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Izuku was many things but he was not in fact smart when it came to anything All Might asked of him. I.e when All Might suggested he go to his former class’ graduation ceremony he agreed without asking any questions. He never got to say goodbye or even talk to Shoto so it would be a good way to catch up. With civilians around they also couldn’t attack him for disappearing like he knows Kacchan will.
He should have known something was up when the campus was oddly quiet of all places. He did not expect a surprise party and might have accidentally blasted Kacchan away when he snuck up on him. Accidentally! It’s important to establish that it was an accident.
“I’m so sorry! You can’t just sneak up on me.” Izuku tried to help him up only to be held back by Aizawa’s capture weapon as Bakugo stood back up and was caged in by Kirishima and Sero.
“Sorry Midobro, he promised he wouldn’t fight you on site.” Kirishima lifted him easily away from them. Midoriya inched away falling into Aizawa who straightened him up by pulling the bindings tighter.
“Kid.”
“Sensei.”
Aizawa couldn’t help but snort, “I haven’t been that for years Midoriya.”
“Still. There are not many that measure up to what you taught me. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. You went to war alone. What Sensei would allow that,” Aizawa sighed heavily releasing his bindings, “it’s nice to see you alive.”
With that, he walked off. God, he was cool. #goals
Ida took the moment to step into his space to fix his tie and dust off his clothes.
“He never thought of you as anything other than a part of his class. You should talk to him seriously.”
“Yeah.”
“Also,” Ida punched his abdomen before pulling him into a hug, “I told you to stop being so reckless but I don’t want to waste time being angry. Next time you run off alone though I won’t be as nice.”
Midoriya wheezed, clinging onto him.
“I can’t say I expected this.” Midoriya fell back into another pair of arms, one cooler than the other.
“Hi, Todoroki.” Izuku felt him squeeze ever so gently.
“Today is a happy day so I won’t say what I want to. It is nice seeing you, we can talk tomorrow.”
“I actually-“
Todoroki tossed him to Uraraka and Tsu before he couldn’t protest. They looked so different yet so much the same. Fuck. He missed his friends so much. He let them look him over and sobbed along with them in a group bear hug. He couldn’t quite decipher what they were saying but he doubts they could tell what he was saying either.
“Deku you can’t make any excuses now. We are full-fledged graduated heroes. If you need help you ask for it. You run away and we’ll sick Bakugo on you!” Uraraka let go.
“Please keep in contact with us. Stalking your name online was very odd.” Tsu pat his shoulder one more time before leading them all inside the training area which had been transformed into an extravagant party area. Everyone he loved and had to leave behind was waiting.
-
Halfway through the party Izuku met Kacchan’s glare and jutted his chin to the backdoor. They both left behind the other to ground beta only to be met by an unamused Aizawa and All Might. All Might slid over a wad of cash to Aizawa, “betting on you boys outgrowing your sibling-like rivalry was a true error. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re ninety and still chasing after each other with canes.”
Aizawa took the money happily. “No fighting on campus grounds without explicit permission and signed waivers.”
Bakugo grunted, “Fine. Let me just say this then. You need to quit self-sacrificing already! I hear you pull this shit again and it won’t be just the villains coming after your ass… you make me comfort your mom at your funeral and I’ll never forgive you for it.” Bakugo walked off with all might trailing behind him.
Izuku expected this much but hearing the words still hurt. He has more amends to make though.
“Sensei? Can we talk now?”
“It’s a party.”
“It wouldn’t be a party without heart to hearts would it?”
Aizawa grunted.
“Are you upset I never told you about One for All?”
“I’m upset at a lot of things and how they played out. I’m more upset at the circumstances than you Midoriya. You should have felt safe telling me.”
“I did. It was just so risky. I was afraid.”
Aizawa sighed resting on a rail, “you were a child with too much on his shoulders. It was not fair to you. You were failed by so many adults, me included.”
“I don’t feel that way.”
“Of course, you wouldn’t. Don’t make me go to your funeral. I think we have all been to too many in this lifetime.”
“I can’t promise-“
“Ask for help. All Might is the way he is because he didn’t ask for any. You still have a chance to be happy and live a nice life even as a pro hero. Lean on your peers.”
“Okay. If you promise the same. It’s not too late for you either. You can make them proud by trying.” Midoriya pats his shoulder very tired of hearing the same from just about everyone including his mom. He respected their opinions. He wasn’t just blindly running in anymore. He supposes he can give them some benefit of the doubt since they haven’t seen him fight recently.
“I’m sorry for making you worry. I’ll make sure you see how much I’ve improved. Although would it be rude of me to ask to spar with you quirkless?”
“Yes. I’m old and frail.”
Midoriya blinked, forgetting his filter. “I’m pretty sure you’re even more toned than before.”
He deserved the capture scarf strangle. It felt oddly nostalgic. He rejoined the party and got spectacularly drunk thanks to dark shadow continuously pouring him drinks when he was out. He suspects Tokoyami has something to do with it.
Izuku is positive he drank his weight in alcohol when he woke up cold and nearly nude. He flopped off where he was sleeping and hit a small night table, bingo. There thankfully are some clothes he can make do with and a clean towel hanging from the bathroom door. If the decor and style of the house are anything to go by he knows exactly where he is. Izuku gets up and showers desperately trying to remember the night before.
Once he finally mustered up the courage to leave the room he stepped out into the living area embarrassed all over again as he for sure just interrupted a family breakfast. A nice one if the soft chatter and chuckles are anything to go by.
“Izuku.”
Oh. That’s new. He felt his face heat up, “Sorry, I was going to head out but I don’t know where my shoes are, or cell phone or exact location.”
Natsuo giggles poking Shoto. Fuyumi is too busy staring at both her parents sitting across from each other to gauge their reactions.
“Sit. We made too much food anyway.” Shoto froze Natsuo’s fingers.
“It’s alright-“
“Midoriya sit and join us, you aren’t a bother.” Rei smiled politely at him.
The last time he ate at the Todoroki household he got way more than he bargained for but he owes it to Endeavor. Shoto quietly set him a plate waiting for him to give in and sit before they all dug in.
“How are you still standing? With all that noise you two made-“
Shoto froze Natsuos soup.
“Hey!”
Izuku wished a hole would swallow him up. “I’m sorry! I didn’t know I could get that drunk. My body burns off calories and alcohol fairly quickly because of my quirk. I don’t know how I drank that much-”
“All for one.” Endeavor interrupted.
“Uh yeah.”
“How are you doing?”
Oh. Endeavor wanted to check in on him. “Good. I’ve gotten a lot better. I have a ton of new moves in my arsenal. Made a lot of solid connections.” Silence. “I had to sneak away on a jet David Shield owned. Last time I missed my flight and almost got kidnapped by a few agencies scouting.” Midoriya laughed hoping to break the awkward tension.
“Kidnapped?” Shoto sighed, not surprised.
“Ah, sorry that was a bit blunt. They were just really adamant that I stay or sign onto some cases.”
“So even heroes are trying to kidnap you.” Shoto sighed even louder. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“Shoto!”
“Are we going to talk about the elephant in the room?” Natsuo put the glass mug down with more force than necessary.
“Natsu!” Fuyami smacked his shoulder.
“It’s awkward if we don’t. My brother is somewhere and we have no leads. You let him get away.”
Midoriya put his utensils down and bowed his head. Yeah, he so overstayed his welcome.
“I refuse to kill someone if they can be saved. Even if they can’t I won’t do it unless it’s an extreme last resort and I’m going with them.”
Hearing that nearly broke Shoto’s heart, “Izuku-”
“No. It was my fault. I should have secured him better but All for One was the priority.” Vague green lightning surrounded him.
“Excuse me.” Midoriya got up and left despite Shoto calling for him. He was gone before he could put on shoes.
“Natsuo. You need to apologize to him.” Endeavor scolded him. “You don’t know what happened during that fight. The trauma he’s had to face is more than he should have at his age. Shoto included. Touya is not his issue. He was born and raised here. We failed him. Midoriya has nothing and will have nothing to do with him.”
“We shouldn’t burden anyone else with our own problems sweetie. Especially ones that have already been burned by our own shortcomings.” Rei smiled sadly.
“Those were from him?” Fuyami asked, looking at Endeavor who gave a stiff nod.
“Like I said, he is not Midoriya's issue. I don’t want to see another kid's future gone too soon.” With that, the family ate in silence.
Shoto went to look for him and found him thanks to the birds that scattered from his landing. Shoto lay next to Izuku giving him some time to calm down.
“You know something more.”
Midoriya sighed, “what’s my tell?”
“I just know you.” Shoto sat up next to him, taking his hand in his own.
“I never knew him well. I can’t remember much of my childhood aside from the constant pain I was in and anger. I think in another universe where I wasn’t so petty I might have turned out like Dabi.”
“You don’t call him his given name.”
“Seems disrespectful when he created his own new self. Touya is a dead name.”
“Okay. I think you’re wrong though. In any universe, I think you’d be someone who saves people and doesn’t cause more pain. You are the soft hearted Todoroki of course.” Midoriya smiled. Todoroki rolled his eyes.
“So?”
“I found him once before I was shipped off. All for One had taken his quirk during the fight. It’s why he ran instead of kept going. He was lost. I showed him mercy and left. Last I’ve been able to gather, he's received treatment for his burns and scars.”
“Where is he?”
Midoriya laid against him.
“I figured I had to tell an adult so I told Hawks since he is the most discreet. We talked it over and he took him to a mental hospital for villains like him. He’s under close watch but still has some more freedom given he’s quirkless now. As long as he continues to cooperate he won’t ever see a courtroom or Tartarus.”
“Why not?”
“Well for one, he no longer has a dangerous quirk. And the public has just started to be less wary of heroes. Trying him would bring up too much.”
“So he’s just going to be locked up.”
“I don’t know. Shoto he’s a mess mentally, his sole purpose to keep living was taken along with the quirk that might as well have doomed him. If he can get better I’ll be the first to vouch for him. He deserves a chance too. He already looks a bit different with actual treatment and not whatever he was doing. I would have told you sooner but Hawks said he refused to cooperate if Endeavor is notified. He wants him to go mad looking for him. It’s cruel but for now, he has lots of valuable insight.”
“If he needs anything, let me know. I want to do right by him. I know there’s rehabilitation programs and stuff and I’ll sponsor it if I have to.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good. That must have been hard to keep to yourself.”
“I wish it was harder but at this point, secrets are not a new thing.”
“Well, there aren’t any secrets between us.”
“Not anymore I guess. It’s nice.”
“Cool… you hugged Aizawa sensei and cried into his scarf.”
“I did not!”
“Uraraka filmed it before she started a conga line with All Might.”
“Fuck. Anything else?”
“How much do you remember?”
“Bits and pieces.”
“Well, you are a cuddly drunk and kissed Bakugou to shut him up.”
“What!!?”
“It was amusing. He was so stunned before he let off a big explosion. That’s when I brought you home. You kept saying you were hot and got naked in my bed.”
“Naked!?!”
“Yes. I had to force you into a pair of underwear so you wouldn’t cuddle me naked. You also insisted I call you only Izuku or you’d run off again.”
“….I’m so sorry.”
“It was amusing.” Todorki pulled his phone out and showed him the various photos he had taken including one of him drooling on his cool side. “I might make this one my lock screen.”
“Please don’t.”
“What about this one?”
It was Aizawa with a blush on his cheeks and a really annoyed face at Midoriya's sobbing and koala-like cling.
“How didn’t he deck me!” Izuku cried out.
“He wanted to but we made a no hitting Midoriya rule for the party.”
“But Ida-“
“During the party.” Shoto deadpanned.
“Ugh. I’m embarrassed. I can’t believe you didn’t stop me.”
“Think of it as my payback for you leaving. I have enough blackmail material to keep you from leaving without notice.”
“You have more!?!”
“Oh, lots.” Shoto tucked his phone away when Izuku eyed it.
“You’re my favorite person.”
“I better be.” Shoto noticed Izuku's fingers twitching.
“What agency are you thinking about?”
“My fathers. You?”
“Well, All Might’s agency is still technically operational. I was going to stay on with him behind the scenes and partner up when needed.” Izuku eyed the phone in Shoto's pocket again.
“Is that smart?”
“Why not? I can easily partner up and not get caught behind too much red tape. All Might knows how to navigate it and that way he isn’t just sitting on the sidelines. He has lots of good information and insight.”
“Doesn’t he want to retire?” Shoto asked.
“I asked the same but he said the paperwork gives him a purpose. Until he feels like he can’t or doesn’t want to, the plan is going to be Might tower, and then who knows.”
“It’s fitting.”
“Yeah. I would consider Nighteye's but Mirio is there and as much as I appreciate hawks I like him more when I don’t have to work the same cases.”
“He’s that bad?” Shoto waved black whip away from his pocket.
“No the opposite. He works very hard and all Might forbid it. He thinks I might burn out if I were to join him.”
“I see.” Todoroki understood All Might's decision now. He could still help out and keep an eye on his successor's health, or son if you ask him still. “You also requested I play this when you were sober.” Shoto took his phone out with an iron grip and pushed play on his phone.
“ Listen future Izuku you need to confess already because the current drunk zuku really wants to kiss shochan on his adorably handsome prince face. Look at him. Oh it's a voice note.”
“Done? Midoriya?”
“I will cry if you call me that again.’
“Sorry, Izuku. Only call me Shoto too then. The phone is still recording.”
“...but everyone calls you Shoto.” Sniffling. “Am I not special-”
Izuku stopped the recording for his own sake. Gods, he cried on Shoto. He drunk ugly cried on Shoto.
“I wanted to do it properly but I should have known,” Shoto tugged Izuku to face him, “Izuku, will you be my boyfriend?”
Bonus Scene:
A few years down the line Shoto would have never guessed he’d be living the life he was living. A kid, a husband, and three other rooms in their home that were constantly full as well. He thought marrying Izuku was his happiest day but one Sunday Katsuma showed up on their doorstep and suddenly they were building a family together.
He doesn’t just have happy days or moments but a happy life, he couldn’t imagine a house not full of Katsuma and Izukus shenanigans or his older brother, formerly Dabi, now going by the civilian name Hideo Midoriya. Adding him into the Midoriya family roster was fairly easy with All Might and Hawk’s help. Him being registered as quirkless made it all more believable as well. His transformation made Shoto truly believe in what Izuku said about saving people. Anyone else would have given up on Hideo and he wouldn’t have ever known the peace he has now. He wouldn’t have experienced a normal life or smiled and laughed as easily as he does now no longer looking over his shoulder.
“Why are you looking at me funny. I just said I was taking up bird man for lunch, not dinner.”
“I’m just grateful for Izuku.”
Hideo sighed, “what’d he do now? Buy you another flower shop? Help another elderly across the street?”
“He made it possible for you to save your own life.”
Hideo saw nothing but honesty in his younger brother's eyes and couldn't help the sudden flow of tears and ugly hiccuping sob that came with it. Is this what unconditional love felt like?
-
Izuku and Katsuma picked up new sheets for Kacchan’s room since the last ones took as much nitroglycerin as they could and were stained awfully. Izuku made a mental note to ask Hideo and Shoto to bring down the summer sheets. They stopped for some lunch and grabbed some new clothes for Katsuma and a birthday present for Eri while the sheets were washed. The lights were off which usually meant a quiet day was needed.
“I’ll get the tea and hot chocolate started.” Katsuma ran off happy to help out.
“Be careful in the kitchen!” Izuku whispered toeing into the hallway to set up Kacchans new bedding. Honestly, he doesn't even know why he bothers with rent at his rarely used apartment. Most of his clothes and knick-knacks are in the room, the kitchen is chef-grade because of him and Katsuma loves him as his uncle. Speak of the devil his phone went off with a text.
K- staying at mine, tell the kid not to wait up and worry
D - kiri is always welcome here too, the rooms are soundproof you know, you were there when shoto insisted on it when we were building the house
K - its not kiri
D - and all might isn't the greatest hero
D - are we done telling lies?
K - a man needs his privacy
D - you literally took katsuma out of school last week because you were lonely on your day off
D - i’ve seen your bare ass and had to take the needles out from the cactus villain
K - fuck that guy
D - fuck that guy
K- i have kinky shit here i would rather not do in a family home
D - awww
D - wait
D - kacchan
D - you’re keeping a whole apartment because you want to do dirty things in it
K - … dont tell my dad
D - im telling your dad, awful financial decisions are his nightmare
Izuku heard a mug drop and ran into the living room where Shoto and Hideo were previously watching their comfort movie. Hideo was clutching his hand, phantom nerve pains. Within a few minutes, he was bundled up with cooling compresses and several hands rubbing his sore spots softly, crying. It was a full-body one this time.
“I can try and heal you again and see if it works.” They all know it won’t but let Katsuma try until the wave passes and they all crowd together on the couch to watch the movie on repeat. It was close to dawn when Izuku woke up to murmuring.
“Thank you for taking me in and letting me be a part of your family Shoto, I know it’s not ideal,” Hideo whispered, trying to not wake up everyone else.
“I don’t think you realize how much your presence means to all of us,” Shoto said in the same monotone matter-of-fact voice, gods Izuku loves him, “we love and want you here. Also, you technically and legally are a Midoriya, I just married in. This is the best-case scenario for us both. Midoriya’s only. ” Shoto held out his fist.
“The Midoriya’s, no Todorokis allowed,” Hideo snorted a watery laugh bumping his fist with his own, “I like the sound of that.”
Izuku did his best to hold in his own tears. It was the best case for him too.
“I can hear you sniffling greeny.” Hideo smiled softly.
Izuku waved his hands around, “sorry it was a nice brotherly moment, but I never imagined I would get to have such an amazing family of my own too. I thought it would just be me and mom. Now there are three more Midoriyas I’d die for.”
Hideo wiped at his own tears missing his burnt ducts with how much he was now able to cry, “I blame bird brain for bringing up all these emotions.”
“...what emotions is he making you feel and what is his address?” Shoto whipped out a notebook and pen from under a cushion.
“I’m literally older than you.” Hideo flipped him off.
“And I have more dating experience, look at what I secured.” Shoto motioned to Izuku who was oddly flattered. He was a prize dammit.
“Fair enough.”