Chapter Text
There were always times Hizashi would wake up scared that they would find out their husband was dead.
Shouta had a bad rep of losing his phone in the heat of a fight and not being able to alert his husband that he would be back later than usual the next morning, so it wasn't unusual for this to happen. Hizashi knew to be patient when they woke up to the other side of the bed being cold and empty, knowing deep down that their husband was fine and he wasn't dead in an alleyway somewhere. They knew this.
So when they wake up one morning to the blaring alarm just loud enough for them to hear and a light flashing in their eyes and the right side of the bed empty, they force themself to take a breath and move on with their morning.
They reach for their phone, glaring at the screen that's absent of any notifications. "Oh screw you, Shou. I swear to god if we have to buy you another damn phone…" Hizashi huffs and climbs out from under the bedsheets.
It was still early enough that there wasn't any light coming through the windows from the sun peaking out over the buildings around them. It would still be another hour until the sun rose. Hizashi moves through the motions of making themself a small breakfast with a cup of tea before getting ready to go on patrol. They sat down at the table and pulled up the underground news system. This system was something that had been put in place by Shouta, surprisingly enough. It was a way for any underground heroes to report if they saw one of their own hurt or killed. All the heroes' families had access to it to do exactly what Hizashi is doing. The page was clear of anything, the last reported incident was from a week ago. Hizashi purses their lips and pulls up their call log, pushing on the top number. It rings. And rings. And rings, until Hizashi's own voice comes through the speaker. "Hey all! Shouta's currently busy! I bet if you call enough times he'll answer ya'! So spam away!"
Then Shouta's voice in the background, "Hizashi, I swear to god-"
A beep. "Hey Shou. Call me back when you find your phone again. Just worried about ya. Love you." Hizashi hangs up and sets their phone down.
It doesn't take long to get ready for patrol, the routine of putting the costume on is like breathing at this point. The last thing they do before walking out the door is write a small note on a purple sticky note. Hitoshi and Izuku, I'm out on patrol and Shou is still out. Be back before we leave for shopping!
They stick it on the fridge right as knock comes from the front door. They make their way over and smile when they see Naomasa on the other side, "Hey! Shou's still out but he should be back any minute now if you want to wait for him."
Naomasa doesn't move, "May I come in?"
"Of course! Would you like tea? Or coffee?" Hizashi widens the door to let him past. It wasn't unknown for the detective to come over in the early hours to discuss patrols with Shouta. "I probably can find some of Shou's fancy blends if I dig far enough."
"I'm alright." Naomasa hesitated and swept an arm out slowly, "We need to talk. Can we sit?"
Hizashi finds themself hesitating. They'd expected a quiet response to their offer, not a request to sit down and talk. They could handle the detective coming to speak to Shouta, but not them. Because if he was coming for them, it wasn't good news that he was bringing. Their voice comes out as a whisper, "Tell me he's just in a hospital. Tell me that."
"We should sit down." Naomasa repeats, no longer offering.
Hizashi stares at the man. They knew what this meant, they knew but they didn't want to believe it. They sit down slowly at the edge of the couch, staring straight ahead while Naomasa slowly sits beside them on the other end of the couch. Hizashi twitches when the man speaks quietly, "There was an alert sent out by Shouta early this morning about a fight that had broken out. It's standard procedure that all undergrounds are required to do, which tells us that we need to send officers to the site to gather the villain. When officers got on scene, there was evidence of a fight but nobody was there. They only found his capture scarf."
Hizashi stays frozen before they drag a hand down their face when bone deep exhaustion and sorrow hits them. "So he's missing then."
"Yes." Naomasa shifts closer, "And until we know otherwise, it stays that way. Shouta is smart, he'll find his way back."
Hizashi chokes back a sob and turns away quickly. The detective stays quiet for a moment before speaking again, "The report stated that Shouta was with an intern at the time, do you know anything about that?"
An intern… Shouta had an intern…
Hizashi froze completely again as panic overtook them, "Oh my god-"
They bolt to their feet and rush up the stairs, no longer trying to keep quiet for the children sleeping. They slam Izuku's door open and nearly collapse at the sight of an empty bed. "It was Izu. Izu was his intern last night."
Hizashi's phone was already ringing by the time Naomasa had reached Hizashi and Hitoshi had opened his door, peeking out in curiosity. "Come on, come on. Answer please."
"It's Izuku! I'll call you back when I get the chance! Otherwise just call Toshi, I'm probably with him! See ya soon!"
Hizashi presses their back against the wall and slides down with their head in their hands, "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, oh my god."
Naomasa crouches down, "It was Izuku with him? Hizashi, I need an answer."
Hizashi nods frantically, "Yeah. H-He wanted more experience in the field. You need to find them. Please find them."
Naomasa was already on his feet rushing away. "I've got it, Hizashi. Take a break. I'll keep you updated."
Hitoshi waits until the front door slams shut before he steps closer, "What the hell is going on?"
Hizashi glances up with wide eyes. They don't want to lie to Hitoshi, the boy is old enough to know either way. "Shouta and Izuku are missing and nobody knows what happened to them."
Hitoshi shrinks back, "What do you mean missing? They both can't have just disappeared-"
"There was a sign of a fight and the capture weapon was the only thing left on scene. Both of their phones are apparently missing too. They just—vanished."
Hizashi shakes their head slowly. Hitoshi stays silent and still, staring at his guardian. "So what? They're gone? We need to go look for them. Get up and let's go!"
"I know we do." Hizashi mutters, turning their face to look blankly at the wall, "Just give me time to process this."
Give me a moment to process that my husband and kid are probably dead.
Just a moment.
Please.
<•>
"You sure kiddo? We'll be gone all day." Hizashi doesn't stop or look away from the sandwiches.
Hitoshi hums, "Yeah I'll be fine. I'm not feeling… people today."
Hizashi snorts, "Valid. Just keep me updated if you go out, okay?"
"Got it. You should get some of that American food you like when you come home." Hitoshi slides off the chair before walking over.
Hizashi smiles and drags him into a hug, "Agreed, Yoshi Toshi. I'll let you know when we're on our way back, okay?"
Hitoshi nods into their shoulder. He pulls away and walks down the hall, "Eri! Time for you to leave!"
The girl quickly appears at the top of the stairs clutching a ratty looking stuffed rabbit. "Are you coming with us Toshi?" She hops down the stairs.
"Not today. I'm sure you and Pops will have plenty of fun without me." Hitoshi picks the girl up and brings her towards the front door.
Eri huffs, "But we always have more fun with you."
"Oh I know," Hizashi trails after their kids and watches with a small smile as Hitoshi helps Eri put her shoes on. "But you're going to have to try your hardest without me."
Hizashi scoops the girl up when both red shoes are strapped to her feet, "Say bye to Toshi, Eri berry!"
The girl waves, "See you later."
"Bye Eri. I love you." Hitoshi plants a kiss on her forehead.
"Don't set the house on fire please." Hizashi smiles and winks, "I love you."
Hizashi walks out the front door missing the look that passed over Hitoshi's face.
"Alrighty Eri berry, we got some errands to run but we have some free time too. What do you want to do?"
The girl rests her head on their shoulder, "We should go shopping and get brother something. Toshi has been sad."
Hizashi hums, "I think we've all been sad recently, but I think that's a great idea. Do you have anything in mind?"
"Maybe a plushie."
Pushes have been Eri's favorite things since she was put under their care. She insists that everybody always wants a plushie.
"We can get him a plushie."
•<>•
Hizashi pushes the door open and chuckles as Eri darts past him, barely pausing to remove her shoes. "Toshi! Toshi! I got you a present!"
Hizashi hears the girl bolt up the stairs. They take their own shoes off and walk towards the back hallway. They drop the multiple bags on the office floor and begin piling the supplies they got into the desk in front of them. Never the desk behind him.
"Papa?" Eri calls from the door.
Hizashi turns to face her and raises an eyebrow at the water soaking her tights, "How did you get all wet?"
Eri points down the hall, "The upstairs floor is full of water. And I don't know where brother is."
Hizashi furrows their eyebrows, "Was he in his room?"
"Nope."
"Izuku's room?"
"No."
Hizashi slides past the young girl, "How about the bathroom?"
"I knocked and nobody answered but it was locked."
Hizashi goes up the stairs to see the water Eri had been talking about leaking out from under the bathroom door. Hitoshi probably forgot to turn off the faucet. "Hey Eri berry, how about you change into some pajamas?"
Eri nods and runs off down the hall. Hizashi knocks on the bathroom door. No answer. Hizashi pulls their phone out and sends a quick text to Hitoshi.
Hizashi
Hey kiddo, just checking up cause we just got home and I don't see ya here.
Did you go out?
There's a small ding from inside the bathroom. "Toshi?"
Then a barely audible groan that sends every inch of Hizashi into panic mode. "Hitoshi, I'm giving you three seconds to open this door. One… two… three. Fuck."
Hizashi steps back and eyes the spot directly next to the handle and kicks it. Hard. The door splinters enough to be pushed in. Hizashi gasps and darts forward. Hitoshi was laying out in the bath tub with the faucet still on while his wrists dripped red. Hizashi grabbed towels off the wall quickly and wrapped them around the razor wounds in his arms. They dial emergency services just as quickly. "Tosh… come on kiddo, you gotta wake up for me." Hizashi quickly puts a finger to his neck. A heartbeat.
"Emergency services."
"Y-yes hi, um--I need an ambulance sent to Pinewood at house 398. My son made an attempt to kill himself."
"Alright sir, medical assistance is en route. Is your son still breathing?"
"Yes."
"What did he do to himself?"
"He um–" Hizashi finds themself gasping for air between the stifled sobs, "Oh my god--he slit his wrists while I was gone. I don't know how long ago he did it."
"Sir, everything is going to be fine. Can you tell me your name?"
"Yamada Hizashi. My son's name is Aizawa-Yamada Hitoshi."
"Is there anyone else in the house who can unlock your front door right now?"
Hizashi takes a breath before calling out, "Eri, don't come in here but can you please go unlock the front door for me? We have some people coming to help."
"I can do that. Is Toshi okay?" Eri rushes past the door clearly sensing the urgency.
"Yeah. He'll be okay. Eri honey, I need you to go to your room and close your door okay? I'll come get you soon." Hizashi chokes out.
"How old is Eri?"
"She's seven." Hizashi sobs.
Arms move under Hizashi's grip and the hero turns their gaze to the boy quickly. His eyelids flicker open and land dazily on them, "Papa…?"
"Hey Yoshi Toshi." Hizashi tries to force a smile, "I'm glad to see you awake even just for a moment. Please stay awake, okay?"
Hitoshi's head turns, "No, no. Why… am I here?"
Hizashi hears the front door open, "It's okay Toshi, help is here okay? You're gonna be okay."
"No I was– I was supposed to die." Hitoshi seems to reach back for the bloodied razor that Hizashi hadn't bothered moving off the edge of the tub. Hizashi swipes it away, ignoring the sting from it cutting them. Paramedics rush into the bathroom and Hizashi moves back with silent tears dripping down their face.
"Yamada-san?"
Hizashi looks back at the phone in their hand, "How about you go fetch Eri while the paramedics take care of Hitoshi? You can meet them out in the ambulance."
"Yeah, yeah. That's a good idea." Hizashi mutters before going down the hall. They knock on Eri's door and the girl quickly answers. They know that she can see the blood on them. They know she can hear the frantic yells of the people just down the hall. They know that she is smart enough to know that something happened to her brother. She knows that her papa doesn't know what to do, so she grabs their hand and walks with them after the gurney that leads out of the house.
<•>
"Hitoshi."
"No! You can't just fucking do that! I can't- gah!" Hitoshi rips his hands through his hair painfully, "Just leave me alone for one goddamn second!"
Hizashi fights every instinct to rush over and tug the boy into a hug. Genshi-san, Hitoshi's newly appointed trauma therapist, advised heavily against such actions without giving any warnings. They stay seated on the stairs watching warily as Hitoshi paces back and forth in front of them. “Alright kiddo. Look, I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me. I’m here for you Toshi.”
The boy shoots a glare towards them, “Then don’t make me have a babysitter! I’m not a fucking child.”
Hizashi swallows, “I’m not leaving you alone after what happened-“
“Jesus christ. I got help already.” Hitoshi shouts, “Stop treating me like Eri. You have no right to do this to me.”
“Tosh, it was four weeks ago.” Hizashi forces their shoulders to untense, “Once we move further forward we can revisit this. But for now I’m not going to leave you home alone.”
“Fuck you! First you stop me from dying and now this-“
Hisashi stands up, “I would never have let you just die. Never. And I’m sorry you felt like you wanted to die, but I could not and will never let that happen. I love you so much and I will not lose you.”
“Like you lost Izu and Dad?” Hitoshi asks coldly, “Is that what this is all about? You can’t stand to be fucking alone in this world with Eri? You’re making me stay and suffer this with you? Fuck that.”
“Not at all.” Hizashi draws in a shaky breath, “I miss them so much, but just because I miss them doesn’t mean that my life means nothing without them. You were right though, I’m terrified of being alone. Terrified of you and Eri leaving like they did. I stopped you because you deserve to be here kiddo. Not because I would hurt because of it.”
Hitoshi just shakes his head, “Have Nem come over if you want. I’ll be in my room.”
He pushes past Hizashi and storms up the stairs before slamming his door shut. Hizashi sits back on the stairs slowly and lets out a deep sigh. “Papa?”
Hizashi glances behind him to see Eri standing at the top of the stairs, “Hey there Eri-berry. Ready to go soon?”
She nods and then pauses, “Is Toshi okay?”
Hizashi smiles gently, “He’ll be okay. Come down and get some food before Nem gets here, eh?”
Eri hops down the stairs, stuffed rabbit flopping in her arms and follows Hizashi into the kitchen. She climbs into one of the bar seats and watches Hizashi make a turkey and cheese sandwich. (Eri doesn’t like ham.) “Were you fighting about Dad and 'Zuku again?”
“I wouldn’t say we were fighting.” Hisashi hums, “But yes, that’s who we were talking about.”
Eri echoes their hum, “I miss them lots all the time.”
Hizashii slides the plate across the table to her, “I do too.”
There’s a heavy knock at the door before it clicks open. “Hey everybody!”
“In the kitchen.” Hisashi calls back, grabbing an apple for themself.
Nemuri comes in a few seconds later. She walks over and plants a light kiss on Hizashi’s cheek. “How are you doing there Miss Eri?”
“I’m good.” Eri nods, “How are you?”
“Very happy I get to see you! I hear you and your papa are going somewhere together?”
Eri nods again, “I get to see Hisoka-san again. I had fun with her last time.”
Nemuri grins, “You’ll have to tell me all about it when you get back.”
Hizashi shoos the girl off, “Go pick out some shoes, Eri-berry.”
The girl jumps off the chair eagerly and rushes towards the door. Nemuri leans closer to Hizashi, “How’s Hitoshi doing?”
“He’s pissed at me. I don’t know if he’ll leave his room while I’m gone.” Hizashi replies under their breath.
Nemuri pats their shoulder, “I’ll worry about him. Take care of Eri today, okay? We can talk tonight when they’re both asleep.”
“Papa! Come on!” Eri calls from the door.
“Just give me a moment, please!” Hizashi yells back and shoots Nemuri a thankful look, “I cannot thank you enough for everything.”
“Zashi.” Nemuri spins them around, “Go! Talk later.”
Hizashi smiles and trails after their daughter. Ignoring the deja vu treating to creep up on them.
<•>
Hizashi wanted to cry.
It's been long enough that they didn't start crying after looking at every little thing that belonged to Shouta or Izuku, but here they were pressing their tears back as they glared at the phone in their hand. They can scroll for hours to see all the unanswered texts sent to Shouta's phone. A constant blue and no gray to reply. Then a splotch of green at the bottom. The phone company stopped this number from being active, and Hizashi should have realized it would happen eventually.
After all, most people assume after two years that a grave should be put down.
Hizashi was struggling to wrap their head around the fact that most of the world assumed their husband and son were dead. They knew the logical part of it, but they still held out hope.
Hitoshi was struggling just as much. He was graduating this year in just a few weeks and his mental health seemed to be declining by the day. Hitoshi had always made it clear that he blamed himself for what happened to Izuku. "I was the one who was supposed to go with Shouta that night! I should have been me, not him! He–he wasn't the one who was supposed to die!"
After his attempt last year he’d started seeing a trauma therapist. He had been doing better as of recently until the looming shadow of graduation came to light and Hitoshi started missing the brother who was supposed to be next to him getting his license. Hizashi was doing everything they could to help him out.
Nemuri had been amazing as well, stepping in whenever she could. She was over a lot and ended up moving just a few buildings down from Hizashi's own home. She made sure they went out at least once a week to be sure Hizashi wasn't overworking themself.
Hizashi grimaces and flips their phone over. Nemuri looks at the phone, "Are his parents still bothering you about the plots? I told you I can deal with them if you want me to."
Hizashi sighs, "No, it's not that. Currently at least. The phone company shut down his number. Just give me a moment please."
Nemuri narrows her eyes, "Then let me at them. I'll get them to turn the number active again."
"Nem, it's fine. I can survive without it. Maybe it'll do me some good." Hizashi nods at their own words, “Maybe this is what I need to try to get my mind off of things.”
Nemuri reaches across the table and grabs their hand, “You don’t have to move on. You can hold onto hope as long as you need just as long as it isn’t hurting you. I know Shouta’s parents have been absolute dicks-“
“Nemuri!”
“-and I know they’re pressuring for a grave. If they want to put one down so badly, tell them to do it themselves. I know that this isn’t something you want to do.”
“Even if it isn’t, when is the time that I wait until I do it? How long do they stay missing until I need to start thinking that they’re dead?”
“This isn’t some easy thing to deal with. There’s no one answer. Think about Oboro. We never found a body but his family was able to accept that he died. Why was that?”
“He was crushed under a building, Nem.”
“Exactly.” Nemuri sighs, “All signs pointing to there being no way he was alive. All we found for Shouta and the little bun was a bunch of blood and his scarf. Nothing pointed directly to them being dead. That’s why you’re so caught up on that idea. I’m not going to sit here and tell you which I think is realistic, just—think about it on your own. Think about why you’re holding on, okay?”
Hisashi nods slowly, “But what if I can’t find a reason?”
“Then maybe it’s time to respond to his family.” Nemuri squeezes their hand, “Nobody can make these decisions but you.”
Hisashi hums, “Well I think that’s stupid.”
Nemuri leans back and laughs, “Agreed. Now, how are the kids doing?”
“They’re doing well. Eri is ready for fourth year already. Toshi is ready to get his license as well. They’re both doing well with everything going on.”
“I can’t believe she’s already in fourth grade.” Nemuri squeals, “And Toshi is graduating. I don’t remember being that big when we graduated.”
“Because you were still short when we did. You were never ‘big’.” Hizashi smirks.
Nemuri rolls her eyes, “At least I got a growth spurt eventually.”
Hizashi levels a look at her, “You’re still short.”
“Incorrect. You hellians are just tall as fuck.” Nemuri pauses before grinning, “at least I’m taller than Tensei now.”
“Nemuri!” Hizashi’s jaw drops.
The woman cackles, “I had to! He doesn’t mind. And speaking of Tensei, he’s coming with us next week. But that means we have to go somewhere closer to him.”
“I’m glad he is. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.”
Nemuri smiles, “Let’s go back and bother Toshi some more.”
<•>
“You’re not supposed to be here.” Hisashi says flatly, leveling a glare at the couple in front of them, “I have an order against you.”
“Good thing we came in peace then.” The man—Aizawa Fumio— grins and kicks his foot through the doorway to stop the door if Hizashi tries to shut it, “Let us speak. Just a moment of your time please.”
Hizashi clicks their tongue, “That doesn’t mean shit. Leave before I call the police.”
“Oh hell— Just let us in, Yamada.” Aizawa Mari growls and tries to push past Hizashi.
Hizashi glares harder and pushes her back, “If you take a single step inside my house, I will blow your eardrums out.”
They know somewhere behind themself Eri is hiding and listening in. Mari snarls her own glare hidden behind blacked out glasses. “Do it and you’ll be arrested.”
Hizashi laughs harshly, “No I won’t. You are trespassing currently and trying to break in. Besides the fact that you’re also breaking a legal restraining order against you. All the cards are lined up for me, darling. If anyone will be arrested it’s you.”
Fumio sighs deeply, “No police. We just need to talk.”
Hizashi looks at the man, “And as I’ve told you many times, you can speak to my lawyer.”
“We don’t need the lawyer involved.” Fumio shakes his head, “We just need to speak about Shouta—“
“Leave.” Hizashi says, their voice suddenly growing rougher.
“No. You need to man up and admit our son is dead.” Mari says a sternly, “Just give him a damn grave to rest peacefully.”
Hizashi pinches the bridge of their nose, “Again, as I’ve told you before, if you want a grave for him so badly, put one down yourselves. All you want is his will, which you both aren’t in. So leave it be.”
“His will is none of your concern to be looking at!” Mari yells suddenly.
Hizashi huffs, “I’m his husband and next of kin. I have every right to look at it. I helped him write it anyway.”
This was a conversation that had happened many times ranging with different reactions from the three. Hizashi was firm in his decision and was refusing to let the Aizawa’s have any input.
“And why did you do that?” Fumio asks with a tilt of his head.
“He had to spell my mothers’ maiden names correctly.” Hizashi suppresses their smile.
Mari fumes, “You’re telling me he put those two fags into his will and not us? What kind of disgraceful child does that?”
“Apparently your disgraceful child.” Hizashi lets their smile show, “Now I will ask both of you to leave once more before I speak to authorities.”
Mari reaches for her glasses and Hizashi is suddenly moving. They push her into the wall and pin her there. Her hand fell away from her face. “I currently have a child in my house. If you try to attack me again you will regret it deeply.”
Fumio gives one more soul deep sign before stepping away from the door, “Give this to our son. Give him his damned grave.”
Hizashi turns back towards their door, “Good bye.”
<•>
This wasn't even supposed to be a thought to Hizashi. They had told themself for years that they would hold out hope that their family wasn't dead. But now as they look at the letter from Naomasa stating the police statement, they don't feel the rage they usually feel when people say they're both dead. They just feel the resignation and acceptance of the fact.
The police have been warning them for weeks–months even–that the case would simply go cold soon and Shouta and Izuku would be declared as presumed dead. It hurt, but not as much as it should have. Maybe the years have worn them down enough to start thinking like everyone else.
That was a scary thought.
Hitoshi was coming over tonight for dinner and Hizashi was dreading showing the letter to their kids. Eri would see it sooner since she was supposed to be home any minute now. They set the letter on the table and wander deeper into the house to the office. They busy their time with daily plans for their radio before Eri announces her arrival. "Hey papa!"
"Hello Eri berry. I'm in the office. Just give me a moment and I'll be out."
There wasn't a response for a few seconds before small taps come down the hall and Eri wraps her arms around Hizashi's shoulders from behind them. "I'm so sorry. How are you doing?"
Hizashi meets her eyes, "I'm okay. It was bound to happen eventually. How about you?"
Eri shrugs, "Same as you."
Hizashi knew how guilty Eri was about the situation. Unfortunately, she was too young to remember much about Shouta and Izuku. Hizashi huffs and lets the girl go, "Did you talk to Toshi at all?"
Eri nods, "Yeah, he'll be by within the next hour for dinner. I can make it while you finish up here, okay?"
She was already in her third year of junior high. After Hitoshi moved out three years ago she had taken a huge step up and helped around the house.
"Alright, love. Let me know if you need help."
Eri waved them off and walked back out of the room. Hizashi turned back to their work while Eri began making the food. Her word wasn't wrong and within the hour Hizashi was startled out of their focus by Hitoshi storming into the room. "What the fuck is this about?" He waves the letter in his hand.
Hizashi looks at the letter and then back at Hitoshi, "We knew this was coming, Tosh. We've talked about this."
Hitoshi is practically shaking in anger, "I didn't think they'd actually do it. You know this means the grand-assholes get dad's will right?"
Hizashi sighs and stands up, "Yes I do know this and like I've previously said they won't get anything from that will."
Hitoshi turns and stomps down the hall, "They'll want a grave."
Hizashi says nothing because the response they normally give doesn't seem to fit anymore. Maybe it's time to get a grave for their family.
Hitoshi seems to realize that Hizashi is staying quiet on purpose, "You can't be serious."
Eri glances back at them both when they walk into the kitchen. Hizashi joins her at the counter and grabs the dishes to bring to the table, "Maybe it's time to put part of it to rest."
"So you're giving up on them?" Hitoshi demands.
"No," Hizashi sets the plates down lightly, "I will never give up on them. Just because there's going to be a grave doesn't mean jack."
"It's stupid is what it is. It feels like giving in to them." Hitoshi grumbles.
"Maybe it's what's right." Eri says softly, "Nothing about the situation is going to go well besides them coming back. I don't think you'll be happy in any situation other than that Toshi."
Toshi stares at her a second before shaking his head, "Whatever. I'm still not happy about it."
<•>
Hizashi strode down the hall, frowning at their phone.
Naomasa:
Get to the station asap.
They knock before pushing open the door to one of the heroics rooms. Ojirou Mashirao looks over with a raised eyebrow. Before holding up a finger, "Just a moment. Keep reading the chapter while I step into the hall for a second."
Both heroes go out of the room before Hizashi speaks quietly, "You haven't heard from Hitoshi or them today have you? No emergency messages with your class?"
Mashirao shakes his head while glancing at his phone, "Nothing that I've seen. Did something happen?"
"I don't know." Hizashi grimaces, "My class is covered but if Nedzu asks, just tell him that I'm at the station."
They get a thumbs up before Hizashi quickly makes their way to their car. There's very limited options on what could have happened that Naomasa would reach out like this. "Siri, call Hitoshi."
There's a few rings before they stop and Hitoshi's gravelly voice came over the car speakers, "Hello?"
"Hey Tosh. Where are you right now?"
Hizashi can hear Hitoshi shifting, "At home trying to nap. Why? What happened?"
"What about Eri? Heard anything from her?" Hizashi drums their fingers on the wheel.
"Hold on." Hitoshi's voice fades as he yells, "Nei? Have you talked to Eri today?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Doesn't matter, when did you talk to her?"
"Like a few minutes ago."
Hitoshi's voice come back, "Neito has. She's fine. What the hell is going on?"
Hizashi sinks in relief that neither of their children ended up dead in a ditch, "I don't know. I'm on my way to the station right now. I'll keep you updated."
"Please do. Be safe."
"Always."
Hizashi hangs the phone up just as they pull into the station lot. They walk into the building and greet the secretary at the door, "Hello Fumiha-san. How are you doing today?"
"Lovely now that you're here. What can I help you with?"
"Naomasa asked me to stop by as soon as I could." Hizashi leans around the corner to see the man himself walking their way, "I'll just go meet him."
Naomasa glances up and sighs, "Okay so there's news on the case."
Hizashi feels their jaw tense, "Alright. What is it?"
"We found them. Both of them. They're alive and god-they're okay." Naomasa grins.
Hizashi stares at the man, "This isn't a joke?"
"No. Not at all. Come on, they're in the meeting room." Naomasa waves the hero forward quickly.
Hizashi finds themself walking faster and faster until they're practically running to the back meeting room. The door was cracked open before Hizashi shoves it open, startling the two men sitting at the table.
Hizashi stares at the robotic leg in their husband's hand and then at the matching one laying on the table. Then the two stumps Izuku has in place of legs. The scar on Shouta's face that just looks painful. The robotic arm that Izuku is wearing. They stare until tears blur their vision and they fall forward into the room with a heavy sob.
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