Chapter Text
As Izuku sat on the ledge of his apartment complex, gazing out at the beautifully illuminated city below, a sense of peace enveloped him. He longed for this tranquility to last forever, where he could exist unnoticed and unburdened by his quirkless status.
Memories of his fourth birthday flooded his mind, the day when he was told he would never manifest a quirk due to his genetics. It was also the day his father left, unable to bear the shame of having a quirkless child. Left with his mother, who bore the same shame, but didn't leave. There were days she would tell him she wished she had left him in a ditch somewhere, and then there were days when he was her fragile child, she would isolate him in fear that he would break. Izuku, her darling, useless, fragile, Quirkless boy.
Fragile, Useless, Worthless, Quirkless it was all the same to them to society. As Izuku sat alone on the rooftop, he couldn't shake the memories of the relentless bullying he endured at school. His classmates, emboldened by the absence of Izuku's self-proclaimed protector, Bakugou, had unleashed a new level of cruelty upon him today.
They had always found ways to torment him, resorting to indirect methods like writing insults on his desk and leaving spider lilies with his belongings. They were usually careful not to provoke Kacchan, fearing his wrath, but today they seemed to have thrown caution to the wind.
Their taunts had been particularly vicious, urging him to pray for a quirk in his next life and suggesting he take a swan dive off the roof. The words stung like a physical blow, reminding Izuku once again of his worthlessness in the eyes of his peers.
That was why Izuku was on the roof tonight, not to kill himself but just to think. He had been thinking about it a lot, death, the eternal sleep, and as wonderful as that sounds if he did it he would never be allowed to wonder what could have happened and all those what-ifs would disappear forever. That solidified his decision to stay alive, to see what his life has for him.
Izuku was abruptly shaken from his somber thoughts as a figure landed gracefully on the rooftop beside him. The man was tall, towering over Izuku, clad in a sleek black jumpsuit with a peculiar scarf draped around his neck. Goggles rested casually around his neck, and his red-glowing eyes and floating hair hinted at the use of his quirk.
Izuku's analytical mind kicked into gear, pondering the possible nature of the man's quirk. Was his floating hair a mutation, or could he manipulate other objects as well? But before he could delve deeper into his analysis, Izuku shook himself out of his thoughts, reminding himself that now wasn't the time for analysis.
Instead, he turned his attention to the mysterious newcomer. As the man approached, Izuku braced himself for whatever was about to unfold.
The man inched closer to Izuku, “Hey, kid, I'm pro hero Eraserhead are you ok?” The man then crouched down to show Izuku his license.
Izuku blinked in surprise, he hadn't expected to encounter a hero here. He then realized that he was sitting on the ledge of a building, "I'm not going to kill myself if that's what you were going to ask, I was only thinking," Izuku responded, embarrassed.
Eraserhead released his quirk. The hero swung his legs over the ledge and sat down next to Izuku, his concern palpable despite the muffled quality of his voice due to his scarf.
"Right, well then if you're okay, can I take you home? It's pretty late out, and your guardians are probably looking for you. Do you live around here?" Eraserheads words were tinged with genuine concern.
Izuku moved his head side to side slowly, "No, I can’t go home right now at least," he admitted. He glanced at Eraserhead, before turning back towards the cityscape in front of him unsure of how much to disclose to a stranger, even one as respected as a pro hero.
"Uh, okay," Eraserhead replied, his voice hesitant. "How about I take you back to the station with me and you can maybe explain to me why you can't go home."
"Do I have a choice?" Izuku asked, though he knew the answer already.
"Sorry kid, but no," Eraserhead responded solemnly. "I'm required to bring you in, and we're not far from the station, maybe ten minutes. Is it alright if I carry you there? It will be much quicker than calling a car."
Izuku nodded in resignation, understanding that he had little say in the matter. "Okay," he agreed quietly, allowing Eraserhead to lift him effortlessly into his arms.