Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Well fuck. Here we are. My life was finally good. My house was much nicer than the caravan I was used to, my siblings have a social life, and people actually respect the Soul name. I'm actually… glad that that weird hero turned up? I'd never publicly admit it, but I miss him. Only a bit. Which is why I decided ‘fuck it’ and took a flight to Japan. With Roro and Lala. And all of our belongings.

I don't know why, I don't know how, but Japan just seemed appealing to me. Maybe it's the fact that Lala loves the culture or the fact that I miss De- That I miss the food and sense of belonging that Deku brought to Otheon. It was a hell of a ride, but that damn broccoli has a way of worming his way into your heart and your mind and softening you into mush.

I come to a realization as I step off of the plane. What would Deku say if he knew I was here? I didn't give him any notice, but we barely talked anymore. Does he even remember me? I'm not that memorable, I'm just Rody Soul. He's probably gone off with some other girl on a mission, was I just a fli-

I was dragged out of my thoughts by Lala tugging eagerly on my sleeve.
“Rody… Where are we gonna live? What school are we going to?”
I patted her hair fondly. I’ve always loved how inquisitive she is.
“Calm down, calm down. I’ve got it all sorted. There’s this little apartment nearby that I think you’ll love, and the school’s not too far away.”
I smiled, thinking of a plan.

What if… No, it seemed too impossible, too distant. Yet, it was as if the greatest idea of all struck me. U.A. might be an option. Obviously not the hero course, it’s not as if Pino and I were bodybuilders, but the support course looked interesting. Plus, there’s always a chance I could walk into-

NO. NO. I’m not falling for him. I just… miss him! Absence makes the heart grow fonder… I guess. And on cue…
“Will we get to see Mr. Deku again?” Roro looked up at me with big, curious eyes. I sighed, knowing that he was one of the main reasons that we moved to Japan, but like I was going to tell them that. I hummed noncommittally, because I didn't know either. Would he want to see us after all this time? We're like a distant memory now. I'm like a distant memory.

Pino chirped and nuzzled into my neck, almost comfortingly. Maybe I’m just being pessimistic, maybe he’ll welcome us with open arms. I mean, he was fighting a villain with me and I saved the damn world. I laughed dryly to myself, being reminded of the bittersweet yet oddly… fun experiences Deku and I went through together. Well, I shouldn’t worry. We’re here, in Japan, and we need to finally move in.

Chapter Text

I drop our luggage onto the floor, thankful that the walk to our apartment was not too strenuous. Man, my arms hurt... Pino swarmed happily around me, clearly pleased about our choice in housing. It was already furnished and a cosy home to live in, but we still needed to add a personal touch. I'm hoping that Roro and Lala will bring home paintings from school so that I can dot them around. Lala is such a good artist, I love her work... She's really a prodigy, I'm glad that she'll get a better education here.

The doorbell rings. I'm dragged out of my thoughts and quickly look through the peephole. It's a, presumably, middle aged woman standing with a warm casserole in her hands, with green hair and eyes that look all too familiar... This better not be real. Oh my God. Am I seriously living next door to Deku?! Fate really does have a twisted sense of humor... I sigh, reluctantly opening the door.

"Hi! I'm your new neighbor, Inko Midoriya! But feel free to call me Inko if you'd like!" The woman, Inko, warmly said while offering the casserole to me. I tentatively take it, not knowing what else to do.
"Hi. I'm Rody Soul. Just call me Rody. Good to meet you." I told her, putting the casserole down on the console table. My hands are sweaty as fuck, why am I anxious?! It's just that Deku's living next door, it's not like I'm gonna get killed!

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "Thanks... for the casserole."
"Oh, it's no problem! You need anything, I'm only one door away, dear!" She then proceeded to wrap me in a warm hug. Damn, she's real friendly. Maybe I can make this work after all. Once she let me go, Inko stepped back and smiled.
"Well, I assume that you have plenty of things to do around here now that you've moved in, Rody. Remember, I'm just next door, ring the bell if you need anything!" And with that, she left the doorway. I closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief, staring at the U.A. support course application sheet on the dining table and the pen sitting beside it.

I've always wanted to pilot planes, to truly experience what it was like to hold the reins of each and every mechanic and control. But something about attending U.A., something about how I can create and control those exact same mechanics but use them to help defeat evil... It tempts me. It tempts me like nothing else ever has. I make up my mind. I steeled my resolve, deciding to let my heart guide the way. Just this once. Just this once, I decided that love was not a flight of fancy. I pick up the pen, ready to complete the strenuous work.