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Izuku really had been beyond excited when All Might invited him along to visit I-Island with him.
Apparently, the man had received an extra ticket as part of a business trip, and Izuku could hardly contain himself when the offer was extended to him. He had thanked his mentor profusely an uncountable amount of times by now. It was a lifelong dream come true; the artificial I-Isalnd being full of thousands upon thousands of scientists all year round, studying Quirk Development and Quirk Enhancement Tech that Izuku had only read about online. For years it had been nothing but a pipe dream to visit, with the closest he thought he’d ever get was the new Quirk Study documents the scientists would release every so often. He’d always sink his teeth into those every chance he got. So getting to go in person was an unimaginable opportunity he wasn’t going to pass up.
However, even more thrilling perhaps, was the fact that he was going with his mentor, All Might. It was just going to be the two of them. No one else was to accompany them, and for Izuku, any chance he had to steal away with his lifelong hero was precious to him. He’d never imagined once in his life he’d ever get to be so close to his idol; meeting him just once would have satisfied Izuku to no end. But here he was now, with his hero, extended privileges he didn’t think he deserved over and over again.
So to say Izuku was practically vibrating and buzzing with exhilaration on the way to the airport was a bit of an understatement. He felt bad toward the end, realizing he had chatted All Might’s ear off the entire way, even if the man hadn’t seemed to mind. He was just starting to think of ways to reign his excitement in so as not to be a bother on the flight, mumbling to himself quietly…
Until he saw the plane.
Suddenly his thoughts came to a screeching halt at the sight of the aircraft.
It was a small private jet, no bigger than a large freight truck in length at best. It was probably one of the smallest airplanes Izuku had ever seen in his life. He hadn’t really thought about it too much, being too preoccupied about his coming adventures at I-Island, but flying was a new experience for him. Such a small plane made him… nervous.
“Midoriya, are you okay?”
He felt a large, sturdy hand on his shoulder, and he glanced up, meeting All Might’s concerned gaze. He swallowed thickly.
“Y-yeah. I’ve just… I’ve never flown before.”
Yagi stared down at him for a moment, analyzing the situation before a small smile softened his features. There was a gentle squeeze of pressure on Izuku's shoulder, and he said "Well then we'll have to make sure you're comfortable... Come on, I'll show you inside."
Izuku graciously bowed to the pilot awaiting them just outside the opened cabin door, quickly trailing behind All Might.
Upon entry, Izuku gasped, eyes wide. The jet, while small, was surprisingly spacious inside, and incredibly luxurious. A couple rows of large leather seats lined the inside, with large wooden tables around the front, and even some flat screen TV monitors mounted on the walls just outside the plane's cockpit for passenger entertainment.
Izuku didn't know what to think, spinning in a circle as he took it all in. "Wow… This is… Really nice, All Might."
"Of course, my boy. It's important as a Pro Hero to fly safely and comfortably," Toshinori mused. "Depending on the situation, flying with the public could cause major safety concerns so you'll likely be doing this type of flying more often than not as a pro."
"Oh. I guess I never thought of that before…"
"Well consider that flying lesson number one. I know it seems overkill, but trust me you get used to it. Also, practically speaking… Considering the size of I-Island, this is the best way to get in anyway…
“But, the big question! Would you prefer a window or aisle seat?" He asked with a toothy smile.
Izuku stopped short, staring wide-eyed like a deer in headlights. "Y-you're letting me pick?"
"Of course," he said, making short work of maneuvering their luggage into the storage compartments above them. "Though if I can make a suggestion, sitting by the window will give you a great view of the island flying in, if that's something you're interested in seeing."
Izuku followed through with the idea without much hesitation; the thought of seeing I-Island from the sky excited him and effectively eliminated his anxiety as he slid over to the window.
He stared out, eyes following the wing of the plane, and then going down the runway in curiosity. Only the movement of All Might next to him caused him to look away.
His eyes were met with All Might easing into the seat beside him, and he smiled.
"Have you ever been to I-Island before?"
"Mhm. Once before. Many years ago. Long before it was ever opened to the public, and mainly just housed the scientists and their research centers. I'm curious to know what it looks like now, especially with their new catering to tourism. Much of it was still in construction when I went."
"So you'll be seeing a lot of it for the first time too?!" Izuku's voice was getting higher in octave with each passing second.
Toshinori chuckled in response. "I will be yes. Is there anything in particular you're most excited to see, my boy?"
Midoriya beamed, eyes shining in excitement at the question. He pulled out his notebook, about to share something with his mentor when suddenly the rumbling hum of the jet engine whirring startled him from his thoughts. The plane vibrated, and an overhead announcement from the pilot was heard, explaining their approaching flight time and departure.
"Probably would be a good time to buckle up, kid." As if on cue, the seatbelt lights flashed on above them.
"Oh, r-right." He hadn't even realized the flight attendant sealed shut the cabin door…
He fumbled around for his seatbelt for a minute, managing to get it on after some slight struggling, and help from All Might.
Then they sat, listening to the safety instructions on what to do in case of an emergency. Izuku visibly withdrew within himself, the nerves kicking in again as he listened. His leg bounced rapidly.
His mind replayed within itself what he'd have to do if the worst actually happened. His eyes darted around, making mental notes of the escape door locations, and paid close attention to the instructions regarding the oxygen masks, and locations of the life vests considering they were flying over the ocean. If they crashed, they'd be by themselves, with only each other and the pilots to save.
There'd be no help; no contacting anyone if things went wrong. They'd be alone, and at the mercy of the sea; if they survived the crash, and the sinking aircraft first…
"You sure you're alright?" All Might whispered, leaning in close.
Izuku jumped, startled. The instructor was gone.
He dared to look his mentor in the eyes. The man held an expression on his face that could only be read as worry, as he hunched down closer to Izuku to be at eye level with the boy.
Midoriya took a deep breath. He tried to use those blue eyes as a means to ground himself from his unease. He pursed his lips, but managed a slight nod.
All Might raised an eyebrow, looking Izuku up and down carefully. He didn't seem to buy the white lie, not that he expected him to however. He didn't comment on it though, much to Izuku's relief.
Suddenly the small jet lurched forward slowly, engines revving. He could feel his body press back into the seat similar to that of a car, and he dug his fingers into the armrest. He swallowed the hard lump in his throat.
They were in motion…
"Flying isn't that bad, my boy," he heard his mentor say. "The worst is take-off, but only really because it can feel a bit funny for a split-second. Once you're in the air it's pretty smooth."
Izuku nodded, listening. He stared outside the window, eyeing the ground as they approached the runway. Baby steps then… He just had to get past the mental hurdle of take-off. He took another deep breath.
"If it would help, would you like to share your notes with me, my boy?”
Midoriya looked back at All Might wearily.
The man was looking between him and his books expectantly, a soft, understanding smile of concern on his face, as he waited patiently for an answer. His body language was relaxed, and calm; a stark contrast with the younger of the two being nothing but an anxious ball of energy.
“I… Um… Sure. I guess so,” he replied shakily. His eyes daring to drift out the window again, the open stretch of asphalt at hand. He gulped… It was now or never.
Then he felt a gentle squeeze on his leg...
“Midoriya my boy, I’m right here next to you okay?” he heard the man say. “Just relax. We’ll be fine.”
Izuku latched onto those words. He nodded.
He suddenly felt the plane lurch forward, engines loud in his ears, as the aircraft was sent rushing forward at full speed. He took a shaky breath to collect his thoughts.
They’d be fine.
“W-well,” he began, thumbing through his notebook, and trying his hardest to ignore the vibrating around them. “I-it’s hard to pick just one thing b-but… I’m really looking forward to seeing the Quirk History Museum, and all the Support Gear they have o-on d-displaayyy-!!” Izuku yelped.
The sudden feeling of weightlessness caught him off guard; the plane swiftly gaining altitude. He closed his eyes as his brain rattled in his skull. He breathed, waiting for the feeling to pass…
Then he felt a grounding, warm hand rest atop his, and he blinked. He looked at his mentor to see the man looking at him softly, a considerate, lopsided smile on his face. His blue eyes drifted down to their hands, and Izuku’s eyes followed suit.
However, his face grew bright red once he realized he’d reflexively grabbed All Might’s sleeve during his panic. He didn’t even notice the grip in his fingers, tight from clutching the fabric he wasn’t aware he was holding.
Anxiety quickly turned to embarrassment. He flinched back, releasing his grip on his teacher in a fluster.
"S-sorry A-all Might!!! I-It was an accident, I-I swear!!!"
Toshinori just chuckled warmly. He sat in his seat, straightening himself.
"It's quite alright, Midoriya… I understand. We're in the air now though!” he said enthusiastically. “Look outside! You can see the top of Tokyo from here!”
Izuku dared to look out the window despite his uncertainty, turning his head slowly. His eyes widened in surprise as he overlooked the top of the city, watching as buildings became progressively smaller and smaller below them.
“Woah…” He leaned over closer, watching as the morning light dazzled off the architecture.
Then as quickly as the view came it disappeared, their field of vision briefly fogged over with the thick blanket of clouds, until they cut back out into the clear morning sky a few moments later.
Izuku had to squint. Raising a hand to block the bright, orange light from the sun peeking over the horizon, he observed how the sunlight bounced off the clouds in a dazzling array of early morning blues and purples, the sea of mist not yet fully illuminated from the sun's rays.
"So… what do you think?"
Izuku let out a small huff, a quirk of a smile pulling at his lips at the question. "T-this is okay. The view is nice at least…"
Toshinori hummed in amusement beside him. "If it makes it easier for you, you're welcome to close the window so you don't have to look outside if you don't want to. If it helps calm the nerves at all."
However Midoriya shook his head. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "I-I think I'm okay. I kinda like looking outside now that we're up," he said thoughtfully. "U-um, sorry All Might… I keep getting distracted." He looked back at his notebook. "W-what were we talking about again?"
"You were talking about the Quirk History Museum," All Might replied.
"Oh right. Here, let me just… Get to where I was gonna show you."
He turned back to his notes, fumbling over the items in his lap. After some struggle, and some juggling with the help of his mentor Izuku finally managed to show his teacher one page he’d taken detailed notes on in particular.
“What I was just going to say is that I-I think there's a lot I could learn there. The museum I mean. Especially with the support items! Maybe it’ll give me some ideas to help me manage my Quirk Training.”
Toshinori leaned in close, examining Izuku’s notes. “These are quite detailed, my boy. Looks like you’ve been doing your homework!”
“Y-yes, but a-actually a lot of these are things I’ve just written over the years…” He dared to flip the pages to some detailed drawings of his. “Most of this was just… My own way of trying to negate being Quirkless…” he said sadly. “But now, I feel like I could really learn from this experience from a brand new perspective. I-I’m hoping that… Maybe since I’ll be with y-you, i-if you’re not busy anyway, that… I can get your opinion on some of this when we get there? I-if you’re willing to go with me, at least?”
Yagi sat up straighter, and with the most fond smile replied, “Of course. I'd be happy to go with you, my boy. After all, we'll be spending the whole weekend there. We have plenty of time to look around."
The jitter of excitement that rushed through Izuku was more than enough of a reward for the older man. Seeing his successor buzz with anticipation over the expo filled him with a warmth inside his chest that he always seemed to get when being around the kid. He never got tired of it, truly.
Toshinori leaned back in his seat slightly, hands behind his head and stretched his long legs in front of him. “So you told me something you’re excited about for this weekend. Would you like to level the playing field a little and know what I’m looking forward to most as well?”
Instantly Izuku’s head jerked to look at All Might, eyes wide and expecting as a broad and eager smile spread across his features cutely at the proposition. He nodded, all the weight of anxiety he held mere moments ago having fully vanished from his features now.
“How about a guess first?” Toshinori said with a smirk, bouncing off the positive change in behavior from Midoriya.
As expected Izuku took to the challenge immediately, eager to try and give his best guess from his vast wealth of All Might knowledge and personal relationship with the man.
“Oh uhh, you mentioned seeing your friend again?” Izuku asked, hand on his chin in thought. “What did you say his name was? I-I don’t remember.”
A warm chuckle emitted deep in the man's chest. “Dave,” he replied, purposefully leaving out the man's full name so Midoriya wouldn’t internally combust during the plane ride. He could be introduced once they got there. “While yes I’m excited to see him, that's not what I’m actually looking forward to most. Try again.”
Izuku frowned, his expression settling deeply into his thinking face. He mumbled to himself for a little bit, trying to analyze the question from each angle based upon what he knew.
"Is it different from my answer?" His teacher hummed a nod. "Okay. Uhhh… What about the theater? You like movies so… It sounded better in my head, but I've heard it's cool at least; 3D effects as well as featuring one of the largest screens in the world above your head and stuff. Maybe it interests you?"
All Might barked a laugh. "Is that your best guess?! No not that, though it would be cool to see something while we are there," he grinned.
Izuku huffed. "I thought it was an okay guess!!"
“Not bad, but no. Not it.”
The teenager frowned harder. All Might hadn’t exactly given him much details about the event anyway. Besides being told to bring a pair of formal clothes for unknown reasons, he didn't have much to go by beyond his knowledge of the I-Island itself. But nothing really stood out to him.
"I-I don't know, All Might. I give up…" he sighed.
Toshinori smirked, and playfully replied. “That’s it? Man, what a shame…”
The flustered blush he got made him laugh again. He reached out to ruffle Izuku’s hair to lessen the embarrassment for the boy. “I’m just teasing. But the answer is found right here on this plane… I’m just looking forward to getting to spend some time with you, my boy. Simple as that. That’s what I'm looking forward to most, I think.”
Izuku suddenly stilled, staring up at his mentor with the biggest, most innocent eyes. There was a look of uncertainty, and shock, the expression of hopeful longing was loud and clear on his face. “R-really? Out of everything?”
Toshinori released a soft sigh through his nose, his expression gentle. “Yes. Really, my boy. I wouldn’t have invited you if I didn’t think you’d have a good time. Plus what better way to get to know your own successor more than spending some quality time together? I’m curious to see you in your own element over something like this. It’ll be fun!”
Mirodiya smiled sheepishly, his face beet red. Playing with his hands, he used the newly opened opportunity to voice what he’d thought since he’d first been extended the invitation in the first place. “I’m looking forward to spending time with you too…”
All Might chuckled. “Well, hopefully this old man can be good company at least.”
He leaned back further in his seat, stretching with a yawn. “Are you going to be okay if I take a nap? We have a few hours before we arrive; I’d like to catch up on some sleep if I can.”
“Oh!” Izuku started. “Y-yes of course!”
“It won’t make you anxious will it?” Toshinori asked, looking at him questioningly. “I won’t sleep if the flight will bother you on your own.”
Izuku frantically shook his head, flustered. He could never think of depriving All Might of something as precious as sleep; the man never got enough of it as is. “I-I swear I don’t mind! I’ll be okay.”
All Might sighed. “Okay, but if you change your mind just wake me up. I’m right here with you the whole way if you need me.”
He waited until Izuku gave a verbal confirmation of agreement before he relented and closed his eyes. It didn’t take but a few minutes for him to start snoring lightly.
Izuku didn’t dare to shift in his seat until he was sure All Might wouldn’t be disturbed. He stared outside the window, smiling at himself.
Despite his initial anxiety, he felt nothing but contentment and excitement now. He had so much to look forward to with his hero by his side. They'd have a good time together, and he knew if anything happened he'd be in good company. He didn’t think that would happen though; it was just the anxiety speaking he knew… I-Island Security System was far too advanced for a major disaster to occur. And most importantly to him…
He gave All Might one last glance, taking in his hero’s comforting presence even as he was sleeping.
He hummed to himself, before turning back to his notes to occupy his mind for the rest of the flight.
Everything will be fine. Because you're here.