Chapter Text
5 months and Rody felt sick. No words from Izuku- not even a simple text assuring Rody that he was okay. Obviously, Izuku had gotten so busy at times that he wouldn’t text him until Rody had already fallen asleep- this process falling into a constant repetition. Of course, and always, Rody understood. He had things to do, too, but still felt that hole that shrunk after he met Izuku slowly open up again. He knew Izuku was busy but the constant cycle of worrying about him with no response, then shuddering those thoughts with “he’s becoming a hero he doesn’t have time for me.”, being angry at himself for letting himself get attached, and repeating the process daily left his chest with a permanent ache.
I knew this was going to happen.
Rody sat on the cushy, deep- dipped couch and watched a few movies to get his mind off things to pass time. Lala and Roro were out to see a play that their friends and their mom invited them to see. Of course, Rody trusted Ms. Almeida, it was just the thought of his siblings being somewhere he wasn’t that worried him.
Rody’s cheek lay heavily on his fist and his legs spread out lazily and freely when he fell asleep. About 15 minutes later a buzz under his thigh woke him.
Hey.
It was Izuku. Rody frantically sat up, rubbed his eyes and immediately responded.
Are you okay?
Rody’s heart pounded in his chest. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, almost like his body sensed that someone could be watching him. He could throw up.
I don’t know. I’m really sorry I haven’t texted you. I didn’t mean to ignore you. I didn’t want to.
Rody’s throat closed. Why was he so worried about texting him? I mean, did this just relieve a lot of pressure off his chest? A lot. But did this mean Izuku had to apologize for being a war child? Absolutely not.
Don’t apologize, Izuku. I’ve been worried sick but all that mattered to me was if you were alive.
I’m sorry. I swear I won’t do that again.
Rody scoffed. What did he have to swear? God, Izuku made it seem like his needs needed be met last out of anyone’s and it scared Rody. More than anything, it pissed him off. Rody came back to reality from his spaced- out world and darted his head down to another chime. It made his chest warm.
I miss you.
I miss you too. Don’t apologize for anything.
But I want to. Aren’t you mad at me?
Rody sharply inhaled. Why would he think that?
I could never be. I care about you so much. I would do anything for you.
Rody winced at that last sentence. Maybe too risky, but worth a shot.
Can you do me a small favor then?
Of course.
Rody’s arms were cold. Was he leaving again?
Can you let me in? It’s cold out here. You make me warm.
Rody froze with his mouth slightly hanging open. He slowly lifted his head and averted his eyes to the door. He listened for breathing. He listened for feet. He could feel someone. He could feel Izuku.
“Rody?” A voice muffled.
Rody jumped a little. His feet weren’t moving but his mind ran miles. He snapped his mind back into his feet and dashed to the door and opened it faster than he intended to.
It was Izuku.
Rody struggled to speak. Anything and everything he wanted to say shut down and got pushed all the way down to his stomach.
Rody swallowed hard, “Hey-”
Before Rody could even begin to think of what he should’ve said Izuku stuffed his body against Rody’s chest and tightly wrapped his arms around Rody’s waist.
“I’m so-rry,” Izuku hiccupped.
Tears streamed down Izuku’s cheek and fell onto Rody’s designed green and black sweater. Izuku's grip on Rody’s back tightened as quick gasps escaped his mouth.
“Izuku,” Rody whispered. He gently placed one hand on the back of his head and the other softly rubbed his back, “I’m here, okay? Everything is okay.”
Pino flew, still a little dazed, from the kitchen and perched herself on Izuku’s shoulder and laid against his neck. She cooed softly to further comfort him. Izuku’s gasps slowed, and his breaths deepened. Being so caught up in the “warm” moment made Rody completely forgot that Izuku was still standing outside. In the cold. In the snow. He pulled himself out of the hug and came into eye contact with Izuku.
“Oh, my god- jeez I’m sorry. You must be freezing. Come inside,” Rody stepped further into the hall to let Izuku enter and shut the door behind him.
“It’s warmer in here,” Izuku weakly laughed.
“Wait here.”
So Izuku did as he was told. Rody walked into his bedroom and grabbed a pair of black, baggy sweatpants that were probably too big for Izuku- but Rody would rather him not freeze- and a freshly washed and warm Celino- red, plain and baggy t- shirt. Rody walked back into the kitchen and saw Izuku tightly crossing his arms.
“Go change,” Rody handed Izuku the pile of clothes.
“But I don’t want to-”
“Izuku. You’re freezing go change,” Rody firmly demanded.
“Right.”
Izuku went into the bathroom and didn’t take long until he walked back out. The t- shirt fell to the halfway point at his thighs and the drawstrings of the sweatpants were tied in a double knot. Izuku flared his pants and looked nervously at Rody.
“Are you sure?”
Rody couldn’t help but peek a smile, “Very. Maybe if I graciously shared my height, I’d fit you better.”
Izuku lightly scoffed, “You don’t need to remind me that I’m no longer growing.”
Rody kicked his feet in hopes to think of something to say before Izuku could think of walking back out.
Izuku lowered his face to the ground, his head suddenly beginning to pound.
“Where is,” Izuku pressed the bottom of his palm to his forehead, “Roro and Lala?” Izuku asked slowly.
“At a play with their friends. They got 2 days before break.”
Rody tilted his head at Izuku’s slow- headed motion. He walked up to him and placed his hand on top of Izuku’s.
“You okay?” Rody had an epiphany, “Shit, I let you stand in the cold too long.”
“Hmm?”
Izuku dazedly looked at Rody. His head spun circles, and his eyes burned. Rody hurryingly took his sweater off and gently threw it over Izuku.
“You need some water?”
Izuku’s hand now held onto Rody’s forearm for balance.
“Please. Sorry.”
“Don’t be.”
Rody placed his hand on Izuku’s cheek and caressed it for only a second before breaking their hold and walking over to the kitchen counter. Izuku slowly followed. Rody grabbed a glass and filled it with fresh water.
“Here.”
Izuku took the glass, “Thank you.”
Izuku took a small sip and set the glass down back at the counter.
“Rody?”
Rody leaned in closer to Izuku, his words becoming a mumble, “Yes?”
“My head hurts,”
Izuku exhaled before caving into Rody’s arms of which barely caught him.
“Woah- Izuku, hey. Hey, it’s okay.”
Rody lifted Izuku up so that his chest could rise and his legs could gain balance.
“I’m sorry, Rody. I’m so tired and- and stressed I don’t-”
“Hey,”
Izuku’s eyes softened as he looked up to face Rody.
“Don’t be sorry, okay? I don’t want Lala and Roro to have a rough night of sleep so I’m going to pull the couch out for you to sleep on.”
Izuku stood up as straight as he could, “Okay.”
“Stay there,” Rody told.
Rody removed the cushions from the couch and quickly, but safely, pulled out the couch from the back boards that originally made them seats. He removed a bed sheet, thick covers and fresh pillows and replaced the gap on the shelf with the cushions. He tidied the sheet on the bed first, the covers for warmth next and lastly the pillows.
Rody approached Izuku and took a hold of his hand with his own, “C’mon, you need some rest.”
Rody’s warmth flowed through Izuku’s hand like wave currents. He followed behind Rody’s lead and sat himself on the mattress.
“I don’t want to be a bother, Rody.”
“Izuku,” Rody toned firmly, “the only time you were a bother is when you were yelling at me in half- broken English. That was before I got to know who you were, and one thing I know as of right now is that you need sleep.”
Izuku blinked at Rody. His eyes were dull. Dark eye bags changed the color of his bottom eye lids.
“What will Lala and Roro think? What are they going to say?”
“Don’t stress, hero. I got it under control.”
Izuku pulled the top of the covers back from under the pillows and tucked himself under. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he felt a heavy force shutting his eyes, but before letting his mind rest, he lifted his head,
“Rody?”
Rody turned over and looked at Izuku, sleepy- eyed.
“Yes?”
“Goodnight and thank you.”
Rody wore a big and an embarrassingly wide smile.
“No problem.”
“Will you stay?”
Rody’s chest warmed, “Of course.”
It was unusual. How fast it moved- how fast the atmosphere went from 0 to 100 between them. It was very unusual for Izuku to act this way, too. The bright and smiley hero all so suddenly scared and sorrowful. The sight itself broke Rody’s heart. Yes, he was here but under certain circumstances that left Rody unsure of what their friendship was. Izuku went from standing outside his door, into his arms and now sleeping in the same room as him in a matter of minutes.
Now all Rody had to do was wait for his siblings to come and show them that hero’s do keep their promise. And well, maybe come up with a lighter reason for why he’s actually here.
Blankets, shoes, socks… where is my bag? Izuku thought.
“I swore I left it in…” Izuku stopped. His eyes glanced over to the stand- out yellow color that covered his backpack. He grabbed the bag and set it on his bed, closing the closet doors behind him. He started pulling shirts, socks, shorts, a sweatshirt and a pair of sweatpants out of his drawers and placed them neatly in his bag. Izuku thought to himself that he would pack everything else in the morning since they were going to be in use that night and the following morning.
Inko made an entrance and confusingly leaned against Izuku’s doorway, “Where are you going, sweetie?”
Izuku swung his head back swearing he almost felt danger sense, “Oh- hey mom.”
Inko chuckled, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you!”
“It’s okay.”
Izuku smiled awkwardly. Inko raised a brow and crossed her arms.
“Where are you going, Izuku?”
“Mom.”
Izuku’s teary eyes spoke paragraphs. Oh, how could Inko ever be mad at that face? Inko approached Izuku with open arms into which Izuku let himself fall into.
“Izuku, honey, whatever it is you can tell me.”
“Mom,” Izuku sniffled and wiped his face, “Everything about here- I mean half of the city is nothing but ash and grabble. The buildings torn in half. The people crying even though there’s no more war. I just,” Izuku’s voice shook, “I can’t help people anymore. I used to. I feel so weak and helpless now that I don’t have a quirk.”
Inko’s mouth slightly fell open, “Oh, sweetie,” Inko cupped Izuku’s face, “You are everyone’s hero, and you still help people. I’m sorry but that’s just how it’s meant to be.”
Izuku looked down at his feet, “I know.”
Inko sighed. She flashed a look at Izuku’s half packed bag, “So, what’s the occasion?”
“Uhm-” Izuku hesitated, wiping his eyes with the front of his hand, “Well, do you remember Rody? The guy from my mission? Otheon?”
“Yeah? You talk about him all the time.”
“Well, I just wanted some fresh air, and I promised him I’d visit.”
“Now?”
“My flight is at 6:30 tomorrow morning.”
Izuku gave a hopeless smile and rocked from his flat feet to his tippy toes. Inko looked charismatic. Yeah, totally. Izuku was finally safe from villains and Inko was 100% on board with him traveling to another country alone? Not sure.
“Please, ma,” Izuku leaned in all puppy- eyed.
Izuku rested on his flat feet and disappointedly looked down at the floor.
“A hero’s gotta keep his promise, right?”
Inko threw back her face in awe. After that reassuring hope in her son, how could she say no?
“Be careful.”
Izuku could nearly pop. He was a squealing guinea pig jumping up and down the walls. He felt almost as spacey as Uraraka’s quirk. He hugged his mom tightly.
“You’re the best!”
“But you have to call me!”
“I promise!”
Inko laughed, “Good, now go pack and get some sleep. Love you.”
“Love you too, ma.”
Inko retreated from the bedroom and left a crack of it open. Izuku thought of shutting his door all the way was a gesture of shutting off his mother and he didn’t want that. Izuku returned to packing.
After closing the pocket filled with his clothes, he rested his hands on his bed board. He still had this whole day to get through before getting on that plane and seeing Rody. Planes. Planes reminded him of Rody. Rody told him that he dreamt of becoming a pilot, and even said he’d use that advantage to visit Izuku. The guilt started to fill his stomach. He hadn’t texted or called Rody in months. Rody on the other hand had texted and called him in concern for not answering. He didn’t want Rody knowing how much pain he was in. What if it was too much? He already had the stress of taking care of his siblings and getting the bills paid. Countless times Izuku had thought of texting, calling or even just sending a “Goodnight” text, but he couldn’t get himself to. Now he just felt even worse.
What if he hates me? What if he thinks differently of me? He probably knows everything now.
Izuku deeply inhaled and shifted his mind elsewhere. He opened the messages between him and Rody and stared. He couldn’t wait any longer and needed to see him, but before he could collect a thought to text him, and still holding his phone, he fell asleep.
Rody could never survive without it. He thought that coffee was the only relationship he was ever going to have. He had sluggishly gotten out of bed not ten minutes ago and couldn’t wait to crawl back in later tonight after work. For weeks and weeks, Rody had worked his ass off to pay the bills and do a better job of providing for Roro and Lala, and it certainly paid off. He had upgraded the trailer and gotten him and his siblings’ new clothes. He knew he couldn’t buy back his house just yet, but he was definitely going to make it happen. He too, enrolled Lala and Roro into school and started his studying for his awaited dream and career; becoming a pilot. Rody thought of Izuku every time he was reminded of the big shift in his life. He didn’t know what the hell he would be doing with his life if it wasn’t for him. He missed him, yes, but the chances of seeing him again soon were slim to none, and the thought crushed him entirely. But after that embarrassing interaction they had when Rody and his siblings were able to visit him in Japan, he could use a break from making himself look stupid. He was worried, though. Izuku hadn’t picked up any of his texts or calls, and then comes to find out he had been dragged into a war.
What kind of morons would make a bunch of teenagers fight in a literal war?
The scenes he had regretfully seen made him sick. He just hoped Izuku was okay. Before thinking about anything else from that tragedy, Rody rubbed his eyes, grabbed his coffee cup and walked over to his closet to change and get ready for work.
He heard a shift in the bed sheets and looked over to Lala, who was obviously still half asleep with her eyes completely shut, “Rody?” she yawned.
Rody softly laughed, “What’s up, kiddo?”
Lala tiredly smiled. “When are we going to see Deku again?” she asked. She was beaming with curiosity. She was oblivious and too young to understand that it wasn’t easy. Rody had to keep everything about the war in Japan away from her.
Rody gave a mournful smile and dropped it soon after, “I don’t know, Lala.” Rody walked over to the bed and sat down, slowly not to wake Roro, who was drooling all over the pillow, and looked at Lala, “He’s becoming a hero, and you know that. He’s going to be too busy to come and see us.”
Lala couldn’t quite understand, but took it as an answer. “Well, I can’t wait when he does come back. He’s amazing!” Lala gleamed.
“Me too, Lala.” Rody admitted. He missed him dearly, but knew he had to accept that Izuku may have just been a summer fling. Rody came back to his senses, “I gotta get to work. Get some sleep” he insisted.
Lala smiled and laid back down next to Roro. Rody walked into the bathroom and back out after a few minutes, now wearing his work clothes. Rody hated Thursdays; they’re like Mondays but worse. He was just relieved over anything that Stan was letting him off to start his Christmas break early.
He sighed in defeat, grabbed a protein bar from the cabinet and headed out the door. The sun was up, but it wasn’t horribly bright. He walked quietly and efficiently to Stans’ bar. When he walked in, he saw Stan wiping down the counters.
“Doesn’t the old man know we wipe the counters after the costumers leave?” Rody teased.
Stan grunted, “Don’t you punk ass kids know to clock in before their boss fires them?”
“Fair,” Rody laughed. Stan wasn’t kidding when he said so, but Rody was used to his harsh remarks.
Rody walked over and clocked in for his grueling shift. It’s not that he completely hated it, but standing on his feet for hours got tiring, and not all the time were the customers happy. Rody went in the back ready to prepare for however many customers were going to walk in and out the door. He touched up dishes and put his apron on.
Half an hour passed before he knew it and customers started to walk in. The usual; pick a seat, order, talk for more than what they’re food costs, and leave. God, he had no idea how Izuku did hero work for hours every day.
And there he goes, thinking about Izuku during his shift. Again. It did make it go by a bit faster, though; rewinding the entire line of events that poured out for almost a week. If he had to re-do the whole thing without knowing the possible outcomes, he would. As much as he loved thinking about Izuku, guilt always filled a small part of his chest. Rody knew that now he had to think about him some other time and focus on work. And so, his shift began.
“I miss Deku. Don’t you?”
Lala and Roro sat on the steps in front of the entrance of the school. Sometimes if the workload was heavier than expected Rody would run late. After all, it was his last day before clocking out for break.
“Yeah. I miss him, too, Lala.”
Lala sighed, “I wish he’d come back.”
“I know,”
Roro missed him just as much as Lala but knew something she didn’t. Roro and Rody strictly kept her off screens when either of them weren’t there to make sure she didn’t switch to the wrong channel. Roro’s head flashed images of the bloody, sad and grey shots of the war, the last one being Izuku and his arms blown off. What a sight for a 13-year-old.
“but Izuku needs time to himself. He’s becoming a hero and can’t always bounce around to other countries.”
Lala sulked, “Okay.”
Roro jumped, “But- he’ll come back eventually!”
“Hey, kiddos!”
Rody jogged from the parking lot and up the sidewalk. Roro and Lala raced to hug him.
“Rody!” they said at once.
“Okay so what’s the plan?”
Roro beamed, “Ms. Almeida is taking us bowling, taking us to the play and getting us late dinner afterward.”
Rody nervously blew, “Alright. It’s at 6:30 right?”
“Yep!” Lala jumped.
“Okay,” Rody smiled, “Let’s get you guys home so you can drop off your back packs and I’ll walk you over.”
After dumping their bags next to the door, Rody walked the two little ones to Ms. Almeida’s house. She came off and very much acted like a generous and wonderful woman. Lala never had a female figure in her life, so she found a way to latch herself onto her. Roro, of course, loved her, too. A simple knock and there was instant chatter behind the door.
“Hey guys!”
“Hey!” Rody held out a hand for Ms. Almeida to shake.
“Hi, Rody! Nice to see you again. Thank you for letting them join us.”
Her smile was kind and warm. Yara spotted Lala and darted in for a hug.
“Lala!”
The two girls giggled and squealed on unimaginable pitch levels. Roro and Rui? A friendly smile and wave. Yes, they were best friends but didn’t need to shatter nearby windows to prove it.
Rody padded the sides of his thighs, “Okay. Have fun. Manners, yeah?”
Roro and Lala nodded eagerly, squeezed Rody’s sides and welcomed themselves inside. Before following their friends into the living room, they half turned and waved goodbye.
“Ms. Almeida?”
She turned her grin away from Lala’s squeals, “Oh, please! Call me Laura.”
Rody laughed, “Well, I just wanted to offer up help if you ever needed it.”
Laura tilts her head, “With what?”
“I feel bad. I mean, being a single mom- and I can’t imagine how hard it is- is a lot of work. You watch over my siblings all the time and I want to be available to do the same. You know, for when things get heavy and hard. I know what that feeling can do to the stress on your shoulders alone.
“Oh, Rody,” Laura sighs in relief, “You are such an angel of a kid. Thank you.”
“Anything,” Rody smiled.
Laura rested her hand on the back of the door, “I’ll get them home as soon as possible.”
“They’re tough. They’ll be okay knowing they had fun.”
Laura and Rody shared a smile before Laura gently closed the door. Rody huffed happily and made his way back to the trailer. The absence of the kids laughs, and chatter made the atmosphere feel a bit off, but Pino happily gave company.
All Rody wanted to do was sit. His feet ache from standing all day and running around the bar serving dozens of customers with a big smile; happy or not. He kicked off his shoes and changed into his favorited spiral- designed, green sweater and a pair of your ordinary plaid pajama pants. He plopped his body down on the couch. His thoughts about the last few months abruptly invaded his mind. He began to search for a movie to watch to wash his mind away from the one thing he didn’t want to be thinking about most.
Izuku slept quietly. His chest rose up and fell back down in a slow rhythm. His hands met in the middle, laid on top of his chest. His curls laid onto the pillow, all spreading different ways. The hues surrounding him and Rody glowed a familiar tone. In the cave, except there were no villains to run from, was where Rody first got to see this side of Izuku; tired, calm and resilient. His eyes reflected from the fire spoke souls of an angel- I mean Rody did consider him one. His hands touched so many in need, yet Rody was not just touched but held by his care. His breath spoke nothing but heroism and the truth. And the truth? Rody was so in love with an accident that wasn’t supposed to happen.
Rody laid across the end of the bed just next to where the end of Izuku’s feet lay. His eyes were starting to weigh down, but he knew he had to wait for Roro and Lala to come home. Any night other than this he wouldn’t have minded drifting off, but with Izuku in their trailer so suddenly he had to be ready.
“Goodnight!” A whispered exclaim perceived.
Rody sprang up from the bed and tip-toed to the door. He opened the door just as Roro was reaching for it.
“Hey, guys,” Rody whispered.
“Why are we whispering?” Lala whispered back.
“Uhm,” Rody pursed his lips and shut the door behind him, “Look. Something happened while you guys were gone and I need you guys to listen, okay?”
Roro’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion and worry, “Was it the police?”
“No, no!” Rody dismissingly waved.
Rody took a deep, sharp breath and braced himself for any type of reaction he was about to get out of the both of them, “Izuku came to visit and he’s sleeping inside.”
Lala gasped and quickly covered her mouth with her gloved hands. Roro’s mouth hung wide open.
Roro shook his head, “Wait, but why? Did you know?”
“No, but he’s just here to visit. Isn’t that exciting?”
If Lala wasn’t half asleep, she would be screaming and running laps around the trailer park. Instead, she eagerly clapped her hands and did a happy dance with her feet.
Rody huffed in amusement, “I need you guys to be very quiet, though. I know it’s a school night, but the bed is still open. You think you both can change, brush your teeth and get in bed that quietly?”
Roro and Lala rapidly shook their heads in agreement. Rody slowly opened the door and let his little ones enter first. With a quick glance, Roro and Lala only caught a glimpse of his green curls and part of “his” sweater before retreating into the bedroom. While they got changed, Rody took a few sips of his room temperature water and gazed a few times towards Izuku’s direction. He hadn’t even noticed that Izuku turned to his stomach, but kept the same, steady breathing rhythm.
Lala’s silhouette filled the doorway’s gap, “Rody?” she whispered.
Rody set his glass down and knelt to her level, “What’s up?’
“I know you usually sleep with us, but I feel bad for leaving Deku alone over there. What if he has a nightmare?”
Rody huffed, “You’re silly. Only people around your age have nightmares. I don’t think he has any.”
“You think.”
Rody’s brows furrowed, “What?”
“You think, but you don’t know.”
Rody pursed his lips out and squinted, “Roro’s know- it- all behavior has rubbed off on you, huh?”
Lala crossed her arms, “Nuh uh. And you always say to treat and make your guests comfortable. Wouldn’t it be more comfortable if he had someone to sleep with?”
Rody’s brain short circuited. The thought of him and Izuku sharing a cave floor? Sure. A bed? In his dreams.
“Listen, Lala-”
“It’s just like when you sleep with me and Roro!”
Rody sighed in defeat. Yeah, she had no idea what she was implying. It’s okay, though. She’s 9 years old. Sleeping next to Izuku and it not being awkward? What if Rody woke him up? What if he turns over like he usually does and lays his body on top of Izuku’s? Too risky. But…
“Okay. Go get in bed. I’ll sleep with Izu- Deku.”
Lala smirked sassily in her victory and lightly shut the door behind her. Rody turned and stared.
Okay, deep breath, Rody. It’s fine. It’s one night.
Rody slowly lifted the covers and let the mattress dip in response to his weight. He laid stiff facing away from Izuku. His was more tired than he thought.
But just as he started drifting off, he felt pressure against his back. Rody slowly lifted his head and turned around to see Izuku’s forehead pressed against his back. Rody laid back down, his breath caught. He evened his breath after a few shaky ones and accepted this. He didn’t want to admit that this is what he’s been wishing for to happen. He thought of it as the impossible, but yet here they are.