I ignored anything you said, could you repeat?” He asked cautiously, giving a slight tug to his hand. Why was it being held? He wanted it back.

It was getting itchy.

Izuku was apparently showing his discomfort because his hand was dropped and he quickly brought it to his chest, not really looking at either of them. “Sorry, I asked, but you didn’t give a response..” So that’s what he missed. “Sorry for not paying attention, my fault.” Izuku murmured in response.

The blonde gave a cough after seeing whatever look Shinsou gave him. “Still, I apologize, I should have waited for your expressed consent. Monoma Neito, the ‘annoying’ friend of Hitoshi’s.” Izuku could hear the eyeroll of the newly dubbed, Monoma. He looked up and gave a polite smile.

“Midoriya Izuku. It’s nice to meet you.” Izuku glanced at the sandwich that had fallen onto the table. “Want a sand-”

A loud ringing.

All three boys winced as a loud alarm sounded, all reaching to cover their ears.

It was loud. Too loud. It was too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Too loud. Make it stop.

Izuku was curled up into a ball, hands over ears, wishing for it to end. He couldn’t panic, not here, not again. He already did on the first day. Its been a week. He had to keep it under control. He had to be able to speak when he had school too. But.. Did he really though?

Everyone preferred him better when he wasn’t speaking.

Izuku did not realize that the commotion of the ringing subsided, did not realize that he was hyperventilating or shaking(the ringing covered his senses).

“Mi----ya, Mido---- give m- so–thi-g.”

“Broccoli, li–en to -e.”

“S-y s–eth–g, M----iya.”

Something was pushing through his closed ears.

It wasn’t getting physical.

Just different sounds.

They’re softer but more pleasant.

“Wha-” His throat cracked,

(The slime was too much)

.
.
.
Serenity.

It was peaceful.

His mind was quiet and he could distantly feel his hands uncurling (when had they gotten that curled?) from his ears.

[Look at us]

Izuku could feel his head moving without permission, his view being filled with purple and blonde.

Shinsou and Monoma.

The peaceful link dropped, Izuku then realizing that he was under Shinsou’s hold.

Fully looking at the two boys, he could see worry in their eyes. He tried to give a reassuring smile before hearing a sigh from Shinsou. “Don’t try to reassure us with a smile, Midoriya. You went into a panic attack. I can understand why, but we are allowed to worry.”

Hearing that did confuse Izuku. Shinsou, he could somewhat understand, they’ve been talking for a week, so him being worried was somewhat understandable (not really), but Monoma? They just met today, there should be no reason for him to be worried.

Frowning, Izuku raised his hands. He did know JSL but it was very basic. He couldn’t make fully detailed sentences. ”Sorry. No scare you. My fault.”

Both Monoma and Shinsou frowned at this. They knew JSL, Shinsou due to his quirk, and Monoma because he was friends with Shinsou. This time Monoma spoke, giving Shinsou a moment to collect his thoughts and not be aggressive with him. “You.. didn’t mean to scare us and it was your fault? You didn’t mean to worry us, you mean?”

Izuku gave a nod at the clarification, his smile returning. Monoma glanced at Shinsou, who looked like someone kicked his cat. (Did he have a cat? Shinsou seems like someone who would keep a cat. Did someone kick it?) Shinsou raised his own hands and performed a sign. “This is the sign for worry.” He said gently as Izuku brightened and copied the sign a few times to get it right. The lavender boy waited until Izuku seemed to have it down before speaking again. “It's not your fault for having a panic attack Midoriya. We were worried because you’re our friend.” Monoma repeatedly nodded with the statement. They didn’t bring up the fact that Midoriya had stopped speaking once he calmed down. They couldn’t blame them.

Izuku paused and gazed at Monoma. ”M-o-n-o-m-a friend?”

Monoma took a minute before grinning. “You’re my friend now, no going back! I’ll come beat up anyone who crosses you!” He valiantly said with pride before getting smacked by Shinsou.

“Quiet down, idiot, we’re still in the library.”

Izuku’s shoulders shook with silent laughter as the blonde pouted and the purplenette smirked.

”Thanks.”

—

We Serve the God

No slept: wtf was that alarm

Skinny legs: what was wrong with it young aizawa?

No slept: it was loud

God: Some press had gotten onto campus grounds. Caused quite a panic.

LittleGod: so thats what the ringing was?

God: That would indeed be what it was.

Screech: how was your lunch little listener???!

Sleep: besides the alarm you mean?

Screech: well yeah-

LittleGod: the alarm was loud

Screech: is that all? I saw you get taken by your purple friend

Sleep: the mini shouta?

Blood Bank: theres a mini aizawa? Sounds terrible

Skinny legs: I was not aware you had a son, young Aizawa!

No slept: i dont

No slept: shut up yagi

LittleGod: mic-sensei were you the one who threw the sandwich at my face

Sleep: I-

Smooch: yamada why are you throwing food at children

Screech: I DIDNT EXPECT TO HIT HIM IN THE FACE

LittleGod: so it was you

Screech: …yeah

LittleGod: sorry, i didnt get a chance to eat it

LittleGod: my friend said he liked it though

Screech: GASP

Screech: DID YOU MAKE ANOTHER FRIEND LISTENER

No slept: christ zashi, you’re acting like the kid’s parent

Blood Bank: I’ll have to agree with him

God: Oh? You met Shinsou’s other friend today then?

Skinny legs: Is Shinsou the name of the boy’s first friend then?

Sleep: yes yagi get with the program

LittleGod: yeah! He doesnt care about my quirk either! :D

Screech: thats great listener!!!

Skinny legs: What is your quirk, young student?

No slept: yagi thats not really important is it

Skinny legs: You must have good connections!

LittleGod: … Nedzu, me?

Skinny legs: ?

God: If you wish, my student.

LittleGod: im quirkless all might, something you would know

Skinny legs: I beg your pardon?

Blood Bank: how’d the kid know who you are yagi

LittleGod: i didnt know all might was on the staff this year so he wasnt really on the list until i got confirmation by nedzu

LittleGod: then i just matched the nicknames

Blood Bank: all might doesnt have skinny legs though kid

Skinny legs: I knew it! You’re a villain aren’t you, that's how you know my true form, who’d you get your information from child!?

No slept: yagi wtf

Screech: shut up yagi, the kid’s not a villain

Skinny legs: And how would you know that?!

LittleGod: we’ve met all might

Smooch: you’ve met all might dearie?

LittleGod: unfortunately

Screech: HAH

No slept: unfortunately he says

Skinny legs: Where could we have met?

LittleGod: quirkless, green, slime villain

Sleep: okay, yagi just paled before frowning

Skinny legs: I remember you now.

Screech: slime villain???

Smooch: dearie you had a run in with the slime villain months ago?

LittleGod: I’ll have to discard your advice All Might. I have every intention to follow my own plan.

No slept: kid what advice?

Skinny legs: That’s unwise, you won’t be of any help with them.

God: Yagi..

Screech: YAGI WTF ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT

Screech: WHATD YOU TELL MY LISTENER

LittleGod: watch me all might

Smooch: dearie, what did he tell you?

LittleGod has gone offline.

God: Yagi, meet me in my office for a small chat :)

No slept: if this is what i think this could be about

No slept: youre an absolute idiot

Skinny legs: I’m not wrong.

God: We’ll see about that, now won’t we?

Chapter Text

Needless to say, Nedzu was not pleased.

Present Mic was not pleased, he asked to be a part of this meeting, reason being that he’s the homeroom teacher.

While the two were (im)patiently waiting for Yagi to arrive, they were casually sipping some tea. Peppermint for Nedzu and lemon for Mic. “Hizashi, did you really throw a sandwich at my student?”

There was no malicious intent, just some joyous curiosity. The random question did cause Present Mic to choke on his tea. After wiping his mouth he gave a chuckle before responding to the question. “I wasn’t expecting it to hit his face, I thought he would catch it!”

“Why would you throw a sandwich at someone?”

Mic turned bright red as he tried to hide his face behind his teacup (spoiler: he was unsuccessful). A few mumbled could be heard before he spoke up after clearing his throat. “Sho.. leaves food for strays and they gain his trust so I just thought..?”

Nedzu burst out into chuckles as Mic grew redder. “Unfortunately I do not believe you can gain Izuku’s trust that way.”

Mic paused. “Izuku?”

“He insisted and who am I to deny.”

Sadly, the light atmosphere must come to an end as a blundering fool came into the room. In his hero form. Like an idiot. “For what reason am I to speak to you, Nedzu?!” Kami, why must he be loud? If Nedzu hadn’t gotten used to Present Mic speaking, he almost would have tutted in distaste.

Almost.

“All Might, we knock before we enter a room.” Seems like Present Mic will start the lecture. “As well as get out of that form, are you trying to waste time?”

“My apologies! I will do as you suggest!” A poof of smoke, so dramatic, revealed a skinny man that looked a tad sunken in.

“Seriously though, why was I called here?” Amazing how he acts one way as the hero yet different as the real self. A true theater kid.

“We have to talk about what happened in the teacher chat.”

“Ah yes! So, Nedzu, have you expelled him yet?”

Nedzu had to stop himself from revealing his emotions of annoyance and distaste, just calmly sipping his tea with a grin as he watched the two. All Might made the mistake of angering a pseudo-parent figure. Present Mic already adopted the broccoli in his heart like how Eraserhead adopts strays.

Present Mic couldn’t stop his frown. “And pray tell, why should Nedzu expel him?” His fists shook at the sheer audacity of this man.

“Well because he’s quirkless of course! He plans to try to get into the hero course, so we should stop him before he hurts himself.” All Might did not hesitate to bring a reason.

“All Might.. You are aware that you are discriminating against him?” Present Mic was a little surprised that Midoriya wanted to go into the hero course (not really, he did remember the green boy’s introduction after all), he was surprised that Midoriya knew that he could get into the hero course through the Sports Festival. That was the only other way to get in after all. Unless a hero teacher took a liking to a student and went to Nedzu to transfer them.

“I am only concerned, young Yamada! His kind die so easily, he would be a distraction on the field!”

So All Might has truly chosen death.

Culprit, Present Mic.

“Yagi, you act as if you were never quirkless.” Nedzu chimes in cheerfully, causing Mic to go stiff.

Mic took a deep breath. “Alright. Before I do something I may or may not regret. What did you tell Midoriya?”

Yagi’s eyes held no recognition. “Midoriya?” He looked at Nedzu with a crooked eyebrow. “Is that the boy’s name?”

Mic’s eye twitched. “You.. don’t even remember the name of the boy you gave ‘advice’ to??”

Yagi began to protest after seeing the quotes around ‘advice’. “I gave him perfectly good advice! Sure, I may have been a little harsh, but I meant him no harm!”

Both blondes turned to look at Nedzu after hearing a dialing tone. The dial zone hitched and Nedzu began to speak. “My apologies for interrupting your evening! We have All Might here, and I was hoping you would shed some light to this situation.” All Might grew confused, as did Present Mic. Who could he be talking to that he would apologize for interrupting?

A click, no, two pen clicks.

Nedzu’s grin grew wider. “Is it easier to speak with the video on?”

Whatever happened on the screen made Nedzu nod in acknowledgment. “Sadly, I am not adept in JSL, would it be alright for Present Mic to translate?”

This made Mic more curious and confused. As far as he knew, Nedzu knew a good deal of JSL. Was there a reason he wanted Mic to see who was on the phone? “Nedzu, who are you speaking to?” All Might tried to ask, ultimately ignored as Nedzu gestured Present Mic to come behind his desk.

The voice hero was a bit shocked to see Midoriya on the phone screen. The phone on Midoriya’s end appeared to be propped up against something as Midoriya glanced at something off the screen. When the greenette noticed Present Mic, he was given a small wave. ”Not fluent. Basic, sorry.”

Present Mic shook his head. “It's no worries, little listener! I can translate just fine, don't worry.”

All Might frowned. “Nedzu, why have you called a student?”

Nedzu glanced at All Might, his grin sharpening. “Seeing as how he is a topic in this discussion, I’d say he has every right to give information that you will not explicitly give!”

A click drew both Nedzu and Mic’s attention back to the screen, where Midoriya was holding a pen before it was placed on the desk he was sitting at. His hands lifted before he began to sign again, a confused expression on his face. ”Blonde ape information?”

Present Mic had to stifle a laughter as Nedzu’s shoulders shook. “Yamada, what did our friend ask?” Nedzu’s tone gave no indication that he was laughing, unless you looked closely at him.

Mic cleared his throat, a small grin remaining. “He asked what information you need from All Might.” Pausing, he glanced at Midoriya. “Right?” After he was given a nod, he nodded. “Yeah, that.”

All Might grumbled. “There is no reason to call a student, when I can perfectly give you the information needed! As I told you, I gave him advice. He asked a question and I gave him an answer as well as advice regarding it. Generous of myself, seeing as I was low on time.” He said with a huff of pride.

Midoriya apparently made a face, being able to hear what All Might was saying. “Are you sure about that? Midoriya seems to disagree about your.. Generosity.” Mic said with a frown.

“Well that's just rude then. He’s been rude since he’s been added to the chat.” All Might tried to justify, however weakly.

Present Mic’s attention was brought back to the screen by another click while Nedzu just stared at All Might, his grin sharp. All Might seems to have said something wrong.

”Asked question. Blonde said no. Realistic.”

Mic gave a frown as he tried to make sense of the signing. Regardless, it was better since Midoriya did try to make coherent sentences. He looked at Yagi. “You answered his question with a ‘no’ and told him to be realistic?” Mic glanced at Midoriya for confirmation, which he was given. Nedzu’s grin grew sharper and All Might seemed to finally realize the situation he was in.

“Well, yes, he has no choice but to be realistic. He is quirkless after all.” All Might tried to make what he said justified, though it was only by his terms.

Mic began to connect the dots between what was said in the chat and what All Might said. “Midoriya..” his tone grew gentle and concerned. Nedzu flicked an ear at the tone change. “Did you ask All Might if you could be a hero?”

All Might frowned. “I thought that it was established that he couldn’t.”

“I’m asking Midoriya, not you Yagi.” Present Mic snapped.

After a few minutes, Mic seemed to have gotten an answer. “I’m sorry you had to hear his words. They aren’t true.” All Might went to say something before something in Nedzu’s eyes made him stop.

“Why did you know All Might’s true look?” Mic asked before quickly reassuring the boy. “You’re not in trouble, don’t worry Midoriya! I’m just curious, don’t worry.”

”Slime. Rooftop. Deflated.”

Mic translated said words as All Might paled. “Not my proudest moment I admit.” He said with a nervous chuckle.

Nedzu glanced at the phone, worry hiding under his beady eyes. “Izuku, its been established that you had an encounter with the slime villain months ago, are you saying All Might deflated into his skinny form after rescuing you?”

Midoriya gave a denial before signing again. ”Deflated rooftop.”

“He deflated on a rooftop? What were you doing on a rooftop, Midoriya?” Mic asked, tone filled with concern.

All Might scoffed, gaining their attention. “He grabbed onto my leg when I went to leave with the villain, so I had to land on a rooftop. What a reckless child.”

Mic frowned. “You made sure he got medical attention though, didn't you?” He tried so hard to have some hope for All Might, though that got diminished.

“He was fine.”

Rapid clicking.

Mic continued to glare at All Might before Nedzu gestured him to the phone, taking over the glare at All Might.

”Attention days later. No hospital. Go myself.”

Mic ground his teeth as he returned to glaring at All Might as he translated the signing into proper sentences.

Nedzu’s tail twitched as he thought back to one of the answers Izuku gave on his exam. “Izuku, is that why you were insistent on that one question on the exam?”

All Might looked between the two of them. “The boy was fine, I don’t see the big deal.”

”Sorry. Was bitter.”

“You had every right to be bitter, little listener. I believe that’s all the information we need Nedzu. Let’s fire him now.”

All Might stood, clearly not happy with what was said. “You can’t fire me! I need to be here!” He protested loudly, as Nedzu’s grin faltered for a minute.

“Sadly, Yagi cannot be fired unless we take it up to the Commission. However, he can be demoted.” All Might sputtered at that while Midoriya listened curiously.

“I am a generous being, however, so I’ll allow you to participate with the USJ before getting demoted. Isn’t that kind of me?”

A click. “U-S-J?”

“Yeah, the hero kids are doing rescue training in the USJ tomorrow, Midoriya.”

Midoriya made an ‘o’ with his mouth before nodding.

All Might tried to form some words of protest before he died down, slouching back in his seat. “Yes, sir.” He grit out through clenched teeth.

Nedzu grinned. “Glad you could understand. You’re free to leave.” His tone gave no indication for otherwise.

As the blonde buffoon left, Present Mic and Nedzu drew their attention back to Midoriya on the phone.

“I apologize for taking time from your evening, Izuku, I thought it would be quicker to hear it from you.”

A wave of dismissal was made from Midoriya as he leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling. He looked back at them. ”That all? Can go?”

Mic nodded, speaking for Nedzu, who would have agreed anyway. “Yes, Midoriya, you can leave. Have a good night, Midoriya, I’ll see you tomorrow!” Mic exclaimed the last sentence cheerfully while Midoriya nodded before glancing at Nedzu. Nedzu nodded and Midoriya then hung up the phone.

Present Mic and Nedzu were quiet for a few minutes, thinking about what just happened. “Did something happen for him to go nonverbal?” Was the question that broke the silence.

Nedzu stared at his computer. “I do not know, Yamada. Do you suppose we did something to cause it?”

Mic glanced at Nedzu, a strange expression on his face before a chuckle made its way past his lips.

“What’s funny, Yamada?”

“I’ve never seen you this worried about a student except for me and Shouta. You got attached as well, didn’t you.” Not even a question, guess it was that obvious that Nedzu had.

Nedzu hummed. “I suppose I did.”

—

“Wow, it's Thirteen!”

“It looks like Universal Studios Japan!”

“Aizawa-sensei, what are we here for?”

“Greetings, students! Welcome to rescue training! Now before we begin, I have a point to make! Or rather a few! Then perhaps another. Then another. Regardless, there are some things to mention before we get started!”

“Of course the buffoon isn’t here.”

“Sensei, what’s that?!”

“Oh, did we start already?”

“Idiot! Those are real villains, dunce face!”

“Everyone get back! These are real villains.”

”Good morning. We are the League of Villains. We have come to kill All Might.”

Chapter Text

Izuku wasn’t at school. He had a good reason though! Really he did! Mostly.

He wouldn’t have been able to talk if he went to U.A today. He already had to sign to Nedzu and Present Mic the day before, which was a little embarrassing since he was basic and Present Mic was fluent.

He was glad to help them with what they needed help with though. He wasn’t entirely sure he should've been listening to what was being said, but he didn’t hang up without warning. That was rude.

It was a tad satisfying to hear that All Might was going to be demoted though.

The fact that Nedzu called him to confirm some details on what was said in the group chat baffled him though. Was it really that concerning that they needed both sides of the story?

He was curious to know how the USJ was going though. Monoma was in the hero course, wasn’t he? He would be going right? He did get some messages from said blonde, as well as Shinsou, which honestly just warmed his heart. The fact that they did consider him their friends and messaged them because he wasn’t there today wasn’t something he’s experienced and it just made his heart melt and his face turn red as he calmed them down. It was normal to feel like this, he just kinda wished it didn’t make him feel so giddy.

By the end of the day, he could make a few more coherent words, though they were still pretty butchered. He decided to just not try to force the words (his throat kept feeling like the slime was still there, his throat kept clenching up when he spoke). He updated Magne on his first week of school, she was happy that he made friends and happy that he had good teachers (apparently she didn’t need to put them on a list), and just overall glad that he had a good week.

Izuku was always thankful for Magne, but she kind of acted like she knew something when he told her about Monoma and Shinsou. She asked him questions but also just told him to not worry about it. Some texts felt like they were laughing, if that even made sense.

He tried asking her if anything was bad with how he interacted with the two and she quickly told him that no, it wasn't bad, and that she was just glad he found friends that warmed his heart.

So, Izuku was just chilling in his room, doing some leftover homework from the day before, mainly so he wouldn’t forget about it and procrastinate, you know?

So when he heard shuffling around the house, he was, needless to say, concerned and frightened. His mom shouldn’t be home, she should still be at work, so it couldn’t(shouldn’t) be her.

The shuffling kept getting closer to his room a few times, for which Izuku was internally glad he has the habit of closing his door, before going into his mother’s room. This made him more frightened. Usually burglars checked every room right? They wouldn’t repeatedly go into one room. So it couldn’t be a burglar. …. Was it a ghost?

Izuku
So there mayhaps be a burglar in the house
Im in my room
Theres alot of shuffling
What do i do
(;;;*_*)

Big Sis!
Wait what
Bunny shouldn't you be in school today?

Izuku
Couldnt talk so didnt go
Now, the hsuffling?
Its only gone into my moms room so it may not be a burglar but my mom should be at work rn
What do i do

Big Sis!
First, stay in your room
Do you want me to come get you?
Itd be no trouble really

Was it just him, or did Magne seem kind of frightened? Did something happen? She’s being a little pushy, or just a tad more protective.

Izuku
You shouldnt have to come get me?
Besides im still not able to speak, so i wouldnt be able to converse with you
And you dont have to ask me twice, im doing homework from yesterday

Big Sis!
Tell me if you want me to come over!
Im not busy, so id be over in a flash

Izuku
Magne-
You dont know my address
Oh the shuffling stopped and the door closed
Imma investigate

Big Sis!
Bunny dont investigate what if it was a ploy!
Bunny!

Izuku set his phone down, ignoring the messages Magne sent him, leaving her on read. Yeah, it may have been a little rude, which he’ll apologize for. His curiosity is just a bit too much right now.

Slowly and quietly, Izuku cautiously peered around his door before leaving his room. His mother’s room was open, her closet was open as well. It wasn’t like that this morning. Or was it? Did he actually look into her room to see what it looked like that morning? Or did he just stay in his room to avoid her? He’ll have to apologize for avoiding her when she comes home.

Izuku glanced around his mom’s room, seeing some clothes and shoes scattered across the room. The bed wasn’t made either, and the bed stand next to it was a mess as well. Seeing what he thought was necessary, Izuku made his way down the hall into the kitchen. A flicker of green and white caught his attention out of the corner of his eye and he turned, gazing at the kitchen table.

There was a (small) stack of cash sitting next to a note card. <

Sorry baby
I just can’t watch you lie to me over and over about you
trying to pursue that dream of yours.
It’s never going to happen, you need to be realistic
darling.
Your father contacted me a few days ago, asking me
to move in with him in America. Despite what you believe
he still loves me, we’ve been talking for a while.
He just doesn’t like you, so I can’t bring you with me.
I’ve left you money for groceries, the rent of the apartment
is paid for a few months, consider it your birthday gift.
Try to live an honest life despite being quirkless. Don’t blame
anyone else for your faults just because you’re fragile.
We probably won’t see each other again.

Izuku just stared at the note, reading it over a few times. He couldn’t believe it. Hah.

She really left.

Izuku dropped the note card and returned to his room, not closing the door this time. He grabbed his phone and turned it back on, seeing the messages from Magne.

Izuku
It wasnt a burglar
Im fine dont worry

Big Sis!
Did you figure out what it was?

Izuku
…
I cant talk but
Please

Big Sis!
What are you talking about bunny?

Izuku
[location sent]

Big Sis!
Im on my way Izuku
Are you open to writing as forms of communication?

Izuku
I dont know

Big Sis!
Ill be there in a few minutes izuku

Izuku exited from the messages, turning off his phone. He stared at the wall, trying to make up of what he had just read.

He was really just that repulsive huh.

His own mother left him.

Couldn’t bear to be around a Deku.

True to Magne’s word, Izuku only had to wait a few minutes before a rapid knocking happened on the door. He sluggishly stood up and went to let her in, his normal, polite smile on his face out of habit. Magne walked in and Izuku closed the door, leaning against it for a minute, staring at Magne. It felt like forever since he’s seen her.

Magne looked around the room for a few seconds before turning to Izuku, a worried expression on her face. She took off the magnet on her back and leaned it against the wall, that way she’d have her arms free if required. “What happened, Izuku?” She softly asked.

Izuku’s polite smile turned grim, eyes looking down. Magne took a few steps back. “It’s alright Izuku, you don’t have to talk. You can just show me.”

Izuku gave a short nod before getting off the door and walking to the kitchen table. He didn’t hear Magne follow him as he grabbed the notecard, which had fallen to the floor, and walked back to her. He wordlessly handed it to her and just stood there as she read it.

It became clear when Magne was finished reading because the notecard became crushed in her fists, Magne trying to control the anger in her face. “Izuku..” She murmured as the boy looked at her with a tilted head. “Can I hug you, Izuku?” She asked, as if asking a cat to come from its hiding spot.

Izuku glanced at the crushed note before nodding at Magne. In a flash of movement, he was held up against Magne, his feet off the floor.

Magne brought the both of them to the couch, the note having been dropped, and set Izuku on her lap as she hugged him close to her. Slowly, Izuku began to hug her back, finding comfort in her.

It was warm.

It felt safe.

“You never should have experienced this, Izuku.”

Izuku shook his head against Magne’s shoulder. It was his fault. He would have experienced this sooner or later.

The hug got tighter as Magne spoke again. “No, Izuku, you shouldn’t have had to experience this. This isn’t your fault. Do not blame yourself, you hear me?”

Yes, he heard her, but he didn’t get what she meant.

“I know you probably won’t stop thinking it's your fault because it's been ingrained in you, but you need to believe me when I say it's not. It's not your fault you’ve been abandoned. It’s not your fault they hurt you. None of this was done because of you, Izuku.” Magne sounded like she wanted to cry. Her bunny was hurt and she couldn’t help him in time.

Originally, Magne was worried about Izuku today because there was an attack on the USJ. Even if she knew Izuku wasn’t in the hero course, sometimes students would visit other class trips, to see what their curriculum was like.

She was glad that he was home, she was at first, but she’s not anymore.

Izuku had heard his mother leave, yet hadn’t seen her for the last time. That was the most upsetting thing about this. It may have been a good thing, his mother could have said harsher words than the note, but it was also a bad thing. He wouldn’t be able to get closure until he saw her again.

And that was just painful.

Chapter Text

Magne and Izuku just sat there on the couch for a while. It may have been a few minutes, it may have been an hour, Izuku doesn’t know.

Izuku just sat on Magne’s lap, hugging her as she did to him, his head in the crook of her neck as his eyes were closed.

He felt content enough to fall asleep, in the hold of his (self-proclaimed) big sister. He felt like he hadn’t fully registered that his mother left him, it hadn’t really sunk in yet. Or perhaps it did and he was just prepared for it because he expected it.

Izuku licked his lips as they had gotten dry and shifted his head so he wouldn’t be speaking into the other’s neck. “Magne..” he whispered, the only volume he could muster. He felt better knowing he could speak somewhat to her, he didn’t want to speak, even if all he could produce were short whispered words. “You -ere worried..” He added, mumbling what he had thought.

In her previous messages earlier, Magne gave off a sense of worry before he had even asked her to come over, there was a sense of worry when she had asked to come over when he thought there was a burglar.

It wasn’t a burglar though, just his mother.

Just his mother leaving him.

Magne gave a low hum that shook Izuku out of his thoughts. He felt her shift and he leaned back, looking at her face. “Can you get off for a minute? I won’t be long, I promise.” The red haired woman murmured gently as she released Izuku.

The boy gave a nod and slid off her lap, ignoring the thump in his heart when the other stood up and walked out of the living room. She seemed to be looking for something as she had gone into the hallway where the rooms were. He couldn’t see which room she was going in.

Izuku stared at the floor as he pulled on his fingers, waiting for his big sister to come back.

Don’t be needy.

The greenette gave a slight nod to himself. He shouldn’t be whining about Magne disappearing, she does have a life after all. Despite him telling himself that, he couldn’t stop himself from pulling on his fingers.

As he started to get zoned out, a notepad and pen was plopped onto his lap. He stared at it for a minute before looking up, seeing Magne standing in front of him before she sat back down. They looked at each other for a minute, Izuku with a confused expression, and Magne with a patient one.

“Don’t force yourself to talk if you can’t bunny.” She said, gesturing to the notepad. “However, don't force yourself to write if you don’t think you can either.”

Izuku stared at the notepad for another minute before giving a nod. He could write. He could communicate. He could do this.

Izuku gave a glance at Magne, who was gently patting her lap as a question. He thought about it and shook his head, instead just leaning against Magne’s side. It was probably more comfortable for Magne if he wasn’t in her lap. Be quicker for him to write as well so she wouldn’t get annoyed.

Magne didn’t give a negative reaction, just slowly wrapped an arm around Izuku’s shoulders, making sure the boy knew where it was until it was at its destination. “Now, you said I was worried. Generally speaking, yes I was, but I was mostly worried today because of what happened.”

Izuku gave a questioning noise in the back of his throat as he fiddled with the pen. He slowly clicked it to where the pen point was visible and started to write.

[With]

Izuku didn’t really know how to describe it nor how to put it in words, so he just gestured around him with his free hand, giving a longer point at the note on the ground.

Magne gave a sort of cough as she cleared her throat. “Not at first, no, but I am worried about it now. No, something happened today at your school’s USJ.”

[Did I mention the USJ to you?]

“No, you didn’t, that’s a bit how big it was. Apparently there was a villain attack when the kids went there.”

Immediately, Izuku made a strangled sound as he leaned up and twisted to look at Magne with wide eyes. He still wanted to look at Magne so instead of turning back and writing he pointed a finger at Magne with a suspicious glint in his eyes.

Magne bit back a laugh after realizing what Izuku was asking her. “Relax bunny, I don’t go attacking kids.” She paused, seeing a skeptical look on Izuku’s face. “Without a good reason.” She corrected, hiding a grin when Izuku nodded, satisfied.

“I heard about the attack from one of my contacts. He’s a real sleazy guy, deals with information. Apparently some group called the League of Villains went and attacked with a big plan to kill All Might.” Magne’s face soured when she said his name, clearly not a big fan (though who could blame her?).

Izuku turned back, leaning against Magne as he wrote again, this time it was easier.

[Injuries?]

Magne’s hand over Izuku’s shoulder gave a small tap to it. “Yeah a few. There were two teachers there, one was Thirteen and the other was an undergrounder I think. The teachers took the brunt of the injuries while the students were scattered. The villain group had a whole army, though from what I heard they were just some low level thugs. Some stu-” Magne paused when she could see Izuku starting to write. What he wrote brought a small grin to her face. She gave a quick ruffle of the green hair as she spoke again. “Yeah kid, weaker than me.”

Izuku nodded before leaning closer to Magne. He glanced at her to let her know what he was waiting for her to continue. Magne gave a soft chuckle as she continued. “As I was saying, some students got pretty bad, the security around U.A is pretty tight, so obviously I don’t really know the details details, but it was pretty bad.”

Izuku gave a small whine at that, worried about the students and teachers. He didn’t know the students that were there, he remembered Monoma saying his class was going the day after, but he was sure the underground teacher was Eraserhead.

He would have to message the teacher group chat to ask. Though then he would probably have to explain why he wasn’t at school. He didn’t want to do that.

[All Might was supposed to be at the USJ. He wasn’t there?]

Magne groaned. “No, he only got there at the very end. Probably prevented a few student deaths. They had this huge engineered thing, I think they called it a Nomu? Anyway, it was made to withstand a fight against All Might. Clearly, that thing failed and All Might won.”

Izuku caught the muttered “unfortunately” and gave a thoughtful hum, trying to wrap his head around what had happened.

1. Villains attacked the USJ while a class of students were there.
2. Said villains were there to kill all might, who was not there
3. Most major injuries were the teachers with students closely following
4. The villains had a being that could hold its own against All Might
5. Said being was defeated by All Might

Izuku gave a whine at his own thoughts, not knowing how to make sense of them. There was a low, gruff chuckle before his shoulder was tapped and he looked up at Magne. “I know that you probably aren’t ready to talk about it but.. Do you have an idea of what to do?”

Izuku gazed questioningly at her before frowning, dropping his gaze to the fallen note on the floor.

Right.

That.

Izuku shook his head when he looked away from it. He didn’t really know what he should do. According to the note, he had rent paid for a few months. He would have to check to see how long, but it should give him enough time to figure something out.

Izuku looked back up at the hallway where the rooms were. He would have to clean his mom’s room. He could probably sell his hero merch for some good money, especially the All Might ones, which were being kept in a box in his closet.

He could probably find some things of his mom’s that he could sell, but was he really allowed to do that? What if she came back for more things and they weren’t there? Izuku heard Magne start to speak up and he looked up at her.

“I think that you should tell your teacher, or at the very least the principal.”

Izuku quickly shook his head. He absolutely couldn’t do that. They would have him put in foster care and he wouldn’t survive. He quickly wrote down his reasoning for rejecting so Magne would know.

Magne tried to sound thoughtful. “You’re the principal’s personal student though, aren’t you? He wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you. As well as your homeroom teacher, I think he would make sure you were taken care of.”

When Izuku started to protest again, Magne rolled her eyes, not that Izuku saw it happen. “Izuku, he threw a sandwich at you. If anything he’s acting like you’re a skittish animal.”

Izuku gave a pout as his cheeks turned pink.

[Shouldn’t have to deal with me. I can handle it.]

An obvious lie if Magne ever saw one. However, she was aware of how Izuku was at this point. He wasn’t used to asking for help. Wasn’t used to the care. Couldn’t see the affection from the two teachers and that they would be willing to help.

(If they weren’t willing to help, Magne would gladly have a chat with them of course.)

Magne gave a defeated sigh. “Alright.” Izuku perked up. “I want you to figure out when the rent is due, okay? When you do, tell me.”

[Why?]

“I’ll let you come up with a plan until the rent is up. After that, and if you don’t have one, or that I see you need help, I’m going to intervene.”

As much as a threat it sounded like, Izuku could hear the worry behind it. He was glad that Magne wasn’t persisting with him going to his teachers, he didn’t need to burden them after all. Well, more than he already is. He gave a nod and dropped his notepad.

Izuku turned around and gave a hug to Magne, wanting to convey his thanks. Magne, while surprised at the sudden hug, hugged him back. “You have to make sure to take care of yourself, okay bunny?” Came the murmured plea. Izuku nodded into her shoulder.

He could handle this.

Chapter Text

Yeah, those were famous last words.

Though, in all honesty, it shouldn’t be much different than when his mom was here. There were weeks where she would have ignored him after all.

After Izuku agreed with Magne about what to do so far, the woman left, however reluctantly.

Izuku saw the conflict raging behind her eyes before she ultimately left. She made a promise to check up on him everyday, unless she had to deal with something that she sometimes had to do. That was fine with Izuku. He didn’t want to bother his big sis after all, she did have a life (which Magne would mostly disagree with that sentence).

After Magne left though, he was still sitting on the couch, just staring at the crumbled note. It seemed to be the only thing in the greenette’s vision.

Izuku quickly shook himself out of his thoughts, not wanting to put himself into a trance right now. He glanced at the nearest clock to him, which unfortunately was the kitchen clock. He had to stand up and go over to the kitchen to check it. It was amazing how late it had gotten. They had apparently been talking all the way to the evening. Around 10 pm. Awesome.

Speaking of that, he should probably go and check on Monoma and Shinsou, he was worried after all. He knows it would be right to check up on the teachers but he really doesn’t want to give his reason. They would probably believe him if he said he was sick though right?

Izuku made his way to his room, giving a glance to his mom’s open, messy room. He’d have to clean that when he was done checking on his friends and the teachers. He sat down on his bed, knowing if he laid down he’d get comfortable and he has stuff to do. Grabbing his phone, he opened up the group chat the other two made with him.

We Missed Therapy

Green Goblin: i just heard about the USJ, you guys are okay right?

Legally Blonde: MIDORIYA

Legally Blonde: i know you said you werent here but KAMI was itboring

Simon Says: besides the whole USJ alarm you mean?

Legally Blonde: yeah that kinda sucked

Simon Says: idiot

Simon Says: to answer your question, midoriya, we’re fine, we werent there

Legally Blonde: yeah my class was supposed to go tomorrow, but thats probably not going to happen now

Green Goblin: do you guys know the extent of the injuries?

Legally Blonde: the kids were pretty much fixed up, the teachers had to go to the hospital, i think a few students had to get surgery tho

Green Goblin: thats awful..

Simon Says: makes me glad we werent in 1-A

Green Goblin: Shinsou!

Simon Says: what? Am I wrong?

Green Goblin: doesnt mean you should say it

Legally Blonde: you feeling better though greenie?

Green Goblin: … yeah?

Green Goblin: ill come back tomorrow either way

Simon Says: if youre worried about notes, i took some for you

Green Goblin: shinsouuuuuu

Green Goblin: youre so sweet

Green Goblin: (╥﹏╥)

Simon Says: its no problem broccoli

Legally Blonde: *cough* simp *cough*

Simon Says: like youre not you hypocrite

Green Goblin: ah sorry guys i have to go check something ill talk to you guys later!

After saying bye to his friends, Izuku clicked the other notification on his phone, ignoring the warming of his cheeks. His friends were really such nice people! He was glad he met them.

Seeing the notification, he saw that it was for the teacher’s chat, but more specifically pinging him. Which, frankly, frightened him a little. Taking a deep breath, he opened the chat and read what he was called for.

We Serve the God

God: @LittleGod

God: Are you feeling better, my student?

Okay, strange, first of all, how did Nedzu know that Izuku was on his phone. He knows that he’s smart, but was he really even about to sense that?

So, Izuku asked, ignoring the question.

We Serve the God

LittleGod: howd you know i was on my phone

No Slept: kid he’s nedzu

Screech: AH

Screech: SHOUTA WHY ARE YOU ON YOUR PHONE

Screech: wait, how are you even using your phone, both of your arms are broken

LittleGod: your arms broke?!

LittleGod: hows thirteen?? Are they okay?? What about you eraserhead-san??

God: Not to worry, both Thirteen and Eraserhead are fine.

LittleGod: what about the rest of the students?? I heard that some of them had to get surgery!

Screech: dont worry midoriya! The students are fine, those who had surgeries were successful for them!

God: Yamada, you say surgeries, the most the students had to get were stitches.

Screech: i didnt know if that was worse or better to mention…

LittleGod: some students had to get stitches?? Thats awful!

No Slept: im glad none of my students had life damaging injuries or died

No Slept: thats all i could ask for

Sleep: sap

Screech: did you really get on to tease shouta

Sleep: yeah i did, sue me

God: You never answered my question Izuku.

LittleGod: you never answered mine

God: Touche.

Screech: you’re alright though listener? I was surprised seeing you werent in my class today

Skinny legs: so the kid cant even make it to class

LittleGod: I heard you made it to the USJ until the end of the attack, All Might. Are you aware that that is neglect of duty?

Skinny legs: watch your tongue! There were heroing business i had to take care of that morning!

No Slept: yeah right, more like fan-girls

LittleGod: All Might, considering your.. Circumstances, I assure you, some small-time thugs can be taken care of by the police. Not a major figure whose focus should be their current teaching job.

LittleGod: and to respond to your comment, i had a cough in my throat that wouldn’t get out and I didn’t want to spread germs

God: Quite true Izuku! All Might and I have already had another discussion regarding just that, however it seems he doesn’t quite understand it.

Skinny legs: I understand it quite well, Nedzu

God: Do you, Yagi? You are aware that the USJ was your last attempt as a hero teacher. You’ve been demoted to a teaching assistant.

No Slept: for the love of kami go get a teacher’s license this time

Screech: shouta! Back! To! Bed!

No Slept: yeah yeah

No Slept, Screech, and Sleep have gone offline

God: Also, I am glad you are feeling better Izuku, as you know, your friends have taken notes for you, they should be helpful!

LittleGod: thanks nedzu

Skinny legs: the commission wont be happy with that

God: On the contrary! They have allowed me to demote you after seeing extensive proof that you are clearly unfit to be a full fledged teacher. Even if they have denied me firing you, you will be demoted.

Izuku could sense that this was just going to go into another argument between All Might and Nedzu so he just sent a quick goodbye to Nedzu and exited the group chat. He glanced at the time on his phone and saw that around an hour passed by. He went to his friends’ group chat and bid them all a good night since they had to get some sleep.

The boy made sure his alarm was set for tomorrow’s school day, he was glad tomorrow was Friday, he could avoid people and make more plans. He gave a groan and rubbed at his eyes before plugging his phone in and leaving his room.

He had to go clean his mom’s room. It would be rude not to. As well as probably attract bugs.

Chapter Text

Izuku didn’t sleep that night.

For which it apparently showed.

After Monoma and Shinsou added Izuku to the group chat (he was not the one who put the names), they agreed to meet in the mornings before school started, during lunch in the library (usually), and afterschool where they would walk home together. Or at least walk together until they had to separate.

Due to their new agreement, Izuku had to listen to questions about his appearance, while the same as normal, had eyebags. He pointedly looked at Shinsou, who was rocking the eyebags before they protested again, saying that Shinsou lived with them for years and they’re now a part of him.

Izuku had rolled his eyes at that, as did Shinsou, before flashing a smile at Monoma, who was doing most of the protesting. “Monoma, I am fine, I just couldn’t sleep last night, I’ll get more sleep tonight, I promise!” He said cheerfully at the blonde, who seemed defeated by that and nodded.

Izuku walked ahead of them, not seeing the exchange between Shinsou and Monoma, where the former whispered something to the latter causing him to blush and smack the former.

Despite the little sleep he got, he was able to clean his mom’s room! He also pulled out his box of All Might merch from his closet so he could go through it. He wanted to go through it with a (mostly) clear mind as he felt he might damage the merch if he went through it the night before.

Whether that be a good thing or not.

When the other two caught up to Izuku, Monoma said goodbye to the two before heading off to his own class. Shinsou and Izuku walked to 1-C, not really talking, both tired. It was too early for this. It may be 8 am, but that was still too early in Izuku’s book, Shinsou’s book as well.

When they entered the classroom, Present Mic wasn’t in the room yet, probably still in the teacher’s lounge. Izuku headed to his seat, Shinsou following before pausing, seeing a thermos on his desk. He glanced at Shinsou, the purple head shrugging after noticing it. “Mic probably. He threw a sandwich at you, didn’t he?”

Izuku nodded, sitting down in his seat so he wouldn’t cause Shinsou to go around him. He slowly grabbed the thermos, startled to find the outside still warm. It was a little soothing, he wasn’t going to lie. He closed his eyes as he just held the thermos before getting poked in the cheek.

“Don’t fall asleep from holding the thermos.”

Izuku bit back a snort. “Was not.” He bit back before removing his hands. He opened the container and peered into it curiously. “Soup.”

Shinsou raised an eyebrow at him. “Was that not obvious?”

Izuku shrugged. “Could've just been heated water. But why would-” Izuku remembered his excuse for not being at school yesterday. “Oh.. well that was nice of him,” He mumbled, touched by the kindness of his teacher.

“Why was your first thought ‘heated water’?”

Izuku gave a light laugh, his green eyes putting Shinsou in their vision. “They tend to be warmer than blankets in the cold! I’ve fallen asleep holding one before. My mom never really gave me soup in a thermos so I didn’t really count it, I guess?”

Neither boy noticed Present Mic walking into the room, it being 15 minutes before their homeroom started. They didn’t see how Mic’s eyes softened at the sight of them talking and of Izuku holding onto the thermos.

Izuku caught movement in the corner of his eye when Mic went to fix some papers on his desk. He brightened seeing Present Mic and abruptly stood up. The action caught Mic’s attention and Izuku gave a deep bow. “Thank you for the soup, Mic-sensei!” The boy stood up, having a blinding smile on his face. “I’ll make sure to eat it during lunch!”

Present Mic grinned himself. “I’m glad you're feeling better, Midoriya! I hope the soup helps some more!”

Shinsou watched the exchange and gave a quiet groan. “Sunshine people,” was what was muttered by the boy before his head was on his desk.

Izuku quickly sat back down at his desk, carefully putting the thermos in his backpack when he heard the signs of students.

Shinsou gave him a soft pat on the back when they both noticed the disturbed glances from the other students. They’ve gotten used to it from the past week, the students never said anything since that way they couldn’t get in trouble. Present Mic noticed as well, but as they never said anything he couldn’t get them sent to Nezu.

Truly unfortunate.

Speaking of Nedzu.

The principal of the school was currently going through a file. To be specific, the file of one Midoriya Izuku.

The content of his file, or rather, the comments in his file did not coincide with what Nedzu saw of Izuku.

The comments marked Izuku as disruptive, attention-seeking, and jealous of his quirked classmates. Extensive comments, details over details of how Izuku would behave during school, ranging from attacking his classmate (usually one named Bakugou) to speaking out during class and not stopping.

This described behavior was extremely not Izuku’s character based on what he’s seen. Izuku very much hated the attention he was given from his classmates, and he was always quiet (now that he was looking back, Izuku seemed to keep a finger over his mouth as he wrote, as if to quiet himself). Nedzu noticed that unless he was called on by the teacher, Izuku wouldn’t answer any questions, even if he seemed to know the answer.

The boy in the comments is not the boy that is Nedzu’s student. Which made the file either lying, or Izuku’s attitude changed up quick.

The first option seemed much more likely.

If what the comments said were true, such actions would have been a habit. Habits are incredibly hard to break. As well as they can never truly break, just lessen.

However, that just brought up the fact that Izuku’s behavior was even more concerning.

The actions that Izuku shows during class all look practiced. Always looking on guard. It made Nedzu’s chest tight.

He didn’t like looking at these.

The comments annoyed him.

He’ll need to dig some more into the school. Perhaps get a meeting so he can gain security tapes.

Legally.

Perhaps Nedzu will ask Aizawa to accompany Present Mic. After checking through files, it seemed that the ‘Bakugou’ name that was mentioned in Izuku’s files was one Bakugou Katsuki, quirk: explosion. He passed the hero exam with full villain points and landed into Aizawa’s class, 1-A. The behavior that was shown during the entrance exam was, frankly, concerning and seemed to be an Endeavor in the making. That would be a bit bad.

It would be best to have the teachers of both the boys to go to the school, Aldera. Both teachers wouldn’t be swayed by whatever nonsense is spoken to them as well as know enough to act as if they are on their side long enough to get what they needed. It would work for everyone!

Well, maybe not Aldera, but really, who’s keeping track?

Chapter Text

It was the weekend.

Everything was wonderful.

Izuku was sleeping and living well on his own.

Is what he would say if anyone asked.

Fortunately, Izuku could hide his action of not sleeping with concealer, he has a whole bunch since he puts them on his scars.

He wasn’t too terribly worried about getting found out about not sleeping, many teens have bad sleep schedules, Shinsou being an example. Though, Shinsou had insomnia while Izuku was just dealing with his nightmares again. Just a minor problem for Izuku.

Coffee helps with him staying awake, so that was good. He may ask Shinsou for some recommendations to see what works best for him. He didn’t really like the bitter taste in the espresso blend he found in the house. He drank it regardless since that’s what was in the house.

Izuku remembers seeing a cat cafe one time while running from Bakugou, he wonders if it was still open and Shinsou would be open to going. Putting away the finished homework he was doing, the boy got out his phone from where it was sitting so it wouldn’t disturb him.

We Missed Therapy

Green Goblin: @Simon Says

Green Goblin: i remember seeing this cat cafe around where I lived and was wondering if you were interested in checking it out

Simon Says: hell yeah

Legally Blonde: i wanna go ;-;

Green Goblin: Monoma, you said you were allergic to cats, otherwise i wouldve invited you, im sorry !!

Legally Blonde: youve never been to a cat cafe have you?

Green Goblin: .. no?

Simon Says: im pretty sure i know which one you’re talking about, ive been there before

Simon Says: theres a cat room and cafe area so theres no cat fur in the food

Simon Says: unfortunately meaning that nei can come and not die

Legally Blonde: oh dont sound so ecstatic

Green Goblin: really?? Then Monoma can join us!!

Simon Says: hazzah

Legally Blonde: i can taste your sarcasm hito

Izuku gave a light giggle watching the back and forth between his friends. He noticed that Monoma and Shinsou started acting like they were competing for something, what they were competing for, he wasn’t sure.

But it was entertaining to watch.

Izuku sent out a time offer to the chat about when they should meet up, agreeing to go meet tomorrow, which was Sunday, at 2pm. He could do that. His sister usually checks up on him in the morning, since she’s usually busy at night sometimes.

Honestly, he was more worried about Magne finding out his non-sleeping since she could take it as not living well then interfere. He still wasn’t sure what she meant by that though. It’s not like she meant it by going to his school and talking with his teachers, right?

….

That’s totally something she would do, isn’t it.

Izuku gave a slight groan at that realization before sighing. He’ll just have to keep a handheld concealer on hand, in case of rain or something.

This was fine.

He’ll just go have a good time with his friends tomorrow after his check in with Magne in the morning. It’s not like he’ll miss it since he’s up in the morning. And he still sleeps!

Just not as much right now.

Everything’s going to go fine tomorrow.

He says, ignoring the nervous feeling in his chest.

That ignored nervous feeling may have been right.

Izuku went to sleep at around 1 am then woke up 3 hours later with a cold sweat. Funnily enough, Izuku could never remember his nightmares.

It always made him feel off though, like he had no real reason to wake up in a cold sweat. He gave a snort at the thought before sighing, getting off his bed to wash his face.

As he went to the bathroom, he gave a slow count of how many hours. “Went to bed at 1.. It's now 4, so like 3 hours?” Izuku mumbled as he went to the bathroom. He glanced up at the mirror and cringed back in disgust. His hair was sticking to his face and his eyebags were getting darker. He looked sickly if he had to describe himself.

Izuku wiped the corners of his eyes with a hand to get rid of the eye crusts before stripping.

Shower it was then.

After the warm shower, Izuku made himself some food, reminding himself to get some groceries after the meetup.

Glancing at the clock, it was shocking to see that it was almost time for Magne to be at the apartment. Had he really taken that long to space out? Quickly getting up to the bathroom, he tried to beat the knocks that wouldare knocking on the door. He gave a sigh, knowing he wouldn’t have enough time to put the concealer on.

Hopefully Izuku could distract Magne from the fact that he hasn’t been sleeping well? Didn’t seem likely but just maybe?

Izuku made his way across the living room to open the door, letting the older woman in. After she was in, Izuku closed the door and glanced at her, seeing her take her magnet off her back.

“Good morning, Magne,” Izuku greeted, hoping his voice wouldn’t give anything away.

Magne turned around and gave him a hug, telegraphing her movements so he could reject when he wanted to. Izuku hugged her back. He felt comfortable hugging her, it didn’t feel sticky or itchy or even threatening.

Magne let go of the hug first, knowing that Izuku was a bit iffy about long physical touch, or just touch in general. Her heart honestly melted at the fact that he felt comfortable hugging her and that he trusted her. Magne gave a glance over Izuku before halting at the eyebags under his green eyes. She continued staring at them while Izuku nervously shifted. He looked up at her to try to calm her worries that he felt would happen soon.

“I did sleep if that helps. Maybe not well, but I did sleep!” Izuku said with a cheerful tone and grin, staring up at Magne. He faltered seeing the not so filtered concern dripping from her eyes, luckily not actual tears.

“How many hours, bunny?” She asked softly, staying where she was so the boy wouldn’t feel cornered.

Izuku was quiet for a minute before sighing. “Three,” he muttered.

Magne gave a sigh as she sat down on the couch. “Izuku, is there any reason you aren’t sleeping? I saw the eyebags yesterday and they’re now darker.” She leveled a stare at him, though it was patient. “I know I said I would interfere if you didn’t have a plan, but I’m also going to interfere if you aren’t taking care of yourself.”

Izuku bit back a protest, already knowing that that would probably happen. He walked over and sat next to Magne, head in his hands as he waited for her to continue.

“What time did you wake up, bunny?”

Izuku gave a slight groan before he responded. “Four o’clock.”

Magne sat back, thinking. If he woke up at four and it's been three hours then he went to bed at one. Izuku glanced at her from where his face was hiding in his hands before giving a quiet sigh. He sat up, not looking at Magne. “I’ve been having nightmares again, I think,” Izuku mumbled, loud enough for her to hear, but low enough for it to be ignored.

His big sister turned her head so she was fully looking at him. “You think?”

Izuku gave a nod. “I’ve been waking up in a cold sweat but I can’t remember why. Almost like I’m not having nightmares,” he said with a slight laugh.

Magne reached out a hand and gently ruffled Izuku’s head, getting his attention and looking up at her. “Don’t say it like it’s not a good reason, bun. Have you never remembered your nightmares or is it a new thing?” She asked, her hand still on his head.

Izuku hesitated while leaning into the petting. It felt nice, sue him. Glancing down at the couch before up at Magne he gave a slight nod. “Yeah, I’ve had them before. I’ve remembered most of them,” Izuku paused before continuing with a tender smile. “I suppose this way is better if I don’t remember them. Won’t cause me to panic when I wake up.”

Magne continued petting through the green locks as he spoke. “It is better that you aren’t waking up in a panic but you shouldn’t have to deal with the nightmares, bun.” She saw him shrug, like he was used to it (and he probably was. The poor boy probably had tons of material for nightmares, and he just. He shouldn’t have had any of it. It shatters Magne’s heart to see him so resigned to it).

Magne tried to change the subject. “Did you have any plans for today?” To her relief, Izuku brightened up, his veridian eyes sparkling.

“Yeah! Shinsou, Monoma, and I were planning on meeting at a cat cafe later today! I’ve never been to one, have you? Shinsou said that he’s been to a few and he usually spent a few hours there,” Izuku slightly rambled about his plans to Magne, asking her opinion as well.

Magne gave a chuckle as she pat his head before removing her hand. “I can’t say I’ve been to a cat cafe before, but I’ve been inside a general animal one. I think the premise is like that,” She said with a grin, remembering her times inside the animal cafe.

Izuku watched as she seemed to remember memories before his phone dinged from the coffee table. He looked at it curiously before giving a short laugh at the cat cafe reminder from Shinsou, cat emojis encircling it. It was cute. He turned his head to Magne, who was very badly hiding a grin. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

She was no longer trying to hide it. “From your friends I’m assuming?”

A little confused, Izuku nodded. “Yeah, Shinsou sent a reminder for the cat cafe.” Another ding from the group chat, this time from Monoma. It was a threat to Shinsou to go to sleep and not text this early. He had to bite back a laugh. Monoma was truly not a morning person on the weekends. Izuku glanced at Magne, seeing another expectant grin. “Monoma just yelled at Shinsou,” he said with a grin.

Magne’s grin softened but it still looked knowing. What could she be possibly thinking?

“You like them, don’t you bunny?”

“Yeah, they’re really good friends. They’re really kind and haven’t attacked me or made me feel useless!” He responded cheerfully with a nod.

Magne’s grin faltered for a minute, the reminder of his past school days being brought back to her. She had first thought about teasing him about his (obvious) crush on the two boys but now it just didn’t feel right. Izuku still obviously saw them as friends. She wouldn’t push her thoughts onto him until he was ready and was more healing from his past school experiences. “That’s great, bun. I’m glad you found good friends,” she said softly, a kind smile in place of the teasing grin.

Izuku gave a nod. “I’m grateful for them.”

The two shared a smile before talking some more, Izuku’s issues with his nightmares not spoken about as the boy didn’t really wish to talk about it. They talked until Magne left and the greenette got ready for the meeting at the cafe, remembering to put concealer under his eyes after seeing his reflection before he left.

Shinsou and Monoma were worried about their short, green haired friend. He had seemed paler the day after the USJ, which was strange since he wasn’t there, he didn’t see the horrors. He also seemed more tired. Midoriya had only said it was due to not sleeping well that night, which was understandable since he was worried about the USJ and thought Monoma was involved, but still.

Both boys were hoping that the cat cafe could help him relax, even if Shinsou was trying to exclude Neito. Neito didn’t blame him, if he was going to suggest a place, he’d probably try to exclude Hitoshi as well. They both thought the boy was pretty and wanted to get to know him more on their own accounts, but Midoriya was excited to spend time with the three of them together.

They weren’t bitter about it, it just made their little ‘competition’ increase. It was mainly a thing to pass the time, but it was also genuine, the two did want to spend more time with Midoriya, it wasn’t something they were faking. Just as the green boy was genuine in his actions with them (or at least as genuine as he got, despite some obvious white lies that were sprinkled in, the lies were usually about himself anyway), the blonde and purple boy were genuine in their actions with him.

Neito greeted Midoriya first, Hitoshi second since he was the last one to arrive. A little shocking since he was the cat fanatic. They were all a little early to the meeting time, so Hitoshi wasn’t necessarily late but it still made Neito give Hitoshi a grin that caused the former to flip the other off.

Midoriya greeted the both of them with a cheerful smile and a sparkle in his eyes. The sight made Neito’s heart melt and a glance at Hitoshi told him that he had experienced the same thing.

Midoriya was literal sunshine.

The two boys looked at each other, noticing that Midoriya had looked paler than on Friday. It was only Sunday. Had he not been sleeping well the past two days?

The three boys ordered a pastry treat from the cafe and a drink. Unsurprisingly, Hitoshi ordered a coffee and Neito ordered a shake. Surprisingly though, or at least they hadn’t expected it, Midoriya had asked Hitoshi for coffee recommendations, ordering a coffee that Hitoshi thought would suit Midoriya’s tastes.

Maybe Midoriya was actually a coffee drinker? Neito distinctly remembered Midoriya mentioning in a text that he hadn’t drank much coffee, finding it too bitter for him. Was this a new development then? Because Midoriya wasn’t sleeping well? Hitoshi gave Neito a glance after their orders came in and the saw Midoriya give small sips to the coffee, giving a compliment to Hitoshi’s recommendation but obviously not used to the taste.

Neito didn’t notice any eyebags like the ones on Friday, but he knew concealer existed. Sure, they could have disappeared naturally, but if he slept well the past two days there would still be some small indicator of them. Eyebags don’t go away that quickly after all.

Neito wanted to pry. However they’ve only known each other for like a week, even if they officially met a few days ago. Even from what he’s seen of the boy, Midoriya still has a wall up towards them. Neito knows Hitoshi can see it too. Hitoshi’s had a similar wall towards Neito when they were just beginning as friends. As well as Neito towards Hitoshi. It’s something they’re familiar with.

It’s something they know how to deal with. They know they have to wait for Midoriya to trust them more.

Hitoshi kept the conversation running with Midoriya as they made their way to the cat room, Midoriya giving a wave and promising pictures since Neito couldn’t go in. The blonde waved back as he laughed at the promise.

They were more than willing to wait.

Chapter Text

It’s been a few weeks.

A few weeks since his mom left.

A few weeks since the USJ happened.

A few weeks since Izuku’s been using more concealer to hide the eyebags to appear fine.

A few weeks since his nightmares have gotten worse.

Izuku was looking worse. Every morning when he woke up he was looking pale and sickly. He still had a good amount of the money left for him, opting to save it and eating once a day. Sometimes he brought his own lunch, either something he made before he left (like a sandwich) or something cheaply bought at a convenience store along the way.

Somehow, both Shinsou and Monoma had come to an agreement and gave him lunch as well. Which would include the snacks he sometimes got from Present Mic.

Which was a little strange.

He wasn’t complaining, but it was wearing down his will to keep it from his friends.

Izuku wanted to tell them. He really did, it may help his heart, but what if something happened and they stopped being friends with him.

The green boy shook himself out of his thoughts and quickly sent a message to the group chat before he regretted it. Luckily the other two were already heading to the library since it was lunch time.

Izuku forced himself to take deep breaths as he took a sip of his water. He already got a lecture from Magne to drink more water since he was eating less, even he couldn’t avoid not telling her. Magne made sure to bring him water bottles and they sat in his fridge, starting to bring one everyday for school. It was kind of her.

He leaned back against the chair, hearing the voices of his two friends. He forced, though not really, a bright smile, he was genuinely happy to see his friends.

(They were cute okay?)

Monoma gave him a huge grin as they both sat down with their lunch, offering something to Izuku who rejected it, saying he already ate his lunch. Shinsou rose an eyebrow at that before setting a portion of his lunch aside with no words. Monoma glanced at Shinsou’s lunch before looking up at Izuku. “So, what’d you want to talk about greenie?” Shinsou gave him a curious look as well.

Izuku looked between the two of them and took a breath, trying to figure out how to start.

“I’m alone.”

Well not entirely how he wanted it to start, but it was blunt.

Both boys paused, expectedly confused. “We’re here though?” Shinsou was the first to break the silence, with Monoma giving a small nod in agreement.

Izuku gave a nervous laugh at that, rubbing the back of his knuckles from where his hands were clasped together. “Not like that.” A deep breath. This was a moment of truth. “At home, I mean,” Izuku looked away from both of them, not seeing their reactions. “I’m alone at home. My mom left.”

Nobody spoke for a few minutes as Izuku unclasped his hands and drank some of his water. Izuku looked up at Monoma, who made a questioning sound. The blonde cleared his throat before speaking again. “How long?”

Izuku hesitated before responding. “Day of the USJ.” He gave a tentative smile at both of them while doing small jazz hands. “Surprise?”

Shinsou’s head landed on the table, narrowly missing his lunch. “You alright, Shinsou?”

Izuku flinched back after getting flicked in the forehead by the insomniac. “Really? Your mom hasn’t been home in weeks and you’re asking me if I'm alright, Midoriya?? How does that work?”

Monoma watched the exchange as he thought about the past weeks. “It does explain why you’ve been looking.. Terrible. You’ve been looking like you haven’t been eating as well as not sleeping. Don’t give me that look, Midoriya, I'm friends with Hitoshi, I can tell when someone hasn’t been sleeping.” Izuku gave a slight pout as he rolled his eyes. He glanced up at the clock, seeing there were five minutes left.

“We should get going. Class starts.” Without saying another thing, Izuku picked up his stuff as he quickly walked away from the other two.

A few days since he’s told his friends.

Now, it was the last class of the day. In which, Izuku was currently dozing. As well as getting stared at by Shinsou.

Their current class was Art History with Midnight. On any other day, the class was actually very interesting to listen to and participate in. The works that Midnight-sensei showed were really cool to analyze! He felt bad that he was dozing during the class, he’d apologize before he left.

Due to dozing, Izuku missed the concerned look shot at him from Midnight as well as her texting someone. Shinsou saw the action and glanced back at him and the clock before going back to his worksheet, seemingly counting down minutes.

After said minutes had apparently passed, the bell rang and students rushed out of the room, waking up Izuku. He gave a quiet groan as he rubbed his eyes, realizing that he had slept through class.

Again.

Izuku’s forehead was flicked as a huff was heard from his friend. “Yeah yeah, laugh all you want Shinsou. It’s not funny.”

His shoulder was grabbed, resulting in a minute flinch from not seeing the action. The boy removed his hands from his eyes and stared up at the purple eyes. “Come on, Midoriya. You need to tell Mic. Or even Nedzu, but this can’t go on.”

Izuku held in another groan as he contemplated Shinsou’s words.

What Shinsou said made sense. He was going to run himself ragged if he continued. As well as getting close to running out of his mom’s money. Which wasn’t good.

He probably couldn’t find a good job right now that would give him enough money, unfortunately.

He looked up at Shinsou and blinked before sighing, standing up and grabbing his things. Heading out of the room, Izuku looked back at his purple friend. “Well? You coming?”

Shinsou shook out of his surprised look and grabbed his things, saying a goodbye to Midnight, who was watching the exchange as she went through some papers on her desk. Shinsou stood next to his crushfriend and held out his hand. “Hand.”

Izuku offered it with a confused expression. “Not against it, but why?”

Shinsou gently grabbed it in his and squeezed it as they began to walk to Mic’s classroom. “In case there are any students left, you’ll get carried away with how tired you are,” he teased, having a light smirk on his face.

An offended squawk was Shinsou’s response before a light giggle. “Okay I’m not even going to dignify that with a response, Lavender. We’re here.” The tone was lighthearted but there was a nervous undertone.

Shinsou squeezed Izuku’s hand comfortingly. “It’ll be alright Midoriya. He’s a good teacher, we know this. He’ll help you.”

There was a small smile on Izuku’s face at this. “Right..” Taking a breath, he let go of Shinsou’s hand (both of them missing the warmth) and knocked on Present Mic’s door.

It only took a few minutes for the door to open, both boys getting greeted by Present Mic’s warming grin. “What can I do for you little Listeners!?”

As the three went into Mic’s classroom, Shinsou shutting the door behind him, Izuku was quiet. Mostly trying to figure out how to say words. He glanced at both Shinsou and Present Mic before sighing. “Can we.. Can we go to Nedzu and talk about it?” Izuku and Nedzu had gotten closer over the weeks since Izuku started his lessons as his personal student. They’ve gotten to the point where they’ve talked about other things, besides their lessons.

Izuku told him about his big sister and that he was lucky to have her in his life, of course, excluding the illegal details and with vague descriptions. He’s made some mentions about his past schooling, making sure not to mention anything that would be considered concerning.

(Izuku was still surprised that he had technically helped All Might get demoted down to being a TA. He didn’t really feel bad about it though, especially after reading back about what happened on the second day of school. The man caused three students to go to Recovery Girl! Clearly not fit to be a teacher.)

Present Mic gave a nod, seeing how hesitant Izuku was and asked if he wanted Shinsou there as well. Shinsou was about to walk away before Izuku reached out and grabbed his wrist, keeping him with him. Shinsou was turning pink but gave a nod at the nonverbal request, Present Mic leading the way to the principal’s office.

Izuku was absentmindedly messing with Shinsou’s fingers, still holding onto his wrist, either not noticing or ignoring the blush that was deepening on Shinsou’s cheeks. The three didn’t speak while they walked, while Shinsou was expecting Present Mic to try some small talk. Izuku was still trying to get his thoughts in order, trying to get in order how he was going to explain. He knew that he would have to have more detail than what he told his friends a few weeks ago. Maybe he can ask Shinsou to explain things to Monoma, he didn’t really want to leave him out of the loop.

The door to Nedzu’s office swung open before Present Mic could knock, startling Shinsou, in turn startling Izuku, causing him to let go. There was tea waiting for the three of them, Nedzu staring at them with a grin. “I’m surprised to see you three with me, it is after school hours. I expected you two to be home.” It was clear that he was referring to Shinsou and Izuku with the last sentence. “Now, tea?” The chimera asked, with a gesture to three teacups sitting out on the table.

Shinsou and Izuku both sat on the couch below the window, opposite of the door while Present Mic sat on the other side. Present Mic eagerly took some tea while Shinsou stared at it with suspicious eyes before glancing over to Izuku, who was having a staring contest with Nedzu. At least, it looked like Nedzu was having a staring contest while Izuku was zoning out.

“It came to my attention that I need help.”

Nedzu blinked before tilting his head in a simmer of curiosity. “What do you need my help with, my student?” Present Mic also looked at Izuku with curious eyes.

Izuku hesitated before looking at Shinsou with pleading eyes. Shinsou’s expression softened and he patted Izuku’s hand before looking up at the two teachers. “What are the protocols for someone who’s experienced quirk discrimination and they need a guardian,” Shinsou asked, no stated. He knows Izuku was nervous about getting help, the boy was stubborn as a mule and he’s as jumpy as a rabbit. He’s quicker to flee from the help and to just face whatever he’s going through on his own.

Nedzu’s ear flicked before his eyes sharpened. “Am I correct in assuming that said individual would not do well in the system?” Shinsou nodded, Izuku giving his own little agreeing nod. Present Mic looked like he was following the conversation with some mixes of concern and confusion.

“How soon would the individual need a guardian?” The question came from Present Mic this time, even if he was a teacher, his first job is being a hero.

Shinsou stared at Izuku with a pointed look as he responded. “Right away for this individual’s health. As they have not been getting good sleep and have been eating less.”

Izuku rolled his eyes, finally finding more courage to speak up. “Shinsou, you sleep about as much as I do, and I’m eating fine.”

Nedzu gave a hum, interrupting the two boys in their (lover’s) quarrel. “Izuku, how long have you been needing a guardian?”

Izuku gave a huff, amused by the conclusion. “Can’t hide anything from you, Nedzu.”

There was a slight sputter coming from Present Mic. “I know you two were getting closer but it still surprises me by the comfortableness.” Shinsou gave a snicker at Present Mic’s reaction, subtly pushing himself closer to Izuku.

Izuku gave a sigh at the continued look from his mentor. “A few weeks, I guess?”

“The day of the USJ attack,” Shinsou added with an eye roll, ignoring the smack from the greenette.

Present Mic spat out the sip of tea that was in his mouth. “Midoriya, you’ve been alone since the USJ attack??”

Izuku shrunk back at the tone of sheer concern. It sounded odd but it was nice to hear from his teacher (he’s never heard it that clearly or precisely or kindly). He raised his hands and began to respond, “Surpri-” before getting smacked behind the head by a pretty insomniac. “Midoriya, stop doing jazz hands and saying ‘surprise’ when you drop concerning shit,” Shinsou scolded him as Izuku rubbed the back of his head with a mock glare at Shinsou.

Izuku heard a stifled laugh from Present Mic and glanced at him before looking back at Nedzu. “Sorry about that. I’ve been alone since the day of the USJ attack. Rent was paid for a few months, and I was given some extra money. It wasn’t much different but apparently concerns were raised.” A pointed glare was glanced at Shinsou who looked away with a sly grin.

Present Mic set down his teacup before asking his question. “Do you know where your guardian went?”

Izuku gave a nod, leaning back against the couch, grazing Shinsou’s skin. “Yep,” he responded, emphasizing the ‘p’. “Mom went back to be with my dad. According to her they’ve been talking for a few years, he just didn’t like me so we never talked. America I’m guessing,” he expanded with a shrug.

Nedzu gave a low ‘tut’ as his tail flicked. “What about your sister?”

Izuku ignored the confused looks from Present Mic and Shinsou, knowing that they weren’t aware of him having one. “She doesn’t have a license to take me, as well as wouldn’t have enough time to look after me.” Nedzu knew that Izuku’s big sister wasn’t biological, she was more honorary, not having any rights to take him.

The chimera clapped his hands together, gaining everyone’s attention once again. “Well, good thing there is a simple solution then!” The principal grinned, sending a shiver down the other hero and extra student sitting in his office.

“Which would be?”

Shinsou renewed this thought, his green crush did not have any fear for his life. It was kinda hot.

Nedzu’s grin got sharper. “You become a ward of U.A of course!” He exclaimed cheerfully.

Izuku had a thoughtful look on his face, as did Present Mic. Shinsou looked a little confused. “What would be the expectations as a ward of U.A, Nedzu? Where would I go during breaks, assuming that you would like me to terminate the contract my apartment has.”

Present Mic spoke up with an excited look in his eyes. “Midoriya can stay with me and my husband during breaks! It would be no trouble at all!!” Both boys were surprised by the sheer joy of the offer before Shinsou elbowed Izuku in the side.

“Told you he liked you Greenie,” Shinsou whispered in the other’s ear causing an amused huff as Izuku rolled his eyes.

Nedzu gave a nod, having been thinking about the offer, or at least pretending to do so. “That would most certainly work out best. Izuku, are you alright with staying with Mic and his husband? If not, you can choose a different staff member.”

Present Mic could barely hide the idea of Izuku not wanting to stay with him, a little upsetting, but he could understand it, the boy didn’t trust others easily. Shinsou saw the slight flash of hurt as Izuku went to think, it was a bit funny. He was acting like the boy was a cat that ignored him. Izuku gave a nod, coming to a conclusion with his thoughts, not seeing the relieved look on Present Mic’s face. “To clarify, Nedzu, you want me to move in with Mic-sensei and his husband, hence moving out of where I’m living now, since there aren’t any dorms in the school?”

Nedzu just simply grinned, not offering a verbal answer. Izuku stared at him for a minute, taking in his behavior before nodding. Present Mic and Shinsou shared a glance, both befuddled by the interactions between principal and student.

It was a little startling to say the least.

“I agree to it. As long as I’m not a bother to you, Mic-sensei,” Izuku finally said, looking at Present Mic for his answer.

The answer was frantic nods, which Izuku was not expecting. “We’d love to have you, Midoriya! You won’t be a bother at all, don’t worry,” he reassured with a happy grin.

Shinsou watched on with a soft smile, glancing at Izuku, who caught it and gave a small smile in return. Izuku gently grabbed one of his fingers and squeezed it before directing his attention to Nedzu.

“How soon would you like me to move in? As well as the expectations of being a ward,” Izuku recircled to one of his original questions. “Another thing, can I tell Monoma about me being a ward? Since Shinsou already knows?”

Shinsou looked at him with a soft look, a little confused. “Really, greenie, you wanna tell the blondie about this?”

It was Izuku’s turn to be confused. “Yeah? You two are my friends? I don’t want to worry either of you.” He ignored how his mind betrayed him about saying that the two were his crushes. He came to term with the fact that he did indeed have crushes on the other two.

Magne teased him about it for a few days.

Izuku noticed the light pink on Shinsou’s face before Nedzu responded. “Today would be preferable, you and Present Mic can head to your apartment after we are done here, collect your items, and go to his place. It would've been easier for you if it were the weekend so you could get situated, but it’ll also let you get situated on school days,” Nedzu saw Izuku nod at this information, seeing the logic to it. “As for expectations, that is mostly up to your guardians, in this case Present Mic and his husband. They can set the rules and what they expect from you, my expectations, you already know.”

Shinsou and Present Mic both looked curious at what Nedzu’s expectations for Izuku were, however they knew better than to ask. “As for telling Mr. Monoma, that would be fine. It would beneficial that he does not spread the word, that goes to you as well Mr. Shinsou.” Shinsou quickly nodded his head in response, knowing better than to not agree.

Izuku looked at Present Mic before looking at his mentor. “Might we go collect my things now? I believe that’s everything covered.”

Nedzu gave a nod before speaking with joyful beady eyes. “We will be discussing more tomorrow, Izuku. Please come to my office when classes start, I’ll be sure to let your teachers know.”

The boy swallowed before nodding. He was aware he couldn’t deny it. As well as knowing that Nedzu liked to have all the facts. Present Mic started to leave and both Izuku and Shinsou stood up to follow. At the door Izuku got a sudden thought and he paused, looking back at Nedzu. “Nedzu, can I tell my big sis about me moving?”

“Were you not already going to tell her?”

“I just wanted it to be clarified that it was alright.” It wasn’t only Nedzu that liked to have all the facts.

“Certainly.”

Izuku gave a bow before leaving, the door swinging shut after him.

Present Mic, apparently his new guardian, and Shinsou were waiting for him. It became aware to Izuku that paperwork wasn’t signed or brought out. Which seemed a little odd but he just chalked it up to the suddenness of it. Shinsou nudged him and showed him his phone, the group chat being on the screen. “I have to get going, but I texted Neito that we have to talk tomorrow. Try not to abruptly leave this time, kay Midoriya?”

“I panicked!” He did not whine. Izuku glanced at the phone, seeing Monoma’s agreeing text before looking up at Shinsou. “You can call me Izuku, you know? You both can,” he offered with a small smile, ignoring the embarrassed blush on his cheeks.

Shinsou gave a cough before offering his own small smile. “You can call me Hitoshi as well, Mid- Izuku. I’m sure Neito will want you to say his given name as well, but he’ll probably complain when he sees us doing it without him, so let's do that first okay?”

Izuku gave a light hearted giggle at the suggestion. “Okay Hitoshi.” He waved at the purple haired boy as he made his way to head home before startling at the grin that was given to him by Present Mic.

“You ready to go, little listener?”

Izuku nodded as he walked beside them as they went to leave the school to collect his things. “Don’t you have to tell your husband that I’m coming? Who is your husband anyway?”

Present Mic gave an amused grin. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out. He’s a hero. Don’t worry, he knows I’m bringing company.”

Screech
I’m bringing a stray (⁀ᗢ⁀)
Can you make sure the guest room is clean please?

No Slept
zashi what

Screech
Please? (~人^)

No Slept
Fine but you cant get on me about strays anymore
At least i make sure my strays are cats

Chapter Text

15 notebooks.

That’s how many the stray came with, all for Hero Analysis.

Shouta was not expecting this ball of green sunshine to walk into his home, granted he was surprised that his husband’s description of the kid to be accurate, but he was not expecting it to be this kid.

He was also probably kind of hoping for the stray to be an actual cat, but don’t tell his husband that.

Shouta was definitely not expecting the kid to know who he was.

He did not remember saving a green broccoli before on his patrols, he definitely would have remembered. That was literally the only way the kid could have known who he was, due to him being an Underground hero and all. So imagine his shock, of course hidden under his blank face, when the kid told him it was all research, things he’s gotten from seeing videos (videos that he knows are blurry), as well as his own theories.

Impressive, yes.

A little frightening? Also yes.

He could practically smell Nedzu on him. Before remembering that Nedzu is his teacher. He will be asking for a raise.

Shouta did give his husband a look which practically screamed ‘explain’ to which it was waved off as Hizashi spoke with Midoriya, or as he wanted to be called, Izuku. Which, fine with him, he also wanted another explanation for. Given names were usually said by people close to said person, which they were not. Hizashi maybe, but not him.

The green boy, who was now apparently their foster son (if he knew his blond cockatoo well, which he did), was ushered to the guest room which he cleaned out. It was a little sad looking, they would definitely need to go shopping for it, which was Hizashi’s expertise. All it had right now was an empty bed, with a small empty desk. Which, big enough to read at or look at single papers to do, not very efficient to spread out if the boy so desired. They’ll have to get a lamp or two as well if Izuku wished for it. Hizashi told Izuku to go unpack while dinner was made, which despite popular belief of his colleagues, Shouta could indeed cook. It was just a lot of work and illogical to do when there were perfectly good jelly packs.

Hence, Hizashi cooks. Most of the time it's edible. Other times… needs some work. Which will then sometimes go to the cats. Who are currently headed to the green boy’s room.

Yep, in they go.

Shouta dragged his loud husband into the kitchen when he heard the guest room door shut again. “Alright, explanations cockatoo,” the man hissed.

Hizashi, his lovely husband, simply turned away from him and started grabbing stuff to make dinner with. Once he was cutting vegetables, looks like stir fry, only then did he respond. “Izuku’s mom left him.” Shouta gave a frown, because that wasn’t a good situation. He noticed Hizashi’s tense shoulders, realizing he wasn’t finished. “Sho.. she left on the day of the USJ..”

…

Wait what?

“I’m sorry, what?”

Hizashi made fast work of the vegetables, already pulling out the pan and some pre-cut meat. “You heard me. He’s been alone for weeks. Only just today said something. Though I think one of his friends pushed him to do it.”

“That’s concerning.” He grunted.

The blonde huffed out a bitter, unhappy laugh. “Tell me about it. It seemed like he wasn’t planning on saying anything.” He paused and turned to look at Shouta when the food was in the pan, waiting for it to sizzle. “I am going to spoil him, Sho, you can’t stop me.”

It was an odd threat.

One that gave Shouta a small smirk despite the tone of the conversation. “I have no doubt that you will, based on how you gush over him in our chat.”

Hizashi stuck out his tongue before going back to the stir fry, making sure the vegetables, and the meat especially, was cooked through. Shouta watched his husband cook, a thinking frown on his face. “Did you see that one really damaged notebook?”

Hizashi gave a shake of his head as he turned off the stove, keeping the pan on the burner for a minute to grab plates. “I didn’t see all of his notebooks. What do you think happened?” He started plating the dishes on the table as he asked, handing the finished ones to Shouta to set on the table.

Shouta shook his head as he put the plates down. “I only got a glance at it. You think it would be a bad topic?”

Shouta heard a huff come from the blond and glanced up at him with a quizzical look in his black eyes. “Already going soft, Sho,” said the blond with a smirk.

Shouta tried to sputter out a logical response before getting ignored by Hizashi, who was going to tell Izuku that dinner was ready. Shouta could dimly hear the words exchanged between his husband and now foster kid, the conversation being short. He saw his two cats, Dumpster and Koi, run out of the hall before looking back, seeming to wait for the other two.

Dumpster was a black tom with some white marks over his body. Shouta found him one night during patrol and had to cancel the rest of it so he could make sure the cat was okay. A very stinky cat which was explainable since he was in.. well, a dumpster. There may have been a few pieces of trash stuck on the cat. Luckily, no major injuries. He was now Shouta’s.

Koi, on the other hand, he found in a river. Shouta was definitely surprised to see a cat just swimming in the river. Koi became more of that stray cat that came to you for food before leaving. Until a few weeks later where she had just followed him home. Hizashi had absolutely gushed over the calico cat, where Koi had always smacked Hizashi in the face, with either her paw or tail.

(Hizashi was indeed jealous that Koi had taken to Izuku so well, purring at him so aggressively.)

Shouta nodded at the two once they sat down at the table and they began to eat. Both Pro-Heros noticed that Izuku waited until they started eating before he himself started to eat. Concerning to say the least, just a little, before Izuku’s eyes absolutely lit up at the taste of the food. Hizashi had a small smile on his face when he saw the boy’s reaction. He was glad the boy seemed to like it.

The three continued eating, Hizashi adding an occasional comment to get a small conversation starting. As much as it was weird for Izuku, he found that it was a good kind of weird. It felt nice.

It felt like what home was supposed to be.

Chapter Text

As much as Izuku felt content in the house of Yamada-san and Aizawa-san (he was given permission, very adamantly, to just use their name when in the house), he couldn’t help feeling when the other shoe may drop.

Dinner was delicious, even the conversation was easy. It was nice and fluid, some comments from himself as well, mainly to distract the fact that he wasn’t eating much. Izuku could see that his new guardians noticed the fact (they were pro heroes, so he wasn’t surprised) but they didn’t mention anything about it, just offered to put it in a container for him. He did agree to that, watching them put it in the fridge in case it was a trap.

Sure, Izuku knows Present Mic, and he does have a good grasp of his personality, but that was his teacher persona. He wouldn’t have been surprised if he was entirely different at his home. As for Aizawa-san, Izuku has no data on him, all he has is his analysis on Eraserhead, which, although he was very happy to have, was not helpful with knowing how to deal with Aizawa-san. Again, hero persona.

He tried not to act so suspicious of them (which of course the heroes did take note of his actions, it kind of hurt Hizashi that Izuku wasn’t sure if he could trust them but taking note of his quirk status as well as his relations with the woman called his mother, he understood it) but was still engaging with them. Mostly prodding for reactions if he did some things, but overall he just stayed in the guest room with a cat. Koi had followed the boy into the room, Dumpster staying out in the living room gaining attention from Aizawa-san. Izuku closed the door, leaving a crack wide enough for the cat to leave when she wanted, as well as not knowing if he was allowed to close the door fully.

The rest of the night mainly proceeded as such. Of course, Hizashi wanted to get to know more about Izuku, as well as possibly cover him in hugs, but he didn’t want to overwhelm the boy. Shouta snickered at his husband when he saw the (unintentional) pout on the blonde’s face when Izuku went into his room, Koi following. He wasn’t sure if it was due to Koi following or the kid retreating to his room. It could even be both.

The raven haired man did a nightly routine that Hizashi introduced him to, one that he wouldn’t normally do since he usually had patrol at nights. This was one of his rare day offs, no doubt settled by Nedzu to try to situate Izuku into their home. He knew that Hizashi was not satisfied with how the interactions were, knowing that his husband wanted to spoil the boy. Between the two of them, they did make enough money to afford it, Hizashi alone could. As Shouta got into bed with his husband, (it may be a little early but his blonde was sulking) a ping came from both his and Zashi’s phone. Neither of them were expecting any email or communication so it was a little confusing.

Glancing at the notification, Shouta realized it was the teacher’s chat, the message being from… Izuku??

They were even more confused, considering they were both teachers and could answer any questions the boy had. Using only Hizashi’s phone to read the messages, there was no point using both afterall, Shouta gave a slight frown seeing that Izuku had tagged Nedzu. Didn’t he know that he could private message the rat?

We Serve the God

LittleGod: @God can i come over to your office tomorrow morning, i think there’s still a few more things we should discuss

Skinny legs: You shouldn’t go bothering the principal young man!

(Both Shouta and Hizashi cringed in annoyance at the supposedly ‘Symbol of Peace’. Was he seriously trying to manage Nedzu’s student?? He has no authority for it, even when he was a teacher.)

LittleGod: and you shouldn’t be neglecting hero duties yet here we are

(Sitting on the soft bed in the guest room with a cat on his lap, Izuku could hear a cackle of laughter coming from outside the room. It was easy to hear with the door cracked open though it would seem to come from Yamada-san.)

Skinny legs: You need to respect your elders boy!

LittleGod: you never gained my respect, if you want respect you should earn it not demand it skinny might

(God, this kid was going to kill his husband with his words.)

God: You most certainly can, Izuku. Might I have an idea of what we should discuss?

Skinny legs: You can’t just ignore his blatant disrespect, Nedzu!

LittleGod: I’d like to say he’s just ignoring you

LittleGod: in regards to what we need to discuss Nedzu, some more expansion on my situation

LittleGod: after all, some things were not set in place, or spoken about

Skinny legs: I am your teacher! I deserve the respect regardless!

(“Is he seriously that idiotic?”

“Shut up Sho.”)

LittleGod: First of all, you are not my teacher, never were as I’m in general education

LittleGod: Second of all, you were demoted to a teacher’s assistant, specifically for your actions as a teacher

LittleGod: doesn’t sound like someone I’m going to respect, even if i'm going to be biased

God: Couldn’t have said it better myself! Izuku, you are perfectly able to come to my office tomorrow morning, will you be bringing your friends or guardians?

(Izuku gave a slight frown as he thought. He still had to tell Monoma tomorrow more about his situation, without running away this time. He didn’t really want to go into full detail about his situation like he’ll have to tell investigators if his mom was to be arrested for child abandonment and neglect. Nor did he exactly want to seem weak towards his new guardians, especially towards Yamada-san.

As Izuku thought about how to respond, Hizashi and Shouta were a tad worried about the lack of response. Hizashi responded to All Might, who thought he had the respect to tell Izuku to hurry up and respond, telling him to shove his mouth somewhere else. All Might was really trying much too hard to keep hold on any authority he may have had.)

LittleGod: Do you mind if we discuss some things to ourselves first before either of my guardians join?

God: Certainly, Izuku! Just come by when you get to school, if our chat gets long I’m sure the teachers here know that you’ll be with me :)

(It always sounded like a threat whenever their boss used emojis. Even if the context wasn’t really threatening, the emoji made it so.)

The night really went by quickly. Too quickly, it was much too quick for Izuku’s phone alarm to go off. Izuku gave a groan as he turned it off, giving a quick glance at the time. 6 AM. Much too early.

Calling onto his turtle ancestors, Izuku slowly slid off the bed, not fully awake at the moment. He barely heard a knock on his door, giving a mangled response, the door opening. “Izuku are you u-”

A pause happened before a snort of laughter erupted from the blonde. A grumpy voice sounded after an abrupt silence. “Hizashi. Shut up. It’s too early for your noise.” Ah, Aizawa-san must have erased Yamada-san’s voice. That made sense. Now if only he could actually get out of the bed. His wishes were granted as he felt his legs fall, smacking himself with a stray foot.

The silence was so loud. Izuku glanced up, seeing Yamada-san with a hand over his mouth, Aizawa-san behind him with floating hair and red eyes. “I’m up.”

Aizawa-san gave a snort as he dragged Yamada-san away with him to the kitchen. “Izuku I’m brewing coffee, you’re welcome to have some.” Izuku gave a snicker as Yamada-san protested to Aizawa-san ‘corrupting the baby’.

Izuku got himself untangled from the blanket, it was quite soft, and took a few minutes to fix his the bed. It was pretty bare, only being a single blanket and a soft pillow, but honestly Izuku liked it a lot. He may have to ask for a second pillow though so he could easily hold something while still having a pillow under his head.

Maybe he’ll ask them later. Now he has to get ready for school to speak with Nedzu about his current guardians as well as his mom. Yamada-san was a really good cook though, he made some nice pancakes. Their coffee was tasty too, Yamada-san seemed to cry when he drank his cup though (he could tell it was mock crying though). Aizawa-san just rolled his eyes at his husband while Izuku went to get ready, getting dressed and putting his backpack together.
.
.
.
.
He does not want to speak with Nedzu anymore. Or rather, he does not want to get past the quirkest skinny man standing in his way.

Chapter Text

… Why was this quirkest skinny man standing in his way?

“Young Midoriya.”

Oh no he was talking now. Izuku gave a slight groan as he took his phone out, keeping it out of sight of All Might. “Can I help you All Might?”

All Might gave a smile at the boy (it was kind of creepy). “I thought we could have a chat before the classes start.” Izuku leveled a blank look at the man, a little concerned with the audacity of the man.

“I think not, for one, I don’t like you, and I have a meeting with Nedzu to get to.” Izuku pressed the messaging icon on his phone, having memorized his app placements with ease. He knew where he should press to get to the teacher’s chat, as well as how to text with his eyes closed, or rather behind his back. The texting part was still kind of difficult though.

LittleGod: therds a ksinny clown blockib my way

All Might kept up his kind smile. “I’m sure you can spare a minute, we really must have a chat.”

Izuku frowned. There was nothing that the two could talk about unless All Might was trying to get him to like the hero. Spoiler, it wasn’t working.

LittleGod: hes being odf

Izuku was very much thankful for his mentor, as the door to his office swung open, just narrowly missing All Might. ’A pity it didn’t hit him..’ Izuku thought sadly as he escaped into the office without a spare glance towards the blond man.

The door shut behind him and Izuku let out a breath of relief. He gave a glance to his phone, now seeing the messages that the other heroes left between the two he sent, admittedly touched by the concern. “Thanks for the rescue, Nedzu,” he spoke up, looking up at the chimera.

Nedzu grinned. “Anytime Izuku! It is a tad concerning on why All Might seeked you out. Can you think of any reason?”

Izuku shook his head as he sat down on the couch, glancing up at the ceiling. “No, I can’t think of anything except for maybe trying to get me to like him. I’d rather not have to deal with him honestly.” Izuku looked back at his mentor in time to catch him nodding in agreement. “Anyways, the meeting..”

“Ah yes! Now, what did you want to discuss?”

Izuku raised an eyebrow at the chimera. He was definitely playing him. “You know perfectly well what I want to discuss. No papers were shown in the discussion of me staying with Yamada-san and his husband. At the very least, foster papers and a change of legal guardianship would have to be signed for me to stay with them.” The greenette thought for a minute before sighing. “As well as me needing to give a statement to get my mom arrested for neglect and abandonment.”

Nedzu hummed, handing Izuku a cup of peppermint tea as he sat down next to his student. “As much as I wish I could say a statement won’t be necessary, I know we both know that’s not true. I can call up an acquaintance of mine to come today to do the statement so that we can get it out of the way quickly.” A white paw gently patted Izuku’s knee. “Izuku, would you like your friends to be here while you give the statement? Hizashi will also have to be here as he’ll be your guardian, foster or not.”

Izuku listened as Nedzu spoke, accepting the tea, taking in its warmth. “If possible, I’d like both of them here. It’d be easier to explain everything to Monoma that way as well.” He gave a quiet groan as he set the teacup on the coffee table. He really did not want to spill his situation again, much less to a detective.

Nedzu gave a nod as he pulled out some papers and sent a message to Yamada. Izuku sent a message to the group chat with his friends, asking them to go to Nedzu’s office once they arrive at the school. There was a lull in silence as the two did their respective things before Izuku jolted with a thought. Nedzu gave him a curious look as Izuku waved off. “Sorry, just an odd thought.”

“Care to share?”

“Well you asked about why All Might wanted to chat with me. My mind went back to when we first met and he revealed himself, so it provided the thought that he was gonna either ask me as a successor or to make sure my mouth stays shut about it,” Izuku responded while shrugging, receiving an affirmative from his friends.

Nedzu pondered it while the door opened, Yamada coming in. “A plausible thought. I’ll make sure he stays away from you.”

A look of confusion made its way on Yamada’s face as he sat across from Izuku. “Who? What thought?”

A few packets dropped in front of Yamada’s seat. “Nothing you should be concerned with yet Yamada! However, those are the papers you need to sign to officially become Izuku’s guardian. If you could sign on the marked lines, preferably after reading it through.” Izuku hid a smirk behind his teacup as he looked at Yamada’s expressions towards Nedzu. The blonde man was very expressive with his thoughts, very open.

There came two knocks on the door, Izuku getting up to open it as Nedzu hadn’t. Which was strange. He always liked to open the door before anyone knocked, the shocked faces amused him.

He should not have opened the door.

Chapter Text

Let it be known that Midoriya Izuku can be quite dramatic.

(When he was younger, he pretty much demanded Inko to play the video of All Might from 5 years prior. Added around thousands of views himself and would act out the scenes himself as if he were All Might. You’re going to tell him he’s not dramatic? Sure.)

So when Izuku feels like he shouldn’t have opened the door to Nedzu’s office, he was being dramatic because the person there only elicited an annoyed feeling, although currently it was growing more. The boy immediately shut the door in the face of the blond skeleton, sending a betrayed expression towards Nedzu, who gave a shrug. “Now you know why I did not open the door.”

Izuku gave a groan, flopping back on the couch. “Has he been standing there during our entire conversation?” At the nod from the rodent, Izuku sighed. “He’s still there I’m assuming then,” he concluded. He sent a quick message to Shinsou and Monoma, letting them know that they may run into the skinny man and to just ignore him. “Nedzu, your detective friend has a lie detector quirk, right? If so then couldn’t he be used to getting All Might fired?” Innocent questioning. By the appearance of the person asking them anyway. Not innocent by the nature of the question. So we’ll just ignore that.

Nedzu paused in his tea drinking endeavors to give the question some thought. Which surprised Izuku, as he thought Nedzu would have already thought of this. Was Nedzu acting surprised at his questions to make Izuku feel smarter than he actually was? Kind, but a little insulting. “I must admit I did not consider using Tsukauchi to getting All Might fired. Mainly because the Commission would never let it happen either way. If he were a normal person, as in not a hero, he would have already been fired due to causing harm to the students, however indirectly.” Izuku nodded along, his mentor’s words making sense. He liked it when Nedzu explained his thought process. “However, the most I am capable of doing is getting All Might demoted, as I did after the USJ since he performed neglect of duty, which caused 2 of our teachers to be injured, as well as multiple students.There is no guarantee that it would not have happened had he been there in the first place, but it definitely would have made a difference. If we had another organization that can pass as a Yuuei school branch, I could just send him there and let him suffer but I do not have such a thing.” Nedzu sounded almost sad about that, and frankly Izuku almost felt sad with him.

Nedzu pressed a button, the door to the office opening and in comes Monoma, Shinsou, Yamada-san, and an unfamiliar figure. The detective, Izuku mused. He was relieved to see that All Might was no longer in front of the door as the door shut when the four people were in the office. Shinsou and Monoma sat on the couch Izuku was sitting on, Monoma on his right and Shinsou on his left. This left the other couch to the detective and Yamada-san. It was a bit odd to see them all come in together however. Izuku thought they would come separately. His confusion must have shown on his face because his left hand was gently grasped, a soothing voice in his ear. “We ran into each other outside the door. Don’t worry, All Might was nowhere near the door.” Without his permission, a pink tint ran along Izuku’s ears at the sound of Shinsou’s voice. Above his head, Monoma gave Shinsou a scathing look, one of betrayal and offense. This went unnoticed by the greenette, however the three adults in the room saw it, exchanging amused looks. Monoma gently grabbed Izuku’s other hand, running his thumb along it. Izuku’s pink ears extended to his cheeks at the feeling before the detective cleared his throat, looking awfully amused by the display.

“As heartwarming as this is, Nedzu you said something about an abandonment case?” Monoma straightened at the words, the only one having been kept in the dark about the situation.

“Abandonment case?” The blonde asked, glancing at Izuku with a worried expression. Izuku gave a small comforting smile.

“That would be me, Detective Tsukauchi. I’m sorry to take up your time,” Izuku responded, staring at the man, trying to ignore the worried expression from Monoma. He didn’t want to fully shut down yet and actually wanted to explain the situation. Though he may call his sister and- wait he can’t do that anymore, he doesn’t live in Inko’s apartment anymore and his big sister is a criminal with wanted posters. That most likely would not go over well with the hero guardians.

Detective Tsukauchi shook his head. “No, don’t apologize, I’m glad to help. I’m sorry that it happened to you. Can I ask why two friends of yours are here? As well as Present Mic?” His tone was sympathetic, without judgment. Izuku liked this detective.

Izuku gripped the hands of his friends, not tight to where it was constricting, but tight to where they weren’t going anywhere. “I didn’t want to repeat this anymore after this and Monoma hasn’t heard of the situation. Present Mic is currently the guardian I’m with.” Izuku felt his right hand getting soothed by Monoma’s thumb, as if to say that he wasn’t going anywhere.

Nedzu nodded. “Yamada, once Detective Tsukauchi is finished, I’ll be needing you to sign some papers,” he added, earning a nod from Yamada-san.

Detective Tsukauchi gave a quick release of air as he pulled out a voice recorder. “Are you alright with me recording this conversation? It’ll save you the trouble of having to repeat it.” At Izuku’s nod, he continued. “During the questioning I do ask that your friends keep quiet unless needed.” Once he received Shinsou and Monoma’s agreement, he turned on the recorder.

“Detective Tsukauchi, U.A High School on XX XX 20XX. Quirk: Lie Detector. Can you state your name, age, and quirk for me please?” At Yamada-san’s gentle smile and his friends’ comforting grips on his hands, Izuku took a breath to prepare himself.

“Izuku Midoriya. 15 years old. Quirkless.”

”True. Now that we have heard how my quirk works, Midoriya-kun can you please explain the first day you found yourself alone?”

“Can you call me Izuku please?” At the apologetic agreement, Izuku started to explain. Hopefully for the last time. “It was the day of the USJ and I was home because I wasn’t feeling well.” True “I was doing my homework from the day before so I wouldn’t forget about it when I started to hear some shuffling around the house. My door was closed so I couldn’t see who it was, nor was I going to check it out.”

”True.Why weren’t you going to check who it was?”

“It was around the time my mom was at work, so I didn’t think it was her and thought it was a burglar. If it was, I didn't want to get attacked by them.”

”True.Thank you, continue please.”

Izuku nodded and started again. “Like I said, I thought it was a burglar, so I messaged my big sister my concerns about the shuffling, noticing how the noise only went into my mom’s room. She offered to come get me, but I didn’t want to bother her so I declined.” True. “After a while, the noise stopped so I left my room to check it out, being curious and not considering that if it were a burglar that it could’ve been a ploy. When I left my room, I saw my mom’s room open as well as her closet open. Clothes and shoes were scattered, some drawers were opened as well.” True. “I left my mom’s room and went to the kitchen to see if anything happened in there. I noticed a piece of paper on the kitchen table and saw a note.” True. Izuku felt both of his hands getting gripped tighter once he said that and he glanced at both of his friends, a little concerned by the sudden change. They both looked angry at what he said. A glance up at the adults, he noticed the similar expressions (Nedzu’s expression was a bit more blank, but he somewhat recognized the signs of anger in his mentor’s face. His paw tightly clasped around his tea cup and the small signs of a frown on his face.).

“Can you tell me what the note said?”

Izuku hesitated. “Do I have to?”

“You can give a vague description if it makes you more comfortable.”

He still felt uneasy by the question but gave in. “It was a note saying that she went to America to be with my dad and that we probably wouldn’t see each other again.” It was indeed a vague description but he considered those parts to be most important.

”True. What happened after you found the note?”

“I told my sister what happened and asked her to come over. She agreed and gave me company that night.” True.

“Why didn’t your sister contact the authorities?”

Oooh now this one was a tough one to answer. Mostly since it was a bit more opinionated. “For clarification, my sister isn’t my biological system, she’s more honorary, but she’s my big sister.” Izuku’s tone of the last words allowed no refusal. “Also, who would listen to a quirkless boy? Last few times I’ve gone to the police I’ve been ridiculed and pushed away. You can’t blame me for not being trusting of the system.”

”True. I’m sorry you’ve been discriminated against by the police. Can you tell me about what it was like living with your mother before she left?”

Izuku tilted his head, a little confused by the question but shrugged. He silently accepted a cup of tea from Nedzu, releasing Shinsou’s hand to grab it. Normally there would have been a smug look from Monoma at the choice, but currently it didn’t seem like the right time. “Sure. We mostly just kept to ourselves unless she’s in a mood. After school, I would go to my room and do some homework or analysis. If she’s in a mood, she would watch me closely for a few days, hours if I’m lucky.”

”True. What do you mean by ‘when she’s in a mood’?”

“You know, when she considers me weak and fragile and need to be watched everywhere I go.”

Izuku said that way to nonchalant for any of their liking.

”True. Thank you for the clarification. Now, has she abused you in any way?”

“Maybe some emotional abuse? But not physically that I can think of.”

”True. How did she neglect you?” Sue the detective for being blunt, Izuku was grateful, he wanted to get this over quickly.

“She usually just ignored my presence unless she’s in the mood. Mainly just said that I was always lying to her about where I got my injuries.” Izuku thought for a minute, increasing the concern of the boys next to him. “Oh, there was that one week, or at least close to a week, where she locked me in my room. I had to postpone meeting with my sister because of it. She’s usually aware of my injuries but doesn’t treat them, not sure if that’s included as neglect.” He backtracked for a minute, looking panicked. “I’m not saying I’m expecting her to!! Just that she’s a nurse and it would have been easy for her to. I usually do it on my own. I’ve gotten good,” he adds, taking a little pride in how good he’s gotten at taking care of his injuries. Taking a glance around the room, he saw the blatant concern etched on the faces of the people around him. Nedzu was looking down. Yamada-san looked a bit angry with the concern mixed in his face. Izuku wondered what part he was angry about.

”True.. All of that was true, sorry.” Detective Tsukauchi looked down at his notepad, thinking something over. He looked back up at Izuku, an apology in his eyes. “Would it be possible for you to give me the note she left you?”

Izuku stared at the ground before reluctantly nodding. It’s not like the note would do any good sitting on his desk, serving as a reminder that the last person he thought held some love for him had left him. He glanced back up, a tired look in his eyes. “Are we done with the questioning now?”

Detective Tsukauchi nodded and turned off the recorder. The man stood up and looked at Nedzu. “I’m going down to the station to file an official report. We should be able to find her and take her in for an interrogation to get her charged.” He turned to Yamada-san. “I’ll call you to keep you in track of things, I have no doubt that Nedzu will easily keep along on his own.” Nedzu said nothing at the accusation, his mouth in a tight grin. The detective nodded to the Shinsou, Monoma, and Izuku. “I wish you all a good day. Thank you for taking the time to do this Midor- Izuku-kun.”

With that, Detective Tsukauchi left the room.

Chapter Text

An awkward silence settled in Nedzu’s office once the detective left. Present Mic knew to keep his mouth closed or he wouldn’t be able to keep his volume in check while the three boys were unsure of how to proceed. Izuku was mentally exhausted after the whole ordeal, concerned glances happening between Monoma and Shinsou above his head. Nedzu took note of the tense silence and clapped his paws together, startling the others. He directed his attention to Present Mic. “You and I have some paperwork to go over, some things you need to sign.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned his head to look at the trio. “Why don’t you boys go find somewhere quiet to talk? I’ve already sent a message to your teachers to not expect you back for classes until after lunch.”

It was a shock that it was still morning classes, the questioning went by quicker than any of them, except maybe for Nedzu, were expecting. Nedzu held a gentle smile as the three boys stood up to leave, still keeping quiet. “Oh, and Izuku?” Said boy gave a questioning glance. “Thank you for doing this, you did well.” Nedzu wasn’t expecting a response in return but was satisfied by the nod, choosing to ignore the glimmer of unshed tears in the viridian eyes as the boys left through the door.

A quiet moment between the two remaining adults happened before Yamada let out a grumbled set of noises, his mouth pressed together as one would to not let out any noise. That defense was failing at that part though. A look from Nedzu had him exhaling air from his mouth as he sagged against the couch. Yamada raised a hand as if to run it through his hair before deciding against messing up the gelled up hair do. It was a pain to fix. “Tea for your thoughts?”

Yamada’s fists clenched as his thoughts started pouring out in response to the question. “I can not exclaim just how much I am wanting to bring that woman in myself. Izuku shouldn’t have gone through those experiences due to the sole reason of him being quirkless, I am absolutely outraged.” As Yamada spoke, Nedzu had a fleeting, but growing, relief that the man wasn’t holding one of his teacups.

“You weren’t wrong when you said you got attached.”

Yamada was holding his face in his hands, causing his next few words to come out a little muffled. “I feel like Sho whenever he finds a stray and adopts them. Destroy everything and anything that has hurt them.” He raised his face so his eyes were peeking above his fingers. “You act like you haven’t gotten attached as well.” Without waiting for a response, Yamada straightened, leaning against the couch as he continued. “As much as I wish for her to get karma for hurting him, I know that she won’t get much due to the discrimination of the legal system.”

Nedzu gave a noncommittal hum as he thought back to the mentions of Izuku’s sister. He had a suspicion that not everything was as it seemed on the surface with her. If anything.. “I’m sure she’ll get some worthy karma regardless, Yamada. Who knows, she could have enemies on the nonlegal side of the system. Either way, you have some legal papers to sign to take Izuku in. Officially, by said system anyway.”

Yamada stared at Nedzu with raised eyebrows. “You forgot about the papers?” He asked with surprise lacing his voice.

Nedzu tilted his head before straightening and calmly taking a sip of tea. “I may have gotten a tad bit excited about my student finding somewhere safe.”

The look from Yamada continued, a slimmer of judgment now circling in his eyes. “Right..”

Nothing much changed between the three boys as they walked through the halls. It was still awkward, little talk was made, mainly just suggesting where they should go to talk. Shinsou made a suggestion about the library, to which they agreed to go. It was quiet and spacious enough that they would be able to find a spot out of eyesight from anyone there, if anybody was there. Once arriving at the quiet space, Shinsou gestured (read: pushed) the other two into a nice little corner with big beanbags.

Izuku was surprised that the library had beanbags, mainly because it was a school establishment. He wasn’t expecting the cozy accommodations. Apparently his surprise showed on his face, which wasn’t surprising since he was a very expressive person. “They’re there for clubs and things like after school events,” Monoma remarked, pointedly not looking at Izuku.

Shinsou shrugged as he flopped into one. “I just nap in them from time to time during lunch.” He watched as the other two awkwardly stood in the same spot before reaching over and yanking on Monoma’s ankle, causing the boy to go down. Izuku wisely sat down to the bag on Shinsou’s right after seeing Shinsou’s hand prepared to do the same thing to him.

The three just stared at each other, Monoma glaring at Shinsou for pulling him before the lavender boy got increasingly irritated with the silence. “Alright enough, you two need to talk.”

Izuku looked away from where he was staring at Monoma when the blonde boy questioned Shinsou. “Why only us two?”

“I was already aware of most of the story, the details however, I only just found out same as you.”

A bitter tone held onto Monoma’s words. “Any why were you already aware of some of the story?” He wasn’t bitter that Izuku told Shinsou instead of him, well perhaps a little, but he seemed more bitter that he didn’t find out until Izuku had to speak with the detective.

“..Don’t be mad at Shinsou. He pushed me towards telling Mic-sensei and I had to speak to him and Nedzu about it.”

“You were being vague about the situation then.”

Monoma went to speak his turn before Izuku interrupted him, not even seeming to realize he was. “I wasn’t tryi- can you blame me?? I hate speaking about what happened! Once was enough and even then, it only happened the day it happened when I was practically mute and the only reason I told you two was because my sister urged me to do so because she thought it would have helped!” At some point during his speaking, Izuku seamlessly got up from the beanbag, an unintentional attempt to make his point clear. “I didn’t want you two to worry, you two shouldn’t have had to know about what was happening, it wasn’t going badly, I had everything under control!” In the middle of the boy’s sentence, he started pacing, not pacing far, just short bursts before turning and repeating. Hand gestures started up to emphasize his point, giving Izuku something for his hands to do.

An eyebrow twitched as Monoma stood up as well. “Izuku, you clearly didn’t have things under control, you were under stress. Your eyebags were rivaling Hitoshi’s and a caffeine addiction started because you started drinking coffee since you were sacrificing your sleep!”

Shinsou remained in his beanbag as he watched the other two duke it out with each other. He was prepared to step in if it got out of hand but if he was to hear another rant at 3 AM about how Izuku wasn’t trusting Monoma and that he was worried he was going to lock the two in a closet.

Izuku let out a small scoff before looking a little surprised that it happened until continuing on what he was going to say. “Sacrificing my sleep?? It’s not like I was staying awake on purpose, I slept as much as I could without getting woken up by seeing the same red spider lilies and my mom saying ‘bon voyage’! I would literally kill to get some more sleep but I can’t, I’ve tried!” At the last word, Izuku’s voice cracked as the unshed tears that appeared in Nedzu’s office made an appearance now. “Of course I’m under stress! That’s what happens when you’re at a hero school, you get stressed. Are you acting like you don’t get stressed from your classes??”

Shinsou let out a quiet snicker that went ignored by both steaming boys, not amused by the situation, but was a little amused by the deflection that Izuku did.

Monoma let out a strangled set of noises as his fingers shook before he clapped his hands together with a straight face. It was an attempt trying to look sane (one that would probably make a child cry). “Alright, let’s try to do this in order. Of course I get stressed from the Hero course, however you can easily keep up in Gen Ed-”

“That’s not in order.”

“Shut it Hitoshi. Even if you couldn’t keep up in Gen Ed, Hitoshi would be glad to help you, though I wouldn’t recommend it, he takes crappy notes. Now, regarding the sleep issue. You literally could’ve told either of us and we would have helped you find a way to sleep without the nightmares.” Monoma gave an obvious spare glance at Shinsou before redirecting it to Izuku. “I would’ve, wouldn’t want Hitoshi to be a hypocrite.”

“Not wrong.”

“You could’ve asked and I would’ve smacked Hitoshi to put you under, with your permission of course, so you could get some dreamless sleep. It wouldn’t have been a permanent solution, but it would’ve worked.”

Izuku was just watching Monoma speak, silent tears running down his cheeks as he listened. Sometime during the statements said, Monoma had been inching towards Izuku, advancing on him even as Izuku inched back in response till his back was against a bookshelf. The slightly shorter boy looked like a startled deer caught under a headlight as Monoma stood in front of him, the angle making it look like the blonde was towering over him. Izuku determinedly stared down at the ground as he tried to stop his tears from flowing, the high from the heated emotion settling down. Monoma apparently didn’t like that because Izuku’s chin was gently grabbed and pulled up, forcing him to stare up at Monoma’s eyes. Monoma’s other arm was used as support above Izuku’s head to lean against. “You only had to talk to us Izuku..” Monoma gently spoke, as if he were soothing someone (which, in this case, I suppose he was), as the hand holding Izuku’s chin let go and traveled up to Izuku’s cheek, cupping it as he wiped some tears away. “We would’ve helped you.”

Izuku flickered his gaze towards Shinsou, who was just watching the exchange with a serious look, before closing his eyes and slightly leaning into Monoma’s hand. Monoma blinked at the display before a meek voice broke his thoughts. “I’m sorry.. I didn’t want to trouble you guys..”

Monoma gave a small smile. “I will always forgive you, Izuku, but please. Just talk to us alright?” Neither of the two noticed Shinsou standing up until Izuku’s response was interrupted by Monoma getting flicked on the forehead by the taller boy.

“You weren’t supposed to flirt, you idiot,” he said, hands on his hips as he watched the two grow red by the statement. Izuku tried to sputter out a response as Monoma quickly raised a denial, staring at Shinsou with a hand on his forehead.

“I was not flirting! This was a serious conversation and I took it as such!” At Shinsou’s increasingly blank look, Monoma tried to backtrack and reword himself. “It wasn’t on purpose, okay? It was an unintentional flirt, promise, this one was on purpose.” Monoma held Shinsou’s gaze until the lavender head finally nodded as he raised his hand to wipe at the remainder of Izuku’s tears with his sleeve.

“Good. This won’t be marked on yours,” Shinsou commented once he was done with Izuku’s face. He was just a tad red under the eyes, but other than that, there wasn’t much evidence that he had cried.

Monoma groaned at what Shinsou had said before sighing. Shinsou glanced up at a nearby clock, noting the time before turning back to Izuku. “Before we have to actually attend class, call me Hitsohi.”

Monoma perked up and leaned with his elbow on Shinsou’s shoulder. “And just call me Neito!”

Izuku’s fingers fidgeted slightly as he glanced between the two of them. “Are you sure?” Both boys nodded, resulting in a relieved smile from the greenette before the lunch bell rang. A collective groan occurred between the boys as they headed out to the cafeteria, all of them feeling lighter from the conversation.

“Can I go see my sister sometime like I usually do?”

That was abrupt in the silence. It was after school, Izuku was back in Yamada-san and Aizawa-san’s place, the three of them just chilling in the living room with the cats. Koi was in Aizawa-san’s lap and Dumpster was somewhere under the couch. Both men spoke at the same time, voices overlapping. “You have a sister?”

“Oh yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask you about that.”

Aizawa-san’s question woke up Koi, who in response jumped into Izuku’s lap, resulting in a small pout from the man. Yamada-san snickered at the black haired man’s loss as Izuku responded to Yamada-san’s question. “What about?”

“In Nedzu’s office, you mentioned that she’s honorary, not a blood sibling, so how’d you two meet?”

Izuku started to stroke Koi’s fur as he thought for a minute before speaking. “I ran into her the night of the sludge villain accident. Actually, no, it may have been a few days after that. She recommended me a clinic to go to since I hadn't been treated before. We kept in touch and got closer as time passed.” A short pause rang as both men were reminded of how badly Izuku was treated, remembering how he didn’t get medical treatment from the villain until he looked for it.

Aizawa-san spoke up. “That wasn’t a lot of time then. You trust her?” The man tried to lure Koi back into his lap, unfortunately failing miserably, the calico becoming comfortable in Izuku’s lap, slightly kneading into the boy’s thigh.

Izuku cocked his head in slight confusion. “Of course I do. She’s my sister.”

Yamada was reminded of how that same statement rang true and could remember the slight defensive tone that echoed around it before putting on a smile. “I’m sure you can still meet with her, Izuku.”

“We should probably meet her first though, kid.”

Izuku glanced at Shouta before putting his attention onto the purring cat in his lap. “Do you have to? I don’t think either of us would be comfortable with that.”

“How so?”

The ending of this could go in two directions. First, Izuku gets defensive and mad, or, second, Izuku gets deflective but understanding. In Yamada’s opinion, the second option was more preferable than the first one. What Izuku responded with got Yamada’s attention. “What do you mean she’s feeling us out?”

“You know, making sure I’m safe with you guys. She may have been unable to take me in, but she’s still protective. Which is surprising since it hasn’t been, as you say, a lot of time.” Ouch, that was definitely a dig at Shouta’s words. Izuku must have felt more emotionally tired than he thought if he was getting snippy. Shouta felt the dig as well, judging by the frown on his stubbled face.

“Where would you guys meet?” Shouta asked calmly.

Izuku gave a shrug as he booped Koi’s nose. “We usually meet at a public place like a cafe or a park.” There was a small pause as Izuku kept petting Koi before he continued. “Are you going to make me stop meeting with her if you guys don’t meet first?” He asked in a quiet voice, bracing himself for the answer.

Shouta went to respond before Yamada cut him off with his own voice, having an idea of what the other was about to say. “Certainly not, little listener!” His husband stared at him with a confused gaze, but wisely kept his mouth shut. “We just want to make sure you’re okay while you’re out if you’re going to meet your sister. We don’t have to meet her until you both are ready!” Yamada gave a bright grin at the boy before giving his husband a gesture to the kitchen, asking Izuku if he wanted anything to drink, to which the boy politely declined.

Both men got up from the couch and made their way to the kitchen, missing the calculating gaze from the child.

Once they were in the kitchen, Shouta leaned against the counter, waiting for Yamada to speak before doing so himself. “Why would you just blindly accept? If it’s from the villain attack, it hasn’t been long, which means they’re practically strangers.”

Yamada gave him a long stare before a snort escaped as he opened a cabinet and grabbed a cup to get a drink. “Turns out you got attached easily as well Mr-overprotective-dad.” Shouta rolled his eyes as he moved from the counter and grabbed a jelly pack from the fridge. “Izuku feels safe with his sister.” Shouta went to interrupt before Yamada shushed him with a finger. “Safe enough that Tsukauchi-san’s quirk rang true when he said that she was his sister. Blood ties mean shit, they’re family Sho.”

A sigh escaped from Shouta as he ran over Yamada’s words, thinking them over. “Fine. I won’t push him about it. As long as he remains safe with her.”

Yamada gave an easy nod, that was a simple agreement. He kissed his husband on the cheek before they both returned to the living room.

Before the two adults returned to the living room with their beverages (In Aizawa-san’s case, a snack), Izuku started messaging Magne about what he had just talked about with his guardians.

Izuku: I talked to the new guardians

Big Sis!!: I would hope so

Izuku: no not like that, i meant talked to them about us resuming our meetups
If thats okay with you of course
I know you get busy quickly

Izuku lifted his head when he heard Yamada-san’s footsteps, seeing Aizawa-san following behind him. Izuku wasn’t hiding his phone so it was clear he was talking to someone. “You talking to your sister?” Yamada-san asked, to which Izuku gave a simple nod.

Big Sis!!: I can easily make time for you bunny
Is it okay with your guardians?

Izuku glanced up from his phone to gaze at said guardians before looking back down to respond. Both of them noticed, not mentioning it but exchanging a glance before returning back to what they were engaging with.

Izuku: seems so
meet at our cafe?

Big Sis!!: when? Also im treating, hope you know that

“Can I go meet her this Friday?” It was a bit sudden for Koi’s liking, who woke up, although half asleep and was quickly soothed back to sleep under Izuku’s pets.

Yamada-san looked at his husband, who thought about it before giving a nod. “Go ahead. Try not to stay out until I start my patrol,” Aizawa-san said in response after his thought process was completed. Izuku gave an acknowledging nod and Yamada-san gave Aizawa-san a comforting smile.

Izuku: this Friday around 5?
also when are you going to let me pay

Big Sis!!: probably never :)
5 works for me
make sure to get your schoolwork done lil bro

Izuku: dw i will big sis

There was a small smile on Izuku’s face after he exited the conversation, the two adults giving silent sighs of relief at the sight of it. It was comforting to see the boy smile after the day he had to deal with.

The rest of their night went on as peaceful and quiet as it got, a comfortable quiet though one might even consider it domestic. But this family isn’t at that level just yet, so it was only a comfortable quiet.

Izuku could feel himself getting stared at as he walked through the school. The gaze made him feel off, Hitoshi and Neito both noticing his discomfort. Everytime he exited his class he gave his surroundings a quick scan, just barely catching blonde hair. His heartbeat rose once he kept seeing the blonde hair before his mind registered that it wasn’t the color relating to explosive memories. It was a much more diluted yellow color, making Izuku realize that it was All Might. It was a little unsettling to himself that he felt relief that it wasn’t Bakugou before dread increased because All Might was looking for him.

All Might caught him after his last class, which oddly comforting that it appeared the man was thinking of his education, Izuku would very much rather go straight to Yamada-san’s place. Even a cafe would be preferable, anywhere that wasn’t dealing with All Might. Even after Izuku tried so hard to avoid the older hero.

“Young Midoriya! Might we have a chat?”

Izuku clenched his fists, Hitoshi’s hand on his shoulder and Neito’s hand on his back, both boys giving hidden glares at the buffed up man. After Izuku started getting uncomfortable with the stares from All Might, he confided in both of them about the sludge villain accident, resulting in a higher protective streak. It was almost rivaling Magne’s protective streak. At the current, expectant, stare of the number one hero, Izuku let out an exhale as he reluctantly agreed.

Neito and Hitoshi stared at him in confusion, concern, and shock that he was going to go through with it. Neither of them wanted him near the man, not wanting him to hear All Might’s crushing words again. Izuku muttered some comforting words to the two before saying that he’ll meet them afterwards. All Might waited patiently as Izuku gave the two a hug, whispering in their ears.

“I’ll be fine. Nedzu has eyes everywhere.” He let go of them, giving a pat to Neito’s shoulder, the other two finally nodding and making their way out of the school, though not before giving a final glare to All Might. Izuku turned to the man and followed him to an empty room, keeping note of where they were going.

When they arrived, despite the prickles on the back of his neck, Izuku entered the room first, All Might following after a click from the door. ’Locked.’ Izuku scanned the room as he walked in, locating a camera with a red blinking light in the corner of the room. He felt satisfied and a bit safer knowing that Nedzu was watching as he sat on the couch on the same side of the camera. All Might sat on the couch across from him before debuffing, coughing up blood. He looked the epitome of a sickly old man.

“Good afternoon, young Midoriya. I’m sorry for catching you as you were going home, but I had some things I wanted to talk about with you.” All Migh- no, he was Yagi Toshinori right now. Toshinori started the conversation, exchanging the expected pleasantries, waiting for a response in return before he continued.

Of course, Izuku responded in kind. “Good afternoon. I’m sure this is important since you caught me as I was going home then?” Izuku tried not to feel as comfortable as he did when he referred to Yamada-san’s place as home. He still felt like he was intruding after all.

“Quite important. I’ll ask this first, what drives you?”

Izuku made sure to show his confusion, he didn’t quite understand what Toshinori was referring to. Toshinori caught onto his confusion (luckily) and elaborated. “What drives you to the hero course I mean. What causes you to be a hero?” Izuku could sense that Toshinori was keeping in some words, probably some discriminatory add ons. A quiet scoff left Izuku’s mouth, now turning Toshinori confused, but he was attentive. Izuku stared right at him, his peaceful viridian eyes burning a toxic green as he responded with a bitter smile.

“You did.”

Chapter Text

It’s not like he wanted to become a villain.

It just kind of happened.

He doesn’t regret it though.

Him being a villain helped him survive.

It wasn’t like he could go back to his family, he refused to go back to his ‘father’. That man could go burn for all he cared for. But here...

He made himself a family here. Well, more or less. It was more of he found a father figure and a big sister, as well as a little sister. He could probably consider Jin as a cousin, but he wasn’t fully sure of the other’s thoughts toward himself. That’s including both thought processes.

Magne kind of reminded him of his sister, not by much though. Could have just been the sentiment of a sisterly feel. Magne was sweet and kind to him. She was understanding on days where he was irritated easily, where his skin felt a bit too tight on his skin, where the heat was more than favorable for his body’s temperature. She helped him on those days, either with some gentle actions or leaving him be if she knows that he can’t handle the attention. The first few times it happened, he was confused on why she was doing it and what he had to do to make it up for her. That sparked up an uncomfortable conversation for him between the two of them. They did come to an understanding though, which just brought the two closer.

Himiko was a little ball of energy, that energy a bit more bloodthirsty when she went without blood for awhile. When she was sated with blood, which was normal since he was able to get her on a healthy schedule, she was still a ball of energy, but she could be reasoned with. She could understand when others told her about boundaries, she listened when she was told a denial about something. The girl was still touchy, especially with him and Magne. Magne was an older sister figure to Himiko as well, that could clearly be seen with the two’s interactions. With him though, Himiko just simply said that he was warm to touch. Which, made sense, he ran like a furnace. She was cute though, she reminded him of a puppy honestly.

Kurogiri turned out to be a father figure for him. That was a bit of a shock for him. The shock was more that he didn’t mind that the mist man became a dad to him. It was a pleasant shock even. Whenever he observed Kurogiri, he could see that the man felt it too. The other seemed to want to be a father figure, he was a caretaker, perhaps it was in his programming. The fact that the man was a Nomu slightly bothered him, but it seemed like Kurogiri couldn’t remember his past(?) life. Kurogiri seemed to be content with his life, so who was he to disagree. Kurogiri was kind to him. He provided gentle aid to his arms with some cream that made its way to the first aid kit that Kurogiri had stocked. The two of them got close enough that Kurogiri was allowed to administer some cream to the burns on his face. Kurogiri didn’t allow him to put the cream on himself (he suspected it was because Kurogiri knew that he’d be a bit rough with applying) but Kurogiri’s hands were always gentle with him.

It was... nice, he won’t lie to himself.

Himself, Magne, and Himiko were a trio, well perhaps a quad, including Jin. Himiko was rather fond of Jin, as well as Magne. Magne and Jin had spa days together.

Regardless, he didn’t regret joining this group. Even if he was a bit disrupted with the fact that the group was attacking children. That was something he personally wasn’t going to participate in. Magne was the same as him with the thoughts. When Magne was questioned by the ‘boss’ regarding those thoughts, she simply said that she had to keep herself out of jail. She had someone she wanted to keep easily seeing. The boss had tried to pry deeper into the reasons (that wrinkly bastard), but Magne had held firm in keeping quiet.

During one of his restless nights, Magne stayed up with him, occasionally chatting with someone on her phone. When he asked her about it, he was given a bright smile before a quick, quiet response. If people were awake instead of sleep, he had no doubt that she’d be a bit more enthusiastic, louder. From Magne’s rapid words, he gathered that she had a little brother, in a way that Himiko was her little sister. He found it endearing, not that that fact was shown or spoken about. Magne could somehow see his thoughts about what she was saying though, based on the satisfied smile on her face.

It absolutely confused him when Magne asked him if he wanted to meet her little brother. He couldn’t figure out why she wanted the two of them to meet. He wasn’t really a people person, and when he tried to make that argument he was silenced by Magne rolling her eyes. Magne assured that he could leave right after meeting her little brother, she just wanted both of her brothers to meet. She would’ve invited Himiko, but that could have been a little chaotic. Honestly, he had to agree with that.

He reluctantly agreed to it, which is why he was here.

Sitting in a cafe with Magne.

Patiently waiting for her little brother.

It was a bit unnerving.

He was glad he thought to wear a face mask and hoodie though, it got rid of most of the stares he usually got. Plus the fact that the two of them were sitting in a corner seat, both his and Magne’s backs to the door, leaving the other booth seat for the kid. His hands with slightly squirming around the cold drink that Magne got him. He was anxious, thoughts running around about meeting the boy. He jumped at the feeling of Magne’s hand on his shoulder. Giving a glance to her, he could see her concerned expression.

“Dabi, it’ll be fine. Remember, you can easily leave after you meet him,” she comforted, a ding from the door catching her attention. She didn’t turn towards the door, just pushing the extra drink she got towards the other booth. It only now registered to Dabi that the drink was for the kid.

Quiet footsteps sounded up to their table, Magne getting out of her seat to hug the kid. Dabi purposefully stared at his drink, ignoring the muttered greetings from the kid before he sat opposite from them. He looked up in time to see the boy’s face light up at the drink. Now that he was looking at him, he took note of the green features. He really was a brocolli, the comparison Magne had mentioned before making sense now.

“It’s nice to meet you, Dabi,” the kid spoke up after taking a sip of his drink. “I’m Izuku.”

Dabi sent back a nod, noticing that the kid didn’t provide a hand. He pulled down his face mask under his chin to take a sip of his drink. It was surprisingly still cool for how long he let it sit between his hands. He didn’t hear any sound come from the boy, but he did notice some calculating glances from him. He felt a little uncomfortable from the looks, but they didn’t feel malicious. He wasn’t really paying attention to the conversation between Magne and the kid until a particular comment about their spot checked him back into reality.

“You picked a good spot, was a good idea to sit with your faces away from the entrance,” was the comment made. It was a random comment based on the confusion on Magne’s face, something that was out of the blue.

“What’s that supposed to mean kid?” Dabi asked, causing a startle from him. Seemed like the kid wasn’t expecting him to engage in the conversation.

The green boy gave a slight shrug, sending a quick glance to the door before grabbing a small cookie from the plate that Magne ordered for him. “There’s a chance my guardians followed me to keep an eye out. Wouldn’t want any scene in case you have some posters as well.”

That caused Dabi to still. He knew exactly what the kid meant by posters. He was about to question (read: interrogate) the kid by what he meant by the statement before he got a gentle headchop from Magne. Well, gentle for her. It was still a bit heavy. He sent a glare at Magne, rubbing where he got hit. Magne had a raised brow in response to his glare, daring him to say something. The kid watched the exchange between the two of them, not saying anything untill one of them did. “Calm the flames, bacon boy,” Magne finally spoke after some moments of silence. “Izuku said that out of concern not as a threat. He’s aware of me being not so friendly with the law and rightly assumed that you were the same.”

The kid gave a nod, a friendly smile on his face. “Sorry if it seemed like I was threatening you Dabi. Both of my guardians are Pros so I wanted to give a warning in case they did follow me. Wouldn’t want something to happen to a close person of Big Sis’s,” he said, giving a glance to Magne, who nodded encouragingly, before looking back at Dabi.

Dabi was a quiet for a minute, his mind going over what the kid said, before a small snort came as a response. Two curious looks were sent his way before an eruption of low chuckles left his mouth. He took a sip of his drink to calm his throat from the chuckles, a small grin on his face. “You remind me of Himiko,” he said before looking at Magne. “Have you told her that she’s not the first person to call you big sis?”

Magne’s cheeks turned a dim pink, her ignoring Dabi’s grin, taking a cookie herself. The kid’s curious look turned into a sly grin. “Is Big Sis just going around adding others to the family?”

Magne gave a groan, covering her face with her hands as she started to ignore the two of them, Dabi sharing a high five with her little brother.

The two of them exchanged much easier conversation, Dabi actually engaging this time while Magne just sent them playful glares the whole time. Time passed by quickly before the kid got a message on his phone, turning out to be a message from one of his guardians. The kid sent an apologetic look towards the two, Magne standing up to give a goodbye hug to him as Dabi sent a wave his way.

The boy gave Dabi his number so they could chat more if Dabi wanted before he left, throwing away his cup on the way. Dabi listened to the bell as the cafe’s door closed, an unreasonably soft smile under his face mask.

The meeting was something.

Unknown
it was nice to meet you too izuku

Chapter Text

It was after the meeting with Magne, after the first meeting with Dabi. Needless to say, it was an interesting meeting. Izuku was about half right about Aizawa-san and Yamada-san following him. Only half because the two got distracted in a store and missed the last few parts of the meeting, which, in his opinion, was a win. It was a little disappointing that he was followed by his guardians, but he could somewhat see how they would be worried, even if he didn’t fully understand it. The rise of villains were suspicious, and with his guardians being Pro Heros, it was probably their instinct to watch over a kid if said kid was meeting people they didn’t know.

Izuku was appreciative of the fact that neither the adults asked what the meeting was about. It seemed to be enough for them that they saw that he was safe and comfortable with the two of them. Aizawa-san did ask him about Dabi though, to which Izuku just responded with a laugh that Magne adopted another little brother. “He’s my new big brother,” he had said with a giggle. The two of them had shared an odd look but didn’t say anything else of the matter.

It was now a few days after the meet up, just a few days before the Sports Festival. Izuku was well..

He was panicking.

His thoughts were overthinking and his words wouldn’t work so he could voice out his concerns to his guardians. His fingers were red from picking and slight scratching, something that he absentmindedly did as his thought went deeper and deeper into impossible scenarios. Well, logically impossibly scenarios. Which made them probable scenarios to his state of mind.

Messaging his crushes didn’t help (yes, he was now willing to refer to them as his crushes in his mind, Big Sis didn’t need to give him the eyebrows anymore), Dabi didn’t have any useful advice (which considering if he was who Izuku knew thought he was, then it made sense), he was given slight relief when Magne helped a little with his anxiety (something that made complete sense to him).

He still couldn’t fully voice his concerns to Yamada-san or Aizawa-san but he could still speak in general, so he counted that as a win. Koi helped very much with his overthinking. It was strange, the calico always had a sense when he was upset or anxious about something and came to him, sat in his lap, and purred up a storm. More often than not, the purring drowned out his thoughts until he was focused on petting the calico, feeling the fur in between his fingers and the loud vibrations echoing on the walls. He was probably exaggerating about them echoing but that’s how it sounded to him. It was rather soothing and would sometimes put him to sleep, his brain tired to where he just falls alseep in the same position. Whenever he woke up the next day, he would find himself in his bed (something that now had colored sheets and a few more pillows), Koi curled up against his chest.

Izuku wasn’t always sure who put him back in his bed, so on the days that it happened, he made coffee and tea for his guardians, depending on the day. He gave Aizawa-san more caffeine in his coffee in the mornings if thats when he woke up and if it was in the evening, he would cut back on the caffeine. He may be hypocritical, but it was more than obvious that the man needed all the sleep he could get. Kind of like Hitoshi, but incredibly worse. Aizawa-san could pass as a sleep paralysis demon if he so choosed. Tea for Yamada-san was usually always the same, he didn’t really need to add caffeine for the blond man to feel awake. If it was the evenings, Izuku would choose something that would help with his throat (since he practically screamed all day, even when he doesn’t do it on purpose, when he just loses a bit control of his emotions) as well as help him sleep well.

If the two adults had noticed the timings of the offerings (not offerings, but close if you really thought about it), they didn’t mention anything. Izuku did always get a tighter hug and a head pat on those days though, so they may have noticed the timings. It wasn’t verbally said though, which was more than fine with him.

Izuku stroked Koi’s fur, him taking some breaths as he pet the cat, his heart rate having run up as his thoughts became louder. He was excited for the Sports Festival, he could move up into the Hero Course if he did well, but the thought of that many people...

Bakugou

All Might

It was a little unnerving. Even if the chat from All Might made him feel a little bit better about the man doesn’t mean that he’ll stop disliking him. Including the fact that he wasn’t necessarily afriad of Bakugou (the panic attacks would disagree), he was just extremely uncomfortable around him, given their last meeting, not counting any points where Izuku noticed him then avoided the time bomb.

Either way, he’s got this. He has Hitoshi and Neito, and even his guardians! Nedzu was probably with him too, if not for his own entertainment. He wasn’t fully sure of the relationship between himself and Nedzu, but they were closer than mentor and mentee which was something. He briefly wondered if it was a godfather/godson type relationship before dismissing the thought. That whole thought process would probably hurt to think about.

He’s trained well for the Festival though.

He’s studied well.

If there’s any team exercises, he’s got Neito and Hitoshi.

He could transfer into the Hero Course with Hitoshi.

...

Right?

Chapter Text

Izuku stared at his empty dorm room, a frown on his face before turning around and smacking Hitoshi in the arm for poking him in the ribs.

Hitoshi just let out a snicker at his response before leaning an arm around Izuku’s shoulder, completely leaning against him. “So, what’s got you glaring at your empty dorm room?” He asked.

Izuku pouted at the accusation, even if it was a bit truthful. He leaned back against Hitoshi with a huff. “Still kind of hard to believe that I’m actually in the hero course now,” he responded with a sigh.

He still couldn’t believe it.

The Sports Festival was rough to say the least, Big Sis had basically spammed his phone after the festival with worried words and instructions to take it easy for his injuries to heal. As if UA didn’t have Recovery Girl.

But he did it!

He won the Sports Festival!

Well, not by himself, but he still won!

Technically it was a tie actually, a tie between him and Hitoshi.

Hitoshi and Izuku stood apart from each other. Izuku was panicking a little as he got into a close fighting position. Thoughts about not panicking and to not respond to his best friend whirled through his mind as he waited for Hitoshi to make the first move.

Meanwhile, Hitoshi looked completely calm. His hands were in his pockets as he just gazed at Izuku with his normal blank expression. Internally though, he was blushing at the sight of Izuku. His thoughts kept repeating how adorable his green haired friend was. He thought for a moment, sending a stray glance to the audience around them. He returned his attention back to his cute friend with a funny idea in his mind.

He slowly walked towards Izuku, noticing how the shorter boy tensed but didn’t back up, noticing that Hitoshi still had his hands in his pockets. Present Mic announced the actions, though both boys could definitely hear some confusion by the audience. Hitoshi stood right in front of Izuku then leaned closer, his mouth brushing against Izuku’s ear. The initial touch caused the other boy to flinch but he didn’t draw away.

“A SECRET BETWEEN OUR CONTESTANTS?? OR A PLOY TO WIN BY SHINSOU? WILL WE BE INFORMED ON THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN THEM??”

Izuku let out a snicker at the enthusiasm Present Mic displayed at the actions Hitoshi did. Hitoshi just rolled his eyes before beginning to whisper into Izuku’s ear. “Hey, do you actually want to fight to get the win or nah? If we forfeit now, either way, we’ll be the winners. It’ll just be tied for first. So, do you want to put up a show for the audience, or will you let me take you to Recovery Girl to get your injuries treated? Don’t even try to deny it, I’m well aware that you have self treated injuries right now.” Hitoshi sounded a bit stern at the last sentence, not at all surprised by his own statement but completely deadpanned it, almost sounding like Aizawa-san.

Izuku raised one of his hands, hovering it above Hitoshi’s shoulder, clearly contemplating the question. Hitoshi had noticed that Izuku avoided Recovery Girl even after the previous events. He just went somewhere else during the break times then came back looking normal. Neito had very much frowned at Izuku when the green haired boy sat with him, knowing full well what injuries he had taken.

Izuku gave a sigh and gently tapped Hitoshi’s shoulder once and the purple haired boy grinned as he stepped away, leaving Izuku pouting at him. Sure, fighting would be better, the two of them would be in the top two either way, but Hitoshi would rather not fight his friend, especially knowing that the other is a much better fighter. Whoever taught him should earn a medal.

(Magne in the LOV hideout scratched her ear with a frown as she continued watching the Sports Festival, Dabi sitting next to her.)

Hitoshi had grinned then and then completely baffled the audience and Midnight as well, though Present Mic and Eraserhead didn’t seem too terribly surprised.

Hitoshi grinned and ruffled Izuku’s hair, gaining a protest from the shorter boy. “Well, you are. We are. Think of it this way, now we can mess with Neito more.”

Izuku snickered as he batted Hitoshi’s hand away. “You mean sleep on him?”

“I found no rules whatsoever saying we couldn’t sleep in another dorm room.” Hitoshi said with an innocent looking face.

Izuku rolled his eyes and walked into his empty dorm room, sitting on the bare bed as he stared at the walls. Hitoshi sat next to him, grabbing his hand gently and massaging it. “What’s actually wrong, Izu?”

Izuku let out a huff of laughter at the nickname before slightly shrugging. “I just.. I’m not entirely sure how to decorate this place. I mean, I still haven’t really done anything to the room at Yamada-san’s place. They had gotten all my belongings from mo- Inko’s apartment, but I never unpacked them yet.”

Hitoshi let out a low hum as he thought about what Izuku said. “Is there a reason you haven’t unpacked them yet?” He asked gently.

Izuku frowned, staring down at the floor as his fingers twitched. His lips pursed as he tried to think about what he wanted to say. How could he say that he was scared? Izuku let out a sudden laugh as he scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. “I have a lot of things that I have to go through and I don’t want to go through it just yet,” he claimed with a chuckle.

Hitoshi stared at him with a raised brow, completely disbelieving him. “And the real reason?” He prodded.

Izuku’s chuckle died down as he took his hand away from Hitoshi’s hands, gazing at it for a minute before both of his hands clasped together. “I don’t want..” His hands slightly shook as he tried to find the right words to say. “I don’t want them to change their minds.. I don’t want what happened with Inko to happen again,” he said slowly with pinched brows. Hitoshi just stayed silent, letting him get his words out. “I don’t want to unpack my things only for them to decide that I’m not…” he faltered off with a frown as his hands tightened around each other.

Hitoshi spoke softly. “You don’t want them to kick you out once you feel safe and secure,” he offered.

Izuku let out a weak laugh as he nodded, still staring at the floor. Hitoshi was quiet for a minute before pulling out his phone and tapping at it quickly. Izuku looked up at the noise and looked at his friend curiously. “Who are you texting?” He asked before his phone buzzed. He pulled out his phone and opened the group chat that Hitoshi just typed in.

Simon Says: blondie, meet in my room we have a bunny to cuddle with

Legally Blonde: zooming to cuddle with the bunny

Izuku laughed at Neito’s reply before looking up at Hitoshi with a small smile on his face. “You have a bunny in your room?”

Hitoshi grinned as he stood up and picked Izuku up over his shoulder. “You’re the bunny,” he said with a snicker as he started to carry Izuku out of his room.

Izuku made a strangled noise, his face red as he just limply laid over Hitoshi’s shoulder, his hands covering his eyes. Kami, his friends just can’t say that! Were they that determined to turn him into a tomato???

They knew exactly what they were doing.

Chapter Text

Neito had immediately snatched Izuku when the two made it back to Hitoshi’s room. “Excuse me, I believe I said we,” Hitoshi immediately protested at the lack of human broccoli in his arms.

“You snooze, you lose.” Neito stuck his tongue out at the lavender haired boy as he dragged Izuku over to Hitoshi’s bed.

Hitoshi scoffed. “I’m the one that brought him here!”

“Yet I got here before you. Therefore, you lose.”

Izuku snickered at the pout on Hitoshi’s face. “There’s still room on your bed,” he pointed out between giggles.

Neito rolled his eyes as he threw one of the pillows at Hitoshi. “Get in your bed doofus, before I cuddle him without you.”

Hitoshi did not want to test that threat, immediately climbing into his bed and cuddling into Izuku, Neito on the other side of the green haired boy. “I’m going to get you back for that,” Hitoshi grumbled under his breath.

Neito cuddled into the other side of Izuku, a light smirk on his face. “Not when I know your weakness.” A sharp hiss sounded from the blonde when Hitoshi gave his hand a firm pinch.

Izuku sighed light-heartedly. “If you two start fighting, I’m going to go back to my room,” he warned playfully, very much not meaning it, the amusement stuck in his voice.

There was an unseen shared look between Neito and Hitoshi before Hitoshi snuggled more into Izuku’s side. “Nah. We’d miss yah,” he drawled out.

A hand found its way into Izuku’s hair, lightly scratching at the scalp as Neito hugged him with his other arm. “We’d miss our little bunny,” he said softly, almost playfully, yet sounding wistfully honest.

Izuku couldn’t form a response towards either of their remarks, his face a light red as his mind digested their words. He wanted to give more thought towards them if not for the hand scratching his scalp lightly, making him drowsy, feeling warm and comfortable between the two boys.

He muttered something under his breath, something he couldn’t quite remember, but he distinctly heard soft laughter come from both warm bodies, the sound being the last thing he heard before he dozed off in the trio’s cuddle pile.

He wasn’t sure how long he slept before he came to, surprisingly feeling a bit more refreshed than he usually did when he slept. “Awake bun?” Neito’s voice was soft as his hand ran through Izuku’s curls.

Izuku made a sleepy sound, just barely shifting more into the soft touch, causing a soft amused huff from Neito. “How long… How long have we been asleep?” He mumbled, rubbing his eyes with a yawn.

There was a slight shuffle from the blonde, the hand leaving Izuku’s hair as Neito checked his phone. “A little over three hours,” he whispered, careful to try and not wake up Hitoshi.

Despite their fights (or their apparent ‘rivalry’) sometimes, soft little moments like this reminded Izuku how close they were, even if it wasn’t as obvious to others.

“How long have you been awake?” Izuku murmured, looking up at Neito.

“A few minutes, not long,” he assured with a soft smile. In fact, right now, to Izuku, Neito’s entire expression looked soft, almost lovingly? as he looked down at Izuku.

Izuku felt fluffy staring at Neito’s face, his own face feeling warm, his chest feeling gooey looking at Neito.

He could stare at Neito, he could stare at Hitoshi, the both of them for days and never get bored.

The thought caused Izuku to pause, his entire being stilling.

What had he just thought??

“Izu?” Neito murmured in a soft, concerned voice, bringing Izuku’s attention back to the blond.

Izuku immediately shoved the thought back deep into his head, putting a reassuring smile on his smile. “Sorry, just got lost in thought,” he said honestly.

Neito looked relieved, his smile returning. He glanced over to Hitoshi, who was still deep asleep. “What do you say we compare notes?” He offered with a knowing smile.

Izuku brightened, sitting up slightly. “Quirk notes?” He asked excitedly, reminding himself to keep his voice low.

Neito nodded easily, looking amused at Izuku’s excitement. “I doubt we can move much with how tightly Hito is clinging onto us,” he admitted,”-so how about we just verbally share our thoughts in an exchange?”

Izuku nodded eagerly before he was off, whispering rapidly his quirk analysis on a few different classmates. Neito listened attentively, making his own points and analyses, even building off of Izuku’s, which made him pleased to see a new perspective on it.

They continued chatting until Hitoshi stirred awake, not quite waking up until Neito bribed him with coffee and cake. Hitoshi gave Neito a tired glare when Neito only provided the cake before it lightened when the blonde revealed it was a coffee cake. That, he could accept, which he did.

The two caught the barely waking teen up to what they were chatting about and he just looked lost mixed with his tired state. “As much as I love hearing you guys talk, let me be more awake before you spring smart people shit on me,” he pleaded before shoving a piece of cake in his mouth.

The blonde and greenette just laughed, seeing the little pout on Hitoshi’s face before it turned into a small smile at their laughs.

A small ding on Izuku’s phone sounded and he checked it, noticing it was from the groupchat with Aizawa-san and Yamada-san. He pouted at being asked back before seeing that Yamada-san apparently planned a movie marathon night.

He could see it as a form of bonding before he was released to the wolves that was the 1-A students.

Izuku shivered lightly at the thought of getting questioned by his new classmates, sharing his sentiments with Hitoshi and Neito. Neito made a remark about switching to 1-B, causing Hitoshi to lightly punch him, having finished with his cake.

“As much as we love you, we worked too hard to just transfer to class 1-B over some nerves,” Hitoshi joked.

Izuku grinned and agreed. “Don’t worry, Neito! We’ll still come by and keep you company during lunch.”

Hitoshi snickered, about to further drive into the teasing before Neito attacked him with a pillow, which turned into a full blown pillow fight between the trio, causing Izuku to be a little delayed in his return to Aizawa-san and Yamada-san.

Who could blame him though?

A pillow fight is a pillow fight, it must be taken seriously.

“There’s fluff in your hair.”

Maybe a little too seriously.

Izuku shook his head, seeing the fluff that Aizawa-san was talking about fall down to the ground, which was attacked by Koi once it stopped moving. Izuku just looked back up at Aizawa-san with a little guilty grin. “Neito started it,” he threw under the bus.

Aizawa-san raised an eyebrow before Yamada-san laughed, gesturing Izuku to the couch, where a bowl of popcorn was waiting on the table. “Did you win at least?”

Izuku thought back, giggling after a minute. “Neito definitely didn’t win.”

“So who won?” Aizawa-san asked as he settled into the couch, giving Izuku his full attention.

Izuku felt a little odd being stared at with such intensity as he spoke.

Was that how parents were supposed to talk to you? With their attention on you?

“Hitoshi and I ganged up on him till he surrendered,” he responded, pleased with himself. “Then I immediately ran away before Neito could turn it onto me,” he then admitted with an embarrassed smile.

“Logical evasion,” Aizawa-san nodded, sounding almost approving?

Izuku looked at him in awe until Yamada-san cleared his throat, flopping down onto the couch after he had everything completely set up. “Movie time!” He cheered, causing Izuku to laugh at his energy. Koi came around the corner and jumped up into Izuku’s lap, settling down easily while Dumpster was sleeping in a chair.

Izuku ran his fingers over the soft fur of the cat, settling back into the couch as Yamada-san started the first movie, a movie that Izuku hasn’t seen since he was younger.

It made him smile slightly with nostalgia, sadness just tinting at the edge of the smile.

If he was still with his mother, he never would have seen this movie again would he?