Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sure, Izuku was prepared to have a lot of hardships and battles in his life as a pro hero, but nothing prepared him for this.

It wasn’t really facing an enemy with a peculiar unknown quirk, or getting badly injured, let alone a building falling onto you.

All that was just a typical Thursday for a Pro hero.

No, it was the experience that followed after his vision blacked out, distant sounds of familiar voices calling out to him slowly fading into the background.

First, everything was dark.

Then, he could see things in the surrounding abyss.

Shadows, whispers of memories here and there.

The green haired hero knew by now what it was, he’d seen this before.

However, this time it felt different, he couldn’t quite put a finger on it, what caused it.

A voice was calling out to him again, and Izuku attempts to turn around in the darkness, but as usual, he couldn’t move. He tried to make out what the voice was saying, but couldn’t hear the words. Whoever the person was though, they sounded concerned. Of course they would, he was likely still slumped in a pile of broken bones in the rubble, or bandaged up in a hospital bed.

It was hard to say which, as his body felt numb, there was no pain, nothing.

Then, there was a presence, walking towards him.

Izuku couldn’t quite make out their face, but it didn’t matter.

He recognized the aura surrounding the pale form.

It was the first. The original holder of OFA. He still didn't know his name, so he just called him "First."

The pale figure reaches a hand out for Midoriya, a faint, quiet voice breaking the silence. He couldn’t exactly hear those words, but knew they were that of reassurance. Izuku manages to move his hand and grasp onto the pale limb held out to him.

The First smiles at him, and a tiny part of Izuku wonders.

He’s always wondered it, honestly.

The First looked kind of like.....

Beeping sounds, all around him.

He was clearly in a hospital, which was a good sign, it meant he at least wasn't dead yet.

His muscles were sore, and there was a dull ache throbbing all across his body. Not too surprising given what he likely went trough. The green haired hero’s mind was still fuzzy, but he was pretty sure a building fell on him. It was the third time this month too, his poor mother would likely suffer another figurative heart-attack. He had to be shaving years off of her life, and it made Midoriya feel bad, even though he knew this couldn’t be avoided.

A sound nearby him alerted the young hero, and he attempts to move, or at least open his eyes.

Ugh, his head hurt so bad.

”...Deku can you hear me?....Izuku?”

That voice, it sounded like Uraraka. Her tone was shaky, almost like she was on the verge of tears. Midoriya wouldn’t blame her honestly.

”....think he’s awake?”

Another voice, it sounded kind of like...Kirishima?

Why was Kirishima here?

He was pretty certain Kirishima wasn’t part of their team during this mission; he worked for Kacchan's agency after all, and they hadn't requested aid from them this time around..... Then again, even after graduating, their class had kept in touch, and the redhead especially liked to keep in touch with everyone. So, he likely had hurried there after hearing what had happened.

”....get Katsuki, you call All Might.”

Kacchan?

Why would.... Midoriya’s mind was in a state of confusion for a moment; he could understand Kirishima’s presence, but why would Kacchan be there? Sure, their relationship had improved somewhat, but the explosive hero was still very prone at exploding in his face.

Literally.

There was some more chattering, a third voice joining in the conversation - based on the somewhat monotone delivery, it was likely Todoroki, or sho-chan as he'd taken on calling his partner in private. Midoriya couldn’t make out words since he spoke so quietly, but there was a hint of relief in his tone.

Trying again, Midoriya attempts to move, managing to lift a finger.

A gasp was heard from beside his bed, and soon he could feel someone lean closer. This time it was the fire-and-ice hero, and his voice sounded a bit frantic.

”Midoriya? Can you hear me?”

Midoriya? Huh, that was weird, nowadays Sho-chan preferred to call him by his first name, especially if he was concerned.

The green haired hero still called him Todoroki in public out of habit; he left the more endearing names in private as he still felt a little embarrassed about doing it in front of people. Not that Shoto minded too much honestly; he would let Midoriya call him anything he liked as long as the bright smile was accompanying it when izuku called for him.

”I don’t think he can respond.”

Uraraka’s voice speaks out next to him, and Izuku attempts to open his eyes, managing to crack his eyelids for a bit. His surroundings were so bright he had to close his eyes instantly as the light hurt. He could feel one of the figured shift and moments later the light dimmed in the room, making it a bit easier for him to try and open his eyes. At first, all was a blur, but soon he spotted the familiar faces of Sho-chan and Uraraka looking down at him with worry.

Well, the girl was clearly concerned, Sho-chan had always been harder to read.

”Oh, thank whatever gods, you’e awake!”

Uraraka manages to smile despite her tears, quickly wiping them off her face. The greenery head attempts to smile, but soon realizes he was wrapped in bandages like a mummy, barely able to move his face. He could talk, but emoting wasn't easy.

”Try not to force yourself to move too hard for once Midoriya, your injuries are pretty bad.”

If he could’ve, Izuku would have rubbed his head sheepishly for he knew he wasn’t exactly the best at resting and staying put in a hospital. Then, as he blinked, Midoriya suddenly felt something was off. He examines the two looking at him confused, trying to determine what it was.

They looked strange....

A loud noise interrupts his thoughts, and the two jump back and look up at the door, finding panting, furious Bakugou standing on the doorway. He looked like he’d ran to the hospital the second Kirishima had called him and informed Bakugou about Midoriya waking up.

”Deku, what the hell you bastard?!”

He couldn’t help it; even after all these years, hearing that anger directed at him caused him to flinch and freeze. Izuku eventually manages to turn his head and blurry vision towards the angry figure on the doorway. Maybe he’d never learn away from this reflex, maybe it was still too early say.

”K-Kacchan...”

The blond says nothing, just marches towards his bed with a pissed off look on his face.

More pissed off than usual that is.

”Bakugou, let him rest.”

Todoroki informs the fuming blond sternly, but Bakugou ignores him as usual, soon towering above Izuku’s bed, his angry glare nailing the patient onto his spot. It wasn’t like izuku had been able to move anyway, but now it definitely felt like he was frozen in place.

”What the fuck were you thinking?!”

Bakugou growls at him, leaning against over the fear-paralyzed injured figure, until he was face to face with wide eyed Midoriya.

So the building didn’t kill him, but angry Kacchan might.

Well maybe not kill, but still.

”K-Kacchan, I...”

An angry growl silences him, and for a moment the ashy blonde just glares at him with the intensity of thousand suns. Despite his fear, part of Midoriya noted there was something off about Kacchan as well...

Suddenly, the blond’s expression twists, and the next second, strong arms reach for him - making Izuku say mental goodbyes to everyone he ever loved - only for them to wrap around him in a firm hug.  For a moment he just stares at the opposite wall, not knowing how to react at all.

Kacchan was holding him firmly, his body shaky.

Sure, their relationship had gotten better after becoming pros, but...

”K-kacchan?”

”Shut up you damn nerd!”

The blond mumbles against his shoulder, tightening the hug to a point he couldn’t breathe.

”Katsuki, let him go, that gotta hurt with him being wrapped up like a mummy.”

Kirshima’s soft voice from beside them warns the blond, and after a moment he is let go and made to lie back down almost gently, before Bakugo wipes his eyes and curses under his breath.

Izuku just stares at him, trying to process what just happened.

”What?”

The angry snarl makes him avert his gaze quickly, cheeks flushing.

Kacchan had hugged him, actually hugged.

He hadn’t done that since they were kids!

.........Had it been that bad? His injuries?

”He still must be exhausted, we should let him rest some more.”

Todoroki comments after a moment of silence, and they seem to agree as Kirishima begins to lead the still frazzled Bakugou away from the room. Despite his confused, blurry state, it didn’t escape Midoriya’s attention how his childhood friend kept glancing at him with a deep, openly concerned frown.

It was...weird, but also heartwarming. Though it was also a bit scary; just how bad were his injuries to have Kacchan put aside his strange hatred for him?

”We’ll come back later, Izuku, rest up!” Uraraka tells him and the injured hero manages to nod, then watches the two leave the room as well, closing the door behind them carefully.

He still couldn’t stop but think there was something off about them.

”...fractures are healing, but he’s likely suffering from some form of concussion. There might be some memory issues for a short while. He should make a full recovery though.”

Ah, that voice, it was recovery girl; they’d likely brought her in to help with the healing process. She was talking to someone sitting beside his bed, and a hand was squeezing his. Moments later, familiar voice spoke, sounding very quiet like the man was exhausted. Exhausted and like the weight of the world had been lifted off from him.

”That is good to hear.”

All might.

All might was sitting beside his bed, holding his hand like a doting dad. Of course, he should’ve known he’d come and see him the second he’d heard what had happened. It warmed Izuku’s heart, though it also felt a little embarrassing, and he also felt guilty for worrying his father figure again.

”He got lucky; had your son not done what he did, the injuries could be worse.”

Recovery Girl pauses and sighs.

”Even if his actions too, were reckless and caused severe damage.”

...son?

What? All might has a son?

other than him?

How come he never mentioned that?

Had he adopted without Midoriya knowing?

Even if he had, why wouldn’t All Might have told him about it?

……Just how long had he been out cold exactly?

”Yes….I must admit I feel like my life was shortened by several years after this ordeal. I’m just glad they're both okay."

All might sighs with relief, and Midoriya could hear the smile in his tone. The hand holding his squeezed, and Izuku wanted to squeeze back but couldn’t. He was still too tired.

”I heard his friends came to see him earlier while he was awake.”

All might then comments, phrasing it almost like a question. Recovery Girl chuckles a bit at that.

”Surely if he’d been sleeping, an angry concerned Bakugou Katsuki must’ve forced him awake.”

”Ah yes, I was...concerned. That boy has a temper.”

”Sure he does, but I think you know he would never actually hurt Midoriya; he cares about this green troublemaker too much.”

Izuku kind of wanted to dispute that, like a lot, but it was a nice sentiment.

His mind began to slip back into darkness and the voices became distant again.

Going in and out of consciousness was never fun, namely because pro heroes like him tended to suffer from nightmares. He was no exception for there were a lot. Back from his schooldays, such as Kacchan’s kidnapping, to more recent events. Some were twisted hellish fantasies instead of actual occurrences, but they were no less unsettling. Forcing himself out of another unpleasant dream, Midoriya became aware of his surroundings again.

It was quiet, indicating he was alone in the room.

Or, at least so he thought initially.

After a moment, his ears picked up a strange beeping sound that didn’t come from his heart monitor.

It sounded a bit like...a game?

A phone game maybe.

As he shifted a bit the sound stops, and moments later quiet footsteps pace towards his bed, a shadow appearing beside him. Midoriya was still too deep into dreamland to open his eyes, so he tried to pick up on other clues who it might be. It wasn’t All Might, he knew the aura the man held so innately by now, and he’d likely said something already.

There was no chatter, indicating the person was alone.

He couldn’t really imagine any of his friends sitting there alone, playing some game on the phone while watching over him.

Well, Sho-chan would come and sit beside him silently, but Midoriya was certain this wasn’t him either.

Sho-chan didn’t play games, and he would’ve not sat that far away from him.

He felt something brush against his forehead, pushing few loose curls of green hair aside. The gesture was weirdly delicate, not even Sho-chan did that, or his mum. Sure they’d be more careful with touches when he was injured, but this felt a bit extensive.

There was a sigh and a grumble, but he couldn’t make out the words nor recognize the voice talking.

After a moment, the presence walks away, sitting back on the chair they’d been in. The sounds of a game fill the air again.

Waking up the fourth time was easier.

He could move and open his eyes properly, and his head no longer ached like a spike was pressed trough it. Midoriya looks at his arms, noting they were bound in bandages; at least it wasn't so bad that he required slings as well.

Suddenly, a sound catches his attention; it was different from the game beeping noises from before.

He sits up slowly to look around, soon spotting the source of the sounds eventually; a figure was curled up onto the visitor chair, legs pulled against their body. They were wearing an over sized white cat hoodie with ears sewn on to the hood.

The person was somewhat turned away from the green haired patient, but was seemingly watching something from their phone while drinking something. It was the slurping sound that had caught his attention; whoever they were, they didn't have the best table manners apparently. Also who drank a slushie in a hospital room?

Izuku frowns, trying to recognize the person.

Cat hoodie?

Sure, Sho-chan liked cats but the person was too skinny to be him.

Plus he’d never seen that particular hoodie before.

As if sensing the gaze on them, the figure stop slurping his drink and slowly uncurls themselves to look at Midoriya.

The blood froze in his veins almost instantly as their eyes met.

No, this wasn’t possible.

He was...

he was...

The blood red eyes stare at him from behind the light blue bangs, and for a moment neither of the two spoke.

The straw was still in his mouth though, and moments later, the ghostly figure slurps his drink again from the straw with a loud sound, somewhat breaking the terrifying atmosphere in the room by how awkward the pink sludge in his plastic cup looked, let alone the childish sound he was making.

It was Shigaraki.

Shigaraki Tomura was sitting in his hospital room, casually drinking down a slushie while playing a game on his phone.

Midoriya opens his mouth, but no sounds came out.

Did anyone know he was there?

Why was the villain in here anyway??

Why was he still alive?

The red eyes blink, and the straw slips out from between the cracked lips, as he speaks finally.

”You look like shit.”

Chapter Text

Izuku just stares at his arch-nemesis, not knowing how to react to the oddly casual tone. The casualty itself wasn’t weird; during their first official meeting, Shigaraki had spoken in similar fashion initially, which had honestly been terrifying on itself.

What was bizarre here was the utter lack of malice coming from him.

The pale figure was chuckling, and it didn't really sound like his typical insane cackles at all; it was more normal, if a bit dry and rough sounding.

He fishes out his phone and checks it, before the red eyes shift back at him.

”You owe me, brat, by the way.”

”H-huh...?”

That was all he could get out.

His mind was reeling, his body urged him to run, but he couldn’t move out of utter terror, and confusion.

And being bit of a mummy of course. many of his bandages were still there and all.

It was...strange, for he had not been this scared of Shigaraki for a long time now, especially not after he’d been captured years ago – which is why seeing him sit there so casually with a pink, overly sweet drink on his hand of all things was bizarre.

Occasional nightmares aside of course, thinking of this twisted young man did not cause similar terror to Midoriya like it had used to back in his schooldays.

Yet...the paralyzing fear he felt right now was very similar to those days.

”...H-how...?”

The red eyes blink again, and Shigaraki tilts his head as if he was confused.

”How did you...escape?”

Midoriya manages to swallow the lump in his throat to get those words out; he could almost feel the strong grip around his throat, a ghostly memory of a time in the past. Shigaraki just shrugs, turning his attention back to his phone.

”I walked of course, after the walls went bye bye. You’re really heavy for such a tiny thing by the way.”

What...what on earth was he talking about?

His confusion must’ve been visible on his face, as Shigaraki looks back at him with a lift eyebrow.

”You really must’ve hit your head bad, brat.”

”Why are you here? What do you want from me? Why didn’t you...?”

His rambling is cut off by coughing fit, and by the time they stop and his vision clears, the pale figure is standing right beside his bed, making Izuku scoot backwards against the wall the best he could in his bandaged state with widened eyes. He couldn’t help it; Izuku didn’t know why he was suddenly so terrified, but he couldn’t stop himself.

Then again…supposedly in this situation perhaps his reaction was justified.

That hand could turn him to dust with a simple touch after all, and he couldn’t exactly escape right now.

The said hand that had been reaching for him stops and pulls back awkwardly, while the red eyes examine him confused. It was as if his behavior puzzled the villain for some reason.

”The fuck are you so freaked out about?”

He sounded annoyed, but....also....concerned?

What?

What was going on?

”...Is this about my Quirk? Did you forget it doesn’t work when I wear gloves?”

Shigaraki questions him annoyed, and yes, looking at him, Midoriya realized he indeed was wearing a pair of black gloves that only left his index and middle finger bare. The ability didn’t work without all five fingers touching, right?

”Why didn’t you kill me? Y-you must’ve been in here for a while…”

Midoriya blurts out, unable to hold it back any longer. The red eyes widen and Shigaraki takes a step back, examining him with a deep frown. Then, he pulls out his phone for some reason and types quickly, fingers moving so fast Midoriya was surprised he was able to coordinate it. The phone seemed to ring a few times, before whoever he was calling picked up.

”Dad, come back to the hospital. Midoriya is freaking out.”

Dad?

”No I...I don’t know what it is.”

The pale figure paces further away, turning his back to the confused patient.

”He just asked why I.....why I didn’t kill him. I know, it’s....I mean, I give him shit for getting hurt so easily, but I'm not about that murder lifestyle you know?”

Whoever was on the other line seemingly got the message as the pale figure’s face shifts, and he moves the phone away from his ear staring at it with an irritated expression.

”He could’ve let me finish.”

The pale man mumbles with a sigh, brushing trough his messy mop of a hair, before turning to face Midoriya, who was still staring at him like a frightened animal.

”....Uh. I don’t now where you got that idea, but I’m not going to hurt you, even if you sometimes piss me off.”

He mumbles awkwardly, before picking up the now empty slush drink and plopping it in the trashcan next to his seat. After that, he just sits back down and curls up onto the small armchair, focusing all of his attention to the game he was playing, though he kept glancing at the frozen green haired figure at times. This bizarre stand-off lasted for a while, up until the door to the room opened again, and Izuku was greeted by a familiar face.

”Midoriya, my boy!”

All Might near stumbles as he rushes to his bedside, grasping his hand gently. He was clearly highly alarmed, and examined the boy’s frightened expression with concern.

”What happened what’s wrong?”

Midoriya was so glad to see him, he almost forgot Shigaraki was there still, up until the pale figure appeared beside the man. His eyes widened and he was about to give him a warning, when the most unthinkable happened. All Might simply turned towards the pale figure, looking at him with a concerned look still plastered on his face.

”He was frightened of you when he woke up?”

Shigaraki just nods, rubbing his neck a bit.

”I honestly thought he was going to jump out of the bed and run, it was...weird.”

All Might turns his attention back to the green haired patient, who just stared between them confused.

Why were they having such a casual chat?

Why did they BOTH look concerned?

”I...what is going on?”

Izuku mutters out, trying to wrap his head around the bizarre situation. Two pair of eyes look at him for a moment, then back at each other.

”...How much do you remember?”

All might asks cautiously after a moment. Midoriya goes quiet, still eyeing the pale figure cautiously. He did not seem to be in the mood for bloody murder right now, but...

”Oh for the love of...fine! I’ll go out.”

Shigaraki huffs and before either could utter out a word, stomps off from the room.

For a moment, neither utter a word, up until All Might releases a slow sigh and turns to look at Midoriya with a deep frown on his face.

”You’ll probably have to apologize to Tenko about this later on, once we understand what happened to you.”

”Tenko? Who is Tenko?”

That name distantly nagged his brain, but Midoriya couldn’t remember where he’d heard it before. All Might tilts his head confused, then holds a hand against his forehead, making the boy blush a little. He was still a little embarrassed about having his idol doting on him occasionally, even though All Might was practically his dad at this point.

”Well you certainly don’t have a fever, so that cannot be causing this confusion...”

The man sighs and lowers his hand back down, looking at Midoriya serious.

”That young man who just stormed out was Tenko. Have you really forgotten his name?”

What?

But...wasn’t his name....what?

Apparently his confusion was visible on his face as All Might sighs and brushes trough his hair.

”I suppose we better wait for your X-ray results to see if there’s any further damage...”

the man muses, gazing aside for a moment. He was clearly concerned, but keeping up a calm face for the confused Izuku.

”All Might, I...”

Before he could finish his sentence, the door is busted open, and a bunch of his friends flood in, and by bunch it seemed like nearly the entire class was there, save from Mineta and Bakugou.

”Midoriya! You’re awake!”

Uraraka declares cheerfully and proceeds to hug him tight, cutting off his air supply for a moment. It wasn’t as intense as Kacchan from earlier, but still pretty tight.

”You really had us worried man! That whole thing just came tumbling down onto you!”

Kaminari declares, patting his shoulder and almost accidentally giving him a zap. It was....a bit bizarre to see all of them there, but it also warmed his heart. As Midoriya examined his class more closely however, again...something felt off. They all still looked the same; Uraraka with her soft round face and bright smile, Sho-chan with his two-toned hair, Tokoyami’s goth aesthetic....

”Settle down you kids! He still needs to rest and all this ruckus isn’t going to help!”

Recovery Girl’s voice breaks the happy chit chatter from the room, and they quickly move aside as the small old lady walks there, examining Midoriya from head to toe. As her face turns towards All Might, the skinny man already braces himself for a rant about how he should be more careful with Midoriya and make sure he doesn’t take such stupid risks. Instead, the woman just sighs and rubs her eyes.

”There’s no point Toshinori. You know what I was going to say. We’re just all glad he’s okay.”

The man nods awkwardly, inwardly relieved he didn’t have to face her fierce scolding again, he already felt responsible anyway. The woman then shoos the kids out of the room, telling she had to perform another healing session.

”You can come back later.”

Recovery Girl tells the disappointed group sternly, before sighing and turning to the skinny man again.

”Go see to your other son as well; Tenko seems to be rather upset right now.”

”I’m afraid so. He is often upset, but...”

”Toshinori, he accidentally decayed one of our flower pots.”

Oh. So it was that bad.

With a sigh, All Might gets up and thanks her for her hard work, before heading outside.

Midoriya had followed the discussion wordlessly, still trying to wrap his head around the situation.

They were speaking of Shigaraki as if he was...as if he was part of all this.

As if he wasn’t a villain.

What was going on?

He hadn’t really meant to break the flower vase.

Taking the gloves off had been stupid. He’d just been so frustrated and tugged them off and then accidentally touched it, causing the damn thing to decay and spill the contents everywhere. Sure, in the back of his mind he knew that when he took those damn things off, he was going to destroy shit, but still...

he was supposed to be able to stop that urge before he actually DID dammit.

After that fiasko he’d headed out to the hospital yard, still fuming.

Tenko had no clue why the brat was acting so weird. Sure, he was sometimes kind of harsh towards Midoriya, but he had the right to be dammit! It was his grandma’s power that dad had handed over to the kid, so he wanted to make sure the broccoli boy was worth it.

Still...seeing that overtly frightened expression.... it reminded him too much of his early days, when other kids wouldn’t play with him because his power was scary.

Midoriya was different, was supposed to be different.

Just....what had happened?

A sound from his cell catches his attention, and Tenko digs it out grumbling, checking the message he’d gotten. Ugh, he shouldn’t have been surprised to receive one from that moron; the second Dabi heard about the whole him being in a building collapse accident or whatever, the idiot likely freaked out.

He’d never show it openly, wanting to keep the shitty cool guy image, but he’d known the patchwork bastard long enough to tell that he was hopeless in certain situations.

Namely when they concerned him.

Tenko shook his head not to go embarrassingly red, and checks the message he’d gotten.

Dumpster Fire: Oi, you better not be dead you little shit, you still owe me!

The pale figure snorts at that: Dabi was clearly still salty for losing that one pool match to him thanks to ’accidentally’ pouring his drink on him as a distraction to win. He’d never said cheating wasn’t allowed, so it was the crusty-face's own fault for losing.

You: Calm your raisin tits, I’m fine. It’s Midoriya who’s fucked up.

Dumpster Fire: Broke his bones again I'm guessing.

Dumpster Fire: Also, you still owe me

Dumpster Fire: ......Fuck forreal, don’t freak me out like that.

You: I’m admittedly freaking out here right now

Dumpster Fire: why?

You: The brat is acting weird. He’s....scared of me. I dunno why

There was a pause. Dabi was one of the few people who understood why this was a big deal. He mostly didn’t care if people were intimidated, but Tenko did not want his close ones to think he’d actually hurt them. It stemmed from his fear of abandonment and all that.

Dumpster Fire: did the docs give any explanations for it?

You: nah, they’re still checking his X-rays

You: fuck, this pisses me off so much

You: You shoulda have seen ’im, looked like I was gonna murder him or something. Hell he ASKED why I didn't kill him, it really freaked me out.

Dumpster Fire: to be fair, waking up to your ugly face is kind of terrifying

Tenko couldn’t stop but snort at that. It was just like Dabi to put his shitty humor even in a serious conversation like this.

You: Lucky that you’re uglier than me so it doesn’t bother you.

Dumpster Fire: Fair. Compared ta me yer like some damn princess. At least you act like one, princess hands and all.

You: FOR FUCK’S SAKE DABI you know why I’m doing the thing!

Dumpster Fire: yeah yeah, chill, no need to get your pretty boy panties in a twist.

Dumpster Fire: forreal though. Calm down, there’s probably a reason for it, I doubt the happy Broccoli of sunshine and rainbow poop would ACTUALLY start freaking out about you at random.

Tenko couldn’t stop but smirk; he both loved and hated how Dabi’s shitty humor got to him so easily.

You: For the record, he doesn’t actually poop out rainbows.

Dumpster Fire: how the fuck do you know?

You: Dabi. We basically lived in the same damn house for over a month, remember?

Dumpster Fire: I'm still wondering how ta hell they thought that was a good idea. Didn't do anything to save you from kidnapping.

You: They were more watching me than protecting me, to be fair....

Before he could see Dabi’s reply, a hand lands on his shoulder and Tenko jumps in surprise, quickly stuffing his phone back into his pocket. Turning around, his adoptive dad stood behind him awkwardly, likely wondering if he interrupted something.

”Sorry. I just...”

All Might sighs and gently pulls the boy into a hug. Tenko no longer tensed about it like he used to as a kid; these hugs were warm and felt safe. There were only two other people he allowed to spontaneously hug him like this.

”I don’t blame you; whatever happened to Izuku, it is confusing and unnerving. But, we will figure out what’s wrong with him.”

It almost felt like his dad was swearing an oath, even though he couldn’t really too much personally. This was probably a medical thing or so, and he was no doctor. He was good at punching baddies in the face, not dealing with... whatever this was.

”I hate it. I don’t....”

”I know, Tenko, I know.”

Toshinori sighs as he tightens the embrace a little bit, sensing the way the boy had begun to shake. Midoriya had been one of the first people he’d ever made proper friends with, so seeing that fear from him had to hurt.

”We’ll figure this out, I promise.”

As per usual, the healing session with Recovery Girl had exhausted him. At least he could get rid of most of the bandages around his head now, making him less like a mummy.

He’d also managed to eat some food, though not much as his stomach threatened to bring it back up pretty quickly. He was getting a little tired of sleeping - pun not intended - but it wasn’t like he still could move much. He felt unusually exhausted, even for the situation. So, Midoriya wasn’t too surprised to note that he’d fallen asleep again.

When he opens his eyes, Izuku notes the sun was setting.

So it was already evening huh?

The sound of a door opening catches his attention, and Midoriya is taken aback by seeing Kacchan stand on the doorway, hesitating for a moment before stepping in and closing it behind him.

”Ah, Kacchan! You weren’t here earlier today...”

”Had to give a statement to the police, so I couldn’t.”

The blond nods, and he sounded exhausted, like he’d had a long day, emotionally at least. Midoriya wasn’t quite sure how to react to the situation, the hug from earlier still played in his mind on a loop, confusing him. The blond sits down onto the edge of his bed with a huff, brushing trough his hair.

”Seriously. You gotta stop doing stupid shit like this Deku. You’d been dead had the villain-face not found you.”

Red eyes glare down at him, making Midoriya shrink instinctively. However, he didn’t seem particularly angry.

Wait...

”Villain-face?”

Kacchan blinks at him confused.

”Yeah, villain-face. What about it?”

”...Uh...I...”

Kacchan’s eyes widen, and then he lets out a groan and facepalms, rubbing his eyes angrily.

”What? You don’t even remember who Tenko is? Your brain’s really fried.”

Oh...oh.

That nickname made sense.

Midoriya smiles sheepishly, unsure on what to say.

It was all so...

Suddenly, Kacchan leans closer, startling him, and places a hand on his forehead just like All Might had done earlier.

He frowns, then pulls back, eyeing him suspiciously.

”Well you’re definitely not burning up with fever, but something’s gotta be off.”

”Why are you being so nice?”

Perhaps that was a stupid thing to say right now, but he couldn’t help it. Kacchan’s behavior was confusing.

”For fuck’s sake, what d’you want me to do? Yell at you? It’s not gonna fucking change how dumb you were Deku!”

”You’re yelling now...”

”Shut up!”

The blond tugs on his cheek irritated, but quickly lets go as Midoriya flinches, for his face was still pretty sensitive. For a moment Bakugou just huffs and puffs his frustration out, before calming down with a slow sigh, giving him a serious stare.

”At least we got the kid out, so I suppose that’s worth something. Still I’m pretty darn sure majority of us would prefer if you’d stop breaking every goddamn bone in your body all the time.”

He flicks him in the forehead, but it was very weak compared to the usual amount of violence from Kacchan towards him.

Before Midoriya could reply, the blond gets up again and tugs his jacket on firmer, heading for the door.

”Stay put until you’re no longer useless. I gotta go.”

The blond tells him gruffly, stopping to look at him on the doorway. His gaze was stern, almost ordering, which felt a little...weird coming from Kacchan. Normally he wouldn’t care for his well being this much. If Deku wanted to fuck himself up, he could.

That had been his attitude.

”...Thanks for visiting Kacchan.”

Midoriya manages to smile, gaining an eye roll and a grumble, before the blond leaves the room, closing the door behind him again. He flops back onto the bed, noting the sun had set completely now. gazing at the ceiling, the injured hero trying to process everything he’d just experienced.

First, for some reason Shigaraki was with them, and seemed to be friendly, and he used the name Tenko instead.

Second, Kacchan was bizarrely nicer.

Third....

He hadn’t realized it initially, but as Midoriya gazed at his own reflection on the window glass, his eyes widened as he suddenly, finally realized the third detail that was off.

Everyone.....was too young. They were all back in their teens.

Sitting up, Midoriya examines his own reflection in shock; it was like back then. Messier hair, wide huge eyes, tiny but strong frame.

He was...somehow back in his teenager body.

”Wh...wha...WHAAAT?!”

His loud yell probably alarmed half of the hospital.

Chapter Text

He was having a headache.

It wasn’t unusual per say, Tenko had those often.

This one was worse however as it wasn’t simply a physical pain.

No, his headache was currently resting in a hospital bed, and nobody knew why he was acting so bizarre.

Last evening he’d apparently alerted half the staff with sudden random yelling fit, panicking over random things about being a teenager or so, muttering out some weird shit before the mental exhaustion had knocked him out. Apparently the X-rays showed no damage, so now they were considering perhaps some sort of Quirk had caused it, some sort of mind confusion thing or something.

They’d decided to not inform his mother about this yet, just claiming that Midoriya was still too exhausted to really hold a conversation. It wasn’t strictly true, but everyone seemed to understand the need to not alarm Inko.

Tenko got it too, even if part of him felt miffed about it.

He liked Inko, she was a nice lady, the kind of mum he wished he’d had, instead of being abandoned like the way he was.

Shaking his head, Tenko curls up further into a ball on his bed, hood tucked over his head. Dad still wasn’t home, likely still dealing with paperwork and school stuff and whatever it was he did now. After retiring, he didn’t exactly go around punching villains trough walls and shit.

Grumbling, Tenko shifts and squeezes his eyes tight, feeling something unpleasant tug in his chest. He hated being alone like this, especially with the current situation. Dad had told him he could’ve stayed with him until they went home, or stayed at the dorms, but he’d felt to need to be alone for a bit.

However, now it began to be too much.

A beep on his phone caught his attention, and Tenko glances at it. It was from dad, informing him he’d be held for another two hours due to some extra work that had appeared regarding to this whole fiasko. He sent a single ’ok’ as a reply and went right back to sulking.

Then, he lifts his gaze again, and after a moment of hesitation, sends another message.

He doesn’t wait for a reply, knows he doesn’t have to.

A while later, Tenko could hear his window open, cool evening air causing him to shiver. He doesn’t move an inch as his visitor steps in trough the window and closes it behind him, before pacing next to his bed.

”You look like a surly kitten curled up like that.”

Dabi chuckles, gaining a middle finger from within the sour Tenko roll.

The stitched man rolls his eyes, shrugging off his coat to the chair in front of Tenko’s table, before sitting down behind him.

”C’mon, open up fer a bit so I can get this off you.”

His tone was flirty, but the hands brushing against him were gentle, and after a while Tenko reluctantly uncurls himself, allowing Dabi to tug off the over sized cat sweater he was wearing. Underneath was just a simple, long sleeved black shirt that was very thin so it was cold as fuck. It didn’t matter though, as moments later a living space heater lied down beside him, wrapping his strong arms around the skinny frame, tugging the pouting mess against his warm body.

Tenko could soon feel the familiar touch of lips brushing against the back of his neck, making him shiver a bit, though not out of cold. The pyromaniac often did this for him when he was feeling shaky and upset. It had taken a while for Dabi to gain this privilege, but Tenko was honestly glad he'd allowed him so close, because he was so warm, and the warmth really helped his frazzled nerves every time.

Dabi’s fingers traced circles on his stomach, and he kept kissing the pale surface under his lips up until Tenko began to uncurl properly, his tense frame relaxing slowly into the warm hold.

This always helped when he was on a bad mood, and Dabi was more than happy to help him ease up. Hell, he was ready to do a lot of things for this dried mophead that, despite his flaws, managed to look like a fucking fairytale princess in his eyes.

Tenko hated it when he called him princess though. Which is exactly why he kept doing it, pissing him off was fun, at least Dabi was fairly sure Tenko wouldn’t actually decay his face off even if he threatened it at times.

”Fuck, I hope its some stupid quirk. Dad’s really spooked by it too.”

”Well, it’s the most likely don’t cha think?”

Dabi mutters out, nuzzling against the light blue locks.

Fuck they were always so soft....

”I can’t stop but think I did something to freak him out, and now I’m just...thinking of the past few days over and over, but I can't think of anything and it’s driving me nuts!”

”I thought you were nuts already.”

Tenko huffs and elbows him a little, but then settles right back into the warm hold. His irritation towards Dabi’s awful humor just didn’t justify getting rid of the pleasant warmth behind him, clearly.

”I just...I don’t want to see that face on him, ever.”

The black haired male tightens his grip lightly, hearing the shakiness in Tenko’s voice. Yeah, he didn’t blame the mophead for being upset about this. From what he’d gathered, the broccoli kid was one of the first people to point out the good stuff Tenko could do with his quirk, one of the first to not show an inch of fear the first time he learned what it was, but instead get all excited and ask billion questions about it. The only other person who'd done so before Midoriya - minus the whole getting excited and asking questions part - was that sleepy purple kid, whatshisface.

Hitodi, Hitomi?

Something like that.

When you were used to being thought of as having villainous power, that kinda shit left an impact, having someone not automatically treat you as a threat just because of a quirk.

Not that he'd thought of Tenko’s quirk as evil either the first time. He was a bit spooked by it initially, but honestly, it was the good kind of spooks.

The quirk was cool, and while Tenko was a skinny ass mophead, he was surprisingly strong.

Dabi wasn't even mad he'd gotten his ass handed to him by the pale man the first time they met, it had been really badass in his eyes. 

”They’ll figure that shit out alright? I bet it’s some quirk that’s messing with his brain.”

Dabi wasn’t the best with consoling people honestly, but at least his presence alone seemed to help as Tenko let out a sigh and relaxed a little, tilting his head slightly.

”I don’t remember telling you to stop.”

He mutters out gaining an amused chuckle, and Dabi continues his earlier attentions, nuzzling against the pale neck.

”So there really wasn’t anyone with a mental quirk among them?”

Aizawa sighs as he confirms the answer to the man for the third time. He didn’t blame Toshinori by any means, he was highly concerned about this as well as Midoriya was his student. However, he was basically All Might’s younger son, so in a way having Toshinori’s concern be worse made sense.

It still didn’t stop it from being a bit irritating when one had to repeat themselves three times.

”Yes. At least not amongst those in the building. Kota couldn’t remember hearing or seeing anyone like that either.”

Aizawa informs him, pouring himself more coffee.

They were at the teacher’s lounge, and it was late; he honestly wanted to go to sleep already, but due to this current crisis and media hustle over the building collapse, children kidnapping, Midoriya’s state and whatnot, they were forced to stay behind to review all the evidence they had. Media was already hounding them about ’putting kids in danger’ when in truth, Midoriya had acted on his own again once he’d found out where the bad guy base was.

That kid surely was a headache.

Then again, Aizawa had a hunch the person who GAVE that information for Midoriya was likely this one tall, skinny slushie loving pale boy that had also conveniently been there to save Midoriya from getting crushed as the building went down. Honestly, Aizawa wondered if Toshinori just was that oblivious about his son’s sneaking around habits, or if he just turned blind eye. Tenko was quite troublesome, not like Midoriya who rushed into action head first without care for his own well-being, but because he was too smart and curious for his own good sometimes. 

Regardless, they’d omitted Tenko’s involvement for his own good, not the least because he didn’t have a hero license, and wasn’t even enrolled into heroics.

”I wonder if that person perhaps escaped before we caught them.”

Toshinori muses, accepting the cup of coffee from Aizawa, who sits down to the couch opposite of him.

”Not likely, but it is the most logical conclusion currently; we need to monitor his condition to see where it goes.”

Toshinori hums, examining his coffee for a bit. His eyes drifted towards his phone for a bit, part of him feeling guilty for leaving Tenko by himself for so long. It was no longer a security issue, but rather he knew better than to assume the boy wouldn’t be having some emotional trouble right now. He’d said he needed time alone, but Toshinori knew there was limitations to how long he could deal with it, and he worried that threshold was passed already.

”He’d have called you if he felt troubled.”

Aizawa tells him calmly after noticing where the man was looking.

Toshinori sighs and mutters out an apology, finally drinking his coffee. The sleepy teacher always made it a tad too bitter for his taste, but given how hard it had been to make at least acquaintances with the man, he didn’t dare to refuse.

But yes, Aizawa was likely correct.

Tenko still kept to himself a lot, but he’d reached the point where if he was truly upset, he’d immediately call him, or someone he knew to come and inform him.

It had warmed his heart, the first time the boy had reached out to him himself when he’d been upset. He’d been thirteen or so, and gotten such a bad nightmare that he’d woken Toshinori up and hesitantly asked to sleep next to him.

After that, Tenko had began to open up to him more. After meeting Midoriya, his mental condition had improved even further, giving the boy a boost of confidence so that he now spoke his mind more openly. His words could be a tad harsh though.

”All Might, you should go home.”

Aizawa finally sighs upon noticing the man glance at his cell for the fourth time.

”You’re already concerned for Midoriya, it doesn’t help having you worry about Tenko as well.”

Aizawa tells him sternly, his tone reminding Toshinori of the one he used with his students.

The blond man hums and nods, thanking him for the coffee before putting the cup away and getting his things.

”We’ll keep an eye on Midoriya and inform you of any changes. Physically he’s doing fine so we might be able to transfer him to the U.A facilities.”

”Yes, thank you Aizawa. You should head home too soon, your family must be worried.”

The black haired man shrugs at that, drinking his coffee. Toshinori was fairly certain that Hizashi and Hitoshi would probably have to pick up their sleepy parent from work themselves, but that was fine. He’d rather not have Aizawa drive when he was this tired.

”Good night Aizawa-kun.”

”Night.”

The man mutters, already sleepy.

By the time Toshinori gets to his vehicle, he could already see Hizashi heading his way. He looked quite different with his hair down and more casual clothes. Toshinori just nods back towards the building, gaining an eyeroll from the voice hero.

”Of course my darling would be falling asleep on the teacher’s lounge! I swear I should never let him try to come home by himself! I always end up having to pick him up!” The man laughs, his voice quieter than during the day.

”Somehow I doubt you mind.”

Hizashi’s smile turns softer and he nods a bit.

”Hey, say hi to the grumpy kitty for me!”

He suddenly declares, patting All Might’s shoulder before heading inside with a whistle.

The man watches after his colleague for a moment, before sighing and stepping into his car, heading home. Maybe he should make some pancakes for Tenko. It was a heavy evening snack, but would probably help his mood, and it wasn’t like he had school to go tomorrow.

After the whole situation with All For One...

Tenko still hadn't felt stable enough to go back to his studies.

The house was quiet as he entered, just a dim atmosphere light lit in the corner of the living room.

There was one on each room, as Tenko sort of preferred to soft illumination they provided, especially when he was having a bad day.

Currently, the pale boy was curled up on to the couch, wrapped into his large and fluffy cat blanket.

There probably wasn’t an object he had that wasn’t somehow cat themed. It was clear Hitoshi-slash-Aizawa influence, not that he minded.

He had a steaming cup in his hands, probably hot cocoa or so. He looks up at his dad and waves a bit, before bringing his attention back to the warm drink. With a sigh, Toshinori puts his coat and shoes away, walking to the kitchen. Tenko had left bit of a mess while making his cocoa, so he takes his time to clean it up, before joining his son on the couch. Over the years he’d spent raising the child, he’d learned to read his moods rather well and could tell when he was allowed in his personal space, and when not.

After a moment, Tenko leans against his shoulder, and Toshinori notes he was wearing his gloves again.

Tenko didn’t exactly like them, but when he was feeling upset, he tended to put them on to make sure he didn’t accidentally destroy anything. Granted, if he got too angry he tended to rip them off mindlessly to destroy something, though usually he managed to stop himself now before he actually decayed anything. The hospital scene was a clear sign just how upset he'd been.

Regardless, since the gloves were a measure he felt he had to take, he’d chosen to have some really comfy ones too - cat paw themed of course - instead of...instead of the ugly white ones he wore as a kid. Toshinori had told him he didn't have to wear them if he didn't want to, the boy had learned to be careful with his hands, but Tenko had chosen to keep them just in case. He still tried to avoid wearing them as much as possible, but...well, recently he'd done it more often again, likely because of what happened few months back.

”Long day?”

The boy asks quietly, not lifting his gaze from his hot chocolate.

”Yes. What else would you expect though.”

Toshinori huffs out a sigh, then smiles a bit.

”Thank you. While what you did was highly dangerous and reckless, without you Midoriya would’ve...”

Tenko snorts and looks up at him dryly.

”Since you half-adopted that brat basically - without my initial permission mind you - I figured I have no choice but to make sure he lives long enough to live up to One for All’s name.”

Despite his blank expression and harsh words, the irritation was only halfhearted at this point.

Much to former number one hero’s relief, Tenko had eventually grown to like Midoriya despite the icy start.

”I’d still prefer if you called him Izuku or Midoriya instead of a brat.”

”I’ll stop calling him a brat once he stops being one.”

”Tenko.”

Toshinori’s tone is scolding, but it was halfhearted too; they both knew the green haired boy didn’t fit the description of a brat, and Tenko just had a habit of calling him that, a habit he admittedly was trying to lose slowly.

”They’ll move him to the U.A facilities hopefully tomorrow. Physically he’s fine enough for it.”

Tenko sighs and sips his drink, unsure if that was a relief or not. Sure, it was likely safer than average hospital, but...

”Have you gone outside perhaps?”

He’s startled away from his thoughts upon hearing his parent’s question, and looks up at the blond, who was examining him curiously.

”........How so?”

”Ah, it’s just...goodness me maybe I’m just imagining things, but, there seems to be an outdoor smell to you.”

Tenko hums, drinking his cocoa again. It was probably a leftover from Dabi, but he could explain that away easily.

”It’s probably just your own stench getting stuck on me; you just came from outside anyway.”

Toshinori laughs, figuring he had a point. ”I suppose, though I don’t remember passing by any smoking areas or so...”

Shit.

Tenko tries to remain calm, but inwardly he couldn’t stop but curse.

Damn Dabi and the ashy stench he always carried.

He really, really hoped his dad would drop it.

He wasn’t really ready to talk about his secret friend....okay fine, BOYFRIEND, yet.

”It’s late dad. We should probably go to bed.”

”....Ah, true. I was hoping to make some pancakes for you, but I’ll do it in the morning.”

The blond ruffles his hair a little, then gets up, rubbing his back a little. He’d been sitting around far too much today. Tenko watches as he walks back to the kitchen, probably to grab something small to eat before bed. Someday he’ll have to tell him, but not yet.

The next morning - or Midoriya assumed it was next morning, he wasn’t certain how long he was out of it - the face that greeted him was his former - current? - homeroom teacher.

Aizawa hadn’t changed much back from these days. He looked about the same in the...future?

He was still confused.

”How are you?”

The tired teacher asks, hands in his pockets. It was...a little intimidating even now to have his teacher stare down at him like this. Even after leaving school, he still held high respect to Eraserhead, they all did. According to their other teachers, they were his favorite class, for all the trouble they’d caused, apparently.

”Better, just...confused I suppose.”

Midoriya mutters, looking at his bandaged arms. This was definitely not his adult body, he’d near forgotten how small he used to be. Not that he was highly tall by any means, but he had grown quite a bit from the tiny frame he used to have - or had right now.

”Can you perhaps recall what happened exactly before you passed out?”

”I...I’m not sure.”

Aizawa lifts eyebrow at him and sits down to the free chair, examining him closely. It was a bit spooky even without his quirk activated, but Midoriya knew he was doing this only because he was concerned. All Might was a great mentor and parental figure, but even Midoriya had to admit, Aizawa was pretty damn close. Where All Might parented him, Aizawa parented all of them.

He was the second dad of whole class of 1A.

”You headed out on your own after finding out where the child kidnappers’ base was. A fight ensued and the building began to collapse as a result.”

Huh?

Kidnappers?

Sure, a building had collapsed on him, but...that wasn’t what he’d been doing.

”Lucky for you, Bakugou and few others followed you after hearing where you’d headed off to. They managed to help getting the kids out before any of them was injured, but you got stuck on the lower floors.”

”Kacchan came to help me?”

Aizawa seems equally confused about his confusion, and just nods.

”Yes. He’s still reeling over the fact he couldn’t reach you on time. You owe Tenko a huge apology and a thank you by the way.”

Eh?

Wait, hadn’t Kacchan mentioned something like...

”You seriously don’t remember him saving you? Tenko said you were conscious when he carried you out.”

The tired man’s frown grows, and Midoriya didn’t know what to say. The events didn’t connect with the memory he had at all.

”....What do you remember?”

Right, All Might had asked this question earlier, but he didn't have the chance to answer thanks to his friends and Recovery Girl interrupting the conversation.

”I....we were tracking down a villain base yes, but...it wasn’t...at least I don’t think there was child kidnappings involved, just an unknown quirk.”

Midoriya mutters out holding his chin, trying to organize his thoughts. The events Aizawa described were different from what he recalled. Not just that, but Kacchan’s weird behavior, Shigaraki being called Tenko and apparently not being a villain, and his body being that of a teenager?

Maybe...there had been rumors the villain had some sort of warp gate type quirk, but maybe instead of locations, it sent people into other dimensions or something? Or maybe it was an elaborate dream he was having, and his sleepiness was the result of his mind trying to force him to wake up from this bizarre place? Or maybe he was... dead or dying and this was just a bizarre halluci....

”Midoriya, stop mumbling.”

The green haired figure freezes, realizing he’d once again spoken out loud. This habit had not gone anywhere even after he hit 18 and became an adult.

”S-sorry I just...not a lot makes sense to me right now.”

Aizawa hums but says nothing. He had always been hard to read, but Midoriya had learned by now that there was often a lot going on behind the calm visage.

”Well, either way. You should apologize to Tenko for freaking out on him, he takes it very badly, especially from you. Naturally, also thank him for saving you.”

Aizawa eventually comments with a sigh and gets up.

As he opens the door, Midoriya is greeted by a bunch of his friends, caught red handed trying to listen in to the room. Their teacher says nothing, just rolls his eyes and leaves, allowing the class to pour in. This time it was only Uraraka, Todoroki, Iida, and....Shinsou? he hadn't seen the purple mind controller in a while as he'd gone overseas for a specific task.

”Good morning Midoriya, I am glad to see you are doing better!”

Iida greets him in his usual loud fashion, swinging his hand around in chopping motion. It was a habit he hadn’t gotten rid of even after becoming a pro.

”Morning Iida, I’m sorry for scaring you all.”

Midoriya comments with a smile.

”Here, figured you’d be hungry, and the hospital food can be terrible!”

Uraraka tells him, holding a bag that seemed to have a lunch sandwich in it. Midoriya accepts it a bit unsure, wondering if it was okay for him to eat it.

”Thank you. I appreciate it.”

Uraraka beams at him, and Midoriya can't stop but blush, averting his eyes a little. Her smile was always overwhelmingly positive, apparently some thought it rivaled his own which somehow was also ’made of sunshine and rainbows’ as some put it.

”You should have told us where you were going from the start.”

Todoroki tells him with his usual bluntness. There was no scolding in his tone, no anger, he was just stating a fact.

”Yeah, honestly, blastyface nearly attacked Tenko when he found out what he’d told you.”

Shinsou adds in all of a sudden, and everybody seems to shudder, recalling the incident Midoriya had no knowledge of.

”I don’t often worry for Bakugou’s safety, but...”

Uraraka cuts herself off and bites her lip, glancing at the green haired boy unsure.

”We’re not gonna lie, Tenko was pretty mad. He thought you’d have gone and told the pros about it instead of rushing off on your own.”

Shinsou sounded like he was scolding Midoriya now, and the green haired boy wanted to point out he was a pro. Except, he apparently wasn’t right now for some reason.

”......Why’d he tell me his findings instead of the pros?”

Midoriya mutters out without thinking, and the group glance at each other, then at Shinsou for some reason. The purple haired Aizawa junior sighs and rubs his eyes. He managed to somehow look even more tired than what was his default expression.

”I’m guessing he didn’t want his dad to find out he’d been snooping, and the only one more directly involved in the situation that he could trust was you. He probably would’ve told me instead if he could’ve.”

Oh. Uhm.

Midoriya had no clue how to take that information, what it even meant.

”Say...what exactly was going on? I...can’t seem to remember.”

The group look at him shocked, but then seem to understand; after a moment, Todoroki speaks up, his explanation as to the point as usual.

”A group of villains had been kidnapping children with strong quirks. You happened to witness one of these kidnappings and managed to save the child. Unfortunately, he was kidnapped again so you rushed in to save him because you felt you’d broken a promise.”

Midoriya blinks.

That was...yeah, it was completely different from what he recalled.

Not just from what recently happened, but what he recalled from his past.

”Tenko had been snooping around about these kidnappers apparently, and located their base.”

Shinsou adds in, and that was the bit he still couldn’t wrap his head around.

Why was Shigaraki such a huge part of this?

Why was everyone talking about him like he was.... a friend?

”He should have told the pros instead! He should have predicted you’d rush off on your own!”

Iida declares, swinging his arm about again, his entire being scolding Midoriya about his apparent rash actions.

”Hey, c’mon man; I get why Tenko chose not to. He’s still not exactly the most trusting towards majority of pros.”

”But he trusts his parent and yours, right?”

Uraraka points out with a concerned frown, and Shinsou shrugs, rubbing his hair awkwardly.

”I think...he just didn’t wanna be questioned how he’d found this shit out. I doubt his dad's aware how much he snoops around...”

Midoriya could tell everyone seemed to get what he meant, as they just remained quiet with uneasy expressions on their faces.

”Well, regardless; eat up your lunch! We’ll have to hurry to the classes now.”

Uraraka tells him, and the group waves Midoriya goodbye, who watches them go.

With a sigh, he unwraps the sandwich and eats it, having to admit it tasted much better than hospital food. The food improved his mood a bit, but the boy was still confused about his situation. However, he had a strong hunch. This had to relate to that villain’s unknown Quirk. Perhaps it had indeed either sent him to another world where people were different, or he was having a vivid dream.

Both options were unnerving, as he had no clue in what condition his actual body was.

Sunken deep into his musings, Midoriya didn’t notice the door opening again until the figure was already standing in the room. Like last time, he initially stiffens with fear upon seeing Shiga....Tenko standing on the doorway. He was now wearing a navy blue hooded jacket with the hood tucked over his head, and a paw-print white T-shirt.

He also had what strangely looked like an all might scarf around his neck, at least the colors indicated so.

For a moment neither of them spoke.

Then, Midoriya forced himself to relax. Right, if his theory was true, this one wasn’t a villain and probably wouldn’t hurt him. ...right?

Wordlessly, Tenko walks towards his bed, and the green haired boy tries his best not to freak out as he pulls out the chair and slumps to sit on it, glaring daggers at him. As the silence mounted, Midoriya grew more and more nervous, although...seeing him up close he noted that Tenko had some curious differences to Shigaraki he knew.

He was still pale, had messy hair and dry lips, but he didn’t look as...sickly.

It was the best way you could put it as it was such a subtle difference.

The mess of his hair seemed more intentional and less like he just never took care of it. The crimson red eyes that initially terrified him with their glare, it now reminded Midoriya more of Kacchan’s anger, which to be fair, was still scary, but nowhere near as much.

”You’re so fucking dumb, I swear.”

Tenko finally breaks the silence with a huff, also breaking the eye-contact and allowing Midoriya to breathe a little easier.

The green teen just shrugs, not knowing what he should say, what he was expected to say.

”Then again, I’m dumber for telling you instead of just...”

Tenko trails off and rubs his eyes, suddenly sounding tired.

”.....Sho-cha.....Todoroki-kun told me earlier that...you...”

Red eyes snap back at him and Midoriya shuts up, trailing his gaze down. The pale hands were so close, he could easily grab his wrist and disintegrate it to ashes. Except, he seemed to be wearing gloves of sorts again, which blocked his ability. In the back of his head Midoriya pondered if he’d chosen to wear them again to ease his mind, or if he just had a habit of doing so when he was not planning bloody murder.

He’d fought against Shigaraki so many times, but couldn’t claim he knew the man that intimately.

”Yes. I found the base. I know, I should’ve just...told dad, or your Sensei, but...”

he sighs again and rubs his eyes, his free hand reaching for his neck to scratch it, before he abruptly stops and pulls it back swiftly, as if realizing he wasn’t supposed to do that.

”Shinsou said something about you not trusting the pros.”

Tenko looks up at him and blinks.

”....You don’t...Brat I’ve TOLD you about this! You don’t remember even that?!”

His sudden outburst was enough to make Midoriya squeak and back away, which in turn seemed to piss him off more, though Tenko chose to back off instead, pacing around the room for a bit to settle down.

”Alright, fine, it doesn’t matter. It’s not your fault your stupid brain is mangled.”

The pale figure mutters out eventually, sucking in a deep breath. His hand again rose to scratch his neck, before being tugged away again almost if he was burned. Midoriya began to wonder, if it was some sort of nervous tick, a habit he was working on breaking.

”Well, it kind of is on one hand, but nobody expected this kind of thing to happen.”

He continues, but seems to be talking to himself now rather than Midoriya.

The green teen takes the moment to examine Tenko more closely. Aside from his face, there were actually a few more differences; it was subtle too, but he was better built, not thin like a skeleton.

It was easier to tell now with this outfit that didn’t sag so much.

He....he seemed to be taking better care of himself in other words.

Eventually, the red eyes land back onto him, and Tenko seems calmer now.

”Uhm....I guess, I should apologize for....you know.”

The pale figure says nothing, just gazes at him quietly. The calmness was honestly scarier than freaky smirks or anger, but Midoriya kept himself calm. It shouldn’t be this hard, but apparently this teenager body had made him more sensitive again.

”Also...thanks for saving me.”

”......You’re acting like it’s somehow big of a surprise.”

Midoriya blinks, looking at Tenko confused who was now smiling.

An actual smile, not a wide, goofy pretend smile or the creepy vicious grin he’d seen during their first official meeting.

This was a genuine one.

”Well, uhm....can’t say I remember much. Everything is kind of fragmented right now...”

”Yeah, figured so.”

After Tenko left, a doctor came in to inform him he’d be moved to the U.A facilities for security reasons. Midoriya wasn’t sure what those were, but he was glad about going back to U.A. At least, he hoped it was mostly similar to what he recalled.

As it turned out, this U.A wasn’t much different. The only notable difference on the building itself was that it seemed to be mirrored, but otherwise everything was the same. He was allowed to go and stay in his dorm room, though he’d been given strict instructions to not take part on physical exams, and likely wasn’t going to join on any lessons until they figured out the apparent issue with his memories and confusion.

There was one big surprise on the dorm room itself though, namely with the inhabitants.

Well, two, but the second one was kind of expected to him, just not this way.

First surprise-but-not-really was the fact Shinsou was now part of their class, and by the looks of it, part of his closer friendship circles, ’Dekusquad’ as they were sometimes called.

(Though, it seemed that the lines weren’t as strict around here, namely because Kacchan’s relationship with him seemed to be better somehow)

As for the second surprise....

”Mineta is gone, did you forget that too?”

Uraraka asks a bit concerned, and Midoriya didn’t know how else to respond, so he nods.

”Oh my gaawd! You can't be serious! It was you cutely creepy big bro who got him kicked out!”

Ashido pipes in from the couch, flashing him a bright grin. She was currently watching a movie with the bakusquad, though Bakugou seemed to be asleep, head lolling against Kirishima’s shoulder, who Midoriya noted seemed more than happy about it.

”Yeah, Tenko figured out he was behind the whole shit-show, where that slimy little bastard hid his secret stash and made him confess in front of everyone, it was pretty cool.”

Jirou explains with an equal smirk.

Midoriya didn’t know how to feel honestly: Mineta was...bad, but he’d hoped he’d grown as a person. He didn't really know about his own world's one, for he was the only one who hadn't kept in touch after graduating, not that anyone seemed to miss him. Apparently at least in this world, he hadn’t learned his lesson.

”It was super freaky though! Tenko was sounding like some scary supervillain from some movie! I swear he made Mineta pee his pants!”

Kaminari tags on, gaining a laugh from the pink girl.

”Yeah, it was spooooopy. Aizawa-sensei said he overdid it.”

She made a gesture with her hands and began to tickle Kaminari, and soon enough there was a full blown tickle war going on in the couch, up until Bakugou woke up and growled all them to shut the fuck up.

He then spotted Midoriya, and for the first time since ages, didn’t instantly flip his shit. the blond just frowns at them and told the group gruffly that they should ’clean Deku’s damn room because he left a mess when he dashed out like a reckless idiot.’

Indeed, as Midoriya entered his old dorm room, he noted it was indeed messy. Papers and notes thrown about, pencils on the floor, clothes as well. Some of his figurines were even on the floor, making it seem like he’d swiped them down in frustration, or maybe he’d just ran into the shelf.

”We’ll help you clean.”

Shinsou tells him calmly, and while he had joined their course during their last year, it was still bizarre to have him there already, as it seemed they were only on their second year currently. It was bizarre but welcome, Midoriya had liked Shinsou from the start, nearly all of them had. Well, maybe not Kacchan, but even he had to respect Shinsou's skill and smarts.

The group then begun tidying up the place while chatting about casually. Namely, Uraraka and Iida made the most noise, whereas Todoroki and Shinsou commented only occasionally. Midoriya just kept quiet, he didn’t really have much to say, he didn’t know how he was expected to be responding.

”Midoriya, are you alright?”

The green haired boy jumps upon hearing Todoroki’s voice beside him, and he looks up at the turquoise eyes, managing to smile.

”I’m okay, still...processing I suppose.”

The two-toned boy examines him for a moment, then nods, continuing his task of putting the All Might figurines on his shelf. Midoriya had almost forgotten how quiet Sho-chan had been. Not that he talked much now, but he was no longer this mute. After the group was done, Sero popped up to inform them about a movie night.

”Excellent idea, I think spending time together will help Midoriya clear his mind of recent occurrences!”

Iida comments in his usual loud manner, gaining a chuckle from Izuku.

”Well, we’ll be selecting the movie so if you wanna have a chance at deciding, head down now!”

Sero tells them before hurrying back downstairs.

”C’mon Deku, let’s go before they choose something terrible! I refuse to watch any more of those boring educational films Iida made us watch last time. I bet he has more in store and is itching to show them!”

”Uraraka!”

Iida splutters adjusting his glasses, gaining a snickering laugh from the aforementioned girl. Uraraka then tugs on his arm, so Midoriya has no choice but to follow. Uraraka was strong for her size, even Kacchan respected that. In the end, they picked some random action flick from Kaminari’s collection, namely because it was the only one most had seen and deemed safe enough for even Koda to watch.

The seating arrangement caused a bit of an issue though: there weren’t enough seats for everybody so some went for the floor, dragging a mattress there for comfort. This on itself wasn’t an issue, but rather the fact there was a noticeable empty spot on the couch, beside Kirishima and Bakugou.

”Heyy Midoriya, c’mon let’s watch!”

Kirishima tells him enthusiastically, gesturing at the empty spot on the couch. The green teen glances at the blond unsure, given the spot was right next to him. Eventually his hesitance began to annoy Bakugou enough that he grabbed his wrist and pulled him down to sit there.

”As if we’d make your shitty ass sit on the floor after all that.”

He mutters, putting some distance between them.

Midoriya said nothing to that, tugging his legs to the couch as well and focusing his attention to the TV instead. Despite his initial unease, he was eventually sucked into watching the movie, and briefly seemed to forget the bizarre situation he was in. He wasn’t supposed to be there. Sitting on the couch, beside Kacchan of all people, watching a movie in their school dorms as a teenager. He was supposed to be the pro hero Deku, out and about, saving lives.

After a while, heaviness settled behind his eyelids, despite the fact he’d been doing nothing but sleeping. He felt his body tilt, and realized belatedly he was leaning against Kacchan now. The blond strangely didn’t seem to mind, as he didn’t even try to push him away.

”He must just be exhausted, don’t worry about it so much Katsuki.”

Kirishima watches the blond pace around his room, face in a deep frown. After the movie had ended they’d noted their friend was in too deep of a sleep to wake up, so Bakugou had carried him to his room, plopping him to the bed.

The blond eventually slumps down to sit beside Kirishima, still frowning.

”I just....shit he was a fucking bloody mess. I don’t...”

The redhead sighs and wraps an arm around the blond. He could tell Bakugou had been pretty badly shaken by what he’d seen back then; he'd been holding it in pretty long by now, not wanting to show any weakness to the rest of the class. Kirishima was the only one who got to see this side of him really.

The bloody, broken mess Tenko had carried out of the literal ashes of the building, they had honestly thought the idiot died.

For all of his gruff assholeness, Bakugou cared for his friends, and while he and Deku didn’t see eye-to-eye a lot of times, Midoriya was still his childhood friend, and Kirishima had noted since they’d met that the explosive teen held Izuku in special regard.

Namely, he had this bizarre way of flipping between extremely harsh and protective. He cared for Deku yes, he was used to protecting him for so long, that now, now when Midoriya could protect himself and even rivaled Bakugou in strength...

The change had been drastic so it was hard for him to process even now. At least, that's what Katsuki had told him once when he'd pressed him about his weird love-hate relationship with Midoriya. He didn't really intend to be an asshole towards Deku, he just...he didn't know how to react at times.

”Hey, he’s okay, he’s alive. Sure, Midoriya’s little confused right now and has memory holes, but he’s breathing.”

Kirishima reassures him, and doesn’t resist when Bakugou shifts to hug him firmly, hiding his face against his shoulder.

As he pets the blond hair, Kirishima couldn’t stop but wonder if Midoriya was aware how bad it actually had been.

He had not just almost died.

He’d been dead for few minutes, before they managed to restart his heart.

That shit really fucked up a lot of them, even if they attempted to be as normal as possible. Naturally, aside from his family, Katsuki was the one most affected by it, though only Kirishima was aware of this.

”C’mon man, we need to go to bed, it’s late and we got classes tomorrow. Aizawa sensei will punish us if we’re late."

Bakugou grumbles against him, then just flips them onto his bed.

Kirishima struggles against the tight hold, but he honestly didn’t have the heart to leave right now. So, he settles in and holds the blond, pressing his nose into the messy hair. It was the same as that night, when they’d been operating on Midoriya. Bakugo hadn’t been able to sleep at all so Kirishima had stayed with him, just holding him like this. It eventually helped and the blond had fallen asleep.

It seemed to help now too as he could feel Bakugo’s breathing calm slowly, until he was in deep slumber.

Kirishima closes his eyes with a sigh, figuring there was no point in changing into his pajamas.

Not when he was being used as a therapy teddy bear.

(this is actually a recent redraw, hence it looks better than many other works included in this fic that are older)

Chapter Text

The morning was bizarre.

Everything was as back then, except it wasn’t really supposed to be going on.

The early risers - namely Iida, Momo and Bakugou - had already gone out for a morning run, and less enthusiastic morning people were trying to keep their eyes open long enough to make breakfast. Midoriya was an early raiser so he was fine, but unlike what he’d normally do, he didn’t head out for a run, instead choosing to observe his friends and see if there were any differences from those he knew. Majority was the same honestly.

Sho-chan made the same tea he always did, preferring to drink it in his room. Koda fed his rabbit first before getting breakfast. Kirishima was cooking for two, since he had a habit of making Bakugo’s food as well in the morning, or vise versa. Unlike bakugou however, Kirishima would cook for more people if asked, but by default he always made two.

The only major difference was Shinsou drinking his coffee on the couch, though the only thing different from his memory was the timing, the sight was couple years too early.

Midoriya couldn’t stop but feel nostalgic; it had been a while since he’d been here, in this dorm, with all his friends and classmates buzzing about.

”Oh morning Midoriya! I made something for you too!”

Kirishima calls out suddenly, and the green haired figure blinks confused.

Kirishima flashes him his sharky grin and winks.

”Katsuki asked to give his portion to you, he wasn’t that hungry this morning.”

The redhead explains, turning his attention back to the bacon and eggs he was cooking.

”He had a rough night so he figured he couldn’t stomach it anyway.”

He adds a little softer as Midoriya walks to him, who looks up at him confused. Kirishima remains quiet for a bit, then sighs with a smile. It wasn’t his usual, this one had edges.

”Not gonna lie; what happened to you, Katsuki was pretty upset. We all were, you almost died.”

He glances up at Midoriya, who looks down, muttering out an apology. Kirishima shakes his head with a laugh, poking him with his spatula.

”Its fine. You’re alive and kicking so he’ll be fine. I’d be more concerned of your bro than Katsuki.”

”Huh?’

Kirishima looks at him confused.

”Tenko, you know? He was the one who carried you out and stayed in the hospital the whole time while they were operating on you. He was in bad shape too but...he refused to leave, even after they stabilized him enough to allow him to go home.”

”Hey, Kiri, could you make us some too, pleeeease?”

Ashido interrupts them, giving the boy her best puppy eyes, and Kirishima laughs, nodding.

”You gotta wait for your turn though.”

He informs the girl, gaining a pouty look from her.

”So, you should probably talk with Tenko to make sure he’s alright. Out of us, only Shinsou knows how to deal with him, and he pretty much said we should let you handle it now that you’re awake.”

Kirishima finishes, shooing Ashido away who was trying to steal some of the food. Midoriya just nods, not knowing what to say to that. The breakfast had been pretty good, and Kacchan had seemed satisfied he’d eaten it. The blond hadn’t said anything, just glanced at him and smirked. Despite his calmness, Midoriya could spot the dark circles under his eyes, hints towards the ’rough night’ as Kirishima put it.

Whatever situation this Midoriya had been in, he’d clearly worried some of his close ones.

He just never expected one of them to be Kacchan.

This Midoriya was lucky.

Kacchan aside however.... As Izuku walked back to his room, he dug trough his stuff to see if he could gain any clues about what kind of person this Midoriya was exactly.

There didn’t seem to be huge differences, but still.

As he looks trough his books and notes, he suddenly spots something surprising. An old, worn out notebook that looked a bit burnt from the edges. What made him gasp and stare at it was the fact he recognized it. This was the same notebook.

It was the one Kacchan had burned.

Except, this one clearly wasn’t destroyed, aside from slight blackening on the edges.

Flipping trough it, Midoriya felt his eyes tear up. All those notes from back then, they were there.

About pro heroes, his class mates, all of it.

The bully was holding the notebook far from his reach, and Izuku tried to reach for it, hopping up to save his precious notes. The taller boy laughed, then threw the notebook around between his friends, forcing Izuku to run after them, tears blurring his vision.

”Give it back!”

”why should we? you just write nasty things about us into these!”

Midoriya sniffles and attempts to reach for the book in mid-air, only to be knocked ontot he ground by the largest boy, who laughs at him and holds the book in front of him, yet out of reach.

”If you want this back so bad, why don’t you try a little harder, huh, Deku?”

The boy then kicks him, making the small boy stumble back, coughing.

”Oh wait you can’t, because you’re Quirkless!”

Midoriya tries to force his tears back, but he can’t; he has always been sensitive.

”J-just give it back! It’s not right to take someone’s things without their permission!”

”Shut up, nobody cares what some weak Deku thinks!”

before the boy could kick him again, a loud explosion is heard behind them, and the trio freezes, looking back at the ashy blonde that marches towards them, expression dangerously pissed.

”Kacchan…”

Midoriya just stares in awe as the blond yanks the book from the bully’s hands and then kicks him against a tree, before snarling at the group.

”FUCK RIGHT OFF YA BASTARDS! only I can call ’im Deku you shitheads!”

He adds some explosions for a further effect, and the group hurries away with metaphorical tails between their legs. Bakugou huffs then glances at the notebook, frowning a bit annoyed as he notes he’d burned the edges a little bit.

”Kacchan…”

”Shut up.”

The boy throws the notebook at him, then tugs Midoriya off the ground roughly, holding him by his collar and glaring down at the emerald eyes.

”Stop being such a fuckin’ crybaby! I can’t be saving your useless ass all the time!”

”I..I’m sorry…”

Midoriya cannot stop but sniff, no matter how much he forced it back.

Bakugou grumbles and lets go of him, turning on his heels and walking off with a grumble.

The green haired child looks down on his notebook. it was burned a bit from Kacchan’s explosions, but otherwise unharmed.

He couldn’t stop but smile, despite his tears.

Midoriya snaps out of it, looking around spooked.

What…what was that?

A flashback?

He looks back down at the notebook on his hands, and despite not really understanding what had just happened, he couldn’t stop the lump in his throat, and the weird sense of happiness he suddenly felt.

Kacchan hadn’t destroyed it.

This Kacchan hadn’t burned it.

He wipes his eyes for a bit, hating how he had to start weeping again. He still cried too easily, it wasn’t just this teenage form. Once his vision clears, he suddenly notes one of the books was open beside him, which wasn’t a big deal on itself, but what was on it, was. It was a page about Shiga- Tenko.

Despite what he’d been shown so far, he was still surprised to note he wasn’t tagged as a villain.

Curious, Midoriya picks up the notebook and gets up to sit down on his bed, looking trough the notes. They were similar to his notes on villain Shigaraki - it wasn’t surprising, they had the same Quirk apparently - but there were slight differences. Namely, the way he’d written was more in line with how he analyzed someone he respected, not feared.

It was a very subtle difference, and probably he was the only one who could see it, but it was there.

What caught his attention however, was a small bit he definitely hadn’t written in his own book about Shigaraki.

”Far-reach ability is rather useful, but also has more limitations than just direct contact; while he can destroy larger areas (needs to be in field of vision) it can cause severe damage to his body.”

Far reach?

That....sounded kind of scary.

There wasn’t much else written about it, and given this notebook seemed to be the newest, his younger self didn’t seem to know more about it yet. That sentence alone was terrifying though, because if it meant this Shigaraki - Tenko - could reach out with his ability somehow without the need for touching....

Midoriya jumps up as a voice gains his attention.

Soon, he realizes its his phone.

Cautiously, he picks it up, and recognizes the number instantly.; It was mum. Come to think of it, she hadn’t come to see him, which now when he thought of it was weird. Which, if this Inko was like his mum, could only mean one thing. Feeling a bit nervous, he answers the phone.

”H-hello? Mum?”

As expected, he could hear a loud bawling from the other side, and it took a moment for him to make out what his mother was saying. Not that he had to hear it, it was easy to guess.

”I was so worried! They wouldn’t tell me anything! I even threatened to cut back on All Might’s parent privileges, but nothing! It wasn’t until Tenko showed up this morning and told me what happened.”

The idea of a version of Shigaraki in his house, talking to his mum, was terrifying, even if this version seemed to be...not evil basically.

”How could they keep this from me? You almost died! You were dead for several minutes and they didn’t tell me!”

Midoriya freezes upon hearing that.

He’d been dead?

Actually dead?

”M-mum, I’m...I don’t know why they kept this from you, I’m sorry.”

For a moment all he heard was sniffling, but eventually Inko calms down enough to speak.

”Tenko told me...it was the principal. He...he told them not to tell me anything until they could be sure you’d survive. I guess he thought he’d be saving my emotions, but...”

She began to sniffle again, and Midoriya was at a loss. This explained Kacchan’s reaction even further, but still... it was bad.

”Please Izuku...come home.”

”I...yeah I guess I could visit.”

”No, I mean Come Home.”

The green haired boy remains quiet. He’d had a similar conversation with his mother before. She didn’t do this to be spiteful or mean or anything of the sort. She just didn’t want him to get hurt.

”Mum, you know I can’t. Besides, I’m okay, T-Tenko saved me.”

”Yes, I...officially Bakugo carried you out of the scene, but he did tell me he’d been the one to get you. He just...wanted to avoid public eye.”

The more he heard about this, the more Midoriya felt he had to speak with Tenko.

Everything else was semi familiar and understandable.

He wasn’t.

Tenko was a mystery of this strange puzzle, of this world that was so similar, yet not quite the same.

”Mum. I promise I’ll come visit as soon as they allow me to, but I won’t leave U.A.”

He couldn’t do that to his little self.

For a moment Inko remained quiet, then sighs.

”I was afraid you’d say that. I don’t....I don’t want to take away your dream, but...”

”Mum, I understand, believe me, but I can't just give up now. I’ve made it so far. I can’t let my friends down, or All Might, but most of all I cannot let myself down!”

His speech made Inko quiet, up until she sighs again, sounding resigned. He hated worrying his mum, she was great, she was the best mum he could’ve hoped, but he also knew he had to keep going.

”Tenko said he’ll be dropping by your dorm today after school, he...he promised to bring some things from me. I can't leave work to bring it myself...and he has a pass anyway so...”

Tenko had an ID for U.A?

Well...since he apparently was All Might’s son somehow, it made sense.

”Hey, I promise I come by soon! And since I’m kind of banned from leaving the grounds I cannot exactly get in trouble much can I? I’ll even ask Aizawa-Sensei to wrap me in bubble wrap just in case if needed.”

Inko manages to laugh a bit at that, letting out one last sniffle.

”I love you so much, Izuku.”

”Love you too mum.”

Pretty much as she said, Tenko appeared onto the dorm doors sometime in the evening.

The lounge area was mostly quiet, with just Shinsou curled up onto the couch reading a book and drinking coffee, and Jirou listening to music from her headphones on the other end while scrolling her phone. Bakusquad had gone out for shopping, namely because apparently the incident between Tenko and Kacchan hadn’t been resolved, so once they heard he was coming, they’d figured it was for the best if the two avoided each other for now.

Midoriya was chatting with Uraraka about her day when he felt a looming shadow beside him.

He couldn’t stop it, he jumped a bit and looked up at Tenko, who was giving him an unimpressed lift eyebrow. He was wearing the same jacket-pawprint T-shirt look from the other day, and had a bag over his shoulder.

”Ah, Tenko-kun, Izuku said you were coming!”

Uraraka greets him cheerfully, but the taller male just huffs and drops the bag next to Midoriya, before walking to the kitchen to make himself something.

”The hot cocoa supplies are on the upper left corner.”

Shinsou informs him from the couch without looking at them.

”Thanks.”

The pale figure mutters and reaches out for them.

Midoriya shook his gaze away from him and looked at the bag instead. It was one of his old all might bags, the one he’d used back in second grade. It was a little embarrassing, but also nostalgic. After he was done, Tenko walks to slump down beside Hitoshi, and Midoriya watches the two just drink their hot drinks in silence, up until Hitoshi puts the book away and pulls out his phone, showing something to Tenko from it.

The pale figure lets out a slight snort that soon turns into a snicker, and he leans closer to see better.

”....Those two sure get along well.”

Uraraka comments with a smile.

”Uh, yeah, I guess so.”

Midoriya mutters, a little curious honestly.

The two were snickering again about something, leaning very close to each other. He shakes his head and turns his attention to the bag Tenko had brought. He honestly wanted to talk to him, but right now he seemed to be busy with more pleasant company, so Midoriya decided to focus on his mum’s gifts. There were a couple of his favorite chocolate candies - All Might themed of course - a large fluffy blanket, new set of pencils as he ran out of those easily, and a brand new All Might notebook.

There was also a brand new first aid kit, which was kind of awkward, but then again, he had the habit of getting injured easily.

Even as a pro.

”Aww how nice of your mum. You should go see her soon though, she was concerned.”

”Yeah, I promised her that already, I just...I dunno when they’ll allow me to leave the school grounds.”

Midoriya sighs rubbing his head, examining the notebook in his hands. It made him think of that non-burnt notebook, raising several questions, questions he didn’t know how to ask.

”Well, I’m sure it’ll be soon enough! You look much better already.”

Midoriya smiled at her, hoping she was right.

In the evening, after most people had come back and gone to bed - not before witnessing a typical Bakuplosion as someone had apparently mistakenly drank his energy drink. Kirishima spent fifteen minutes trying to get him to calm down, whereas the culprit, Kaminari, had been trying his best to hide - the green haired boy was the only one still sitting at the lounge couch.

The ruckus from earlier had been so bad that Shinsou and Tenko had gone to hide in Shinsou’s room in the furthest corner of the upmost floor.

Tenko was still there, as Midoriya had chosen to sit and wait till he came back.

He just... he needed to talk to him.

It was getting late, the clock was already past nine, and Midoriya knew Aizawa sensei would soon come and force him to leave. Just as he considers heading to his room, the elevator comes down, and he sees Tenko stepping out, holding his phone and texting to someone.

He pauses and looks at the green haired boy confused.

”The fuck are you still up?”

He blurts out, and Midoriya gets up, walking to him a bit nervous, rubbing his wrist.

”I...I kind of wanted to talk to you.”

Tenko stares at him, then turns his attention back to his phone.

”Can’t, dad’s heading home and I need to go with him or I’ll be stuck here.”

”Ah...okay.”

It felt...weird to hear him refer to All Might as dad, yet that seemed to be the case.

”.....I’ll come by tomorrow during the day. If you still want to talk....”

Tenko sighs upon seeing his expression, and Midoriya nods, figuring he could wait for one more day.

”Now, go to bed before dad-cat spots you and puts you on timeout.”

Tenko smirks a bit, and yeah, that smirk was closer to the villainous grin from Shigaraki, but it was playful rather than malicious.

”Yeah....Wait. Who’s dad-cat?”

Midoriya asks as Tenko passes by him, heading for the door.

The pale figure glances at him over his shoulder, and well, the dim lighting and the shadows around them definitely made him look more like Shigaraki right now. The way his red eyes and pale face stood out from the darkness, it was...unnerving.

His amused smile however, broke the illusion, because it wasn’t wicked.

”Shinsou is the catson, so of course Aizawa is dad-cat.”

With that, he opens the door and leaves.

Midoriya blinks, watching after him still a bit unnerved, and yet again, confused.

Tenko was quiet on the way home, which didn’t seem to surprise his parent, he generally wasn’t talkative type.

The young man kept thinking of the weird exchange from earlier.

First the brat had been spooked by him, and now he suddenly wanted to talk.

What on earth could it be?

Was the idiot going to apologize again?

Surely it couldn’t be that, not with such a serious face.

He didn’t respond much to his dad’s questions about his day, but still gave him a goodnight hug to reassure he was okay. His silence could sometimes concern Toshinori a lot, so he’d made sure to tell his parent when his quietness meant simply that he was thinking of something, not that he was troubled. His dad was still hesitant, but after a reassuring smile, he finally went to bed.

Tenko flops back down onto the bed with his cat pajamas - yes everything he owned was a cat somehow, sue him - and brought his attention back onto his phone.

He’d gotten a message from Dabi right when he left Hitoshi’s room. He was asking when they could hang out again, and he honestly didn’t know. Things had been hectic recently, so aside from that few hours visit few days ago, Tenko couldn’t really say when he could sneak out for an entire day again.

Dumpster Fire: So you don’t know? Or are you just avoiding me?

You: For fuck’ sake Dabi! Stop being so openly horny.

Dumpster Fire: does this mean you’ve found someone better than me, I’m hurt.

You: that Drama Queen act never worked on me, you know that.

Dumpster Fire: shut up my acting skill is top notch.

You: fifth graders act better than you.

Dumpster Fire: hey, fifth graders are badass, don’t dis us.

You: So you admit you’re a giant brat?

Dumpster Fire: pot, the kettle called...

Tenko could not stop himself from snickering quietly. As much as Dabi could be a nuisance, he managed to cheer him up with his dumb comebacks. Still, it wasn’t the same, reading these messages as having him physically there, with his stupid remarks and dumb, weirdly handsome smirk. Tenko shakes his head, smacking himself mentally.

He should not go admitting that so openly, even to himself!

You: This could be easier if you’d just...you know...

Dumpster Fire: Tenko, you know I can’t.

The tone of the conversation switched instantly; Dabi didn’t call him by his name unless he was serious.

You: You know he’s not like yours. He won’t judge you.

Dumpster Fire: that’s exactly why I can’t.

You: How so?

There was a long pause, as Dabi seemed to consider his response carefully for once, as he takes his sweet time writing his reply. It wasn’t like they hadn’t had this discussion before, but he’d not attempted to explain himself before, other than stating he didn’t want to do it yet. Initially Tenko had figured it had something to do with his less than favorable view on heroes - a reason why he initially didn’t tell Dabi his adoptive parent was All-fucking-Might - and the fact he kind of looked like a villain.

Toshinori could be overprotective, which was understandable given Tenko’s history.

Dumpster Fire: Because I feel like the moment I sit there with you and him, I’m gonna feel like an absolute piece of trash, and like I don’t deserve to be there. Before you even bother, I know, your dad doesn’t sound like he’d judge me that easily just because if my ugly fucking face, but....I do. Even when it’s just two of us in your house I feel like I shouldn’t be there, like I don’t deserve to. Like...I’ll just infect my shit all over it and ruin the damn nice home you have right now.

Oh.

Oh.

He’d...never thought of that. Dabi was always so confident. Or at least, he’d always seemed like that. With the way he carried himself, how he didn’t try to hide his scarring, the tattoos, he always screamed of confidence to Tenko, so hearing this was a little surprising.

You: For the record, your face isn’t that ugly. Why didn’t you ever tell me any of this?

Dumpster Fire: If a starved man is put in front of a banquet and told he can eat all he wants, of course he’ll do that, even if it might actually end up being bad for them. They don’t wanna admit to their benefactor that hey, doing it like this might actually be a shit idea for my health, because they fear the food might be taken away altogether.

You: .....Did you just. Compare me to food?

Dumpster Fire: what can I say? You’re very tasty and got salt for days.

You: ughhhh you’re such a moron!

Tenko pauses and considers it for a moment, before finally sighing. If it was that bad...pushing the issue probably wouldn’t do any good. Still though...

You: look, you should’ve told me sooner about all that. I get it now okay? It’s just....hiding this from dad is gonna be hard on the long run.

Dumpster Fire: you don’t hafta hide the fact you have a boyfriend, I just don’t wanna meet him. I’d probably rather jump off a cliff than face that horror.

Tenko couldn’t stop but sigh.

Out of all of the idiots on this planet, why did it have to be this particular idiot?

You: You’re such a dramatic fool. But okay, fine. I’ll drop it.

For now he would, anyway. Tenko doubted leaving this as it was was good for Dabi either.

Dumpster Fire: and you’re a huge asshat, but I’d still kill a bitch for you.

You: Dabiiii don’t put it like that.

Dumpster Fire: You said hanging the moon was too sappy.

You: ....point, still. Please don’t actually kill anyone.

Dumpster Fire: It wasn’t literal, obviously.

You: I have to make sure because its you.

Dumpster fire: Point. Well, I gotta go. I’ll call you tomorrow.

You: Night, raisin cookie

Dumpster fire: go take your beauty nap, Princess.

Tenko huffs and puts his phone away, feeling a little better after that chat. Though...it still frustrated him Dabi refused to see his dad.

It wasn’t like he didn’t understand the way he thought, but... he didn’t want to hide this from his parent, not when he’d poured so much trust and love to him, more than anyone else ever, including his biological family.

Yet, he understood why Dabi was hesitant, and didn’t want to force it.

He just...Tenko didn’t feel like simply telling his dad about Dabi and then not letting them meet would work.

His dad would want to meet him, know more.

The pale figure sighs and curls up further under the blankets, closing his eyes and trying to get some sleep.

Chapter Text

As Tenko had said, he was there around midday the next day, when the dorm was empty as most of the class was back on their lessons.

Midoriya was still staying behind, as while he was able to move around on his own and all, he was having severe trouble sleeping. Or that was the reason Aizawa had mentioned, which Tenko didn’t quite buy, and Aizawa didn't expect him to, he knew how intelligent the pale young man was after all.

Tenko sensed something was going on behind the scenes he wasn’t told about.

Stepping in, nobody was there, but he knew where Midoriya’s room was, so he just headed there. The reanimated broccoli was currently pouring trough his endless pile of notebooks, as well as scribbling new words into the one he brought.

Tenko watches him write for a while, before coughing, gaining his attention.

The flinch was still there, but it seemed whatever was making him freak out around him was slowly going away, or he was learning to control it.

”Oh, you...you came.”

”I told you didn’t I?”

Tenko huffs and flops to sit on the bed, leaning against the wall. He looked up at the wide eyed boy, waiting.

Midoriya had been so busy writing down all the weird details he’d noted so far, that he’d forgotten about asking to talk with the pale man yesterday.

Having Tenko in his room was nerve wrecking, as his instincts still screamed of danger. Yet, another part of him seemed to be tuning in with this world, knowing Tenko wasn’t a threat. It was weird, almost like the body of this Midoriya remembered, while his mind didn’t.

”I...”

He swallowed down nervously, turning to face the red eyes looking at him expectantly. Why was it that he often ended up stuck with people that had intense red eyes.

First Bakugo and now him.

”I’m...I don’t know how to....I’ve been having trouble remembering.”

The pale figure snorts predictably, informing him that had been clear.

”Yes, but...it’s not...it’s not just that I don’t remember things. More like my memories seem fragmented, and I...I think some may be false.”

This was the best story he could come up with; Midoriya doubted anyone would’ve believed the idea of body swapping trough other dimensions. Hell, he wasn’t sure if he believed it either. Maybe this all was just a crazy dream still.

This seems to gain Tenko’s attention as he subconsciously leans closer with a frown.

”False memories? If that’s true...”

”Yes, so...I...you were there when this happened. I kind of wanted to know exactly what you saw and all...since I can't remember anything that matches with the story I was given.”

Tenko remains quiet for a moment, then leans back with a sigh, resting his head against the wall as he thinks.

”Well, after I almost ripped your blasty buddy’s face off - almost, I wasn’t actually going to do it! - they dashed off to the place you’d gone to, and I followed, sending a message to dad on the way figuring you’ll need back up. They were in the middle of a fight by the time I got there. Since Bakagou was causing a ruckus, I sneaked in to try and find you.”

Midoriya just nods, listening closely while making notes.

It was a habit, one Tenko seemed to be used to as he rolled his eyes at him before continuing.

”The boss had been taken out by the falling debris, and you were badly mauled but at least still alive. There was....the whole area was a mess and shit had landed onto you.”

Tenko curls up to himself and his voice grows tense, making Midoriya pause for a bit.

Was it a good idea to make him talk about this?

If...if his condition had been that bad, to the point Kacchan freaked out...

”Oh don’t even start brat, I’m fine.”

Tenko cuts him off before the green teen could voice out his thoughts, and Midoriya flinches, unable to stop himself. He knew this fearful reaction annoyed the pale man, but it was hard not to do it. He wore a villain’s face after all.

”Anyway, I tried...I tried to get you out. It’s...there was a lot of stuff on you. While I managed to decay most of it, the process with such big things is slow. Then the whole building began to shake.”

Midoriya felt himself tense, his instincts told him he was about to learn something big.

”You told me to run, or I’d die too.”

His voice was quiet now, and the upset in it was evident. He’d clearly not liked the idea.

”You really do care about me.”

He didn’t mean to say it, but the words just spilled out without his consent. Midoriya slaps his palm in front of his mouth but it was too late to stop it. He’d already said the thing, and now red eyes glared at him with near offended expression.

”L-look, I...”

”Save it.”

Tenko cuts him off again, and Midoriya shuts up, not wanting to piss him off so bad he’d stop talking. He wanted to know what had happened.

”Obviously I wasn’t gonna leave you there, so...”

He hesitates for a moment, now staring at his hands.

”I panicked. I know I shouldn’t use it in such large scale, it can be lethal, but what the fuck was I supposed to do?!”

He sounded almost defiant, like whatever he’d done was something he knew Midoriya would judge him for, or scold him, or something. Fortunately for him one could suppose, the green haired boy currently had no idea what he was talking about, and that likely was visible on his face.

”....You don’t even...remember that?”

”I don’t think I was actually conscious....”

”Not that!”

Tenko shifts closer so he faces him properly, glaring at Midoriya frustrated.

”Everyone told me NOT to overreach like that with my quirk because it could kill me! You of all people were the first to beg me to not use it after the first time! Are you telling me you don’t remember that now??”

”I....I’m sorry.”

Midoriya mutters, shifting backwards in his chair to put more distance between them. That angry stare was really unnerving, and his brain helpfully reminded them that they were alone, and that he was still in a shaky shape, and his path was blocked because Shigaraki could easily reach the door before he did, and...

”Izuku, for fuck’s sake, stop that!”

He stiffens and looks up at Tenko, whose glare was no longer angry, but just frustrated and...a bit hurt, probably.

Had he been talking out loud again?

”I don’t know what’s causing this...this...fear, but for the love of....I’m NOT gonna hurt you. No matter how angry I get.”

Tenko huffs and ruffles trough his already messy hair frustrated, and yeah, Midoriya could now see just how upset his apparently bizarre reactions were making him. He felt bad, genuinely, even if he still didn’t quite understand what was going on.

”I’m sorry Tenko....I...let’s just say that my memories of you specifically seem to be twisted somehow.”

He couldn’t really tell him the truth; Midoriya doubted he’d believe him, and it wasn’t like he was certain of what was going on either. This story was probably more believable, even if it still was crazy.

”Yeah yeah, heard the pros mumble something about a potential memory altering quirk or so.”

Tenko mumbles out rubbing his neck, his fingers twitching as if he wanted to scratch his skin but stopped himself from doing it.

”Can you please continue your story? I’m trying to piece together what is true and what is false in my head.”

Midoriya asks tentatively, and after a while, Tenko nods with a sigh, dropping his hand from his neck. Now that his attention was there, Midoriya noted there were some fine old scar lines there. He could remember Shigaraki having those too, but he’d never really understood what caused them. Now...he did, and it was kind of...saddening. It was clearly a nervous habit, and learning such self-harming habit...

Naturally, Shigaraki had a rough early life to result into what he is now, but seeing this seemingly stabler version still had those habits, it was unfortunate to learn.

”I...do I really need to explain my actual Quirk to you?”

Tenko asks, looking at him with a frown.

”I...know the basics, but it sounds like I’ve forgotten a big part of it...?”

Tenko sighs and shakes his head, muttering something under his breath.

”I can do more than just turn shit to dust by touching. I...learned to do some other things as well, thanks to you.”

”...eh?”

Tenko just nods, refusing to look at him in the eyes.

”I was....I hated how I couldn’t really touch stuff without gloves, and how it’s...it’s a villainous quirk honestly.”

Midoriya both wanted to agree and disagree; yes it was a terrific quirk for a villain, he knew first hand, but it depended on the user. Shinsou had a ’villain’ quirk according to some, but he used it well as a hero. He said nothing however, not wanting to upset Tenko further.

”So, you kind of...you thought that since its emitter type, maybe I could learn to do something about it, like, modify it.”

Midoriya blinks, then his mind starts running ahead of him.

Yes, emitter types, like any quirk, could be trained an enhanced, but he wasn’t quite sure how that could’ve helped with his issue of not being able to touch things carelessly, unless he learned to switch the source of the quirk temporarily, which would pose all sorts of issues as he’d have to change being wary of specific parts of his body, and that could be mentally very exhausting...

”Wow. It’s like a Deja Vu.”

Midoriya snaps his mouth shut, realizing he’d again spoken out loud.

He looks up at Tenko cautiously, but the pale figure was smirking a little now, seemingly amused about his habit.

”S-sorry...”

”That’s pretty much what you said then. Anyway, it made me think.”

Tenko pauses, and gazes into thin air for a moment, as if trying to choose the right words to explain this. It had to be bizarre, having to describe this to him when apparently he was supposed to know about it and was the catalyst for it.

”I...actually. I can probably show you.”

He sighs finally, looking around. Midoriya couldn’t stop but follow his gaze intently, fearing for his All Might figurines or anything for that matter. As if sensing that, Tenko snorts and rolls his eyes.

”Just get me something I can destroy if you’re so worried.”

Izuku looks around unsure, then grabs a torn piece of paper on the floor. It was some old notes about Ashido’s quirk. He could just rewrite those. The green teen crumbles the paper and puts it on to the table per Tenko’s request.

”Now, be quiet or I might accidentally decay your table.”

Midoriya had no clue what he was up to, seeing how the pale figure wasn’t trying to get up from his spot, so he shifts away from the table just in case. Strangely enough, Tenko didn’t seem bothered about his distrust this time. Then, he watches as the pale figure lifts his hand, holding it out the same way he would when reaching to touch something he wanted to destroy.

Except, he wasn’t touching it.

Yet....the paper he’d placed on the table suddenly started crumbling.

Within seconds, all that was left was a pile of ash.

He hadn’t touched it, he’d been at least over a meter away.

Emerald eyes just stare at the pile of ash in shock, while Tenko lowers his hand.

”I was trying to do what you’d thought of, but instead I learned to...sort of ’throw’ the effect further away.”

Tenko mutters, glancing at him. Midoriya was at a loss of words.

”Granted it’s still limited to my vision; the thing I want to destroy needs to be within that field, sort of like with Aizawa’s erasure. Plus using this too much makes my vision blurred and my head starts spinning like crazy.”

Tenko continues, hand again reaching for his neck before he snatches it away. He seemed to sense Midoriya’s unease, and for once didn’t seem to be upset about it.

”S-so...you used that to...?”

”Kind of. It’s...it’s a form of that, just...”

Emerald eyes met the red pair, and for a moment, they both remained quiet.

”If I combine both forms of this Quirk, and ramp it up so to say....I can turn an entire building to dust. So I did.”

There was dust and rubble everywhere, the whole place was shaking, it would collapse soon. He tugged the scarf to cover his mouth, trying not to breathe in the particles in the air. The brat had to be around here, he just had to. Dodging another falling beam, Tenko skids across the corridor, jumping into another pathway moments before his way was blocked. This area was stabler but not for long.

”Goddammit Izuku, where are you!?”

He spats frustrated, dashing across the corridor. At the end of it, he notes the door was busted open. As he stops on the doorway, Tenko realizes the stairway leading down was gone. It didn’t matter though; he saw what he was looking for. Even with all the dust, the vivid green hair stood out from the rubble.

Tenko jumps down, blood thundering in his veins as he rushes towards the small frame pinned under several beams.

Surely, if he just disintegrated those, he could carry this idiot out before…

”…Tenko…?”

”Just shut up, I’ll get you out of here.”

he places his hand against the nearest beam and destroys it with ease, moving onto the second beam. The ground rumbles again and Tenko looks up, noting that the ceiling was cracking.

Shit, he was running out of time.

As his eyes drift back down, he spots a figure further away. It was the villain.

He was clearly dead with the amount of blood pooled around him, and the fact there was a beam sticking trough his gut.

”I….I didn’t…I tried to…”

”yeah yeah, just shut up, nothing we can do about it now.”

Another rumble, and a large chunk of concrete fell down from above. Tenko looked up again.

He didn’t have enough time.

He wouldn’t make it.

”Tenko…l-leave…”

”I can’t fucking leave you here you little shit!”

Midoriya, despite his weakened state, manages to grasp his wrist, and smile. it was the same, happy smile he always wore, and it pissed him off.

”Thanks…for…but…you need to go…”

Tenko shakes his head, looking around in panic. More pieces were falling, even if he got Midoriya out, their path was blocked. He releases a shaky sigh, as he slowly realizes…. there was only one option.

Determined he gets up and steadies himself, lifting his hand up.

Midoriya’s eyes widen, he recognizes the stance, knows what he’s about to do.

”T-tenko, don’t! You might…”

”We BOTH will fucking die if I don’t do this.”

The pale figure hisses and focuses, feeling the weird sensation of his Quirk shifting outwards, reaching all over the place, touching every nook and cranny of this shaky place.

He blinks, and releases it.

The next second.... Everything falls.

Everything turns to dust.

First, it was there, shaking and rumbling. Falling down in heavy pieces.

Then, all there was… … was dust. r aining down like dirty snowfall.

He picks up the now freed boy, tugs him into his arms, and walks towards the familiar voices. His vision was blurred red, he knew he was bleeding. Rusty taste in his mouth, eyes prickling, heartbeat thundering dangerously loud. he couldn’t breathe.

But he had to get Midoriya out of there.

Midoriya’s mouth opens but no words came out.

That ………..was INSANELY powerful.

If Shigaraki could learn something like that, it would, it would...

”The problem with that is, that it does severe damage to my body due to a recoil effect of sorts. Basically, I was coughing out blood afterwards and...almost died. Like you.”

Tenko finishes his explanation, turning his gaze away from the shocked teen.

This was....Midoriya couldn’t even have imagined he could do such a thing.

This Shigaraki was powerful.

Far more than the one Midoriya knew, and it was...it was absolutely terrifying.

He must’ve been shaking visibly as Tenko’s eyes widen and he shifts, leaning back against the wall as far away from the green haired boy as he could.

”S-sorry. I really...given how scared you are of me right now I... I probably shouldn’t have told you that. I know how it sounds.”

Midoriya opens his mouth again, but no words came out.

”Trust me, I was....I wished I hadn’t learned it because it’s really bad. My quirk is really awful. It was sheer luck I could put it in good use at that time.”

Tenko mumbles out, curling up to himself and he’d begun to shake now. His unusually tiny sounding voice snapped Midoriya out of it, and the green teen abruptly realized that Tenko seemed to be more terrified of it than he was right now.

”...Hey, I...it’s okay. Sure it does sound scary, but...no one seems to be scared of you. So you can't be a bad person, right?”

Tenko just lets out a noncommittal hum, staring his feet quietly. Midoriya swallows down nervously and gets up, walking to the pale figure and, after a moment of telling his brain to stop screeching, sat down beside him. Tenko didn’t react, keeping his gaze down and his body curled up protectively.

”Thanks for telling me. Now I...have a better understanding on what happened.”

Still just a hum as a response. Midoriya wracks his brain for something else to say, but before he could, a knock on the door interrupts them. As it opens, they’re greeted by All Might of all people, which makes both boys’ face lit up a bit.

”Ah, Aizawa was right when he mentioned he’d seen you come here. I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything?”

”Nah dad; I just filled the broccoli in on what happened. His brain is still mush.”

Tenko informs him with a casual shrug, and it was rather bizarre how quickly he relaxed now that All Might was there. His body uncurled and he get up, stretching and fixing his clothes a bit.

”Ah yes, it was rather serious.”

All might hums, then smiles at Midoriya.

”I’m glad you and Tenko are starting to get along again, you’ve been awfully tense around him since...what happened.”

”I know, I am very sorry about that, it’s just...”

”He said he has false memories or something.”

All Might blinks, then examines Midoriya concerned.

”False memories?”

Izuku bites his lip; should he run with this story? It’ll put people’s minds at ease, but...it might not help him solve what happened to him exactly, why he was in this smaller body and in this seemingly different world.

”....Kind of. I mean...mostly everything’s the same, but there are some bits that are different.”

”...Perhaps you should talk to a psychologist? It might be some sort of trauma based reaction.”

All Might offers helpfully, but Midoriya shakes his head.

”No I...I think it’s a quirk of sorts. I think...if you’ll tell me exactly what was going on maybe I can think of something.”

”Wait, so you don’t remember any of this whole thing?”

Tenko pipes in surprised, and Midoriya nods hesitantly, making the two visitors glance at each other seemingly shocked.

”Where does your memory end?”

All Might asks after a moment of hesitation, and Midoriya bites his lip again, wondering how to explain this.

”I...”

Before he could respond however, a sudden pain hits his head and Midoriya stumbles to the floor clutching it, hearing two voices call out to him in shock.

He couldn’t respond however, his whole body paralyzed, and within seconds, he was out cold again.

Chapter Text

”So he just fainted?”

Aizawa questions the two who just nod wordlessly.

Toshinori was sitting on a chair beside Midoriya’s bed while Tenko had rushed to get Aizawa. Seeing the pale boy so uneasy was never a pleasant sight, though it was probably twice as bad for Toshinori, who'd had to see Tenko as a small, scared child first hand. All Aizawa had seen were photos. Tenko had been a moody teen by the time they met, and admittedly that moodiness was coming back too.

Last few months had been rough for him to put it lightly.

”That is...unusual. We’ll probably better get a doctor to check on him.”

”Before he fainted, he mentioned to us something about having fake memories.”

All Might mutters out, glancing at his adoptive child unsure who just nods hesitantly after a moment. Aizawa hums at that, looking at Tenko questioningly, so the boy explains him what they’d talked about before Midoriya had passed out.

”Interesting...it does feel like his memories of you specifically are off somehow.”

”Why only me? I don’t get it!”

”Calm down Tenko, there surely is an explanation to all this.”

Toshinori reassures the young man, whose hand once again raises to try and scratch his neck, and again is stopped before he could. It was a habit Toshinori was sad to see resurfacing. He hadn’t been harming himself like that for years now, but ever since the latest - and hopefully last - run in with All For One few months ago, the tendency had come back.

”For now, I think it is for the best if we allow a doctor to take another look on him, meanwhile we check trough all the files regarding to the villains captured again.”

Aizawa sighs, gaining a nod from the blond. He then turns to look at Tenko who was still twitching uneasily in his place, eyes switching between them and unconscious Midoriya. He was so on the edge, it was extremely concerning to watch.

”Calm down Tenko. Midoriya is surprisingly tough. He’ll be okay.”

Aizawa tells him gently, squeezing the boy’s shoulder.

The pale figure just shakes his head, though it wasn’t a sign of disagreement; rather, he seemed to try and clear his mind. It was hard for him to do so though when he was this twitchy and upset. Luckily at least he no longer tugged on his hair or clawed his neck till it bled badly.

”.....Perhaps you should go and see Inko. She surely could do with some company, and you’ll need it as well right now.”

”We’re BOTH going to fret over that broccoli brat.”

”Go. You need to calm down.”

Tenko couldn’t stop but flinch as Aizawa’s hair raised, his eyes turning red. It was his way of showing there was no room for argument, and despite not being his student, the trick worked on Tenko as well. Namely because he respected Eraserhead as much as his students did. Hell, he was close friends with his adoptive son, and Aizawa had taught him some moves.

Eraserhead was cool, how could he not respect him?

”...Fine, I’ll go. But if she marches all the way to U.A to pull everyone’s ears - especially dads - its on you.”

Despite everything, Toshinori couldn’t stop but chuckle at his son’s comment, though he also couldn’t stop brushing his ear slightly.

Inko was happy to see him, though likely would’ve preferred to see Midoriya as well.

He’d promised not to mention the weird blackout to her yet, and instead just claimed Izuku was still too physically exhausted to travel home to visit her.

”I wish he’d listen to me and come home, but...I know he wants to do this. He always dreamed of being a hero.”

Inko sighs as she pours some tea to her visitor. She could tell Tenko was concerned as well, and it wasn’t surprising, for the boy had practically become kind of like a big brother figure to Izuku. Her son had always gushed on and on about Tenko and his peculiar ability, and how his fighting skill reminded Aizawa, prompting the boy to wonder if Sensei was giving him lessons in secret. The answer was probably yes, Izuku's hunches were rarely wrong.

She hadn’t seen Tenko use his quirk ever, namely because the boy had refused to demonstrate it, saying he’d rather not scare her away too.

”It’s not that scary sounding, in fact, it could be useful in getting rid of excess garbage for example. Good for the environment and everything!”

She’d stated, but Tenko had still refused to do so, although he’d seemed a little surprised of her positive reaction, prompting him to look at Izuku and likely wonder if he got it from his mum.

”Being a hero is a tough job. I should know, my dad was number one for years.”

Tenko mutters out, accepting the tea and drinking it carefully. She always made sure his was extra sweet as he preferred it that way. Despite all these years, it was still a bit touching that people cared enough of such small things as his preferences to accommodate for those. It wasn't a big deal really, but it was nice.

”Yes, but your dad didn’t get this excessively injured did he? At least...not until...”

Inko goes quiet, wondering if it was okay to mention that. She’d seen it on the news like everyone else.

The end of All Might, the fall of All For One, the passing of the torch to her son - even if she was probably the only one in the audience who understood that - but most of all, she’d seen Tenko.

Inko didn’t know the details of the boy’s past, only that he was connected to that terrifying villain against his will, and on that day, he’d finally severed his ties to that man. He’d literally told All for one to go fuck himself.

”He did, a lot of times. It was just kept from public eye.”

Tenko explains with a shrug, taking another sip of his tea. Inko sighs and sits down to the table as well with her own, stirring the warm drink with a sad smile.

”You must’ve been worried for him every time.”

Tenko hums, glancing at Inko from behind his cup. He understood her worry better than anyone right now, but didn’t know how to reassure her. Especially since he felt he needed reassurance himself. Then, a thought crosses his mind. He wasn't sure if...if it'd ease her mind, probably not, but maybe it could help Inko see why Midoriya's choice of future was important.

”.......Initially, I didn’t know what to think. You’re just a little brat, and get picked up by a stranger who gives you all these things, while telling you the reason you were left alone was because heroes didn’t care.”

He begins, making Inko look up at him concerned.

He’d never really opened up to her much, but, maybe his story could help her finally understand a little bit about why her son insisted on doing this. It was worth a try anyway, and Inko would probably appreciate him sharing a bit more about himself. She didn't always know how to talk to him anyway, worrying she'd accidentally trigger something unpleasant from his memories or so.

”Then this hero appears and brings you away again, and you get told what the previous stranger told you was wrong. That heroes do care. Yet no hero came to help you in your time of need, so it’s hard for a little boy to believe them.”

”Tenko...”

”Please let me finish.”

Inko goes quiet, but her expression remained full of concern, and it actually tugged on his heartstrings a little. Why did Midoriya have to worry her so much? Damn brat was lucky to have a mum like her. He mentally slapped himself, knowing the green haired boy wasn’t doing it on purpose. A hero's job was always dangerous, even as a student apparently.

”So, the boy initially avoids the hero. Because he was taught heroes are bad, and a child shouldn’t be near bad people, right? However, they persist, and eventually the boy opens up. Asks why no hero came to him when he needed, if they do care.”

Tenko pauses, closing his eyes for a moment to try and not tear up.

It wasn’t easy for him to do with being a dried piece of sandpaper most of the time, but his tear-ducts still worked.

”That’s when the hero began crying, and the boy didn’t understand, because he’s the one who should be sad, because of the bad things that happened to him. The hero then tells him...that he’s sorry no hero noticed his plight. That the boy was right, it was bad from them to not help him when he needed it, and that.....it wasn't right of them to try and tell him otherwise when he'd seen the sad truth of the world.”

Inko gasps a little, but doesn't comment otherwise, sensing Tenko wasn't finished yet.

”He then promised that...that the future heroes would be better. He admitted there were bad heroes, but also wanted to make sure the boy could live in a world where more heroes cared, where kids like him wouldn’t be left for dead or worse.”

Inko was tearing up now, which wasn’t too surprising; she was as weep-prone as her son after all.

Sometimes Tenko wondered if their secret quirk was crying and causing flood tides with their tears.

”That’s...that’s where Izuku comes in. He IS one of those future heroes. Dad didn’t choose him at random, even if it felt like it at first. He wants to do this, he NEEDS to do this so more kids like me won’t end up on the streets, being ignored by the public and picked up by villains to twist into their image, creating a new generation of even more dangerous ones, because instead of doing bad things just for something as simple and petty as money, these kids will grow up being ideological villains, the kind that are hardest to defeat. Because even if the person dies, the ideal stays.”

Tenko takes a deep breath, choosing his next words carefully.

”Izuku is special, because he was a nobody. He understands how it’s like to not have any power to help, yet desperately wanting to. He is the kind of person, the kind of future hero who can inspire others, even commoners, to act when it’s needed. Because...”

He turns his gaze down to his tea, seeing his own reflection on the reddish surface. It looked a little menacing, being reflected from such a vivid color.

Villainous.

”He was right about one thing. People don’t care. Commoners are too used to heroes picking up their slack that they leave kids like me sit on a dirty alleyway without a glance. Heroes like Izuku...they can inspire more people to care. Not just heroes.”

Tenko looks up cautiously at Inko, wondering if his speech scared her a little. Admitting that something a super-villain said was correct, it had to come off a bit menacing. Yet, all he saw was sympathy and understanding in her teary eyes, and before long she was weeping, shifting to hug him firmly.

He tenses at first, but then just allows her to hug him, knowing she probably needed to do it right now. Inko had always been such an empathetic woman, it was no wonder dad was fond of her. It made Tenko wonder why the hell had Izuku’s dad just abandoned them.

After a moment she calms down and wipes her eyes, offering him a sheepish smile.

”T-thank you Tenko. That must’ve been hard for you to talk about.”

”It...was. But, I felt maybe hearing my story could help you understand why Izuku wants to do this so badly, and why he probably needs to.”

”It’s such pressure put on one boy’s shoulders.”

Tenko couldn’t stop but smile a little.

”That’s why he got his class, don’t he? He'll inspire them to be better heroes too in the future.”

Yeah, maybe it was a lot of weight on one boys' shoulders, but...his dad believed in Midoriya, and strangely enough, so did Tenko.

In the end, he decided not to go straight back at home after leaving the Midoriya household.

Namely, because his dad had called and told him he’d come home later today as well.

”You could always come and wait at the dorms.”

”It’s okay. I got some stuff to do anyway. I’ll be home before nightfall though don’t worry.”

All Might remained quiet for a moment, and Tenko sighs, understanding it. Even if his previous ’caretaker’ was locked up now, had been for months, his parent was still concerned for him each time he was out and about by himself. It bothered him less than most, because he’d spent so many years without anyone truly caring for him so having someone do just that was nice. Still, sometimes it could be bothersome.

”I have my phone with me, and the shops I’m going are near Aizawa-Sensei’s house anyway. If anything happens I can go there. I got my phone too so I can call them if needed.”

”Right. Still be careful.”

”I will, just... keep an eye on Izuku.”

There was a hum at the other end, his dad was likely smiling because for once he called the boy by his name.

”Certainly.”

Toshinori pauses a bit, clearly hesitating with his next few words.

”You do know I love you Tenko, like my actual son?”

The pale figure wanted to sigh. He understood why his dad felt the need to say it now, with how his mentality had gone down a bit since few months ago. Still...

”I do know that. You don’t have to remind me.”

”Hmm, I feel a boy like you might need to hear it once in a while.”

Okay, that did cause a bit of a positive sting in his heart admittedly. Tenko huffs out a sigh, trying not to cry all of a sudden. It seems Inko had infected her sobbing into him somehow.

”Y-yeah, thanks. Love you too.”

He didn’t have to see his parent's face to know the smile was there.

He stared at his reflection from the shop’s window, pretending to be looking at the cat merchandise on it. In truth, he was just examining of his own face, his mind having gone to dark places again. With the black hoodie tugged over his head and the way his hair hanged over his blood red eyes, he again looked like a villain from a comic book. Telling that story to Inko had helped to ease her nerves somewhat and make her see her son’s side a bit better, but it had admittedly done some damage to his mind.

He’d always hated how easily he could imagine it.

How easily he could see himself as a villain.

Had All Might not come to his rescue, All For One would probably have succeeded in twisting his mind into something monstrous.

He could’ve been standing here now, planning something nefarious or stalking his next victim, instead of just having a bloody existential crisis and glaring at a shop window like it offended him somehow as a result.

He had the quirk.

He had the looks.

He even had the mentality, sometimes.

Despite his trust, Tenko still didn’t tell his parent everything.

About how he sneaked around, taking notes on people, digging info on some villains that he could anonymously drop for the right people, how he sometimes...

he sometimes got into fights with thugs, and hid any marks from it.

How he stayed out late without him knowing.

Some would say it was normal teenage behavior to hide shit like this, but he wasn’t a teenager anymore, and him hiding things could have darker undertones.

He hadn’t even told his dad about....

”Sup, Princess?”

The rough voice right beside his ear makes him jump, and he almost elbows Dabi in the face, who just laughs, grasping his wrist and spinning him around to get a good look of his sulky face.

”Figured it was you. That creepy aura never leaves, does it?”

He absolutely hated how Dabi always managed to look so good.

He was wearing his signature jacket and loose white shirt that he knew from personal experience was extremely comfy.

One of his tattoos peeked from under the collar of his shirt, a bleeding heart with broken wings that purposely was above where his heart was. Tenko glares up at him, and is met by Dabi’s signature smirk, before the taller man grasps his jaw and leans closer, planting a quick kiss on his lips.

”Chin up princess; even your taste is sour with that expression.”

He teases, gaining a snort and eye-roll from the pale figure, who whacks him playfully.

”Your taste buds are damaged, so it’s probably just you.”

”Fair point, but still, you know I prefer your smile.”

Tenko gives him his best creepy grin, the kind that people dubbed villainous, and as expected Dabi makes a face and shudders.

”Not THAT one, fucking HELL creep, don’t spook me like that!”

Tenko snickers at that, leaning closer and allowing Dabi to slide his arm around his waist. He couldn’t help it, his worries tended to melt away briefly when Dabi was there.

”So, what brings you out here on this finely shitty gray day?”

They walk across the shopping area, some people glancing at Dabi, but the two ignore the looks. He was quite a sight with his injuries and all, but given how some people had bird heads or tails, Dabi honestly wasn’t the weirdest thing out there. It was namely his villainous appearance that had people steering clear from the two. Tenko didn’t really like seeing it, as while Dabi could be a jackass moron, he wasn’t really...bad.

Dabi himself didn’t care though, so Tenko never said or did anything about it.

”I had to go calm Izuku’s mum. She was really freaking out.”

”Aa, don’t blame her. She always sounded like a good mom from what you told me. Of course she’d worry.”

Dabi nods, his gaze turning distant for a moment, likely thinking of his own mother he didn’t dare to go and see due to reminding his father too much. A detail Dabi absolutely despised, but couldn’t do much about.

”I told her a bit of my story. I guess...I just wanted her to see why the mini broccoli wants to do this so bad.”

”Did it work?”

”I...guess. I mean she’s gonna worry, but maybe she’ll get a bit better now why Izuku wants to do this so bad.”

They walk in silence for a bit, both of their minds drifting somewhere far away. Eventually though, Dabi breaks the silence again.

”They miss you, you know? You haven’t visited since you told the dome-head to go fuck himself. That was badass by the way.”

Tenko snorts at the last part of Dabi's comment - Dabi had already said that back then too - but couldn’t stop a shudder at the mention of All For One. Dabi subconsciously pulls him closer, and action he didn’t resist one bit. It seemed lately that day had been coming to the forefront of his mind again and again. It was probably a bad thing.

”Sorry, I know I haven’t seen Toga and others in a while, dad just...he needed some help adjusting as he could no longer go around punching bad guys. I...I also needed...you know.”

Dabi nuzzles his hair a bit, chuckling a little as the strands tickled his skin.

”Yeah I get it princess. That musta been hard for you to do back there.”

The irritation about the nickname didn’t really last long as Tenko heard the pride and fondness in Dabi’s tone. The stitched man knew how big of a deal that moment had been for Tenko, and the fact he’d been able to cut off his former manipulator once and for all, how was he supposed to NOT be proud of his boyfriend?

He’d been watching the whole shit show too, nearly burning down their apartment when his powers leased out in worry when he saw Tenko on TV, in the middle of the battlefield, being talked to by the pot-wearing weirdo psychopath. Really, Magne almost threw him out after destroying their coffee table, she was super mad.

”Dabi, the hell are you thinking now? You’re heating up.”

Tenko mutters out as he notes Dabi’ body temperature was growing pretty fast.

”Oh, I was just thinkin’ how hot my princess is.”

He purrs into his ear, gaining a shiver and an elbow in his gut as a response. Tenko was red now, hissing at him like a cat. He was still shy about public displays of affection, let alone comments like that. Dabi just laughs and tugs him back beside him, not minding at all that Tenko was now sulking at him. His pouty face was fucking cute anyway.

”You still didn’t answer why yer out here.”

Tenko sighs after a moment, his posture relaxing as he leans against the living space heater beside him.

”Dad won’t be home till late in the evening again. I...didn’t feel like going home yet.”

”You could come hang out with us.”

”I don’t know exactly when he comes home. If I’m not there then he’s gonna worry.”

Dabi looks at him a bit annoyed, but ah well, the same time he got it. Unlike him, Tenko’s dad was a good person and genuinely cared and worried for his kid. He’d feel bad being the reason he’d have to worry over Tenko.

It wasn’t even that the man was All Might himself.

Hell, Dabi didn’t care who your dad was, he only cared what kind of parent they were. You father could be the number two hero and still be a fucking piece of shit.

”Dabi...”

He snaps out of his dark thoughts, and notes a bit of smoke was pouring out of his stitches. Shit he’d gotten a bit too worked up again. Luckily there weren’t many people around so no one seemed to notice his slip up. The pale figure sighs and then places a hand on his cheek - all five fingers as he was wearing gloves, though this time because the weather was chilly - leaning up and kissing him gently.

Dabi almost ended up smoking again, but he managed to hold it in, just responding to the gesture as tentatively as he could, knowing Tenko wouldn’t like him making it too heated in a public space.

”Alright, maybe I’ll just come hang out for a bit, so you don’t have to hurry home.”

”Try not to smoke too much; dad literally sniffed you out last time.”

”Wha? All Might’s a dog now?”

”He could smell your stench from me, dumbass. Your ashy scent gets stuck everywhere.”

Tenko tells him with a playful smack on the shoulder, and Dabi couldn’t exactly hate the idea of Tenko smelling like him, even if it almost busted him to this dad.

”...But yes. I...honestly I wouldn’t mind if you did come. It’s been a long week so far.”

Dabi just nods, leaning closer to kiss his pale forehead.

Fuck he was such a goner to this sneaky, smartypants asshole.

Chapter Text

Midoriya was dreaming again.

He could tell because he was in that place.

He could see glimpses of the past users of his Quirk in the midst of shadows. The difference from last time was that he could move.

Except, there wasn’t anywhere to go, not really. Everything looked the same.

He walks around for a bit, but there was nothing.

Then, a sudden burst of cold wind hit him, and Midoriya turns to the direction it had come from, seeing something in the distance.

He starts running towards it, not really knowing why. Like always with these dreams, it felt like someone was guiding him subconsciously. Eventually, there is a light ahead of him, and he starts slowing down, stopping to what seemed like a hospital room. He was standing beside a bed, a bed where a body was lying.

His body, his pro-hero body, lying in a coma of sorts in a hospital bed.

Sho-chan was beside him, squeezing his hand with a tight expression on his face.

”What..?”

Moments later, someone enters the room, a doctor, who tells him something. Izuku couldn’t hear the words, but based on Sho-chan’s expression, it had to be bad. Frustrated, Izuku attempts to reach him, to tell him he was okay. He reaches a hand out, but his fingers go right trough the distraught elemental hero, who responds something to the doctor, gaining a shake of head as a response. It seemed like that head shake the doctor did was him responding to question with a ’no.'

Todoroki closes his eyes with a deep sigh, turning his gaze back to the body beside him, holding Izuku’s lifeless hand with both of his.

Midoriya had never seen him like this, this upset.

He opens his mouth to try and call out to him, but as usual, he couldn’t speak.

Seconds later, the wind hits him again and the vision disappears, replaced by a windowless room that swayed from the edges, as if it wasn’t quite real. He recognized the room, and soon, the usual occupant stepped out from the shadows.

”You must find him, Midoriya, so you can awaken.”

OFA tells him, and the green haired figure opens his lips again to ask what he meant.

The man shakes his head however, and lifts his hand.

”I cannot help you find him. He’s not connected to me, but the other one. Try to connect with the other me, and he’ll help you find the boy.”

Before he could even try to voice out anything again, the wind picks up, and he is thrown into darkness.

Dabi still felt uneasy about being there. The house was cozy and all, but the knowledge it belonged to one of the greatest heroes ever lived naturally made someone like him apprehensive.

Even the presence of the cutest little shithead he’d ever met didn’t help too much.

Still, he’d managed to put the detail aside for a bit as they played some of Tenko’s videogames.

He’d learned pretty early on during their relationship that Tenko was both a beast with videogames, and also a sore loser. Even Spinner who was their videogame geek, hadn’t been able to beat Tenko majority of the time, and when he did once, the experience was so scary he peed his pants and hid in the bathroom for the rest of the day. Tenko had apologized for his reaction sheepishly the next day, but Spinner had been wary about winning ever since.

Dabi wasn’t too bad himself, but knew he was average when compared to his reptile buddy, let alone his mophead.

Plus, seeing Tenko grinning and happy when he wan was totally worth the humiliation of losing every round.

It was rather weird how Tenko could be really mature and a genius mastermind one moment, then a really childish little shit the next. He was openly gleeful about Dabi losing, mocking him at times about it like an asshole and pouting and getting pissy when Dabi managed to gain an edge over him. Then, when you put the games away he could talk about surprisingly serious things, being able to reflect on his past and Dabi’s to an extend.

Honestly though. The best bit - aside from physical contact of any kind that is - tended to be watching him paint or draw.

Since his quirk was destructive, Tenko had taken a hobby that required creativity, as a special kind of fuck you to mother nature. He was so good in fact that he was actually an art student, though he’d taken time off from studying after what had happened.

Plus, since people sort of saw his face plastered in the news due to the whole All For One incident, Tenko didn’t like the idea of going back, having people either fear him or ask billions of questions about his past.

Right now he was sketching out a portrait of his dad, the small form he was more used to. He had drawn a few of Dabi too, though majority of those were in his apartment - one of his walls was dedicated to the drawings Tenko had made for him, or about their ragtag group of friends - so All Might wouldn’t see them. Dabi noted that he was a little distracted now though, having to draw the same line several times over, and getting frustrated quicker than he normally would.

With a sigh, the stitched man reaches out and grasps his wrists gently, careful as his gloves were no longer there. Tenko generally didn’t wear them when drawing as it gave him more precise control of his tools.

The pale figure glares at him annoyed, but after gazing into the glowing turquoise eyes for a moment, he sighs and drops the pencil, allowing Dabi to tug him off his table and sit down into the bed with him.

”Ya still worried for the lil’ broccoli?”

”Honestly? Yeah. He...he just passed out at random and we don’t know why.”

Tenko huffs and slumps to rest his head on Dabi’s lap. The young man proceeds to stroke his messy hair gently, making sure his hands were pleasantly warm. He’d always had trouble controlling his powerful fire Quirk, but with Tenko it had become a little easier.

”I still don’t know why he started being scared of me. If it is some sort of quirk, why make him do that? Why me of all people?”

”Dunno. Maybe if the guy or gal was a follower of that dome dude, maybe it’s like revenge or something for you telling him to piss off.”

Tenko snorts, but seems a bit unnerved.

While Dabi had meant it as a half of a joke, he could see that such a scenario could be considered a possibility, given how much Tenko cared for All Might 2.0.

Still, it was far fetched.

Tenko has fallen silent now, and as Dabi glances at his face, he notes Tenko’s eyes were closed. He was still frowning though, his mind likely going to darker places again. Dabi didn’t blame him, he had his own demons to fight. He’d just never gotten to tell them to fuck off right at their face like Tenko had.

He was tempted to march back home and do just that, but...he knew his siblings would probably get upset once they saw the condition he was in.

Plus...he was still scared of that bastard, as much as he hated admitting it.

”Whatever you’re thinking, stop.”

Ah.

Honestly, it was a nuisance how his body could rat out his thoughts to Tenko. It always heated up whenever he was thinking of something that pissed him off. It heated up in other situations too, but apparently there were other physical cues Tenko could pick up to figure out if what he was thinking was positive or negative. The mophead was seriously smart like that.

”My bad. Guess my thoughts like to wander right now too.”

Dabi chuckles rubbing his neck, then watches a bit surprised as Tenko sits up into his lap, carefully slipping his arms around his neck. He wasn’t typically the one to initiate things like this, but Dabi wasn’t going to complain when he did. After a moment of hesitation, the pale figure leans closer to kiss him gently, and Dabi answers it more than enthusiastic, nipping at the dry lips lightly. He gains a slight miffed sound about it, but knows Tenko doesn’t mind too much.

By the time they pull apart, the fire user had pinned Tenko against his bed, covering the slim frame with his own while using his warm fingers to mingle into the messy but soft mop of hair.

Tenko kept his hands away, arms loosely wrapped around his neck. He was still very cautious about things like this, concerned he’d accidentally decay a limb or two off from him.

Dabi may have trusted him fully, but Tenko didn’t.

They spend a moment just examining one another quietly, with Dabi noting he had serious bags under his eyes, another sign of the rough months he’d been going trough. It was so weird honestly, how someone as strong and cool as Tenko, could also look so vulnerable at times.

Hell, Tenko didn’t see himself as strong, despite all the evidence to the contrary.

He’d gone trough rough shit as a kid, yet he was living his life now with semi-happiness. He’d faced off against his demon and wan. Despite his scary quirk, he had friends and family now he could rely on. Despite having shitty days, rough weeks where he felt like he was going crazy, he kept going. He refused to go down and let the dark shit lurking in his mind consume him.

How could he NOT see how strong he was, just because at times he felt like curling to a ball and hiding away from the world?

The key thing was, he didn’t.

Even if he wanted to, he didn’t.

He was too stubborn for that.

”Oh my god Dabi, I can literally HEAR your sappy thoughts right now, stop looking at me like that!”

Tenko finally groans, letting go of his neck to cover his face with his arms, and Dabi cannot stop but laugh, seeing the pouty face the mophead was sporting now.

”Aww C’mon, I know you like it.”

He teases the grumbling young man, who then manages to kick him off him, and turns his back to Dabi, curling up into a tight ball. His face was red, and it was clear he was embarrassed. The pyromaniac laughs even more, then shifts to sprawl himself onto the Tenko-roll, lazily plopping an arm over him. The mophead hisses at him as a response, but doesn’t move to kick him aside. If he wanted to, he could.

He was fast and had surprising strength behind his kicks, apparently shit he’d learned from that sleepy ass teacher from U.A, the one who taught the broccoli kid.

”Aww C’mon princess, yer ruining the mood.”

He comments with almost a sing song tone, squeezing the roll with a chuckle as Tenko grumbles some more at him.

The problem with his position was, that the mophead had left his weak spot open.

He apparently forgot how the collar of his shirt didn’t cover his neck, so Dabi takes full advantage of that, nuzzling the pale skin right under his hairline. The reaction was instantaneous, as Tenko shivers, letting out a tiny gasp. As scarred lips brush against his skin almost tauntingly, he scrunches up the canvas under his hand, keeping a pinky lifted to not disintegrate it.

His neck had always been a sensitive spot, maybe due to all the abuse it had gone trough.

First all the...all the bullshit with his so called biological parent, then his own habit of scratching it, he didn’t like letting anyone near his neck.

That’s why, when Dabi touched it like this, it caused such a strong reaction; the gentleness was something new and different from what his body was used to in that particular area - even after knowing the pyromaniac for over a year now, and having him do this several times before - that he couldn’t stop from savoring it every time.

Of course, Dabi only did it because he was allowed to.

Initially when he’d tried, he’d almost gotten his face decayed off. He’d quickly learned to ask for permission first after learning why Tenko had reacted so negatively. However, especially after All For One’s capture, Tenko had no longer minded him doing this spontaneously. He trusted Dabi by now, knew he wasn’t going to hurt him.

Eventually, Tenko was completely uncurled, just lying there relaxed, humming at times as Dabi gently nuzzled his hair.

Then, a beep from his phone broke the lulling atmosphere, and Tenko grabs his phone with a grumble, eyes widening as he sees the text, then he releases a sigh that sounds almost like a weight of the world had rolled off his shoulders.

”What is it?”

Dabi peeks at the message from behind him, bringing his pleasantly warm body even closer in the process. His expression widens a bit too as he reads the text on screen, and he now understand why Tenko looked relieved. It was from Tenko’s dad.

”Midoriya is awake now and doing fine. I’ll be home shortly.”

As per usual, Dabi sneaked out before All Might could arrive home, honestly glad the broccoli kid had woken up. Tenko had been really tense about it, and while he’d been able to distract the mophead, it had probably been in the back of his head most of the time. As Dabi walked down the streets, hood over his head, he couldn’t stop but feel he was being followed.

Glancing around, he couldn’t see anyone, but his instincts were rarely wrong. Turning on a corner that led towards his apartment, Dabi slips into an alleyway once he’s hidden by the shadows, and waits. He could hear footsteps heading his way, stopping nearby the alley opening.

So he was being followed?

Tsch, whoever it was, chose the wrong person to try and mug. Honestly, most people wouldn’t even bother the second they saw his face. Any person who didn’t care fixing or covering such hideous scars had to be trouble, that was the thinking process of most.

So...whoever was stalking him was either a fucking dumbass or someone highly dangerous.

He inches towards the opening to see if his stalker was still there.

Suddenly, he feels something wrap around his wrist and Dabi spins around, flames ready in his hands. Except, they don’t come out, and he feels slight panic raise in his throat.

”You didn’t seem like the kind of person who’d talk to me voluntarily.”

A dry tone came from the darkness, and Dabi recognizes the pro hero instantly as he looks up to the glowing red eyes.

”Eraserhead, the hell you want from me?”

He adopts his typical casual attitude and lazy smirk, the same arrogant dismissive behavior he used towards any hero he had to deal with. In this case it wasn’t purely out of his disdain for heroes, but also because this particular one freaked him the fuck out. Eraserhead had TAUGHT Tenko the nasty moves he’d used to kick his ass back them after all, and the ability to cut off someone’s power...yup.

Maybe it was a good thing this guy was a hero.

”I’ve been keeping an eye on you, since Toshinori hasn’t noticed this yet.”

Aizawa tells the boy flatly, keeping his glare to him. He was fairly certain the kid wouldn’t use his fire on him, but he had a point to make.

”You’ve been stalking me? Ain’t that a little villainous?”

”A hero’s work isn’t always pristine, Dabi.”

The young man couldn’t stop but chuckle a bit. Hell, this guy was scary, but he could appreciate the direct nature of his. Too many heroes spoke too many pretty words while doing little action anyway.

”Tenko has gone trough enough. We don’t want another person trying to drag him back into the darkness he escaped from.”

Okay, now he was getting a little pissed.

”Alright, I might LOOK like a troublesome shithead - and well, I can be if I wanna - but if yer thinking I’d hurt mophead somehow—”

”I don’t think you would, Touya. I’ve followed you enough to see your care towards him is genuine. But the fact you won’t let him be honest with his parent concerns me.”

Dabi feels his blood freeze in his veins.

How did this guy know?

Aizawa sighs and closes his eyes, releasing him. The boy rubs his wrist, noting that scarf thing had a firm grip on it. What the hell was it made of?

”Tenko wants to tell his dad about you. He wants to tell him about a person who makes him happy. Denying this from him is rather selfish.”

”Yeah right, why do you care? He ain’t your kid, nor part of your class anyway.”

Dabi asks bitingly, tired of the third degree. It was like getting the prep talk from a parent, when this guy wasn’t even Tenko’s dad. It was ridiculous.

The red eyes appear again, and there was an edge to Eraser’s voice, the kind that made him stiffen.

Fucking hell this guy was scary for someone who looked like a sleepy cat all the fucking time.

”I may not have raised him directly, but I’ve been there when his parent didn’t know how to approach certain subjects. Tenko has relied on my advice in times when he hasn’t been sure how to talk to his father. I taught him to defend himself when he asked, when he didn’t want to feel like a burden to people around him due to the unfortunate connections in his past that kept haunting him. Do not think for a second, boy, that just because I am not his parent, that I do not care for him.”

Dabi says nothing to that, admittedly feeling a little small under that glare right now. It wasn’t like he didn’t know about that, Tenko had told him. Hell, the fire user was pretty sure Tenko’s favorite pro was actually Eraserhead instead of his dad. Aizawa drops his gaze again and adjusts his scarf back into its place properly.

”I recommend asking yourself what are you so afraid of. Hiding this from his father is not good for either of you.”

The older man tells him sternly, his tone almost parenty now. You could tell this guy was a teacher, seriously.

”And? Why’d you care? About us both I mean. Hell if I were you I’d tell me to fuck off from his life.”

Aizawa actually snorts and rolls his eyes, walking closer until he stood just few feet away. He wasn’t much taller than Dabi, but there was a gap of age and experience between them. He examines the defiant scarred young man in front of him, his gaze about as unreadable as it often was. Then, he actually flashes one of those creepy smiles Tenko - and his class apparently - has dubbed as ’chesire grins’ and ruffles his black hair.

”Because despite everything, you’re good kid and it would be a shame if Tenko had to get rid of you.”

With that, the pro hero walks past him and eventually disappears to the nightly streets, leaving Dabi stare after him with a confused expression.

Fucking hell, Tenko was right, he was always right about these guys.

Eraserhead was scary, but he was also damn cool.

Midoriya stared at his ceiling, pondering what the First had said.

When he’d woken up, he’d been in the U.A infirmary, surrounded by familiar faces such as All Might and Recovery Girl, but also couple of doctors. They’d asked him bunch of questions, but he didn’t know exactly what he could tell them, so he simply said he couldn’t recall anything. Eventually the doctors left him alone, though All Might stayed beside him, up until it got really late.

”I have to go home now. With how uneasy Tenko has been for the past weeks, I don’t...I don’t want him to be alone for too long.”

The former hero explains apologetically, but Midoriya just nods and smiles. He understood it, as much as it was bizarre still, he’d seen from their brief interactions that Tenko was important to his idol, and why wouldn’t he be?

He was his adoptive son.

So, he was alone now, staring at the ceiling and trying to make sense of his vision.

What had the first meant by ’the other me?’

Who was this person he was supposed to find?

Where he was supposed to even look from?

His mind also drifted back to the vision he’d seen, about his own lifeless body, and poor Sho-chan beside it, squeezing his hand like the last lifeline he had. If that vision had been true...

Midoriya sighs and shifts onto his side, gazing out from the window. He still was ’t sure if his current state was true or a dream.

That vision hadn’t exactly cleared that up.

After thinking and turning the issue around in his head for a while, the green haired boy sighs and sits up, kind of wanting to move around for a bit. He was not supposed to leave the room, but he could walk around in it for a bit, right? Sliding down to the floor, Midoriya takes few cautious steps, noting his legs were shaky but strong enough to carry him. So, he walks to the window and gazes at the nightly U.A and the city trough it.

It was so bizarre to be there again, yet nostalgic.

If only he knew why he was here again.

Sighing again, Midoriya paces around for a bit just letting his thoughts fly wherever they wanted to go. After a while though, his legs start shaking worse, so he stumbles back to bed and slumps there with a sigh. As he opens his eyes again, Midoriya suddenly spots an object beside his bed. It was his phone, or at least he assumed it was, given the All Might covers. The man himself perhaps left it there so he could call if needed.

Curiously, Midoriya picks it up and opens it, noting the pin code was the same as his.

The background was different though, his phone nowadays had a picture of him and shouto, while this still had one about an All Might poster.

He had been such a fanboy, in hindsight it was a little....embarrassing.

It was a word he’d been using a lot lately, but it summarized about how he felt about a lot of things right now.

Curious, he looks trough the gallery.

Most of the photos were about what he expected. All might related stuff, some random snapshots of the class, usually about him, Uraraka, Iida and Todoroki together, but for his surprise there was a few about Kacchan. There was even one that was clearly taken by somebody else, where he was apparently dozing onto his shoulder again, and Kacchan seemed completely fine with it.

It was weird to see.

Then...there was Tenko.

There weren’t many, but he found some pictures of him and Tenko together, most of which seemed like he’d insisted on taking them and the pale man had reluctantly agreed. While initially appearing grumpy and sulking, once Midoriya examined it more closely he noted that Tenko often had an expression that seemed to smile inwardly. His dried lips were in a pout, but his eyes shone with genuine amusement.

Midoriya could tell because it was an expression he’d never seen on their Shigaraki.

Switching to the contacts, Midoriya noted not all were the same; some had different nicknames than what he was used to. Sho-chan was Todoroki-kun, though it made sense. It probably had been that back then in his case too, he'd only switched it once they started...dating.

Aizawa Sensei was ’dad-cat,’ instead of just Sensei, indicating he’d actually known about the nickname Tenko had mentioned.

Embarrassingly, all might was ’Mighty Dad’ instead of just All might.

Or well...maybe that one wasn’t so awkward. He was basically like his father figure regardless.

He had Shinsou’s number already too, and he couldn’t stop but chuckle upon seeing his nickname.

In his phone, Shinsou was saved under ’cat-lover,’ but ’purple Aizawa Jr’ was pretty good too.

Then, he spots a number he didn’t recognize.

However, the name soon revealed whose it was.

”Tenko”

It was Shiga— Tenko’s number.

What’s more it was also one of the quickly accessible ones, alongside All Might, his mum, and Aizawa-Sensei.

This meant... He flips back to the photos, and looking closely at some, he noted it was in fact the pale young man holding the phone and not him. It was pretty clear he was some level of good friends with the young man. He had to be, otherwise his behavior probably wouldn't bother Tenko so much.

He switches back to the numbers, and opens up the chat this Midoriya had apparently had with Tenko. It was dated about three weeks ago, probably before the whole building collapse/child kidnapping thing started.

You: I’m sorry about Kacchan, he can be rude sometimes

Tenko: Noted. How do you stand him honestly?

You: he’s...rough on the edges but not a bad person.

You: Kacchan just finds it hard to express his emotions well.

You: Really, I don’t believe he actually thinks you’re a villain

Tenko: I don’t care if he does think that.

You: You do though. I could tell what he said made you angry.

Tenko: even if it did, I’m fine now. I’m just gonna ignore the screeching that comes out of his mouth. He’s just a brat.

You: I kind of wish you two could get along

Tenko: of course you do. You’re personification of sunshine and friendship.

Tenko: Not all of us can make friends easily like you

You: sorry....

Tenko: ugh, look, I’m not mad at you. Don’t apologize for shit you didn’t do.

You: still, the argument was about me so I feel responsible...

Tenko: don’t. It’s not your fault he gets overprotective of you. That brat needs to realize you’re stronger than the little kid he used to know.

You: I....I know. I mean, I’m happy Kacchan still wants to protect me, but I do wish he’d see he doesn’t have to do it so much anymore.

Tenko: make him understand. Kick his ass or something.

You: There are probably better ways to do that...

Tenko: Hn, he seems to be the type who only gets shit when its delivered by a fist to the face

You: He's not THAT bad!

Tenko: Sorry sorry. I'm still a little salty I suppose

Tenko: Maybe I should call Dabi, his shitty humor usually helps

You: Ah...

You: ....have you told your dad about him yet?

Tenko: .....I want to. I really do. But he’s....hesitant.

You: because your dad is All Might?

Tenko: Because he’s a hero.

You: but you’ve known him almost a year now. Shouldn’t you...tell him?

Tenko: I told you I want to! But he’s....I don’t know.

You: maybe I should tell him?

Tenko: DON’T. Brat, I fucking swear if you tell my dad...

You: Sorry! I’m just trying to help!

Tenko: I know I know! But it’s...it’s my problem, not yours okay? I deal with Dabi my way.

You: just...be careful okay? I don’t want you getting hurt any more than you already have. It’s not fair.

Tenko: I'll be fine kid, worry about your own reckless trouble-magnet ass first.

You: ....okay.

Midoriya’s eyes widen; Dabi existed here too?

He couldn’t stop but shudder; aside from Shigaraki, the fire quirk user was one of the most dangerous foes he’d had to deal with. Not only because of his power, but because of the connection with Sho-chan.

It had made dealing with him extra difficult after the truth had come out. Sho-chan still felt responsible for his big brother’s fall, which was stupid because it wasn’t his fault.

Even Touya himself had said so. It had been his own choice, nobody else's.

That was probably why it had been so hard for Sho-chan, to take him out and throw him in jail back then. It was his own brother after all, even if Touya was gone, metaphorically speaking. At least he'd still had half the decency to tell his little brother this wasn't his fault. 

Midoriya couldn’t stop but wonder if...if they were brothers here too. Tenko would probably know. Maybe he'd tell him if he asked, based on that chat the pale young man seemed to trust this Midoriya enough to share things with him he hadn't shared with his dad.

The green haired boy shakes his head; that wasn’t important was it?

He’d need to figure out first what the First had meant with his cryptic words. .....

Problem was he didn’t know where to even start.

Maybe he should ask All Might about this?

Then again...he’d never been spoken to by the vestiges, so he probably wouldn’t be much help.

Midoriya sighs, gazing out from the window at a bit of a loss. 

He really didn't have a clue where to even start with this mystery. 

Chapter Text

Midoriya stood in front of his former classroom door a bit nervous.

He’d asked if he could join the classes today as he felt fine, and needed something to do. Sitting around doing nothing surely wasn’t going to help the mystery in his hands, so he had figured getting involved into this strange retelling of his teenage years properly was as good of an option as any.

Aizawa had been hesitant, but he’d never been too good at resisting Midoriya’s insistence, especially not when he got this serious.

It was clear the boy was hoping that spending time properly with his class could perhaps help him clear his head or so.

”Fine, but if you faint again, you’ll be banned from any classes until we figure out what is going on with you. You are also not allowed to take part in the physical lessons.”

Midoriya could live with that, for now anyway.

The classroom itself looked the same as back then. The seating was the same, with him sitting behind Kacchan. The only difference was that where Mineta used to sit, it was now Shinsou’s seat. Apparently the girls had gone so far as to completely wipe both the chair and table with cleaning agent to ’get all the nasty grape juices out’ for Shinsou so he wouldn’t have to sit on Mineta’s "stench".

Midoriya understood their anger towards their former classmate, he really did.

He’d heard a bit more about Mineta’s behavior, and quite frankly, he was disgusted.

Somehow this one had managed to be worse than theirs.

It still didn’t make the thing any less awkward sounding, especially when Shinsou himself had found it awkward. He appreciated greatly how welcoming his new class was, but he didn't care about leftover grape-juices or whatever the girls were talking about.

Uraraka waves at him in greeting as Midoriya steps in the class, clearly happy to see him finally attending classes.

”Are you certain you can handle the school activity in your condition Midoriya? We do not wish you to strain yourself needlessly!”

Iida asks from him loudly with his usual hand gestures, and Midoriya reassures his friends that he was doing fine.

”Knowing Deku and his dumb ass he’s gonna faint after first few minutes!”

Bakugou huffs from his seat, glaring at the green haired teen like he had offended him. That glare was familiar, but it wasn’t as malicious as what he recalled. It still made him flinch though.

”Well good thing you sit so close, you can carry him to the nurse if he does faint!”

Ashido declares with a laugh, gaining a murderous stare and a loud berating from Bakugou, who told her that there was no way in hell he’d bother if stupid Deku went and got knocked out again, it would be his own fault for not resting enough.

”Don’t worry Midoriya, everyone knows if you do feel faint, Katsuki will get you to Recovery Girl, you can count on that.”

Kirishima whispers to him with a slight snicker, making the boy look at the redhead a little confused. Izuku says nothing however, feeling that perhaps this was something he was supposed to know already. It was hard to say, everything about this Kacchan was familiar yet strange.

Once Aizawa enters the room, everyone is at their seats already as per usual.

He gives a warning glance to Midoriya who swallows down nervously and nods. He knew he was being watched for now. The classes went by as normal with some loudness, snickering, and Aizawa scaring everyone shitless with a surprise test, and later just for fun to make them shut up. It was all so nostalgic that Midoriya almost begun to cry at one point, prompting Bakugou to snarl at him annoyed, telling him what the fuck was his problem now.

While he apologized profusely as a reflex, Midoriya couldn’t stop but note the blond kept glancing at him after that throughout the class with a slight frown.

As much as it was still hard to believe, it seemed like he was concerned.

The lunch hour was pretty similar to his memory as well, with his group of friends sitting in their table, and Bakugou’s squad in the other. There was one moment that again illustrated the slight differences however; During the waiting line he’d began to feel dizzy, so Kacchan had angrily tugged him to sit on their usual Dekusquad table, and gotten his food for him, all the while huffing and puffing angrily.

”Aww Katsuki that was sweet of you.”

Kirishima coos, gaining a death glare from the blond who slumps down to his seat and starts munching down his food. The redhead just laughs and then pecks his cheek, catching Midoriya off-guard for a second.

Oh, so they were an item already?

Their Kacchan had not confessed to Kirishima until they both became pros. It was kind of...nice to see them together at this stage already.

Hopefully it would also last, he thought, as Kirishima was a good influence on Kacchan.

After that incident, the individual groups began chatting as per usual, and Midoriya couldn’t stop the smile forming from his lips; this was just like back then. Only difference of course, Shinsou was with them.

”Is dadzawa still giving you extra lessons?”

Uraraka asks the purple haired boy curiously, who shrugs, eating his food.

”Yeah, my physical fitness is still behind you guys after all.”

”Is it true that you sometimes train with All Might’s son?”

Todoroki asks suddenly, and everyone turns to look at him.

”You’re not supposed to say that out loud!”

Uraraka reminds him frantic, glancing around as if to make sure nobody was snooping in on their conversation. Midoriya’s interest is piqued however, and he glances at Shinsou curiously. Granted, perhaps this was also something he was supposed to know already.

”Ah....yeah. I mean, dad figured he’d be a good sparring partner for me so...”

Shinsou shrugs awkwardly, drinking his juice. He then notices the curious look Midoriya was giving him, lifting his eyebrow at him.

”...You kinda knew about this already?”

”Oh, uhm...sorry. My memory still has holes...”

Izuku mumbles turning his gaze down, playing with his fingers awkwardly. His friends now look at him concerned, and even Sho-chan’s face cracks from his usual neutral expression to a slightly worried one.

”How much do you remember, Midoriya?”

Tsuyu then asks, large eyes staring at him.

”Uhm....It’s hard to say. It’s like...random things you could say. I can't know what I don’t remember until I hear about it and realize I can't recall it.”

He explains rubbing his neck, and Uraraka looks at him with widened eyes, before sniffling and suddenly grabbing him into a hug, making the boy blush reflexively.

”You should’ve told us Deku! Anytime you hear something you don’t remember, just tell us next time okay?”

”Yeah...there’s no shame in admitting if there’s a hole in your memory. We’ll fill you in.”

Shinsou tells him with an encouraging smirk - or it was probably supposed to be one, but came off like one of Aizawa’s menacing Cheshire grins - and Midoriya felt like tearing up again. He loved his friends so, SO much.

”The fuck’s he weeping about now?”

A familiar voice reaches them from the other table, and Midoriya freezes, before wiping his eyes and managing to smile at Kacchan.

”I’m fine. Don’t worry about it Kacchan!”

The blond eyes him suspiciously, but soon returns back into the argument he was having with Mina, while Kirishima tries to play the middle man in it.

With a sigh, Midoriya turns his gaze back at his friends, who were still looking at him a bit worried. A thought crosses his head then. It wasn’t really too important, but he was honestly curious, and hadn’t asked for details yet. He was mainly curious about it, because Tenko, the biggest mystery of this world, apparently had something to do with it.

”So uh....I...actually don’t remember about...how Mineta got kicked out? Was I there to witness it?”

The group gasps in unison, even Todoroki seems puzzled, and Uraraka near shakes him, clearly shocked.

”How could you forget that! It was brilliant!....well a little scary like Mina said, but still!”

”Perhaps we should tell Midoriya what happened then.”

Todoroki concludes, and Izuku couldn’t stop the blush forming again on his face. The two-toned boy’s expression seemed much warmer than usual, by warmer, it meant his concern was much more openly visible, showing that he genuinely cared and was worried about the holes in his memory. It reminded him of Sho-chan back home.

”It was scary.”

Tsuyu comments in her usual blunt fashion, gaining agreeing nods from others.

”It was, but it kind of fit given it was around Halloween that we executed his plan. Mineta deserved that scare too, for what he did!”

Uraraka mutters, holding her chin.

”A plan?”

”Ah, you see…we found this camera that had…very private photos of us girls.”

the round faced girl begins, blushing and looking away while also appearing mildly disgusted.

”We had no way of knowing who’d been taking those, but everyone suspected it was Mineta.”

Todoroki adds, his face in a slight frown. he clearly didn’t approve what Mineta had done either.

”Yes, Tenko-kun was the one who told us it was Mineta’s, he’d....investigated and found hints that the camera was likely his. Unfortunately we had no solid proof about it, and we were fairly sure he wouldn’t confess if we pressed him about it.”

Uraraka continues, face in a frown now.

”Why didn’t you just go and tell Aizawa-sensei about your suspicions?”

The group glance at each other, then back at him.

”…..You said the same back then, admittedly.”

Todoroki comments, now avoiding his gaze. it was almost if he was… a little ashamed?

”Look, Deku, we all were really mad at that point, like, those pictures weren’t just casual secret photos. They…”

”Some of them had one or two of us girls naked.”

Tsuyu supplies helpfully, and Midoriya’s eyes widen; that sounded really bad. He couldn’t recall their Mineta ever go so far as taking photos of their classmates like that. Everyone sort of assumed he would’ve, but there was never any evidence of it.

”Basically, the whole class was mad, and Bakugou was ready to go and explode him to bits. I don't think anyone was thinking rationally at that point.”

Tsuyu explains, and Midoriya couldn’t stop but stare at his friends. He could feel the disgust emanating from all of them in various degrees, and glancing at the other table, bakusquad had quieted down and was listening to the conversation too.

”That is when Tenko stepped in, and told us he could make Mineta confess without anyone having to result into beating him to a pulp. Perhaps it wasn't the smartest choice, but...as said, everyone was really angry. The photos were really just a last straw after all, when it came to him.”

Todoroki glances pointedly at Bakugou upon mentioning the "beating to a pulp" part, who shrugs and grumbles something under his breath, but otherwise says nothing.

”So, he invited us to stay up late in the class, to ”watch the show” as he put it.”

The corridor was dark.

It wasn’t surprising at this time of day; it was almost curfew, and Mineta knew he’d have to head to the dorms soon or he’d be skewered by Aizawa-sensei. He just had no choice but to come here, not after receiving that scary message informing him his camera was found.

The person then had told him he wanted to meet back in class 1A.

Whoever the guy was, they sounded like a true villain based on the messages, and the grape boy was still embarrassed how he’d peed his pants reading them.

Maybe he should’ve told a pro about this....

Ah, but if he did, he’d surely be busted!

That camera, he needed to get it back before it was too late! He'd get kicked out for sure if the teachers found out about this mess.

Stepping in on the classroom, it was dark, and Mineta looks around nervous. The blackmailer had to be there. Then, his eyes spot something.

His camera was sitting on one of the desks, it seemed to be Midoriya’s.

Was Deku behind this?

No way, it didn’t really seem like him.

Mineta hurries to the camera, only for a hand suddenly land on it, startling the crap outta the small boy, who almost falls on his ass as he backs away.

The darkness behind the desk shifts, revealing that someone was sitting on the chair lazily. Mineta freezes and watches as the lanky figure shifts, leaning closer until their face was revealed by the thin slit of moonlight coming in from the nearby window. He almost squeaked, seeing the blood red eyes and a terrifying smirk appear in the darkness.

Mineta was somewhat aware he’d seen this guy somewhere before, but in his terrified brain couldn’t remember where.

”Ah ah, so this IS yours, kid?”

”Uh...c-can I have it back?”

The stranger hums and turns the camera in his hand, weirdly keeping on finger raised while handling it.

”Quite interesting stuff you have in here. Not that I'd be into that of course.”

Red eyes glance at him, and Mineta feels something wet fill his pants. He’d peed himself, again.

”Not very heroic though. Or do you believe that being in hero course somehow magically exempts you from having common fuckin’ decency?”

The creepy guy asks with almost a sing song voice, as if he was highly amused.

the spooky bastard probably was finding his terrified squirming funny, he looked like a proper villain after all.

”I-I don’t get what you mean. I barely use it!”

The man lifts an eyebrow at him, turning the camera around in his hands, moving it with careful fingers. He again seemed to be careful of not touching it with all five. It was weird and creepy.

Everything about this guy was creepy.

”Ohh? Then I suppose you don’t mind if I, say...show this to the girls of your class?”

Mineta pales, starting to count days he had left to live.

”N-no! I’ll do anything, just give me back my camera!”

The man hums and chuckles, holding his chin while examining Mineta with a creepy grin.

Why did a scary looking villain of all people have to find his camera?!

If he didn’t get the camera back, the man would show its content to everyone and get him sacked, and if he did do as the man asked, he could get in even worse trouble.

”You know, kid. I reeeally despise people like you.”

The man leans back on his chair, stretching like an overgrown cat, crossing his legs over Midoriya’s table while leaning against the one behind him. His grin was wide, but there was an angry tint to it now.

”Thinking they can do anything they want, just becaaause they’re so called ’heroes.’ It’s disgusting.”

His tone was chatty, but the amount of venom in his voice was evident.

”L-look, I’ll do anything you ask, just give my camera back! If anyone sees it I’ll be in trouble!”

”Oh I knooow. I know, little brat. That’s exactly why I took it.”

The man pauses, and a flash of light appears in the darkness as Mineta’s freaked out, teary expression and soiled pants are recorded for all eternity into the device.

The villain was clearly having fun tormenting him. The grin never swayed from his dried lips.

”Do you want this back, little perv? Do you?”

Mineta just nods, his vision still blurry from tears and the sudden flash of light.

”Then turn around, and walk back to the door.”

”W-why?”

The blood red eyes just glare at him, telling him to do it or else.

Mineta squeaks and inches back towards the door, certain he was going to die soon.

”Good boy. Now stop there.”

”What are you going to do?”

Mineta stutters out his eyes pouring out tears.

The villain doesn’t respond to the question, just hums some sort of song for a moment, hissing at him if he dared to turn and look at him.

Finally, his voice breaks the silence.

”So this indeed is yours, is it not?”

”Yes it is mine! I already said so! Just give it back please!”

Mineta splutters out, gaining a twisted laugh from his tormentor, that eventually dies down into slight cackles.

Finally, he speaks again.

”Turn on the lights.”

”Why?”

”Do it.”

Gulping down, the boy reaches for the light switch and turns it on.

For a moment he is blinded by the bright lights on the ceiling, but after a while his vision clears. As he turns around wiping his eyes, Mineta freezes in utter horror and shock.

The villain - wait, wasn't that the weirdo who was staying with them? The one rumored to be All Might's son?- spreads his arms with a grin, tilting his head as the rest of Class 1A glares down at Mineta - especially the girls - with various levels of fury.

Shit, shit shit shit shit shit

he'd went and confessed the thing was his!

 ”Surprise!~”

The young man declares with the same sing song tone, before all hell breaks lose and he is surrounded by furious girls of the class, chastising him.

The little grape boy attempts to escape, but the pathway to the class is blocked by Bakugou, who stands in front of the doorway with his arms crossed, glaring down at him with disgust.

”I can’t believe you...Mineta I thought you were better than this!”

Deku of all people speaks out, looking at him extremely disappointed.

”Photographing the girls in various states of undress secretly without them knowing nor without their permission, that is stalking and harassment! A hero doesn’t do things like this, Mineta Minoru!”

Iida borderline yells angrily, his hand swinging about faster than usual.

”I was just...!”

”Shut the fuck up you fucking piece of shit grape fucker!”

Bakugou growls at him furiously, and the boy backs away to the wall, looking at his furious and disappointed classmates with widened eyes. The pale weirdo flashes him a wide smirk, really looking like a villain once again.

”Happy Halloween, brat. Hope ya liked your scare."

Moments later, Aizawa steps into the classroom, demanding to know what was going on.

Chapter Text

Shinsou was preparing himself for another training match with his dad, when he spots a familiar figure heading their way. It was Tenko, which was surprising; he hadn’t joined their training in a while. Not that Shinsou minded him joining them, the tall young man was pretty good sparring partner.

What made it a bit unnerving this time was the fact he looked rather pissed, which means he wanted to blow off some steam, which meant he’d probably get his ass handed to him again.

”Don’t use your quirks.”

Aizawa tells the two simply, not really reacting to Tenko’s annoyed face and grumble.

Wordlessly, the pale figure tugs on gloves just in case, waiting for Shinsou to finish stretching.

”I know you’re on such a good mood, but please don’t go easy on me.”

The purple haired boy comments sarcastically, only getting a kick in the gut as a response.

Yup, this training match was gonna be a painful one.

By the time they were done, Shinsou was covered in bruises, and he was lying on his back, breathing harshly. Not that Tenko was that much better, sporting quite a few marks himself, but he at least wasn’t in a heap of dizziness and eternal pain on the floor. The fucker was just sitting on the ground while trying to get his breathing back under control.

”.....I swear, you’ve gotta have some Midoriya-ish power up to your kicks when you’re pissy.”

”Oh fuck off, you’re just made of marshmallow, kiddo!”

Tenko grumbles at him, but he was finally smirking again, the sparring session clearly easing his anger a bit. Sometimes he had to blow off some steam, and well, Shinsou could always do with extra training. Unlike Dadzawa, Tenko did not hold back - aside from his Quirk of course - at all.

it could be both good and bad, depending on the day.

”Would make sense, given your dad.”

”.....It don’t work like that.”

Shinsou remains quiet, just gazing at the skies for a moment. He didn’t know the details, but Tenko had implied that even if he was biologically related to All Might, he would not have gotten the man’s power.

”Looks like it’s gonna rain soon.”

He mutters after a moment of silence, and the pale figure glances up, snorting.

”Great, as if I needed more things to ruin my mood right now. Stupid weather.”

Shinsou glances at his sparring partner, who was still glaring at the clouds as if he was wondering if he could decay them or something. He likely couldn’t, clouds weren’t solid objects like a book or a chair.

”Midoriya didn’t remember the whole thing with Mineta.”

The purple haired boy snaps his mouth shut, wondering why the hell he’d gone and mentioned that. Most of Tenko’s sour mood was probably because of the broccoli boy's condition, so mentioning him probably wasn’t wise. Lucky for him, Tenko seemed too exhausted to get up and kick him in the shins, so he just grumbles under his breath, shooting him a dirty look.

”Great, I bet he’s gonna give me shit about it like last time.”

Shinsou hums, turning to his side and slowly pushing his sore body into a sitting position. He hadn’t really been there to witness it, but he’d heard the whole story from his new class the next day - the day he’d learned he’d be joining class 1A.

”I suppose, I mean, ganging up on a classmate like that, even if you guys had a good reason. I can see why Midoriya would take issue with that.”

Shinsou mumbles more to himself than his companion; he’d never really said much about it honestly, but he had noted that while they were glad the little pervy brat was gone, some seemed to feel a little bad about scaring him afterwards. Not necessarily because the act itself, but because truthfully the whole thing wasn’t  exactly very heroic.

They probably should’ve just brought the camera to Aizawa-sensei, Shinsou knew his dad enough to tell he probably could’ve made Mineta confess.

He almost wanted to chuckle, realizing he sounded like Midoriya right now.

”It’s not like I expected ALL of them to be there. Hell, just Midoriya would’ve been enough. They would’ve believed him if he told them Mineta had confessed.”

Tenko grumbles under his breath, hand reaching for his neck before forced back down to his lap.

”They all didn’t need to come, but they did. I didn’t force them.”

Red eyes nail Shinsou in his place, but the same time, the purple haired teen knew Tenko well enough to not be too intimidated by the glare. He’d known the older boy since middle school, since he’d been adopted by Aizawa Shota and Present Mic in other words. He was one of the few people who could say shit directly to Tenko’s face and not end up borderline murdered because of it.

Granted, that privilege had taken a while to earn.

He’d initially been unnerved by the boy and his quirk like most, but gotten over it quickly as honestly, he sympathized. He had a quirk people saw as villainous too, so he understood what Tenko had to go trough.

So, Shinsou wasn’t concerned, when he spoke his mind now, he knew Tenko would get the meaning behind his words and not take it the wrong way.

”You didn’t, but you’ve always been good at reading the mood of people and twisting it to your advantage. You’re a cool guy Tenko and generally want to help people you care for, but sometimes....sometimes you’re suuuuuuch a bad kid.”

He says that with a Chesire grin on his face.

Had anyone else said this, Tenko would’ve probably flipped his shit or felt guilty depending on who it was, but this was coming from Hitoshi.

When it was Hitoshi, it was said matter of factly, like it was a part of Tenko, a part like his dry lips or spooky red eyes, and the purple teen accepted this. A part that just existed and he couldn't do much about. He understood Tenko could do shitty things, but didn’t judge him for it, didn’t blame him. Didn't go calling him a villain, didn't rant about how it wasn't very heroic.

As long as Tenko’s shenanigans didn’t actually hurt anybody, Hitoshi didn’t care if the pale young man went and scared the crap outta hundreds little perverts for fun.

Perhaps Shinsou should’ve been stricter in the eyes of some, but hell, there were enough people in Tenko’s life to help him if he slipped too far; there were people to steer him clear from the path he didn't want to take, but had tendencies towards unfortunately. Tenko didn't need another parent looking after him, he needed somebody who would just accept his stupid, shitty behavior at times without judgment, without the need to scold or worry over him.

”Why you little...”

Tenko launches himself at Shinsou playfully, and the two grapple on the ground for a bit, trying to tickle each other.

Finally their mock sparring was interrupted by Aizawa, whose tired voice tells them to stop, as it was starting to rain. He'd just watched their match from the sidelines this time, sensing Tenko was in need of some comradeship rather than a teacher breathing down his neck about his posture or so. While Tenko was - had been - close with the problem child, it was pretty clear his brainwasher son was Tenko's closest friend in U.A, and Aizawa was honestly fine with that.

The two still shove each other playfully while heading to the showers, and Shinsou was glad to see Tenko’s mood had been lifted since when he’d arrived. He was a pain to deal with - literally - when mad.

Izuku didn’t know what to think about the story he’d been told.

It had been a little unnerving, how Tenko had made the entire class go against a fellow classmate.

Sure, what Tenko had done wasn’t exactly bad, Mineta had just always been easy to scare, but still....

Even if it the thing was kind of justified, surely they could’ve just spoken to Aizawa-sensei?

The green haired boy sighs and drops his pencil, gazing out of the window. He was doing his English homework but was unable to focus, for his mind was still trying to put pieces together.

”The fuck are you moping about?”

Midoriya jumps and spins around, stunned to find Kacchan standing behind him, hands in his pockets and a hood tugged over his head. Given he seemed to be wet, the blond had likely just come inside from his run as it had been raining. It was clear he hadn’t gone to the showers yet, likely spotting him sitting on his room and staring out of the window absent minded.

”Is this about the shit they told you back at lunch?”

Midoriya had no clue what to do or say. He didn’t know how he was supposed to act around this Kacchan. The blond sighs irritated and slumps to sit on his bed, not caring he was leaving a wet patch there.

”Yeah, it was shitty move from us to let him freak the little fucker out like that, but what’s done is done.”

Kacchan tells him gruffly, and Midoriya looks down at his hands, unsure on how to respond. Yeah, it had been a while back apparently, and he’d scolded his class already according to Iida, but still....

”We could’ve just told sensei about it. I doubt Mineta would’ve lied to him.”

Kacchan remains quiet for a moment, and as Midoriya lifts his gaze, he notes Kacchan was frowning too, and seemed a little...it was similar to the expression Todoroki had had when they’d told the story. Even Kacchan wasn’t proud of it. Then again.... of course he wouldn't have been. Not when there had been an obvious right path to choose, and instead they'd gone with a petty revenge plan. At least, Midoriya found it a little petty, even if Mineta's actions were horrible. There was a reason why vigilantism wasn't exactly legal.

Sure, nobody was hurt, or even actually threatened, but....he could understand the fear Mineta must've felt at that moment, not knowing Tenko wasn't actually a villain. he'd felt the same fear just recently, so he got that. Even if he felt a little disgusted, sympathizing with the little pervert. 

”.....I’m guessing your shitty Deku brain forgot what had been going on before that night, ’cause then you would get why we went trough with the whole 'scare the shit outta grape fucker' deal.”

”Ah...uhm...someone did mention it was just the last straw...?”

Kacchan looks up at him, his expression in a deep frown. It was again slightly concerned. The blond clearly wasn’t happy he didn’t ’remember’ these things.

”It wasn’t just....that little fucker had gone and spread some of the pics online.”

Midoriya’s eyes widen in shock as he hears this.

He couldn’t....Mineta could be terrible, but that was...that was...

”It was especially bad for Momo, cuz she’s a rich gal and all, and their family has reputation and everything. Not that she cares about it, but some fucker started blackmailing them.”

Kacchan’s voice was quiet, but he was seething with rage now. It was...it was a bit surprising, as his Kacchan had never been particularly close to anyone outside his squad. Yet...if this had happened back in their school-years, Midoriya could imagine Kacchan getting upset. He had an awful temper and he could be harsh, but Kacchan would not stand shit like this.

”So yeah. You can probably understand why we were pissed off, and maybe didn’t think straight.”

”Still...such a serious case should’ve been handled by the pros.”

”They did! The whole shit-show was just to get the fucker to admit what he did! There was zero proof on the camera itself that it belonged to him! He'd gone and hid his tracks well.”

”....Even if the camera was his, how could....how could you be sure he was the one who...?”

Kacchan huffs and leans back against the wall annoyed, rubbing his eyes.

”Tenko had been ......snooping around his stuff after seeing him photograph the girls. He found the website from his slimy laptop. All we really needed was for the fucker to confess.”

”You still could’ve just...”

”I fucking KNOW!”

Midoriya actually squeaks and shrinks in his chair defensively as Bakugou aims a viciously furious glare at him. He honestly expected an explosion thrown at his face or something with how Kacchan’s hands sparked, but the teen didn’t move an inch, just glared at him.

”You think we didn’t kind of regret the way we handled it, afterwards?! Yeah the fucker deserved the humiliation and shit, but it wasn’t...fuck. I know it was childish. We ALL do.”

Bakugou rubs his eyes highly frustrated.

He’d had this convo with Deku before, and hated he had to go trough it again.

He hated that disappointed look on the green teen's face, it fucking hurt.

”We fucked up, I know, we know. Everybody was just so fucking pissed seeing Momo so upset all the time! She didn’t wanna come to school for a while cuz of all the rumors going around. And that little rat had the GAL to act concerned when he was the fucking REASON this shit happened!”

Midoriya could smell something burning in the air, and seconds later Kacchan curses, lifting his hand as he’d accidentally burned a hole into his bedding.

”Shit, sorry.”

Izuku blinks and stares at his childhood friend.

Did he just....?

”So yeah. Excuse us if we weren’t thinking straight!”

Midoriya just nods, not really following the conversation as he was still stuck in the fact Kacchan had apologized, actually apologized, without hesitation, for burning his bed sheets.

Kacchan didn’t apologize, not out loud.

He suddenly felt like crying again.

”Oi, the fuck are you weeping about now?!”

”Ah, s-sorry, I just...”

Midoriya rubs his eyes furiously, and then manages to smile.

”It’s okay Kacchan, I got spare ones anyway.”

The blond examines him for a moment, then shrugs, getting up and grabbing the ruined bed sheets, throwing them to the trash.

”A-ah, you don’t have to...!”

Midoriya watches in slight awe and confusion as Kacchan ignores him and replaces the ruined sheets with new ones from his closet. His Kacchan would’ve never done this, not to him. Kirishima yes, but not him.

Shit, why was he starting to cry again?

A finger flicks his forehead before he could start crying, and green eyes look up at the blonde who was glaring at him mildly irritated.

”Stop crying. Also finish yer homework, we’re gonna go shopping later on today.”

”W-we?”

”The whole fucking class. Round-face suddenly decided that maybe going out and spending money on shit and hanging out could help your memory or some shit like that.”

Kacchan shrugs and straightens himself, turning on his heels and heading out.

”You got an hour, so hurry the fuck up Deku!”

He yells before disappearing from sight, going for the showers.

Midoriya just stares after him in shock, before the barrier finally broke and he started weeping. This Kacchan was so nice it hurt.

Going out for shopping was kind of nice.

He hadn’t gone with his entire class in a while.

Sure, everyone sort of spread out based on their interests, but it was still fun. He was currently looking trough some cat-merchandise with Shinsou, Todoroki-kun and Uraraka. The purple haired boy was planning on getting a cat themed gift for his dad.

”What do you buy Mic-sensei then?”

Uraraka asks curiously, and Shinsou shrugs, examining a black cat plushie he totally wasn’t planning on buying for himself.

”A bird. Once I got him this yellow parrot toy that says ’polly wants a cookie’ when you tug on a cord on it’s back. He completely lost it to the point dad had to shut him up by blocking his quirk.”

The image of Mic holding a yellow parrot plushie with a speaker and laughing his ass off until Aizawa was forced to wrap him up and shut him up was admittedly hilarious.

Looking around, Midoriya notices Todoroki was holding another cat plush further away, an orange and white one that kind of reminded him. The boy held it hesitantly, before poking the toy’s nose like you would a real cat. Sho-chan actually blushed and his eyes widened in slight awe, it was so adorable the Izuku couldn’t stop but smile. Sho-chan hadn't changed much in this regard, he still found joy in the smallest of things. Especially fluffy cats, real or fake.

Then, as he turns his gaze towards the shop windows, he suddenly spots a familiar figure walking across the streets.

It was Tenko, he was wearing his black jacket again. 

Midoriya hadn’t really seen him wear much anything else other than white or black honestly.

He watched curiously as the young man glances around, as if searching for something. Small part of him was unnerved to see him there, but Midoriya reminded himself this wasn’t Shigaraki. Tenko was probably just out shopping like any other person.

Still, he was curious.

Why was he looking around as if to make sure he wasn't being followed?

”Izuku?”

Uraraka asks confused upon noticing he was spacing out.

The boy shakes his head, then upon noticing Tenko was disappearing from sight, makes a decision.

”I think I saw Iida just now, I forgot I had to ask him something about the English class!”

He states quickly and sprints out of the door. Sure, he could’ve just been honest, but Midoriya reflexively didn’t mention the person he’d seen was Tenko. His mind just automatically omitted that fact so to not concern his friends, even if there was nothing to be concerned about. He rushes to the direction he’d seen Tenko head to, noting the young man was going to the quieter parts of the shopping center. It shouldn’t be weird, some people preferred quiet, but given the boy wore the face of his arch-nemesis, he couldn’t stop but feel suspicious about it.

Izuku had not been to this area before, namely as it had more bars and such, but at least it didn’t really feel particularly shady or anything.

Some patrons did glance at him confused, wondering what a kid was doing in the liquor area, but soon enough went back to their drinks. Eventually, he spots the familiar head of messy hair and stops, peeking from behind a corner, knowing it was probably a little silly to do so.

He wasn’t following a dangerous villain.

Tenko was currently talking to someone, with what sounded like lighthearted banter.

As the pale figure shifts, Midoriya recognizes the other person instantly, causing a chill travel down his spine.

It was Dabi.

He looked exactly the same as theirs.

Same clothes, same burns, same lazy smirk on his scarred lips. The only difference was the hood over his head, probably to hide his face lightly as Izuku doubted a powerful fire quirk user felt cold.

After a few more moments of conversation, the pyromaniac suddenly tugs Tenko closer, and Izuku felt his face heat up, quickly turning his head away.

Right.

Tenko had mentioned in that chat he’d red that Dabi was apparently his boyfriend. It felt...well a little weird, but not entirely unusual. It was clear that Dabi had been a loyal follower of Shigaraki, fighting to the bitter end to give his boss time to escape. He didn’t know whenever Shigaraki had held same level of loyalty and trust to his underlings, although there had been strong hints towards it.

Shaking his head, Midoriya wonders if he should just head back. This was none of his business anyway.

”Hey, what are you doing out here kid? Did you get lost?”

Someone suddenly asks, and Midoriya is startled so badly he falls out of hiding, gaining the attention of the two. Tenko whips his head around, and his eyes widen as he recognizes the green haired figure, who scrambles up, looking like a deer stuck in headlights. His brain was urging him to run again, but before he could, Tenko had already sprinted to him, grabbing his shoulders and glaring down at the smaller boy.

”Why the hell are you here?”

”Uhh....you know this man, kid?”

The previous patron asks a little suspiciously, and Midoriya didn’t blame him. Tenko just gives the man a glare, making them back away a few steps.

”He’s my little brother basically, and shouldn’t be around here!”

The pale figure snarls at the man, his choice of words surprising Izuku a bit. Tenko glares at the stranger a few more moments, before turning his blood red eyes back at Midoriya.

The moment reminded him of the time Shigaraki had ambushed him at the shopping center, except there was no hand threateningly on his throat. The two clutching his shoulders had fingers lifted so he wouldn’t accidentally disintegrate him. The aura around him was irritated, but not murderous or threatening.

”Don’t tell dad you saw me here. I’m supposed to be at home!”

”W-why shouldn’t I?”

Tenko stares at him baffled, then seems to connect the dots. He huffs irritated and let’s go of Midoriya, rubbing his eyes.

”Because of me kid.”

Midoriya couldn’t help but jump as Dabi’s lazy, drawling tone joins the conversation.

He paces beside Tenko, plopping an arm around his shoulders.

”I don’t want his dad to know about me yet. Though you were kind of supposed to know that already. Tenko said he might've mentioned me to you when you were being nosy.”

Tenko grits his teeth, letting out another sigh.

”He doesn’t remember that either. This is another thing his brain has wiped out of his memory.”

Dabi lifts eyebrow, examining the nervous teen curiously.

At least Tenko had some noticeable differences in his appearance to help him separate the young man from his enemy back home, but Dabi was EXACTLY the same.

There was even bit of that slightly twisted lunacy glinting in his eyes, like he could lit the entire place on fire at any time if he felt like it.

(Naturally Midoriya wouldn't have known that this Dabi just had a habit of hiding his true emotions out of sight, thus making him appear a little psycho to those who couldn't read him like Tenko could)

”....Well damn. That’s kinda shitty.”

The pyromaniac shrugs after a moment, a slight lazy grin on his face. It was freaky in Midoriya’s eyes as it looked rather, well, it contradicted with his actual words.

Mock concern in other words, Dabi did that a lot as a taunt.

”Look. Just...don’t tell dad. I’ll...I’ll convince this moron someday, but not now.”

Tenko sighs and pokes the burned cheek with a scowl, gaining a chuckle from his taller companion.

Before Izuku could let out another word, a sudden loud noise interrupts him, and the crowd turns back to look towards the sound. It was almost if...something had exploded?

Moments later a large panicked crowd rushes their way, and a large cloud of dust chases after them while the ground rumbles.

Midoriya’s eyes widen in shock; that was the direction his friends were!

He didn’t have time to sprint forwards as the mass of people hits him, and he is quickly swept away by the crowd, forced back towards the exits ahead. Struggling against the mass, Izuku attempts to reach an opening somewhere so he could get out of the wave of people.

Then, a hand grabs his collar and yanks him away from the crowd pulling the startled boy aside from the masses, and into one of the open bars that was now empty of patrons as well, customers having escaped admist the panic. Soon all that was left was dust covering the air, making Midoriya cough.

The hand was still squeezing his shoulder, and he almost panics noting it was scarred, meaning Dabi was the one who’d dragged him out of the crowd. He couldn’t quite make out the man trough the dust, but could tell he was lifting his free hand, probably to light a flame or so. Izuku panics again, but then Tenko’s voice appears and a pale hand grasps Dabi’s wrist telling him to stop.

”If you light a fire, you might set the dust in the air ablaze dumbass!”

”Ah...my bad.”

Dabi drops his hand, and Tenko drags them both to the back area of the bar, the staff room that was clear of dust. The employees had fled too trough the open emergency door amidst the chaos so Tenko drags them trough it back into the open air behind the shopping center.

Izuku coughs out rest of the dust from his lungs and wipes his eyes. They still stung, but he could finally see clearly.

”What the hell was that?”

Tenko shakes his head, his eyes wide. There were employees and people strewn about, looking back at the now darkened building with confusion and worry. Izuku looks back, and notes there was a large stone structure jutting out from the glass roof in the middle. More pillars were also appearing, blocking off exits one by one, practically encasing anyone still inside into a stone trap.

”It’s probably a villain.”

He states without thinking, and the two look down at him surprised.

”Shit, the brat’s probably right.”

Dabi finally mutters out, looking back up. He looked more annoyed than concerned, which wasn’t too surprising to Izuku. He didn’t really know this Dabi, but his brain was sort of assuming the young man didn’t exactly shine with empathy.

A couple of police officers appeared, commanding people to back away.

Izuku looks around frantic, but couldn’t see any of his friends.

Which meant...

”Oh no...my class is still inside!”

Tenko looks down at him in shock, then back up the now blockaded building.

”Whole class? Is Hitoshi in there too?”

Hitoshi?

Ahh, Tenko meant Shinsou.

It made sense he’d be most concerned about him, Midoriya had seen them chat and snicker over something on Shinsou’s phone earlier. The two were probably close.

”Yeah, he was with Todoroki-kun and Uraraka when I left.”

Dabi glances at the pale figure beside him, and for the first time he could see concern in those usually cold eyes.

”Shouto’s in there?”

Izuku was admittedly surprised by that comment and tone, but then again, this was a different world. This Dabi was likely different too.

Forcing himself to look up at the fire user, he nods.

Dabi curses under his breath and looks back at the building with newfound protective anger. Before he could take a step however, Tenko grasps his wrist and gives him a warning glance.

”You can’t. You’ll get in trouble.”

”Fuck I care. My little brother’s in there! The pros are gonna take their merry fucking time to get here!”

”Is that how much faith you have in his abilities?!”

That shut him up, and the eerie turquoise eyes glare at Tenko defiantly.

”They might be brats, but they’re HEROIC brats. These guys were the ones to save my ass when the explosion brat and I were kidnapped by...you know.”

Dabi remains quiet, clearly having no argument against that. Izuku glances at Tenko curiously now.

Right, since he wasn’t a villain, that particular kidnapping had to be different.

”I can’t just stand here. I might be a piece of shit, but...”

After a moment of silence, Tenko sighs and looks down at Midoriya beside him.

”Was any pro with you guys?”

”Aizawa-sensei, I don’t see him either so he must be inside too.”

Tenko closes his eyes, seemingly considering something.

Midoriya glances between the two, then up at the building, noting that those stone walls had appeared to block the rest of the exits. The villain was trapping the remaining people inside.

”He’s good, but the fact the villain has managed to seal the place so well, he might be unconscious.”

Tenko finally huffs out, and examines the surroundings closely. Izuku hated that the pale figure was likely correct; knowing his Sensei, something should’ve happened already. Aizawa would've done something, yet nothing seemed to be happening within the stone walls. or maybe they were just too thick for them to see anything.

Soon, the pale figure turns on his heels and sprints out of the crowd, making the two glance at each other before heading after him.

”What’s he doing?”

Izuku couldn’t stop but ask.

Dabi just hums with a slight smirk, the kind that unnerved the young hero. Villain or not, Dabi always had a bit of psychotic edge to his smile.

”He’s got a plan.”

Tenko led the two around the block, up until they arrived to the western side of the shopping center. It was the part under renovation from the last villain attack in the city, so it had been empty and filled with rebuilding materials. As he’d assumed, the villain had not blocked off this part completely.

The group heads in, with Midoriya looking around a little concerned that something would fall onto them. The pathway that led to the functioning part was naturally blocked, but Tenko didn’t care about that. It wasn’t a problem. He whips around to look at the two, startling Izuku a little bit by his intense gaze.

”I think I recognize this guy. His ability allows him to control the ground and buildings he merges with. He also knows and senses everything that happens within the place he’s controlling.”

Izuku’s eyes widen; he knew a couple of villains like that himself.

”The dude that escaped few weeks back?”

”Yes. He must’ve come for revenge or some petty shit like that. Anyway, the issue is that he can strengthen his ’walls’ over and over in a spot that gets attacked. However the heroes likely know this, so they’ll attempt an attack on multiple fronts, thus dividing his attention.”

As if to confirm this, they could see the figure of Mt. Lady appear further back, where she struck the large pillar with her giant fist, attempting to break it. Midoriya could also see Kamui Woods and few other pros.

”The point being?”

Dabi asks a little impatient, his flames dancing around him.

Izuku backs away for a bit, knowing how powerful the blue inferno the man could unleash was.

”He won’t notice us sneaking in because he’ll be so focused on the pros. When inside we just gotta find Aizawa-Sensei and make him use his ability on this guy.”

”But if he can merge with the building, finding him won’t be easy.” Izuku points out tentatively, but Tenko shakes his head.

”We can fish him out.”

The smirk was a little spooky, but it wasn’t as bad as Shigaraki’s crazy grins.

”Let’s just go. We ain’t got time to wait for the damn pros to find an opening.”

Dabi snorts dismissively, and Tenko nods, hurrying to the wall.

He looks around, seemingly waiting for something. As he heard the sounds of battle starting all around them, he turns his attention back to the wall and starts decaying it. The process was slow with such a big thing, but he didn’t really have to decay all the way trough.

Once the wall was weakened enough, he steps away quickly and just gives Dabi a look.

They had to act fast, as the wall would start repairing itself immediately.

Luckily he didn't have to say anything, for they'd done this kinda thing before so the pyromaniac knew instantly what his boyfriend wanted.

Dabi’s face twists into a terrifying grin and Midoriya backs away, wondering if going with these two had been a smart idea after all. A blue blast of flames hits the weakened wall, scorching a hole right trough it.

”C’mon!”

Tenko quickly tugs them with him, and the group enters trough the charred hole before it starts closing in again. They were soon engulfed in darkness, though at least there wasn’t dust floating in the air anymore, so Dabi could lit up a small blue flame to illuminate their way.

”So, now what?”

Tenko looks around, listening closely.

”Where exactly were your friends when you got separated? Tenko then asks Midoriya, who is startled out of his chaotic thoughts to look up at the creepy red eyes illuminated by the contrasting blue flame nearby.

”The..the gift shop, the one with a lot of cat merchandise.”

”Sounds like your kind of place.” Dabi remarks with a smirk, gaining an Eye-roll from Tenko, who starts leading them trough the darkness. Everything looked different now with random walls blocking pathways and creating new ones, but they could still recognize some signs here and there to navigate their way trough.

Midoriya prayed that his friends would be okay.

Even if he knew they were tough, he still couldn’t stop himself from worrying.

Chapter Text

When Aizawa came to, everything around him was dark.

He was covered in sand and some minor rubble, and based on the sticky feeling at the back of his head, he was likely bleeding as well. Everything had been normal initially, then suddenly the ground had began to shift, and the building collapsed. or at least initially he'd thought it was collapsing.

He’d lost sight of the kids amidst the chaos, and was now seemingly trapped in some sort of stone coffin of sorts. The walls were too smooth for it to be the rubble, so likely the trap was man made. It was big enough for him to move and sit up, but that was about it. The teacher coughs out some dust, his primary concern in his students despite the situation at hand.

He recognized the walls around him and the Quirk that was likely the source of it. It was that one villain he and Mic had captured few weeks back, the one that had managed to escape due to some mishap by his handlers.

Tsch, he should’ve known the bastard would come after him.

The walls shift, and soon, a familiar stony face sneers at him from the further away wall.

”Eraserhead, we meet again.”

”Where are my students?”

The villain chuckles, not surprised by his reply. The man was known for putting his kids first.

”Oh I made sure they're all busy, can’t have them running around ruining my plans.”

”You actually plan things?”

Stony hands reach out from the walls to squeeze him painfully tight, but Aizawa keeps his visage calm. He couldn’t erase the man’s quirk as the face he saw was just a projection of sorts.

Not his actual face. The real body was hiding somewhere.

So, his only option was to buy time. Luckily this fool was talkative.

”Always ready to reply are you? Well that sass won’t last for long once I find your kid among all of these brats!”

Hitoshi?

He was after Hitoshi?

Aizawa felt slight cold grip his heart, but the man showed nothing of it in his face, keeping it blank.

”That’s a terrible idea. He is surrounded by the most powerful members of his class for one, and he's no pushover either. They can easily take you out.”

”Tsch, sure your brats are impressive, but they are amateurs!”

The rock hands squeeze harder, actually making Aizawa cough.

”I was planning on killing the boy in front of you, but maybe I’ll just kill you right now!”

The villain snarls, and Aizawa could see bright spots dancing in his vision; he was starting to lose consciousness. Before the villain could make good of his threat however, something suddenly hit the walls of his prison, and after a split second, the cocoon around him crumbled, revealing Kirishima in his hardened state, alongside rest of the Bakusquad.

”There you are Sensei! Jirou said she could hear you inside!”

Looking further back, he noted the girl’s earjacks were against the ground, indicating she’d been using her ability to locate him. Damn was he proud of his class, more every day, but there was no way he’d show it openly.

As the stone arms appear and attempt to reach for him again, Aizawa dodges them, allowing Bakugou to blast the limbs to tiny pieces.

”We’ve been dodging those fucking things this whole time! What the hell is this guy?!”

The blond barks, looking around in the bizarre mall maze cautiously for more of those things.

”Where’s Hitoshi?”

Aizawa asks instead once he gets up, dusting off his clothes. His body still felt sore from the squeezing, but at least no bones were broken.

”They’re still near the toy merchandise shop, I can hear at least two more people with him.”

Good, so Hitoshi wasn’t alone.

He’d made progress but was still physically behind the rest. He could probably stop the man briefly with his quirk, but Aizawa couldn't exclude the possibility the man was aware of it and how it worked. If the villain did know about it...he could prevent Shinsou from using it. 

He wasn’t about to take chances.

”Let’s go find them. Bakugou, Kirishima, make sure none of those hands reach us.

”Yes Sensei!”

It was such a bizarre place right now: their surroundings made Izuku think of some post-apocalyptic videogame, where someone had built a base within an old shopping center using whatever pieces they could find, and tons of rock and sand. It was disorienting, but it seemed his two companions knew fairly well where they were headed.

At times they entered an area with more dust, so Tenko ordered Dabi to turn his flame off until they got into a clearer aired area. Watching the two work eerily reminded Midoriya of his Shigaraki and Dabi. The fire user took Tenko’s orders without question or hesitance, and Tenko seemed to know exactly what he was doing, acting as a clear leader.

The only difference was that the two weren’t hostile towards him, but rather seemed borderline protective.

It made sense honestly, while he was a hero hopeful, he was in a young teen’s body, a teen who’d recently gotten injured badly and was still recovering.

”How far is it?”

Midoriya asks after they enter another clear-aired area, noting there was some light coming from the cracks in the ceiling. He could hear the battle outside, and see the weird stone walls shift at times to accommodate for the damage caused. It was eerie, but it also was clear the villain had not noticed them yet.

”It’s somewhere behind that pillar.”

Tenko points a huge diagonal chunk of smooth stone that was practically cutting this main section of the mall in half. Midoriya looks around, trying to find a way trough. It didn't look good right now, it seemed their path to the other side was completely blocked.

”This guy sure went trough lotta trouble just to hold in some people.”

Dabi comments casually, his earlier concern for Shouto completely gone. Midoriya couldn’t stop but feel uneasy about that. Sometimes, he’d found Dabi scarier than Shigaraki. At least Shigaraki emoted. Dabi often wore a face that said he didn’t give a shit about anything.

”....I...it might be Aizawa-Sensei.”

The two turn to look at Tenko, who was holding his chin, thinking of their next move while examining their surroundings.

”He and Present Mic were the ones to capture this guy if I recall correctly.”

”So it’s some shitty revenge plot?”

”Yes. Probably. Like those shitty action movies Spinner watches. ”

"Oi, leave our precious gamer baby outta this mophead."

"He knows what he did to deserve that jab."

Tenko doesn’t even look at them as he replies to Dabi's wit.

Midoriya just glances between the two a bit awed; the banter honestly reminded him a bit of Kacchan and Kirishima, though it was clearly a bit harsher.

”So. What's the plan, mophead?”

Dabi asks, and the two turn to look at him. Tenko seems to hesitate for a bit, looking around. 

"....I doubt the villain would be nearby them honestly, the risk of being caught then would be too high. he's probably using his quirk to attack them remotely."

Izuku figured the pale man had a point; it sounded like a logical step to take, if you could attack from afar why get near your opponents, especially an opponent like Aizawa-Sensei.

”So you're saying, that there’s no point in going to the brats if he’s not actually gonna be there."

Dabi huffs sounding a bit irritated, and then his gaze shifts to something that Midoriya was unnervingly familiar with.

Bloodthirst.

"Why don't we just take out the guy behind this mess then, and this stone stuff will disappear. You know how to find 'im, don't you princess?"

”We need Aizawa-Sensei’s ability to do that! He’s probably on the other side.” Midoriya points out, not liking the slight mad glint in the fire user’s eyes one bit.

For his surprise, Tenko was also objecting to whatever he was thinking.

”Dabi, no. You can’t just go and take him out, especially not the way you're thinking!”

”The fuck does it matter? If we don’t do shit my brother might end up dead, and so will the brainwasher brat and your precious class.”

The last words were aimed at Midoriya, who was once again reminded how terrifying this usually aloof pyromaniac could be. He didn’t get to say anything however as Tenko marches to him and grasps his collar, glaring at the taller male with a murderous stare.

”Don’t be a fucking moron you crazy bastard! I did not drag you in here with me to have you do something reckless and be arrested!”

”Then the fuck was your all mighty plan, princess?!”

The all might pun was probably intentional, based on the smirk on Dabi’s face and the grimace on Tenko’s.

”You’re the one who wanted to rush in to save his little brother! I didn’t...”

”So you didn’t actually plan this far huh? Gotta say I’m a little disappointed, usually yer smarter than this.”

”I can’t think of EVERYTHING all the time! I’m just a fucking art student not some criminal mastermind! "

The sheer irony of that sentence didn’t escape Midoriya.

"I only decided to find a way in because I thought you'd rush in head first like the reckless asshat you are and get killed!"

"Wow, and I thought you were smart."

"YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO'S WORRIED DAMMIT! But I still use my fucking brain unlike you! You NEVER do!"

For a moment the two just stare at each other, and the stand off was eerily similar of the few rare times Midoriya had gotten a glimpse on the inner workings of the league. Dabi had a bad mouth to him, and Shigaraki was easily triggered. A sudden sound from the other side catches their attention, and Izuku could recognize Kacchan’s explosions anywhere.

”They’re fighting the villain!”

Tenko rushes back to him to listen more closely, and yes, he could clearly hear the sounds of an explosion as well as typical cursing from Bakugou. The kids couldn’t be too far away from the giant wall separating them.

”I’ve gotta go and help!”

Izuku heads for the wall to try and find an opening despite all the odds, but Tenko stops him by grabbing his wrist, making the emerald eyes look up at the blood red ones.

”Even if you do find a way trough without alerting the villain, you're probably still in no condition to fight.”

”As I was saying. We should find the bastard and sneak attack him.”

Dabi pipes in, gaining a glare from Tenko, before he returns his attention to the teen. Something lights up in the blood red eyes, as if he suddenly recalled something, and Tenko grabs his shoulders abruptly, giving confused - and a bit unnerved - Midoriya a little shake.

”I remember! Weren't you taking notes on this guy when he was captured? Please tell me you remember something, right? I know this guy and his quirk, but not all the details.”

Tenko sounded almost desperate now, probably wanting to be able to do something so bad after rushing in recklessly like this without really thinking things trough properly, not to mention the fact Dabi was itching to get his hands on the villain, and at least this Tenko didn't seem to want that to happen. 

Midoriya goes quiet, not knowing what to say.

He didn’t know this particular villain.

He’d never met a version like this.

He couldn’t...

he couldn’t....

A sudden flash appears in his mind, and Izuku’s eyes widen. He turns around and gazes around for a moment, as he is overtaken by a hunch.

Almost if.... almost if someone was trying to tell him something.

”...Look, the walls kind of...slim down? To that direction. I think....if I recall right, that’s usually where the villain’s actual body is, since all this stuff spreads out of him, like a flower or so.”

Midoriya explains, pointing towards the darkened corner where the giant wall blocking their path was coming from. Tenko glances into that direction and realizes Izuku had a point. All the weird stone pillars and walls seemed to come from that direction, and if he recalled right, it was probably around the spot the giant toward procuring trough the glass roof was.

”Let’s go check it out then.”

Dabi comments, already heading towards the direction much to Tenko's concern and clear frustration. he sprints after Dabi and grabs his wrist, telling him sternly they'd find a way to disable or capture him, and that was it. Dabi didn't seem too enthusiastic about the idea, but seemed to tune down his flames a little. Izuku hoped to whatever gods he'd listen to Tenko, and wasn't that a weird thought?

The problem was, Izuku didn’t really know how they could capture the bad guy once they found him, and he surely didn’t want to do what the pyromaniac was clearly tempted to. He kind of wondered if Tenko often had to reign in Dabi's murderous tendencies, but it was a question better left for a more suitable time.

”So, all we gotta do is knock him out to make this all go away. If we sneak carefully, we might be able to do so.”

Tenko tells him as they inch closer and closer to where all the walls were coming from, putting weight on the word ’carefully’ while glaring at his boyfriend. Turquoise eyes glance at them over his shoulder, amusement in his slightly wicked expression.

To Midoriya, the gaze was a sign of a psychotic villain in search for blood.

To Tenko, it was a seething, furious stare of a big brother willing to do anything to protect his little brother, not liking to be held back.

Dabi could be aloof, he could be calm and carefree dumbass, he could be even sweet if he wanted to.

 However......... he could also be really, REALLY destructive if he wanted to. His friends often told Tenko had Dabi not met him, he'd probably gone down a much darker path eventually. he still had sadistic, violent tendencies that had the habit of surfacing when the pyromaniac started to get angry. Tenko was probably the only person in the world (aside from Kurogiri) who wasn't afraid of furious Dabi the slightest. 

Still. leashing him in was sometimes hard, and Tenko wondered how the fuck he was supposed to do it this time.

Having Dabi sibling's safety involved always complicated things.

The path to where Hitoshi and others were had been riddled with those arms, ready to spring into action to try and trap or choke them.

Bakugou did his best to destroy any that got too close, but it was difficult as there was always the concern he’d accidentally cause something to collapse. Kirishima was doing better due to his more precise strikes, but he was getting exhausted. They’d found Koda and Aoyama huddled in a pet-shop, who’d been doing their best to calm and protect the critters stuck there. It wasn’t easy as Aoyama’s laser had really been their only weapon against the grabby stone hands, but it had been enough to buy them time to be found.

”What should we do with these cuties?”

Ashido questions their teacher holding a white bunny who was clearly terrified, trying to escape her hold.

Aizawa considers his options. They were trapped in this death maze with a loopy villain at the controls, who wanted them - specifically him - dead. There wasn’t much room to protect the animals of the shop, and he would have to have a word with the owner for just abandoning them there.

”For now, it’s for the best if Koda and few others stay here to guard them, while we head out to find Hitoshi and the rest. The pros outside must be tiring this guy given his attacks have become less frequent.”

Indeed, there hadn’t been any hands trying to reach them for over two minutes now. The outside walls also seemed to shift more sluggishly, indicating the villain behind this was getting tired. He’d clearly expected to be done quicker, which was a foolish assumption to make, dealing with his class.

Aizawa almost wanted to grin, but held it in.

He was so damn proud of these brats.

In the end, Kirishima, Momo and Mina stayed behind in the pet-shop with Koda, figuring they’d be the best at handling any upcoming attacks in such a tight space, especially with Momo's creation ability granting them different kinds of weaponry and equipment.

”Ya better not drop dead on me shitty-hair!”

”Love ya too Katsuki, now go save our sleepy eggplant classmate or his dad will ground us for all eternity for disappointing him!”

The blond rolls his eyes but smirks, heading out with the rest of the group.

In truth, he was more worried for Deku than the brainwasher. The green haired bastard probably wasn’t in any shape for battle yet, and last he’d seen him was with eggplant and half n’ half. Oh, and round-face had been there too. he had strong comrades beside him, but knowing Deku he'd throw himself in the line of fire first like the fucking dumbass he was.

”Chin up dude, I’m sure they’re fine!”

Kaminari encourages his friend, guessing what he was thinking, Bakugo just growls, not bothering to respond with words.

The trio had followed the thinning walls into the darkness, noting the pathways became narrower and narrower. It indicated he was on a right track, as more and more pillar and walls seemed to be heading into the same direction. Soon however, their path was blocked again by some rubble, that seemed to form a barrier between them and the middle of this bizarre flower.

”Bastard’s cocooned himself in.”

Dabi remarks, a slightly twisted and angry grin on his face. The only reason he doesn't try to burn a hole to the wall to reach the villain was tenko's hand firmly grasping his wrist, telling him wordlessly to behave and use his head.

Midoriya holds his chin, trying to come up with something.

As they’d walked, more details had been fed into his head, and if he understood right, the man still needed to leave some sort of opening so he could breathe, let alone escape unnoticed once he was done. The walls the villain put up would stay up even without his presence within the area for several minutes, unless he got knocked out, in which case everything would fall down and disappear.

That was a problem however, as Midoriya was concerned for the structural integrity of the mall right now.

If they did knock the man out and all the walls disappeared, would the whole place just collapse?

”Can’t we just make a fucking hole and get the bastard?”

”No, Dabi. If we act recklessly, this whole damn place might come crashing down.”

Tenko spats at him, surprisingly - or maybe not, Shigaraki had always been smart - thinking along the same lines as Midoriya.

”Well then you two brainiacs better come up with something or otherwise I’ll make a way to the guy myself.”

His tone had a dangerous edge to it, the kind that sent a shudder down Midoriya’s spine. Tenko however, was absolutely furious, not intimidated one bit as he stomped to Dabi and glared up at him with the intensity of thousand suns.

”I told you, will NOT let your reckless bullshit be the death of all of us! Stop being a fucking moron and think for a second!”

A bit of flames appeared around Dabi’s body again, and Midoriya abruptly realized he was witnessing a highly intense lover’s spat right now. Midoriya had a feeling this happened surprisingly often, given how these two both seemed to still have some level of explosive, twisted personalities even if they weren't villains.

”Well excuuuse me princess that I wanna deal with the bastard who’s trying to hurt MY little brother, instead of twiddling my thumbs and waiting for some useless pro to do their jobs for once!”

”Shut up! Your shitty little brother isn't the ONLY one in danger, TOYUA, yet I'm not stomping around planning bloody murder like some half-witted hairy ape!”

The mention of his real name made Dabi flinch, but he stood his ground, glaring down at the pale figure. Had anyone else been insulting his little brother like that, Dabi would've probably lost it, but this was his mophead, who had the tendency to spit out vile bullshit he didn't mean when he was mad. 

Tenko grabs his collar, next words coming out a quiet hiss.

”Hitoshi’s in there too, with them! He’s basically my closest friend, do you really think I’m not worried as well?”

”Well someone who’s worried you sure waste a lot of fucking time!”

Tenko seemed about ready to slap him, and Midoriya was concerned he’d forget he didn’t have gloves on right now. For the teen's relief, Tenko doesn’t smack him however, as a thought suddenly seems to hit him. All the anger and frustration just deflates from him, replaced that same calculative look both Dabi and izuku had seen many times before.

”Hitoshi.... of course.”

He let’s go of the now confused Dabi and turns to look at Midoriya.

”You still got your phone right?”

”Y-yes?”

”See if you can call Hitoshi, and tell him to brainwash the guy the first opportunity he can get. I’m pretty sure this guy’s a loudmouth, and since he’s likely after Aizawa, he’ll go after Hitoshi too.”

Midoriya’s eyes widen as he understands what Tenko was getting at. If they could brainwash the guy, they could make him stop without potentially causing a catastrophic collapse.

”If that doesn’t work? If I can't get trough with all these walls blocking the signals maybe? What if the villain knows about it and prevents him from talking?”

A slight smirk suddenly appears from Tenko's face, the kind that was a little creepy.

”Let's just say, if the call goes trough, Hitoshi has learned a new trick that isn't listed yet anywhere in Quirk registrations, nor has he used it in the open, so I doubt the villain knows about it."

Midoriya doesn't know what to say to that, so he just nods and digs out his phone.

It was worth a shot, however the margin for error was big; all the man needed was to make sure Shinsou wasn’t able to use his ability, and this plan would fail. He didn't even know if Shinsou was still free or captured by their antagonist. Unfortunately, right now it was probably the best option they had, as it didn't seem like the pros would get trough the thick walls anytime soon. Had All Might been in his prime, he probably could've busted them out ages ago, but apparently this All Might was already retired as well.

The phone rings a couple of times, then, for his immense relief, Shinsou picks up. Even Tenko seems like he'd just released a breath he'd been holding. Despite his seeming confidence earlier, this idea would've fallen apart had Hitoshi not picked up his damned phone. It had been a gamble pretty much, but worth a shot.

”Hello? Midoriya?’

”Shinsou! I need you to listen closely, the villain is probably after you because Aizawa-Sensei was the one to capture him, you need to brainwash him and make him stop, because if we knock him out, this while place might collapse and I don’t know how many more people are trapped within, and...”

 ”Slow down, I didn’t get half of that.”

Tenko sighs and grabs the phone quickly, bringing it to his ear.

”Villain’s gonna come to you. Brainwash him, get him to release people trapped within without making this place collapse onto us.”

”...Tenko?”

”Do it! I have a murderous pyromaniac in my hands who is itching to get his hands on this bastard, and if he does, we all might die!”

Tenko borderline screams into the phone while glaring at Dabi, who couldn’t decide if he was scared or amused by the intensity wafting off his mophead right now.

”Roger that.”

A second later, some more sounds are heard, and the line goes dead much to their unease.

”Well, this plan better work or I’m going in.”

”Shut the fuck up Dabi.”

Tenko mutters, his body shaking lightly.

If this didn’t work...well there was one option, an option he'd kept in mind ever since rushing to find a way in to the blocked off complex. An option that would not require his boyfriend becoming a murderer officially. (not that he was one unofficially, not yet and hopefully never if Tenko had a say in it.)

An option that he knew neither Dabi nor Izuku would like.

He could do it, but at what cost?

It wasn’t too long ago since he’d used it last time.

Dammit Hitoshi you better pull this off.

Just as he’d confirmed Tenko’s words, the hands had appeared. Todoroki had managed to block the attack with a wall of ice, but they were still stuck in the relatively cramped space of the shop. The trio could hear the voices of their other classmates outside, likely trying to reach them.

”Who was that? Was it Izuku? Is he okay?!”

Uraraka sends him rapid fire questions, while floating several heavy objects up to crush another set of hands trying to reach them.

”He sounded frantic but otherwise okay, Tenko is with him.”

”Why is All Might’s son here?”

Todoroki questions while freezing another pair of stony arms, making them shatter into tiny fragments.

”Probably on a secret date, he did mention he was with the pyromaniac as he calls the guy.”

Shinsou comments before realizing he wasn’t supposed to say that.

Outside Midoriya, he was the only one who knew about Tenko’s secret boyfriend.

”Tenko has a boyfriend?”

”Look it’s not important, in any case, they told me that this guy’s after me.”

”Why?”

Both ask in unison.

”Grudge against dad apparently, but they also gave me an idea.”

Shinsou dusts off his jacket and turns to look at them determined. This could probably work, the fact he was still free to move around and talk indicated that the villain either hadn't found him yet for some reason, or didn't know exactly how his quirk functioned.

”Todoroki, create an opening for me so I can go out. I need to attract the guy’s attention.”

”But why? It’s dangerous!”

”All he has to do is shut your mouth so you cannot use your quirk.”

Shinsou gives them a grin, that reminded Aizawa’s signature smirk so much Todoroki was still convinced they were actually blood related.

”I doubt the guy realizes that, otherwise he’d probably located me the very first second and covered my mouth with his weird rocky hands. I bet he came up with this idea on the fly.”

”Even so, he must know of your quirk, so he won’t respond to your words.”

Shinsou stretches a bit, cracking his neck as he eyed the ice wall separating them from the rest of the shopping mall.

”I don’t need a verbal response anymore.”

The two look at him surprised, and Shinsou gives an encouraging look to Todoroki.

”Just gimme a surface to slide on. Uraraka, throws some shit around me so the grabby hands won’t catch me before I make it.”

”...Alright, I hope you know what you’re doing.”

The group below was currently engaging in a battle against multiple arms, and it was honestly the weirdest shit Bakugou had experienced so far. Not as weird as that one time dunce-face had attempted to cook breakfast and created some weird living amalgamation. He’d been banned from the kitchen since.

Talking of pikachu, he was suddenly yelling something and pointing at the sky.

The group looks up and sees a spear of ice appear from a shop in the upper level, surrounded by floating rubble that falls down crushing several of the arms attempting to reach the figure surfing across from it.

It was Shinsou, who jumps on top of what was left of one of the escalators, grinning like his dad before shouting out; ”Heard you were looking for me, well, here I am; COME AND GET ME SANDMAN!”

Several arms reached for him instantly, and Aizawa shouts a warning, heart pounding on his chest.

What the hell was Shinsou doing?

Then, the arms...just stop.

Everything stops in fact.

The group just stares in confusion, but Aizawa quickly connects the dots. Of course, he'd all but forgotten in his focus on trying to keep all his students safe.

”He doesn’t need a verbal response....”

All he needed now, was a response in general, it could even be just a physical action, even coming from someone's quirk, as long as it was a conscious reaction to Shinsou's words. Given how when targeting a specific person this guy had to be in control instead of letting his hands roam free, he'd likely turned all his attention stupidly towards Shinsou when he'd revealed his position. He'd walked right into the trap, set up by the brainwasher hero hopeful. 

Aizawa couldn’t stop the grin spreading on his face.

That's my boy.

Hitoshi shifts to stand more casually, stuffing hands into his pockets.

”Release everyone still trapped in here safely, and turn yourself in.”

He orders, and the arms disappear, walls opening up here and there.

”Holy fucking shit he did it! I dunno how he did it, but he did! That was so cool!”

Kaminari declares, looking up at the purple haired teen with awe and a slight blush.

Bakugou just snorts, rolling his eyes at Kaminari's reaction. Of course the eggplant would have a trick like this up his sleeve, Sensei didn’t give him private lessons for nothing.

Moments later, Uraraka and Todoroki appear from the shop, clearly as awed that Shinsou’s plan had worked.

However, as they head down to others, Bakugou notices something alarming.

”Where’s Deku?”

It turned out the argument the two had had earlier alerted the villain, as as soon as the call had ended, those arms shot up from the ground, forcing them to back away into more open area.

”Man this guy’s annoying.”

Dabi snorts and lights up his flames, burning the attacking appendixes into ash within seconds. Tenko was doing pretty good as well, combining his quirk and moves he learned from Aizawa-sensei to destroy them. Midoriya also noted he’d been pushed back behind the duo instantly. The two were protecting him again like he was some helpless kid or so.

The green haired boy looks at his hands, a bit uncertain if his quirk would work.

No, he had to give it a try, he wasn’t supposed to be so useless.

So, focusing on the power he usually had in him, Midoriya attempts to activate his quirk.

At first, nothing happens, making him wonder momentarily if he was temporarily without any powers right now. Then, everything comes flooding back in, his arms surrounded by the familiar glow of his quirk. Only his arms right now, he couldn’t go full cowl apparently, but that was fine. He punches the nearest arms into pieces, glad that his arms didn’t seem to be straining at least.

”How’d this bastard even control so many of them?”

Dabi questions, his blue flames engulfing another dozen of them.

”He doesn’t, not consciously; its more like they’re all part of a horde that can vaguely sense a presence and head towards it independently. He can only control four or five limbs at a time.”

Midoriya explains from the notes appearing in his head. He wasn’t entirely sure how this memory of his younger self had been unlocked, but he was glad it did. Breaking another set of limbs, Midoriya noted that the walls above were cracking. The villain was starting to reach his limit, and the pros would get trough soon enough.

”For a mere C-class villain, he’s pretty strong.”

Tenko admits after wiping out another set of arms.

Dabi just snorts, and unleashes a mighty inferno, pretty much destroying everything on the path of the flames, giving them some time to breathe. It was a terrifying power, but admittedly useful to have on your side. Izuku was glad for once he wasn't on the receiving end of those flames.

Midoriya could see some of the blue flames were clinging to the structures, and he wasn’t certain if it was the man’s anger keeping the flames alive, or something in the structures being flammable.

”It’s his quirk that’s strong; he doesn’t seem to have grand plans or anything.”

Deku mutters out, eyeing the structure around them for more hands.

Suddenly, a stone arm appears right behind Tenko, causing Izuku to yelp a warning, but it was too late as the thing grabs his throat, throwing the boy aside like a ragdoll.

Midoriya quickly destroys the hand, and several others appearing nearby, then turns his attention to the pale figure, who was crawling up, eyes wide. There was a nasty mark around his neck, but that was not the most worrisome thing.

”Fuck, that moron...!”

Dabi rushes to Tenko, crouching down in front of him cautiously.

Whatever was going on, it had to be bad enough for him to stop fighting and go to his boyfriend instead.

”Keep em away. I'm gonna try and snap him outta it.”

He tells Midoriya simply while surrounding them with a wall of flames.

The boy nods after a moment of hesitation, making sure none of the appendixes reached the two. He wasn’t sure what it was, but... he’d seen that expression before. It was the kind of expression Shigaraki had worn when he was about to lose it.

Tenko’s case was probably more dangerous because he could ’throw’ his ability and destroy things even without touching them.

After a while, the previously missing strain was starting to appear; his arms hurt, and he was getting tired. The blue flames still surrounded the two, effectively destroying any arm that slipped past him. He had no clue what was happening behind the blazing barrier, and he didn’t have time to ponder it, as more attacks were coming.

Then, a sudden wave crosses the air. It was a weird feeling, not quite like wind, but definitely something.

Second later, all the arms reaching for him grumble to dust, and the floor below him cracks and decays as well, forcing Midoriya to hop backwards so he wouldn’t fall into the new hole forming in front of him. Just as the rapidly growing opening is about to reach him, it stops.

Everything does.

There was a breath of silence, and Midoriya turns back to look at the two, finding that Dabi had lowered the fire wall, looking at him with widened eyes. Then...he actually seemed relieved, shaking his head with a slight unstable laugh.

”Fuckin’ hell. I thought for sure that blast woulda turned you into dust as well.”

Midoriya looks at him confused, then sees that Tenko was holding his hand up in a familiar gesture, still shaking all over. His eyes were glazed, and it was clear he wasn’t quite there yet. His breathing was rabid as well.

”W-what...?”

A sudden crack of light appears nearby, revealing the outside world.

Izuku realized that Shinsou had done it.

He’d managed to brainwash the villain and make him stop!

”Looks like the kid did it huh?”

Dabi mutters, turning his attention back to still frozen still Tenko.

Midoriya had no clue what was going on, but Dabi seemed to understand, as he digs out a phone, sending a quick message.

”I’m gonna take Princess with me for a bit. It’s safer this way than havin’ him be surrounded by a bunch of pros and screeching media when he’s in this state.”

The fire user states casually, picking up his frozen boyfriend and turning to look at Izuku. For a moment they just look at each other quietly, and Midoriya noted there was conflict in his eyes. As if there was something he wanted to say, but didn’t know how.

”Make sure Shouto’s okay. Musta been a shitty day for him.”

He finally sighs with a chuckle, adjusting his grip on Tenko just as a familiar portal appears nearby. Midoriya’s eyes widen, for he recognized Kurogiri’s ability any day.

”Relax. This guy’s a friend of mine. We’ll make sure he’s home before his dad flips his shit. It's safer this way, trust me kid.”

Dabi tells him and steps trough the portal before Midoriya could respond.

The swirling abyss disappears just as the first pro steps in, and rushes to him.

”Are you okay young man?”

It was Kamui Woods, but Midoriya couldn’t quite hear questions given to him. His blood was thundering in his veins, for that portal... it had triggered an unpleasant flashback.

His body starts shaking, his vision turning blurry, and he could hear the pro hero shout out in concern as the boy crumbles to the floor.

Chapter Text

Hands, everywhere, grabbing him uncomfortably tight.

He’d begged him to stop every time, but his father never listened.

Another one settles around his throat, squeezing tightly.

He couldn’t breathe.

He couldn’t think, he just clawed at the hand, trying to make it go away.

Go away.

Let go of me.

Let go of me!

Tenko sits up abruptly, his breathing rapid and filled with panic. It takes him a moment to register that he was sitting on a bed. A bed that smelt familiar, like cigarette smoke.

”Princess?”

His head whips around and Dabi freezes on his tracks, mid way from his desk to the bed, keeping his hands visible. His coat was thrown to the back of the chair, revealing his strong and partially scarred arms. Turquoise eyes were full of concern, and Tenko forced himself to calm down, allowing Dabi to sit down beside him and gently stroke his clenched fist with his thumb.

”I...what...?”

”The bastard went for your weak spot, you freaked out.”

”Oh god...Izuku...I didn’t...?”

”Nah. You managed to not target him. The plan also worked by the way, your hero buddy’s honestly as cool as his dad.”

Dabi comments with a chuckle, carefully sliding his arm around Tenko’s waist, letting him rest his body against his side.

”How did I....?”

”I figured it would be for the best if I asked Kurogiri to teleport us outta there before the pros or press showed up.”

Yeah, that was a good call. In such a state, he wouldn’t be able to deal with them likely.

For a moment the two just sat there, with Dabi stroking his arm gently, occasionally nuzzling the messy light blue hair. Tenko’s heartbeat eventually settled down, and he shifts to lean his head against Dabi’s neck. Many would’ve found the rough skin there uncomfortable, but Tenko was used to it. It was comforting in his mind.

”.......Sorry about the yelling.”

”You bitching at me is nothing new.”

”Ugh. You so deserve it at times. Though still, sorry.”

Dabi just chuckles and shifts to press a kiss on his forehead.

”Nah, you were right. It would’ve been a stupid move to go and face the guy head on. Good that those brats are competent.”

”I told you they were.”

Tenko pauses, then looks up at Dabi with a frown. It was an expression the fire user knew all too well, and he knew he kind if deserved the scolding that was about to slip out between the cracked lips.

”You can’t think of that as the first plan of action, ever. Especially not in front of a fucking kid. You probably scared Izuku shitless!”

”You know it’s hard for me to...you know.”

Dabi shrugs, rubbing his neck uncomfortable.

Yeah, he knew that side of him was fucked up and it wasn’t the wisest thing to show it off in front of a brat, especially a hero kid that Tenko cared for. He just... he couldn’t help it. The urge was always really strong, always lurking at the back of his head like some nasty swamp monster waiting for its chance to bounce and claim him.

Four fingers press against his cheek, making the turquoise eyes look up at the pale figure beside him.

There was understanding in his eyes.

Tenko was still upset with him for that bullshit, but he understood why all this was so difficult for Dabi to control sometimes. Mophead wasn’t the only one with problems, and he understood that very well. That was probably the reason they’d clicked so well despite rocky start, they both were equally messed up, Tenko just actually hid it better than he did.

Sometimes anyway.

”Gotta admit, the kid’s good. That wasn’t even his full power was it?”

”No, I’m just glad that idiot didn’t break his arms again. He’s so reckless.”

”You seem to have a type. I’m not sure if there is anybody among your peers that isn’t reckless.”

Tenko manages to chuckle a bit at that, his hand creeping up to brush his neck.

Ugh, it was sore, he could tell there would be a mark on it for a while. He wasn’t sure how he could hide it from his dad. All Might would see it and get concerned for sure. Maybe he could ask Recovery Girl to heal it? He’d just have to make up an excuse...

A hand encloses around his, and Tenko looks up at Dabi, whose eyes were probably the softest they’d been in ages. It was funny, how he could go from psychotic to sweet in few seconds, metaphorically speaking.

”Don’t.”

”I wasn’t gonna scratch it.”

Tenko mumbles out, but Dabi just hums, shifting closer until their lips brushed against one another.

”Seriously though; did they get the villain? Is Hitoshi alright?”

Tenko mumbles out in between kisses, feeling Dabi shift them until they were lying on the bed side by side. His initial panic was gone, replaced by a relaxed lull the familiar scent and feel of Dabi’s room had on him. It was almost as good as his dad’s, just worked differently in it’s comfort.

”Yeah the bastard walked out right into the cops’ hands like Hitoshi told him to. They cheered him on quite a bit, though I’m pretty sure his dad’s gonna whoop his ass for worrying him.”

Tenko chuckles at that, humming a bit during their next kiss.

”That’s bound to make him happy. He always wanted to be a hero, but his quirk’s seen as villain’s so...”

”Tsch. What a dumbass way of thinking. It depends on how you use it.”

The pale figure couldn’t agree more, his eyes sliding shut as Dabi’s lips slip away from his mouth, pressing gentle kisses against his jaw.

After a moment of hesitation, the warm touch reaches his neck, and Tenko tenses initially due to what just happened, but then relaxes, tilting his head to give Dabi more room. The scarred lips trace the red mark on his neck, and he was quite pissed at the man for doing this to his mophead if Dabi was honest. The neck was a bad spot, and while he was pretty sure the villain wouldn’t have known the kind of reaction his attack would cause, Dabi still wanted to burn the bastard to ashes and send him to hell. He didn’t make true of his murderous thoughts, knowing on the long run it’d be bad.

While he might’ve been partially joking about killing for Tenko, Tenko hadn’t been kidding when he’d asked him not to.

Tenko was too aware of the seed of truth of his morbid joking.

He knew Dabi could, if really wanted to.

So he kept making sure he would never want it enough.

Mophead could be a huge brat, he could be a devious little shit, but ultimately he didn’t want to be bad.

He didn’t want to be the reason someone he cared for did something terrible.

After a while, he pulls back to look at the pale figure, noting once again how fucking hot he looked, lying on his dark bed sheets. The contrast between his pale skin, red eyes and black sheets made him appear almost like some sort of ethereal vampire, and Dabi was totally into that. Sure as hell, Tenko had a lotta vampiric traits; his bite stung like a bitch -  but he loved every second of it each time - and he tended to be nocturnal, and lurk in shadows a lot.

Dabi didn’t often feel self conscious of his own looks, but Tenko sometimes managed to make him do that. He just looked so ugly beside him, like some fucking burned swamp monster attached to a gorgeous fucking undead that kept his youth by sucking people’s blood.

Yeah, it was a weird metaphor, but they both were a little twisted like that.

”Uh...how long have I been out?”

Tenko suddenly asks, glancing around to probably figure out what time it was. The fire user shushes him and grasps his jaw to direct the boy’s gaze back at him. He could see the unease and slight panic slip back in, he was probably wondering if he’d been out for too long and his dad was looking for him.

”It’s only been an hour since Kurogiri dropped us here. Relax. Your phone hasn’t even received any messages yet from your dad.”

To prove his point, Dabi holds out the black cellphone - the catness was surprisingly mild, with just having two white paw-prints of different sizes at the back - to show Tenko there were no new messages. The pale haired figure sighs and slumps against Dabi’s pillow, noting it smelt about as ashy as everything else in this room.

As much as he liked the scent, the stitched bastard should clean at least once in a while.

”Hitoshi or Midoriya might mention I was there....I need to...I need to...”

Dabi sighs mildly irritated now, grasping his jaw a bit roughly and turning the now peeved red eyes back towards him.

”First off; you’re still tense, I’m not lettin’ you walk outta here as long as the risk of your sorry ass freaking out on people is still there.”

Tenko attempts to protest by trying to shove him off his bed, but Dabi just rolls over lazily, pinning him against the mattress. He couldn’t stop the devilish grin from forming on his face even if he tried. Tenko’s face was steadily shifting red, his blush always standing out starkly due to the boy’s pale complex.

”Second; if yer dad wonders where you are, he’ll call you. You can just make shit up, you’re a good liar.”

Tenko closes his mouth abruptly, unable to deny that fact. He was overtly aware of how good of a liar he was. How good of a manipulator in general, if he wanted to.

”Third...”

Dabi’s breath brushes over his lips now, making it hard for Tenko to keep his irritated glare up.

”I haven’t had you in my bed for weeks. There’s no way I’m letting this opportunity slip by.”

Tenko lets out a groan and smacks his head lightly - with four fingers naturally - as Dabi snickers at his peeved glare.

”You’re SUCH a fucking moron.”

Tenko declares, struggling against the warm hold, though it was halfhearted. He wasn’t exactly strong against Dabi’s warmth, especially not when he was giving him such a frustratingly charming smirk.

”But you love my dumb ass, don’t you?”

”I take it all back, I absolutely hate you.”

”Sure sure, now relax and let me take care of you for a bit.”

The borderline purring tone sent shivers down Tenko’s spine, and he couldn’t stop himself from sighing pleased as Dabi nuzzles against his neck, planting a soft kiss there again.

The kids had been brought to hospital for check-ups, and Aizawa had called Toshinori to inform him that Izuku was out cold, again. There were no physical injuries on him, which hinted that this blackout was similar to the last one. Currently, Toshinori was pacing back and forth nervously, while doctors were checking on the green haired kid. Surprisingly, or rather given the teen in question, unsurprisingly, he wasn’t the only one waiting there.

Bakugou was there too, face in a deep, angry frown. When he’d seen one of the pros carrying unconscious Izuku, his heart had sank, and the boy had downright refused to leave until he knew the green teen would be alright. As a result, Kirishima sat beside him to make sure the blond didn’t freak out or explode anything in his frustration.

Moments later Hitoshi steps in too; he only had some minor scratches like most others.

”How’s the broccoli?” He asks from his dad, whose tired eyes drift to him slowly.

”We’ll find out soon enough.”

He then raises a hand, and Hitoshi couldn’t stop himself from tensing a bit. Yeah, the stunt he pulled might’ve saved them, but it was reckless. Aizawa just drops his hand on top of his head, ruffling the wild purple hair with his trademark scary smirk.

”That was some quick thinking, I’m almost proud of you.”

”Almost?”

”Almost. It was still reckless and could’ve failed.”

Aizawa drops his hand and turns his visage back to neutral as one of the doctors appears, talking with All Might quietly.

”To be fair, it wasn’t my idea. I got a call from Midoriya and Tenko who told me to give it a try.”

Aizawa hums, and doesn’t seem too surprised. It was not because he thought Hitoshi wouldn’t have been able to come up with something like that, but because he’d overheard some witnesses saying they’d seen a pale lanky man alongside a green kid and a third person rush off from the crowd after seemingly arguing for a bit. Todoroki and Uraraka had also mentioned that Izuku had ran off on his own in search for Iida, who’d never come across him during this ordeal.

Listening to those tidbits, and knowing Tenko, it wasn’t hard to put two and two together.

Eventually, the blond man sighs and joins them, causing everyone’s attention to shift to him.

”He’s physically fine aside from some minor bruising, so this is probably mental. Based on his brain-scans, the doctors suspect that perhaps he ended up having a forceful flashback that caused Midoriya to lose consciousness.”

Hitoshi’s eyes widen by a fraction.

That didn’t sound good.

A low growl escapes from Bakugou’s mouth, but Kirishima keeps a hand on his shoulder to make sure he doesn’t flip or explode anything.

Aizawa sighs and rubs his eyes; seriously, this kid was such a problem child.

”I should probably tell Tenko about this...he should be home right now.”

Hitoshi glances at Aizawa, who barely shakes his head. The purple haired boy doesn’t question it for now, figuring his dad had a good reason to not inform All Might about how his son actually hadn’t been home.

That being said...where was Tenko exactly? He hadn’t been with Midoriya when he’d been found.

Suddenly feeling a little concerned, Shinsou stares at All Might expectantly, who was calling Tenko’s cell phone. After a moment, the man pulls back with a slight frown.

”He’s not answering. I guess he might be in the bathroom.”

Outwardly, Aizawa gave nothing away, but Shinsou knew his adoptive sleepy dad well enough to tell he was groaning inwardly at All Might’s obliviousness.

”Try again later, he might be immersed in a video-game or an art project.”

Aizawa states with a sigh, fairly certain that this wasn’t the case. He had a hunch on where Tenko was, given there had been a mention of a third person with him and Midoriya. Knowing Tenko’s habits and all, that third person was probably Touya - or Dabi as he preferred to be called.

While the fire quirk user had his issues, Aizawa was fairly certain he'd make sure Tenko was safe and sound, with how offended Dabi had gotten from the mere thought he'd hurt Tenko.

Yeah, the kid was probably safe for now, but he’d have to come clean to his dad sooner or later.

”I shall. Tenko will likely want to know about this.”

In the end, Dabi couldn’t keep Tenko all for himself the whole time he was there.

Eventually, his friends had barged in to the room, startling the two lovebirds, and Toga had basically pounced Tenko, knocking Dabi off the bed as she squeezed the struggling young man.

”Ten-chan, it’s sooo good to see you! It’s unfair! Dabi was trying to hide you from us!”

She gives a pouty look at the man sitting on the floor, who just rubs his neck with a lazy shrug, getting up and leaning against the wall while rest of his friends greeted the slightly peeved mophead.

”Yeah man, what the hell! We haven’t been able to finish that one Co-op campaign for weeks now because he hasn’t come around!”

Spinner complains to his fiery friend, who just shrugs, giving him a lazy smirk.

”Tenko you’re so meannn, why didn’t you come visit sooner?”

Toga demands from the young man who finally manages to push her off and give her an irritated glare.

”You know why! I had shit to deal with.”

”Aww didn’t your hero-papa let you out? You should’ve called us and we’d kidnapped you! Maybe spooked your dad a bit.”

Dabi didn’t even have to count to three in his head, as Tenko instantly spats at her reflexively, even when he knew she wasn't serious at all. His dad was a sore spot and mophead was highly protective of him. Eh, if he had such a good parent like Tenko did, he probably would be like that too. 

He was still protective of his mum and siblings anyway.

”Touch my dad and I’ll kill you you freak!”

Toga just giggles and hops away before Tenko could smack her, causing the lighthearted -and four fingered - swat hit Jin instead, who rubs his cheek miffed. Tenko mutters out an apology while still glaring at the giggling blond girl.

”Ow Tenko, that wasn’t very nice. WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT YOU OVERGROWN GRASS WEED? Shit, sorry I’M NOT.”

Tenko just rolls his eyes at the sheepish man; he was used to this split personality thing by now. Jin, or Twice as his nickname was, wasn’t a bad guy just because his other self liked to speak his mind.

”For real though; we all missed you and were concerned when you didn’t come to visit.”

Magne joins in to the conversation with a worried frown in her face. Tenko just shrugs, having already explained himself to them.

”I also must agree with Toga, Dabi was a VERY bad boy to try and hide your presence from us.”

She adds, tugging on the scarred man’s ear, gaining a sarcastic ’oww’ from him. Magne glares at the fire Quirk user for a while, gaining a long suffering, melodramatic sigh as Dabi paces to the bed and slumps to it, sagging heavily against Tenko who rolled his eyes at him.

”Well I’m sorry that I wanted to protect you from getting potentially turned to ash. Tenko was having an episode again and having your ragtag team of noisy shitheads screeching at his ear probably wouldn’t have helped.”

”Oh hush, we all know you just wanted to do the dirty with him so you told Kurogiri not to reveal you were here.”

Tenko felt his face flush at that, whereas Dabi just laughed, being forcefully shoved off the bed again, though this time he just kept laughing on the floor, while Tenko spats insults at him.

His face was so red it was hilarious, but also endearing as fuck.

”Of course, Kurogiri told us Tenko was here for he understands we worry for our friend and isn't a selfish jackass.”

Magne places a gentle hand on the pale man’s shoulder, and after a while of tenseness Tenko deflates and sighs, smiling at her.

Dabi had finally stopped his snickering and propped himself up on his elbows, still smirking though. It was funny, how a boy who came from the world of heroes, whose parents and best friend were heroes, could still fit in with their scraggly band of misfits. That duality had always been this very intriguing and charming part of Tenko. He could keep them from falling into darkness while still messing around and being a total asshat like the rest of them.

He was not a hero, but not a villain either.

Tenko was...Tenko.

That was enough for them.

They didn't need a hero anyway.

”Come on, let mama Magne cook something for you while you’re here! Since that rude villain spoiled your restaurant date, we shall make up for Dabi’s incompetence.”

”Oi, don’t pin that on me!”

The group just laughs and then Magne ushers them out of the room, informing Dabi that while they gave them some private time, he was not allowed to ’do the satan’s tango’ as long as they weren’t alone in the whole building. Dabi rolls his eyes as the door closes, sitting back down beside Tenko, who sighs.

”They’re so...overwhelming.”

”But you like ’em.”

”At least they have some decency unlike you.”

”Well you clearly have an indecency kink then, given you chose me over them...”

Tenko pokes him with his elbow playfully, and it was clear most of his panic and unease had settled now. He felt comfortable again, which Dabi was glad about.

”I’m still honestly wondering why you. You were so annoying the first time we met.”

”The next time I’m pretty sure I scared the crap outta you.”

Dabi adds helpfully, gaining another playful shove.

”What the hell was I supposed to think? You show up with your whole gang following you, I was expecting to get beaten for kicking your ass! I mean, I could've probably taken you all on anyway, but still!”

Dabi laughs at that, but then tugs him closer and seals their mouths into a highly heated, intense kiss that has Tenko’s head spinning lightly, small mewl escaping from his throat. Honestly, hearing that idea from his mouth felt absurd to Dabi; how would he ever have wanted to rough up this precious gem?

He was a bastard, he could be a dumbass, but he was not THAT bad of a dumbass bastard.

”I remember how baffled you were when I asked you out.”

He chuckles gaining a blushing grumble from the mophead. While he sounded annoyed, Tenko didn’t move away from his hold, it was too damn comfy with how warm Dabi always was.

”Toga kept teasing me for a week about how I looked like a lovesick puppy following you around.”

”That still freaked me out by the way.”

Dabi chuckles again, his voice growing softer as he leans his forehead against his.

”Yeah, m’sorry about that. If I’d known the shit you’d gone trough I probably would’ve tried to be less .....pushy I suppose.”

Tenko remains quiet for a moment, then sighs with a smile.

”Well, what’s done is done. You’re not that bad in the end.”

”Hah, so you admit it?”

”You’re still a fucking asshat nuisance, but that’s okay, at least I’ll look pretty beside your ugly face.”

Dabi cannot stop but laugh again upon seeing the mischievous smirk on Tenko’s face, and soon the pale young man was snickering as well, hiding his face behind his hair and Dabi’s chest. The fire user squeezes the boy, nuzzling his messy blue locks and trying his hardest not to blurt out something embarrassingly sappy.

Tenko had that effect on him, and he couldn’t bring himself to be entirely ashamed of it.

Magne’s food was really good as usual, and honestly, Tenko enjoyed the company of Dabi’s friends after such a long time. They were loud and rowdy, but a good bunch that were entertaining to be around. They also didn’t try to get in your personal space - emotionally speaking - like Hitoshi’s class where everyone was always wanting to help you when you seemed upset, instead of giving you some fucking space.

Tenko liked both groups for different reasons, and had different gripes towards both.

He wouldn’t change a single thing from either of them.

Still, despite the pleasant company, a bit of worry nagged at the back of his head. Dabi had said the villain was taken care of and all, but he couldn’t help the slight unease. Then, a familiar ring-tone suddenly hits the air, and he rushes to grab his phone, cursing as he notes there was already one missed call from about a hour

”Is it your hero-daddy?”

Toga inquires curiously, but Tenko just swats her away and walks into the living room - The apartment was pretty big, but it did house multiple people - to answer the call.

”Ah Tenko! I didn’t interrupt anything did I?”

”No dad, I was just...I was in the bathroom. I didn’t notice you called, sorry.”

”No no it’s fine, I thought so. I just...well I figured you’d like to know what happened.”

”The villain attack in the mall? I saw it on the news.”

”Yes, Midoriya and others were caught in the middle of it. Now before you get concerned, most of them are fine.”

Tenko breathes a sigh of relief. Sure he’d figured so, but still, it was reassuring to hear. He wasn’t particularly close with the whole class, but they were important part of Hitoshi’s life, and they’d accepted him as one of them regardless of his quirk, so that was a good enough reason to care. Plus, while the brats could be annoying, they were good at what they did, and sometimes even entertaining.

Then, the last part registered.

”Most? Dad, what happened?”

There was an audible silence at the other end of the phone. Finally, All Might sighs and as he speaks, he sounds like his age for once, which Tenko had always assumed meant ’old like sky.’

”Midoriya...he had another fit and passed out. Doctors suspect he might’ve received some sort of highly emotional and possibly traumatic flashback given his brain activity.”

His face must’ve been pretty alarmed, as Dabi and his friends look at him concerned now.

It takes him a moment to find his voice again.

”He’s...what?”

”Yes, unfortunately. He’s otherwise fine, but hasn’t woken up yet.”

His parent sighs again, likely looking about as worried as he did right now. After a moment of silence, Tenko snaps out of it and turns towards the group.

”I’ll come there immediately.”

”You don’t have to, it isn’t like there is much you can do.”

”I know! But...”

All Might lets out a tired chuckle, telling the boy he understood.

”I could come and get you.”

”No no! I’m fine with walking, it’s not that far anyway.”

”....Well if you say so. Just please be careful, I’d rather not have both of you at the hospital again.”

”I’m just going to walk from home to the hospital dad. Even I can't get in trouble in that short period, I’m not Izuku.”

The blond couldn’t stop the chuckle from escaping his mouth, figuring Tenko had a point.

”Alright, I’ll wait for you in the lounge. Shinsou is still here too, Aizawa-kun began to feel dizzy again so they suspect light concussion.”

”I’ll see you soon.”

Tenko closes the phone and looks at the ragtag group examining him curiously.

”Midoriya blacked out again. I need to go.”

The group glance at each other, then nod. They knew this Midoriya was important to Tenko, even if only Dabi seemed to know more about him. The aforementioned man was now frowning a little confused.

”What the hell? He was fine when I left.”

”Well clearly something happened after that, because he’s out cold in the hospital now.”

Tenko points out, trying not to sound too biting. Not that Dabi cared right now, he understood Tenko was agitated.

”I can drive you closer to the hospital; it’s a long way from here.”

Magne proposes, and Tenko considers his options. He could just take the bus, because he didn’t want his dad see him step out from an unknown car driven by an unknown person. Magne lets out a dramatic sigh and rolls her eyes, giving Dabi nasty side-eye.

”Of course, I’ll make sure to drop you a bit further away, I know our little dramatic asshat Romeo doesn’t want your dad find out he’s been rotting his precious boy.”

Dabi makes a mock-offended face, gaining an eye-roll from his friend.

”Come on now, pack up your stuff and let’s go. Mama Magne will make sure you’ll get there safely!”

Tenko just nods, grabbing his hoodie from Dabi’s room. He’s suddenly stopped by Toga however, who stares at him intensely.

”What?”

”If you dun want your hero-papa find out, you should hide that.”

She nods at the nasty red mark still visible on his neck. Right, he’d completely forgotten about it. He did have his scarf still to hide it, but it probably wouldn’t be enough.

”Oh, for the love of...! Come here boy, I’ll mask it.”

Magne sighs dramatically and tugs the boy into the girls’ room before he could protest. Tenko spent ten awkward minutes sitting in a chair while Magne covered the bruising with make up. He could come up with a story later.

Toshinori lifts his gaze as he sees his son barge in from the doors.

The pale young man instantly sprints to him as he spots his parent, and the former pro hero stands up just as Tenko near runs into him, hugging him tightly. It seemed like he’d ran all the way there - he’d ran the few blocks from the parking lot Magne had dropped him to be exact - and took a moment to get his breathing under control.

While he’d initially been fine, as they’d driven his worry had surfaced again, to the point he’d almost scratched his neck before realizing what he was doing. Magne didn’t really know what to do about it, so she’d remained quiet, not saying anything even when he’d sprinted out of the door the second they stopped, just yelling her a quick ’bye,’ before disappearing out of sight.

”D-dad, is he...?”

”He is still unconscious, but stable.”

All Might tells him calmly, hugging the boy tight. He was worried too, but had to stay strong for Tenko. He always had to. Wordlessly, he brings Tenko to Midoriya’s room.

The boy looked completely normal.

His eyes were closed as if he was just sleeping, there were barely any scratches on him either.

Yet, this was not normal.

The pale figure releases a shaky sigh and sits beside Izuku’s bed, wondering what the hell happened. Dabi had said he’d been okay when he’d left trough Kurogiri’s portal. He honestly wanted to hold his hand, as embarrassing as that was, but he didn’t have his gloves on, and didn’t really want put any on.

”You’re such a fucking brat.”

Tenko huffs out, feeling his dad gently rub his back, the presence comforting even if it didn’t solve anything. For a moment the two just stare at the unconscious boy on the bed, both at a little bit of a loss on what to do.

”...Is there still any idea on what’s causing this?”

”Not yet. Nothing hints at those villains having a quirk that could cause this.”

”Then...could it have been the injuries he had?”

”....While head injuries can be serious, the doctors doubt this is the cause.”

Tenko sighs frustrated, so no one really knew what was going on. All they could do for now was to wait for Midoriya to wake up and hopefully give more insight on what happened to him.

He was stuck in that place again, surrounded by darkness.

Except, not exactly.

He could tell he was in a room of sorts.

There was something akin to a glass window a bit further away, but it was completely dark on the other side. Regardless, he manages to walk towards it, soon realizing it was a mirror. Except, the Izuku in his reflection didn’t follow his movements.

As he glances down, Izuku realizes he was back in his adult body. Looking up, he realizes the teen Midoriya was now pressing his hand against the glass, eyes wide.

He was trying to say something, but Izuku couldn’t hear his words.

”I can’t hear you!”

Izuku tells the boy, gesturing to his ears.

The boy’s eyes widen, and he seems panicky, now clearly trying to yell. Izuku still couldn’t hear anything, other than the wind picking up.

Suddenly, a figure appears behind the boy, and Midoriya’s eyes widen; he could see blue flames, creeping towards the kid who didn’t seem to notice the looming threat.

He was walking towards the kid, a villain Izuku knew fairly well.

”Look behind you!”

He yells at the kid, but there’s no use, his smaller self couldn’t hear him.

The flames were getting closer, as well as the villain.

Midoriya panics and strikes the glass, trying to break trough it to save the boy.

The flames were almost there, soon he’d be engulfed by them.

”WATCH OUT!”

Izuku yells, a bit of crackling lightning appearing around his fist, as he hits the glass and it breaks, shattering into million pieces.

The flames disappear.

Little Izuku disappears.

All that was behind the glass, was empty nothingness.

Midoriya breathes harshly, eyes wide as he rushes into the darkness trough the opening, trying to find his little self. He had no clue what was going on, but he couldn’t let the villain get to his little self!

That Izuku wasn’t ready to deal with someone of Dabi’s caliber, he’d surely die.

Another whoosh of air passes by him, and as Midoriya spins around, he sees something in the distance; it was a familiar head of white hair, but he was far, so very far, his back turned to him.

”First!”

Izuku runs towards him, trying to gain the manifest’s attention.

He doesn’t react however, seemingly staring into the distance.

”Firs...”

Suddenly, blue flames surround him again, and Izuku falls to the ground, holding his arm that was partially burned now.

His blood was thundering in his veins, and he could hear a familiar, slightly psychotic chuckle from somewhere.

”Why so scared all of a sudden, hero?”

Izuku spins around, finding the flame villain standing at the other end of the ring of fire surrounding them, blue flames clinging to his body like they often did. His hands were in his pockets, his posture the same lazy slouch it often was.

Due to the surrounding darkness, he couldn’t really make out much detail, other than the flames and the intense turquoise hue of his eyes.

They were similar to Sho-chan’s other eye, but so much colder and twisted.

”What? Did your tongue got burnt off or something?”

The villain chuckles, and the flames close in on Izuku, forcing him to cover his eyes.

It was so hot and bright, he felt like he was burning alive.

He probably was.

Izuku attempts to scream, but no sound came out, his vocal chords were already burned, turned to ash.

All the while the villain’s mad chuckle rang in his ears, alongside the crackling sound of flames.

Suddenly, the wind picks up again.

The flames disappear.

Everything disappears, the pain, the laughs, all of it replaced by a voice.

”Wake up Midoriya. You’re okay. Calm down. You need to wake up now.”

It was the First. He was standing above Izuku, floating in the air.

A hand reached out for him.

He took it.

Chapter Text

His eyes snap open, and Izuku sits up, panting harshly. His wide eyes look around frantic for any sign of flames.

Nothing.

He looks at his arms.

They were fine, no burns or anything.

”Izuku?”

His eyes snap up, and he finds All Might sitting beside his bed, cautiously reaching for him. The boy could no longer help it, he bursts into tears and allows the man to hug him tightly, soothingly petting his back. Toshinori had no clue what was bothering the boy, but he was clearly shaken by something.

After a while the door opens, and Izuku could hear something drop.

Moments later, a light blue mop of hair appears beside them, and he looks up to find Tenko look at him with widened eyes.

It was strange, but for the first time, he did not feel an inch of fear despite his shaken state. That was because right now, he didn’t see Shigaraki in those red eyes.

”I...I’ve never really thought of it so much, not all the time but...”

He sniffles, making the boy blink confused.

”You kind of l-look like the First.”

Tenko tilts his head even more confused and looks up at Toshinori, who shrugs, not quite understanding what the boy meant either. Izuku sniffs and hides his face again, trying to get the image of scorching flames out of his head.

Honestly, it was frustrating.

Sure he’d had nightmares about the league members before, but he’d never been scared of Dabi in particular. As in, the man was terrifying if he wanted to be, but he’d never seen nightmares like this before. 

Why would he even see that now?

All he could recall was having an unpleasant memory of Kacchan’s kidnapping resurface...

...............Something....something about that dream felt strangely ominous, almost like a warning.......

”Midoriya, what happened?”

Toshinori asks gently, still holding the boy tightly. He was frustrated, not knowing what to do to ease the shaky, scared little boy in his arms. Tenko seemed equally frustrated, though his face was also in a slight frown, indicating he was thinking about something.

”I...had a nightmare I think...”

Midoriya mutters, trying to organize his thoughts. Honestly, he wasn't sure if it was a nightmare, given where he'd been. Since First had been there, it didn't seem like just a dream.

Perhaps it indeed had been a warning of some sort?

Was something happening back with his comatose body?

If that vision of him in a coma was correct that is.

The thought terrified him. He was completely vulnerable like that.

”What was it about?”

Toshinori acts gently, and Midoriya considers his options. Should he just come clean and tell them he is not their Izuku?

Even if he did, what would that help?

Would they believe him?

”Dad...could you go and get something for him to drink? It might help a bit.”

Toshinori hums and gazes at Tenko for a moment, before reluctantly letting go of Midoriya, heading out of the room. He could tell his son had something to say, something private.

”I’m sorry, I must’ve worried you again.”

Izuku mutters looking down at his hands. He really wished All Might hadn’t left, but he knew he had to be brave.

It was just a dream right?

”The fuck are you on about? I should be the one apologizing.”

Tenko lets out a sigh, making Midoriya look up at him confused.

”The nightmare...it was ......about Touya wasn’t it?”

It takes Midoriya a moment to connect that name to the face despite knowing it. The way his body tenses was an answer enough for Tenko, who rubs his eyes frustrated.

”This was why I didn’t want him to go bonkers on me there. I...I feared this would happen.”

Izuku says nothing, just looks at the pale man as he shifts, leaning his arms over his bed and slumping his head against them with an irritated huff.

”I’ve seen this before. Touya isn’t a bad person per say, but he has an awful habit of losing control when he’s angry. I’ve seen him cause similar reactions in other people. He doesn’t do it on purpose, he just...can’t help how his brain’s a bag of cats and sometimes makes him act out.”

Tenko’s voice was quiet, and it was clear he was highly upset about this. It didn’t even sound like he was mad at his boyfriend per say, just sad that this whole mess was a thing in the first place.

”...I don’t blame him. I...the dream wasn’t exactly about your Dabi, I think.”

Tenko looks up confused, and Midoriya pauses, biting his lip.

Should he tell Tenko the truth?

Before he could make a decision, All Might arrives back with a juice box and hands it to Midoriya, who notes he was surprisingly thirsty, probably because of all the dust in the air earlier. Tenko watches him closely for a moment, then sighs, figuring whatever Midoriya was about to say, he didn’t dare to do so while his dad was there.

”Did facing that villain trigger some sort of unpleasant memory?”

Toshinori asks tentatively and Midoriya just nods, hoping that his expression conveyed the message he didn’t want to talk about it right now. It apparently did as All Might asked no further questions. Instead, he turned his attention to the door as Shinsou, Kirishima and Kacchan step in.

The latter was clearly furious, but for once he chose not to yell or bitch at Midoriya.

”How is he?”

Kirishima asks from All Might, clearly concerned.

”He’s fine...as the doctors suspected, some sort of traumatic memory was triggered.”

Kirishima looks at Midoriya sympathetic, while Shinsou sends a message to the class group chat, informing everybody Midoriya was awake.

Mindfuck: Everyone can chill now, the broccoli is awake. I repeat, Broccoli has resurrected.

Frophop: good. It spooked us pretty bad

Floaty booty: gosh! Thank goodness I was so worried for Deku. Are Kirishima and Bakugou still there too?

Mindfuck: yo blasty, you still here?

LordExplosionMurder: WE’RE IN THE SAME GODDAMN ROOM EGGPLANT

Dragonboi: Settle down Katsuki, your glare is seriously freaking Midoriya out.

LordExplosionMurder: fuck you

Iida: Oh I am so glad to hear he is doing well, please do refrain from scaring Midoriya, Bakugou, it surely won’t help his condition!

CreativeClassRep: Yes I am glad to hear he’s awake! That sudden black out was rather concerning.

Iida: Yes it indeed was, the pro heroes told us he’d just fallen to the floor all of a sudden when they tried to talk to him.

IcyHot: Perhaps Tenko knows more, wasn’t he there with Midoriya when they called you Hitoshi?

Mindfuck: Yeah, uh, that’s a secret kind of.

Floaty booty: why?

Mindfuck: Secret Date. His dad still hasn’t realized Tenko’s seeing someone

Mindfuck: ........actually, I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to tell you either.

Mindfuck: he’s so gonna kill me now.

Alien Queen: WAIT WHAAAAAT TENKO IS DATING?

Alien Queen: SINCE WHEN?!

Mindfuck: I’msofuckingdeadplshelp

Mindfuck: about a year or so

Alien Queen: OMG OMG OMG OMG AND YOU TELL THIS TO US NOW?? OUR GRUMPY KITTY HAS A SECRET LOVER AND TOSHI NEVER TOLD US

Alien Queen: BETRAYED

LordExplosionMurder: who the fuck cares? He’s free to date whoever he wants.

Dragonboi: I agree with Katsuki, it isn’t really our business.

CreativeClassRep: It’s still rather weird he hasn’t told his parent about it.

MindFuck: my dad knows, he’s kept an eye on Tenko just in case and made sure the guy’s not trouble.

Alien Queen: So it’s a guy?! Have you seen him, how does he look like?

MindFuck: Nah. I only know his name pretty much

MindFuck: anyway we really shouldn’t be talking about this right now.

Iida: Indeed, it is very off topic, we should be focusing on helping Midoriya recover.

CreativeClassRep: indeed.

Shinsou closes his phone, ignoring the glare Bakugou was giving him.

”I told the class you’re okay for now.”

He informs Midoriya, who just nods and slumps back against the pillows.

What a day this had been.

Just in case, Midoriya was kept in the hospital overnight, and this time they informed Inko honestly. They didn’t tell her about the weird blackout, but instead claimed he’d simply passed out from exhaustion after fighting against the villain alongside his class. This didn’t ease Inko’s nerves much, but she remained calmer than last time.

”I’m sorry about this. It has been unusually rough week or so.”

Toshinori tells her on the phone, meaning his words sincerely. Hero work was dangerous, but Midoriya had been having a lot of struggles recently.

”It’s...it’s okay. I know this line of job is dangerous. At least he has you and his friends to help him.”

The woman sniffs a bit, but forces herself to remain calm.

”H-how is your son? He must be worried too...”

”Yes, Tenko is here with us, I think he fell asleep though.”

All Might glances at the guest chair on the room, where Tenko was curled up, his eyes closed.

”I did tell him he could go home, but he wanted to stay with me overnight. Just in case.”

”The hospital allows it?”

”In this case yes. I suppose my reputation has some use even after retiring.”

The man chuckles a bit, then coughs. There was some blood in his hands, and he notes it had been a while since he’d done this. Must be all the stress.

”I’ll call you in the morning, or you can just come and visit.”

”I will. I know I can't stop Izuku from going down this path, Tenko made it clear. Still, I want to be there for him.”

Toshinori glances at Tenko, wondering what the boy had told her.

”You’re a good father, you know? Despite everything.”

Inko comments suddenly, almost startling All Might, who coughs more blood in surprise.

”A-ah, I can't say I’m doing much good, Midoriya keeps getting hurt on my watch.”

”Maybe so, but...it is unfortunately the side effect of his choice. You cannot always be there to protect him, especially not....after what happened.”

Inko sighs, going silent for a moment as if to think about her next words carefully.

”I don’t know Tenko so well, but after he told me his story few days ago...he came from a bad place, I could tell, but from what he told me, you helped him greatly. You gave him the love he desperately needed, helped him to see the world in a more positive light. It’s thanks to you raising him, that he has so much faith in people like Izuku. He believes in them, because you do.”

”Ah, well...”

All Might rubs his neck now blushing lightly, not really knowing what to say to that. Really, he wasn’t ever sure if he did much good. He always worried he’d screw up somehow with Tenko, he’d known next to nothing about kids when he’d initially taken the boy in. Having the child be a traumatized one didn’t make things any easier.

”Still, you could try and be stricter with Izuku so he doesn’t get hurt so often.”He doesn't have to do everything by himself."

”A-ahm, I’ll try. T-thank you for your kind words, Ms. Midoriya.”

The woman chuckles a bit at the other end.

”I’ve told you to call me Inko.”

”Right, Inko.”

”Well...I’ll..I’ll better go to bed now myself so I can come and see Izuku first thing in the morning. Good night All Might.”

”...You can call me Toshinori.”

”Night, Toshinori.”

The man closes the phone and turns to gaze at the sleeping young man curled up on the chair. As much as Inko’s words warmed his heart, he just couldn’t be sure. While many saw him as oblivious, it wasn’t strictly true. He knew Tenko hid things from him even now, he just didn’t know what they were.

With a sigh, Toshinori lifts the boy off the chair - it was harder in his scraggly form, but he somehow managed - and puts him to the empty bed beside Midoriya, making sure Tenko was comfortable. When the boy was in a deep sleep like this, he seemed almost calm. The usual light scowl or unease was gone from his face, as it was completely slack, void of any worries. He brushes some of the light blue hair aside from the pale face and sighs.

”You two will be the death of me some day. But I still love you both.”

When Tenko woke up, it was very early morning.

His dad was asleep in an uncomfortable position on the chair, and Midoriya was knocked out cold.

With a sigh, he fishes out his phone, noting there was an unusual amount of messages. His eyes widen, and he feels quite a bit of irritation enter his system, clearing rest of the sleeping haze off his head. It seems like the fuckers FORGOT they’d added him in the class chat during the time he’d been staying there.

Impending Doom: Yes Shinsou, you better fucking prepare because I WILL hunt you down and I WILL kill you for this. I trusted you and you betrayed me, traitor!

The username had been Ashido’s idea, and she’d been too nosy for him to bother disagreeing or changing the nickname.

It didn’t take long for Shinsou to respond, he woke up early - or rather stayed up late due to his insomnia.

Mindfuck: sorry, it just sort of slipped

Mindfuck: please don’t kill me, dad will be very mad with you if you do

Impending Doom: I thought I made it VERY CLEAR I don’t want anyone else to know about my love life.

Alien Queen: aww C’mon don’t be like that! You’re one of us which means no secrets!

Impending Doom: I’m not though. I’m not one of you reckless ass wannabe heroes.

Alien Queen: so grumpy this early in the morning? Are you sure you and Bakugou are’t related

LordExplosionMurder: WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU SENDING MESSAGES THIS EARLY IN THE MORNING, IT’S NOT EVEN 5 AM YET

Mindfuck: Oh nothing much, Tenko is just going to kill me, brutally, in my sleep. I’ll testament all my belongings to Koda, he likes cats anyway. Midoriya can have my secret tea recipe though, since he sometimes has trouble sleeping too.

Pikapika: Whaaat? Plz don’t kill our Shinsou, Tenko! He’s too cool to die so young!

Mindfuck: Thanks Kaminari. Begging won’t help with him though, I know I’ve tried.

PikaPika: whaat, really?

Impending Doom: I am a ruthless killer with no soul. Of course it won’t work.

PikaPika: scary! Not our Shinsou nooo!!!! D8

LordExplosionMurder: Oi villain-face, how’s Deku?

Tenko rubs his eyes irritated, wondering if he should just ignore the messages for now.

This class was more than a little annoying at times, especially their group chats. However, he knew if he didn’t answer that question, Bakugou would march here himself and yell at his face or something, they still weren’t on good terms exactly, so it was better to answer the question.

Impending Doom: He’s asleep. Seems to be sleeping calmly so I suppose he’s fine. Dad’s gonna have a crank in his neck though.

Alien Queen: whaat? What do you mean?

Tenko snorts quietly and sends a photo of the awkward sleeping position his dad was in to the chat. The response was immediate and predictable as well.

Alien Queen: OH MY GOD THAT LOOKS PAINFUL

PikaPika: how can he sleep like that?

Impending Doom: I should probably wake him up before he actually twists his head off accidentally or something, but it’s still kinda early. I know he hasn’t really slept much.

Mindfuck: understandable: you two give him grey hairs.

Impending Doom: shaddup Shinsou, you’re still on my shit-list for this

Bringing that back into the conversation was a bad idea. He got sucked in to the rhythm of this damn class and forgot to be cautious of what he said.

Alien Queen: Aaaa the mysterious boyfriend your dad doesn’t know about!

Alien Queen: Come on Tenko, give us something!

Impending Doom: Nope

Alien Queen: pleeease? Pretty please? You basically know our every dirty secret!

Impending Doom: ....I do actually ~

Alien Queen: ....wait, like, really?

Impending Doom: I could blackmail all of you kiddos into my servants if I wanted to

Mindfuck: Guys, I know from experience he’s not joking.

Mindfuck: I repeat. He. Is. Not. Joking.

Mindfuck: You better drop it about his boyfriend or you’ll regret it big time. Drop. This. Now. For your own sake, I’m begging you.

Alien Queen: okay fine. Party popper >:C

Impending Doom: wise choice

Despite his initial irritation, it was hard to not smile a little. This class was crazy and loud, but...they kind of reminded him of Dabi’s friends sometimes. Less rough and more friendly and childish, but still, they sometimes had the same manic energy to them.

Impending Doom: y’all better go back to sleep so you are semi conscious in class today

Alien Queen: since when do you get to order us around?

Impending Doom: since I knew your dirty little secrets

Alien Queen: OKAY OKAY, EVERYONE BACK TO BED

LordExplosionMurder: so noisy.

Tenko sighs and lies back down, just gazing at the ceiling. Truth to be told, he wasn’t very tired. His mind kept drifting back to the weird choice of words Midoriya had used.

”Not your Dabi”

What the hell did he mean by that?

Scrolling trough his phone, he stops at Dabi’s number.

He honestly didn’t know what to do or say. In his mind it was Dabi’s damn fault Midoriya ended up with that panic attack thing, even if he didn’t cause it intentionally. The same time though, chastising him about it wouldn’t do much.

Dabi knew he was bad, and usually didn’t regret it when he caused shit like this. If he did, he already knew he screwed up before Tenko could spat at him for it.

Besides, it was a little bit of his fault too. It wasn’t like they had to take Midoriya with them, he’d just sort of assumed the boy wanted to come as his class was the one in danger. Hell, he was so used to Midoriya dealing with situations pros would normally handle, that he hadn’t considered that maybe it could be a bad idea to bring a recovering hero-hopeful kid in the middle of a battlefield.

A beep catches his attention, and Tenko notes there was a new message, this time from Dabi.

For the first time, he was unsure on how to respond to him.

Dabi was asking how the kid was, and to message him once he woke up if he was sleeping. Tenko bites his already chapped lip, and starts typing.

You: .......Dabi. You fucked up.

He didn’t need to explain what he meant, Dabi understood it immediately. They’d had this conversation before.

Dumpster Fire: ....fuck, shit, really? Did I....fuck

Dumpster Fire: Jesus fuck I’m sorry.

Dumpster Fire: oh my god you’re so gonna dump me for this, aren’t you?

You: I wanna scream at you so bad right now, but the same time I know it’s pointless.

You: I get it. I get how it’s hard for you to control.

You: this is my fault too. I took him with us, when really, there was no actual reason to.

Dumpster Fire: hush, he was a great help with his knowledge and shit. This is entirely on me

Dumpster Fire: Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this bad about it.

Dumpster Fire: I think I’m just gonna ask Toga to kill me now

You: Don’t.

Dumpster Fire: you’re right, I’m not even worth a mercy killing. I’ll just jump off a bridge or something.

You: Dabi, stop. I know humor is your way of dealing with it when you fuck up, but this is not the time for it.

Dumpster Fire: ....I don’t know what to say. Apology’s not enough, I know that.

Dumpster Fire: ...how bad was it?

You: he didn’t give me the details, but based on how he was acting when he woke up, it was pretty bad; some sorta nightmare.

Dumpster Fire: you sure you don’t want to kill me?

You: No. You fucked up, but I fucked up too for letting him in with us. Hell, I should’ve done better job at keeping you calm instead of screeching at your face.

Dumpster Fire: No, shut up. Seriously, I love you so much, but shut up. Don’t blame this on yourself. It’s not your job to be my pacifier or fix my head.

You: I’m supposed to support you though.

Dumpster Fire: Yeah, support, not magically heal everything for me. That’s not how relationships work.

You: How’d you know? You’ve never been in one before me.

Dumpster Fire: Some stuff you just know. Really, Tenko. Please don’t blame yourself. I fucked up, and I’m gonna take responsibility over it.

You: ...I’m not sure if he’ll want to see you right now.

Dumpster Fire: I know. But...I gotta apologize eventually. He reeeally shouldn’t have seen that shit.

You: Later. Just...it’s still early, I probably need to get a bit more sleep. I also gotta save dad before he breaks his neck. Jesus how can he sleep in that position?

Tenko sends him a photo, knowing it’ll get a laugh out of Dabi and ease his mood a bit.

Dumpster Fire: ....All Might everyone. The hope of humankind, the light of justice and all that shit.

Dumpster Fire: Seriously, fucking ouch.

You: I know right.

You: now, I gotta go save All Might from the villainous cramped neck, so you go back to doing whatever you were doing.

Dumpster Fire: well that sure is an unbeatable prison yard story

You: Shut up.

Tenko shakes his head, gazing out of the window. He watches the sun rise slowly for a moment, its rays coloring the sky red, and then orange.

Finally, he sighs and gets up to wake up his parent before his head would be permanently stuck in that awkward position.

Chapter Text

Since there were no physical injuries, Midoriya was allowed to leave the next day, although he did get a call to a psychologist evaluation for the day after.

The boy wasn’t surprised, given the apparent reason behind his black out. In Hindsight though...what he'd 'dreamed' of hadn't been a memory of any kind, and Izuku doubted it was this world Touya's fault either. There was something odd about that dream, but he still couldn't pinpoint what it was.

His mother had come for a visit as well, being about as worried as he’d expected. Strangely enough, she didn’t scold All Might as much as Izuku had expected, even calling him ’Toshinori’ at one point, which made the former number one hero blush. It was cute honestly, and he was glad his parental figures got along despite all the worry he caused them both.

Due to the circumstances, Aizawa had come to the conclusion he should go and visit home for now, getting a week off from school.

Izuku could feel everyone’s eyes on him as he packed up his stuff after classes had ended for the day.

They all were extremely worried, but nobody really knew what to do or say. Midoriya didn’t blame them for that.

”So, how long of a holiday did Aizawa-sensei give you?”

Kaminari asks curiously.

”A week for now.”

Midoriya sighs as he finishes packing.

Not knowing what he should take, Izuku had stuffed majority of his stuff onto his bags, including all of his All Might figurines. Perhaps it was overkill, but his room back home was likely empty of All Might stuff, and he would not really feel comfortable in such an empty room.

”Hopefully that’ll help with whatever you’re dealing with.”

Momo comments sympathetic, giving him a slight smile.

Midoriya just nods, then heaves the back-bag onto his back, and grabs the rest of his stuff, carrying them in both arms. He somehow manages to make it trough his door without dropping anything, but given the recent strain on his body, he didn’t have his usual strength available, making the things he carried very heavy.

”For fuck’s sake!”

A hand yanks half of the stuff off him, and Izuku looks up at Kacchan spooked, who just heads off towards the door, carrying half of his things. Green eyes just stare after him, up until Kacchan turns and yells him to get moving already. Midoriya stumbles and heads after Kacchan, trying not to smile too widely.

”Say hi to your mum from us!”

Uraraka tells him as they pass by the lounge, and Midoriya nods, stepping outside after his childhood friend.

All Might had promised to bring him home, and unsurprisingly Tenko was there too, his attention currently focused on a game on his phone. Izuku ponders, if the pale young man still wondered about what he’d said yesterday, when they’d spoken about Dabi’s behavior. Sure, it had been freaky to see, but Midoriya had a strong hunch his reaction wasn’t really caused by this Dabi. At least, the dream he'd had....he believed it had to be something else.

That whole thing....he still felt like it had been a warning, but from whom, and for what, he didn’t know exactly.

”Good day young Bakugou. I see you chose to be a gentleman this time.”

”Fucking Deku was almost rolling on the floor uselessly.”

Kacchan mumbles and drops Midoriya’s bags at the back seat, giving Tenko a slight glare. The older boy ignores him, eyes focused fully on his game right now.

”Y-yeah I uh...I still seem to feel a bit faint at times so Kacchan was nice to help me.”

Izuku gives the blond a smile, gaining a dismissive shrug and grunt as a response. He then nods at All Might, glaring at Tenko one last time, before heading back to the dorms.

”He surely is protective of you.”

All Might comments with a faint smile, and Izuku didn’t know what to say to that; the Kacchan he knew wasn’t, but this one clearly cared for him openly. He still showed it in a rather rough manner, but the fact he showed it at all was bizarre and yet nice.

He settles into the back seat, while Tenko slumps to the passenger one at the front, eyes still focused on what he was playing. It was curious how the young man seemed to completely shut out the outside world right now. All Might glances at him at times while driving, but doesn’t say anything. He knew Tenko was likely thinking about something, or needed a moment where he didn’t have to.

”I called your mother, she said she’ll make some food ready for your arrival.”

”Won’t you two stay for dinner then?”

All Might chuckles and turns into the road leading to Midoriya’s block.

”I would love to, but I think you need some time with just your mother. Besides...... Tenko said earlier he wants to talk to me about something.”

The pale figure freezes a bit upon being mentioned, but then focuses back on his game.

Izuku glances at him curiously but doesn’t ask anything, figuring it was between the unlikely father and son duo.

As they arrive on the apartment complex’ yard, Inko was already waiting for them, and grabs her son into a tight hug as soon as she could, glad to see her son safe and sound. Tenko and All Might help to carry all the things inside, and the pale figure even aids Midoriya in setting up his room again. Sure it was just for a week, but it would’ve felt plain without any All Might things. He was just so used to it. As the greenette sits down to his old bed with a sigh, he once again is taken aback by how weird the situation was. His arch-enemy-except-not-really was currently standing in the middle of his All Might fanboy room, not trying to kill him or destroy anything in there like Shigaraki would’ve done.

He did seem amused by the excessive amount of merchandise thought, glancing at the green teen pointedly, making him blush.

”A-ah, I know it’s a bit excessive...”

”I’ve seen your room in all it’s fanboy glory before. It’s not the first otaku room I’ve seen either; Hitoshi’s is full of stuff about his dads.”

Oh, that...it felt a little surprising; while Hitoshi admired both Aizawa and Present Mic greatly, Izuku would never have guessed the quiet teen would have a fanboy side like that. Their Shinsou at least hadn’t been that obvious with his adoration to Aizawa-Sensei, let alone Mic.

Tenko remains quiet for a while, then turns to look at him with a look that Midoriya could only describe as calculative.

It was a bit spooky, but not as bad as it would be with the actual Shigaraki.

”....What did you mean?”

”H-huh?”

”When you said it wasn’t because of ’our Dabi’ that you had that nightmare thing or whatever it was.”

Of course, he’d ask about that: Tenko was smart and likely smelt something fishy about that slip up. It didn’t help he’d hesitated instead of just correcting himself and explaining it right away.

”It’s....it’s a long story, I don’t know how to explain it.”

Izuku mumbles out, keeping his gaze to the floor while he rubs his head. Would it really be smart to reveal this to Tenko of all people? Then again, his uncharacteristic behavior did seem to affect Tenko the most for obvious reasons. He if anyone deserved to know the truth.

”.....This whole time, you’ve been hiding something from us.”

It wasn’t an accusation, but rather, an observation. Izuku just keeps staring at his shoes, not knowing what to say right now. He didn’t look up until the black shoes Tenko was wearing appear to his vision, and Midoriya looks up, startled to find him standing so close, looming over his much smaller frame. Tenko was wearing a very familiar outfit right now, the over sized black hoodie was similar to what Shigaraki wore.

His hands were in his pockets too, and he kept staring at Izuku as if trying to read his mind or so.

For a moment, the boys just stare at each other, and Midoriya felt his heartbeat thundering in his veins. He couldn’t stop feeling nervous under that stare, even if he understood by now he wasn’t in danger. Finally, Tenko sighs and shakes his head mildly annoyed, turning towards the open doorway.

”You might wanna come clean before shit hits the fan. I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but something’s off.”

Red eyes glance at him from behind a shoulder, narrowing almost dangerously now. Izuku swallows down nervously, too spooked to move under that gaze.

”You know exactly what’s wrong with you, don’t you?”

Before Izuku could respond, Tenko had already left the room, leaving that borderline accusing statement hang in the air.

The drive home was silent.

Toshinori wasn’t entirely sure what it was Tenko wished to talk to him about, but it had to be something serious.

He’d hesitantly told him this morning there was something important he had to tell him. Toshinori kept glancing at the boy, who kept his gaze firmly out of the window, face in a deep frown. It sometimes made him sad, how common expressions like that were for Tenko.

He rarely looked happy or at least content, and while Toshinori couldn’t blame him for it, sometimes it made the man feel he wasn’t doing enough.

As they arrive to the house, Tenko steps out wordlessly. They head inside and Toshinori decides to put some tea on, as well as make the pancakes he’d promised a while back. Tenko seemed okay with waiting a little with his issue, just sitting on the couch and watching Tv for a while. The atmosphere was tense, and it made the former hero hesitant to speak, feeling like he could break whatever delicate balance was held in the boy’s head right now.

”Pancakes are ready.”

He informs the pale figure finally, and Tenko gets up slowly, walking to the table. They eat in silence, and Toshinori was glad to see at least he still had his appetite, even if he avoided looking at him. Whatever he wished to speak of, it was making Tenko nervous, which in turn saddened his parent. He’d always told the boy he could tell him anything, he wasn’t going to judge him for it, or get mad.

Goodness, how could he ever be mad to this poor child? It was not his fault he had troubles, it was their responsibility, heroes as a whole. No child should go trough what Tenko had.

Heroes who’d failed him.

A sudden sigh catches his attention, and the blond looks up at his son with a lift eyebrow, noting Tenko was now just poking his last pancake, not eager on eating it.

”...Tenko?”

Another minute stretches in silence, until the pale figure sighs again and puts his food away, leaning back in his chair as he rubs his neck a bit, a clear sign he was nervous.

At least the boy wasn’t scratching it.

”I...I didn’t really want to talk about this yet, but since that damn Hitoshi went and revealed it to the whole fucking class, you would’ve heard of it soon anyway.”

”About what?”

The young man sucks in a deep breath and forces his hands down to his lap, looking up at his parent defiantly. He knew his dad wouldn’t get mad, he wouldn’t be angry or anything of the sort, but Tenko still couldn’t stop from feeling nervous all of a sudden.

”I....have a boyfriend.”

For a moment, Toshinori just stares.

Then, he spurts out some blood in utter surprise, leaning back in his chair.

Surely, he’d excepted a lot of things, but not something like this.

”A...a boyfriend? Since when?”

He asks after wiping off the blood with a handkerchief, his eyes blown wide. Tenko rubs his head and mumbles something, repeating it louder when his dad still looks at him confused.

”....a...year. About a year.”

”Year? Oh my goodness....”

The blond falls silent, just staring at his son. The news was a shock, yet when he thought back, it shouldn’t have been.

There were signs.

How Tenko had started taking a bit better care of his outward appearance, how he sometimes stayed up late on his phone, smiling in a manner Toshinori rarely witnessed. How he’d get flustered and hide his phone if he saw his dad watching.

”I...I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to hide it, I just...”

”No no. I...I suppose it is not entirely out of character for youth to hide things like this from their parent. Still, a year? Oh my...Perhaps I indeed aren't very observant.”

Toshinori muses, holding his chin as he now recalls all the hints and signs he’d missed. After a moment, he lowers his hand and looks at Tenko seriously.

”So, who is this boy? Do I know him perhaps?”

The pale figure bites his lip, looking aside for a moment. It was such a long story, but since he’d begun, he might as well finish it.

”It’s...yeah. You kinda do, at least you know the people he’s related to. Just...”

Toshinori holds a hand up, making the boy go quiet. The retired hero then gets up, taking their plates, putting them away. He then gestures Tenko to go and sit on the couch, taking the tea and pouring them both a cup. He hands the tea to Tenko who was sitting on the couch now, and also gives him one of his blankets, letting the boy curl up into it so he’d be more comfortable. Finally, the man sits down beside him and sips his tea, remaining quiet.

”His name’s Dabi, though it’s a chosen name. He...let’s just say he can barely stand his real name right now.”

”An alias hm? I don’t know many average people who’d do that.”

It was a neutral statement, but it still made Tenko grimace.

Yeah, it was kind of true.

Only three groups used aliases commonly; heroes, vigilantes, and villains.

”He’s not a bad person, just...”

”I am not saying he is. The fact he’s been part of your life for so long - I know first hand how hard winning your trust can be - must mean he’s making you happy.”

Toshinori smiles a bit, sipping his tea. The boy blushes a bit and hides his face behind his teacup with a grumble, curling up further into his blanket.

”He’s...Dabi is not fond of heroes. His...the way he is now is kind of his dad’s fault, and his dad is a hero.”

Toshinori remains quiet, stirring his tea in his thoughts. He had an unpleasant feeling in his gut, not related to the nasty injury he’d received long ago. The man says nothing however, not wanting to make assumptions. He let Tenko tell the story in his terms.

”He hasn’t been home in years; I don’t think his family even knows he’s alive. He just...he can’t bring himself to go and see them. Not after what happened. He thinks they’re better off thinking he’s dead.”

”Why would he think that?”

Toshinori couldn’t help but ask, and Tenko sighs, now leaning against him a bit.

His dad's presence was always comforting, even when talking about subjects like him hiding he had a boyfriend, for over a year.

”It’s...hard to describe. A lot of mental shit and emotional issues caused by his childhood. You know, the usual.”

Ah... a troubled soul like Tenko.

It made sense a person like that could perhaps connect with the elusive young man. Still, it saddened to hear him that there was another child who’d been let down by heroes. His own father no less, that was inexcusable.

”He’s not a bad person as I said; Dabi cares for his friends, he cares about me, and I can tell he still loves his siblings and mum, but...there’s some damage there I don’t think will ever heal. I don’t just mean the physical scars he has.”

Tenko was now seemingly talking more to himself than his parent, but Toshinori listened nevertheless, watching as the red eyes grew distant.

”His friends often tell me that if he hadn’t met me... he could’ve fallen deeper into darkness and lost it. My presence apparently made him rethink some things and...I-I don’t know, gave a new perspective I guess.”

”....Are you saying he could’ve become a villain of sorts?”

Toshinori hated to ask such a question, especially from Tenko, but he needed to know how severe the case was. He wanted to see if there was anything he could do to help. How bad the boy's mental state was.

”....Probably. They never outright said it, but it was hinted at.”

Oh dear, so it was very serious.

”But, he’s not like that anymore! Sure he still has bad days, but...he doesn’t want to be bad like that. He just wants to be...happy for once.”

Tenko rushes to explain, not wanting his dad to think his boyfriend was a bad person. He wasn’t, he just....he had some issues to sort trough.

Toshinori hums understanding, drinking his tea as he considered his words carefully.

”Do you make him happy?”

Tenko hesitates for a moment, biting his lip.

”I...I think so. With the amount of sap he sometimes spews out, he has to be happy to not care how embarrassing he sounds.”

Toshinori laughs a bit at that, worsening the blush on Tenko’s cheeks.

”Then I think it’s fine. Though you should let him know...if he ever needs help, I’ll hear him out. I know you said he doesn’t trust heroes, but as your father....”

”As a whole he’s iffy about them yes, but...I think he's at least okay with you, and he thinks Aizawa is cool.”

Another chuckle escaped from the former hero’s throat, and he sips his tea which was now a bit lukewarm.

Ah well...

”That I can honestly agree with. Aizawa-kun is very cool.”

”Oh my god dad, that sounds so weird from your old fart mouth!”

”I”m not THAT old.”

Toshinori protests, though cannot stop the hint of a smile on his lips as he sees Tenko’s cheeky, mischievous grin.

”How old are you exactly?”

”World may never know my boy.”

Tenko rolls his eyes, then slumps more against his dad, suddenly feeling like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. Yeah, it had been a good call to tell his dad after all, he felt silly now for being nervous about it.

”Say....I understand he doesn’t wish to use his real name, but I’d still like to know it.”

Toshinori’s voice was hesitant as he voiced out the request. Tenko didn’t have to tell him by any means if he didn’t wish so. He just... he couldn’t shake this awful feeling in his chest, and wanted to see if his hunch was correct.

”.....Touya.”

His eyes widen by a fraction.

Oh goodness.... those rumors.

He’d feared they were true.

”I see...”

He hums, keeping his visage calm, but on the inside, a lot of conflicting emotions ran their course in his head. He couldn’t be certain that it was the boy he was thinking of, but... that name. He only knew one boy with that name who was thought to be dead. One boy, whose family he knew. A boy whose fate had been left unclear, and Toshinori now understood why. He could not stop the small, almost frustrated and disappointed frown creep on his face.

Endeavor, what have you done?

”Seriously Toshi, why didn’t you ever mention us he was dating?”

Mina gives the purple haired teen a pouty look. Most of the class was hanging out in the lounge, watching Tv or chatting. Currently, Shinsou was stuck on the couch with most of the girls - minus Momo who’d gone to bed early as she had a headache - hounding in on him for not mentioning Tenko’s secret date earlier.

This class was super nosy, as the pale young man had often complained to Shinsou.

”Yeah, why was that a huge secret? I mean, personally I don’t care too much, but it’s a bit weird he didn’t say anything to his dad for so long.”

Jirou points out from the armchair she was sitting sideways on, legs hanging over the armrest.

”Maybe his boyfriend is a criminal.”

Tsuyu blurts out, making all the girls gasp and stare at her in shock.

Shinsou sighs and rubs his eyes irritated, figuring he had no choice but to explain the situation to them.

”He asked Tenko initially to not mention him, because he’s got some issues when it comes to heroes. Some sort of family drama or so, I don’t know the details. He’s NOT dating a villain though, I can guarantee that. My dad’s keeping an eye on him, and you can bet on it dadzawa would’ve done something already if the guy was a threat to Tenko.”

The answer didn’t quite seem to satisfy the girls, as Mina especially examined him suspiciously.

”That’s dumb. Just because the guy can’t get along with his dad, it doesn’t mean all heroes are trash, especially not Tenko’s dad.”

Jirou comments from her seat, and some of the girls nod in agreement.

”It’s...a bit more than just not getting along.”

Shinsou admits after a moment of debating with himself, and all eyes are on him again, looking at the boy curiously. He really wasn’t used to so much attention.

”I...again, I don’t know the details, but I got the impression his dad was an abusive prick, and almost killed the guy.”

Several gasps fill the air, and the girls stare at him utterly shocked.

Even Tsuyu goes quiet with that, now feeling bad she’d proposed the secret boyfriend was a villain.

”....killed, how, why?”

Uraraka finally manages to stutter out; she couldn’t imagine any parent do something like this, and her eyes were getting a bit teary now. Shinsou sighs, wondering if he should be telling so much about this topic to them without Tenko’s permission. Then again, he was gonna die anyway. Might as well go all out, and go out in style.

”I think it was during training or so. He was practicing his fire quirk with his dad and shit happened.”

A sudden crash from the kitchen has everyone turning their attention there much to Shinsou’s relief, and they find Todoroki staring at them with widened eyes, his face contorted into an expression of utter shock. The source of the noise just now was the teacup he’d dropped, that was now in pieces on the floor, staining his socks.

The boy didn’t seem to even notice, as he just stares at Shinsou with that weird, un-Todoroki like gaze.

”Uh...are you okay?”

Shinsou asks awkwardly, and that seems to snap the boy out of it, as he slowly looks down on his feet, then turns wordlessly to get the stuff to clean up the mess with.

It was weird.

Just now he’d looked like he’d seen a ghost, yet Todoroki was quickly back to his usual poker-faced self. They watch him confused for a while, but upon realizing they weren’t going to get an explanation on his behavior, the girls turn back to Shinsou, who almost wanted to groan. Too much attention at this hour, he wasn’t ready for it.

Before any of them could ask any further questions however, Aizawa appears, informing it was late and they better head to bed unless they want to fail the test tomorrow morning.

It doesn’t take long from everyone to sprint off into bed after that.

When Aizawa-sensei told you to go to sleep, you fucking went to sleep.

Shinsou slumps to his bed once he was done changing to his pajamas and brushing his teeth. He did not expect to fall asleep anytime soon, so the teen picks up his phone and just browses random cat pictures online.

Suddenly, a message arrives in his phone, a request for a private chat. It was from Todoroki of all people. After a moment of hesitation, he accepts the request, wondering if this related to his weird reaction just now.

He was right.

IcyHot: That story you told the girls just now....was it true?

You: ...yeah. Pretty heavy stuff I know. Tenko probably knows the more gruesome details, with how he’s dating the guy and all.

IcyHot: so you have never actually met him?

You: nah. Tho I might’ve lied a bit when I said I dunno how he looks like. I just didn’t wanna give out too much, given Tenko already would plot my murder just for mentioning it to you guys.

IcyHot: .....he won’t actually kill you, right?

Shinsou forgot how awkward and bad this guy was with social cues, so he reassures the two toned teen.

You: Nah, it’s an inside joke. Sure he’s gonna pout with me and kick my ass during training matches, but no, he’s not gonna murder me.

IcyHot: I see. I’m honestly relieved. And I feel a little awkward for not realizing it was a joke.

You: nah, I know it’s hard for you to get this stuff sometimes, no biggie.

You: ...So, what was that? Earlier on with the teacup and all

IcyHot: ....it’s just. The story you told me sounded awfully familiar.

You: oh?

IcyHot: yes, but...it doesn’t make sense. Father told us he died.

Shinsou frowns. Wait a second...

You: are you saying you might know Dabi?

IcyHot: I don’t know that name.

The purple haired teen pauses, considering his options. He decides to test the waters.

You: Ah, well it’s an alias anyway. He hates his real name so he doesn’t use it. I think his actual name was Touya or something.

For a moment, there’s no response.

IcyHot: ...he’s alive?

You: ....so you do know him?

IcyHot: Touya....my big brother was named Touya.

IcyHot: how does Dabi look like?!

You: Well, now that you brought it up...I guess he does remind me of you a bit, if you ignore the horrid scarring all over that is.

You: I mean, I only saw him once, but the glowy blue eyes thing definitely reminds me of your other one. His hair’s black tho, but Tenko mentioned he dyes it.

IcyHot: ....I see, thank you for telling me this Shinsou. Goodnight.

It was such an abrupt ending for the conversation, that all Shinsou could do was stare at the phone for a while. Finally, he sighs and puts it away, slumping down to his pillow. This wasn’t really his business anyway.

In his room, Todoroki was staring at his phone as well, his mind still trying to process what he’d learned.

Surely, it could just be a coincidence, but he somehow doubted that. Their father had always been so vague about what had happened to their elder brother. He’d just said it was an ’accident’ and that his body was in such a bad shape he didn’t want them to see it. He’d always found the statement fishy, but back then he’d been too young and scared to dare to question his dad.

Things were different now.

He wanted to be sure about this first though, and the only person who could give him clearer answers was Tenko.

Getting him to talk about this wasn’t going to be easy in all likeness, given how he’d reacted when Shinsou had accidentally revealed Dabi’s existence to them. Messaging the young man wasn’t a good strategy, as he could just ignore it.

So the only option left was going to his house, or getting him to visit the dorms again. The latter would perhaps be easier, as he didn’t know exactly where All Might and Tenko lived. All he had to do was to ask Shinsou to call him there in guise of something. All that had to wait till morning, and likely after classes too. Even if Tenko did show up, there was no guarantee he’d talk. Still, he just...he needed to know.

Then, as he looked trough his phone contacts again...another idea appears in his mind.

There was another person who could perhaps confirm or debunk his fear-slash-hope.

The first day home after a while had been largely uneventful. He and his mum chatted about random things, not really bringing up recent events, probably because Inko feared her son would end up having another seizure and pass out. Going to bed was a nerve-wrecking ordeal for Midoriya admittedly as well, as he wondered if he’d end up having another nightmare or vision, or whatever that had been.

Izuku wishes his mum goodnight, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek, before heading to his room and slumping down to the bed, already in his pajamas. He didn’t feel particularly tired yet however, his mind working a mile a minute.

That vision....there had to be a reason he’d seen Dabi especially edging closer to his smaller self.

Izuku didn’t believe it was a nightmare caused by this Dabi’s slightly unhinged behavior earlier, because honestly, that had been tame in hindsight when compared to his villainous counterpart back home. With all the things he'd seen since starting his path of heroics, he'd seen so much bad things he couldn't imagine being triggered that easily. Then again, he was sensitive.

Midoriya felt frustrated that he didn’t understand what all that had meant.

Times like these, he really hoped he could speak with Sho-chan. The two-toned man was not that good with advising, but having him listen already helped tremendously. Plus he really missed the warm hugs from his partner.

He hadn’t even tried to get close to this Todoroki, not really knowing what the relationship there was.

Sighing, the boy flops on his belly and just stares at the All Might poster above his bed, wondering just how worried his All Might had to be right now. He probably blamed himself again for not being there, even though he was no longer in any condition to battle, hadn’t been in years. Still, being on the field for so long, Izuku understood the man found it hard to adjust.

Then, his phone makes a sound, and Izuku picks it up carefully, surprised to see the number that was calling. As if by twist of fate, it was Sho-chan.

After a moment of hesitation, he answer it.

”H-hello? Todoroki-kun?”

”Midoriya. I...I’m sorry for calling so late, but I came to the conclusion I might get answers easier from you than Tenko.”

”Uh?”

There is a pause at the other end, and he could hear Todoroki shift a bit, sighing as if it was hard for him to voice out his thoughts.

”Tenko’s boyfriend. You two are close thanks to his parent, so...I assume you know of him.”

”U-uh Dabi? Yeah I...I do.”

Midoriya suddenly had an eerie feeling he knew where this was going. The problem was, he didn’t know what he should answer.

”I...Shinsou revealed a couple of things to us today, and...I...it...”

Midoriya did not often hear Sho-chan this hesitant. The saddest part was he knew exactly what this was. He still remembered the day Sho-chan had found out Dabi was his missing big brother. He’d initially not shown much of his emotions, but eventually, when they’d been home, he’d broken down and just asked why.

Why?

What happened, Touya?

Why are you like this now?

Probably the most unfortunate thing about it was, that it didn’t have to go that way, regardless of what Endeavor had done.

Midoriya had met a version who’d suffered the same experience, but seemed to be coping better. Then again, he had Tenko.

Tenko, who seemed to be trying to help him keep his head clear, make sure he wouldn't slip and fall.

”Ah, forget it. I might be just...it’s probably just me jumping to conclusions.”

He sounded so hesitant, it broke Midoriya’s heart a little.

”Wait!”

Perhaps this was a stupid idea, but...

”I’m sorry Midoriya, I should’ve let you sleep.”

”No, I....I need to tell you something.”

Todoroki hums at the other end, sounding a bit curious. Izuku gathers his thoughts, trying to decide how to approach this. The situation wasn’t as hopeless as it had been back then. This Touya wasn’t entirely lost yet. Perhaps... He didn’t really have to do this, to say anything, but he was a hero, it was his task to help people, and Sho-chan was one of the most important people in his life, so of course, if he could ease his mind, he must do it.

”....I-if you were perhaps thinking that...that Tenko’s....that h-he’s someone you know and miss dearly, or at least I’d imagine you do, I don’t know much about your family life and all, but if I were you I’d probably feel that way, I mean-”

”Midoriya, please.”

Sho-chan sounded tired, he should probably stop rambling and get to the point.

”It’s true. Tenko’s boyfriend....h-he’s your brother. Touya.”

For a moment the line went silent, but Izuku could’ve sworn he’d heard a light gasp at the other end. Seconds ticked by as he nervously waited for a response. This wasn’t the same, this Dabi wasn’t a villain, but he was clearly somehow troubled if that mall ordeal was anything to go by.

”....Is he okay?”

Midoriya almost wanted to cry; Sho-chan’s voice was so small, so fragile, something he almost never showed. He’d seen it before, once. It was the same revelation, but the situation was different now. it wasn’t as…tragic.

He thought back on what he’d witnessed, what Tenko had told him.

”….He is troubled, I..I-I can't lie to you Sho- Todoroki-kun! he can't always control his temper and, and…”

Midoriya takes a deep breath, and continues before Shoto could say anything.

”But. he’s…coping. He’s aware of his issues, at least according to Tenko. and he still cares for you dearly. He was actually why Tenko and I… why we re-entered the mall when the villain trapped all of you in. He got so worried so Tenko figured we had to go and do something.”

”He was…he was there?”

That had to be a shock; having a loved one who’d gone missing – assumed dead – be so close to you without you realizing anything.

”Yes. I mean….I don’t know him so well, but…”

”I see, thank you Midoriya, for telling me. That’s….that’s all I honestly wanted to know.”

Somehow, Midoriya doubted it.

”You know….I could ask Tenko if he could…so he could ask him if he’d like to see you?”

”There’s no need to force him. The fact he’s been hiding from us for so long means he probably doesn’t want to see us. I wouldn’t blame him at all.”

There was a hint of bitterness in his voice at the last part, likely because the boy was thinking of his father.

Izuku sighs and shakes his head, which was a pointless action given Sho-chan couldn’t see it, but he couldn’t help himself.

”No. Maybe…maybe that’s what he thinks he wants, but I…I think you should go and see him.”

”Midoriya…”

”No! I…I understand why you’d think that, I really do, but what if something bad happens and you never get the chance to? What if he ends up dying in an accident, or a villain attack, or-or…”

What if he ends up a villain that you can't save anymore? Who doesn't want to be saved?

Midoriya didn’t say that last one out loud.

After another moment of silence, a slow sigh is heard from the other end, and Izuku could hear the faint smile in Sho-chan’s voice.

”I’m assuming you will ask Tenko regardless of my opinion. Just know I won’t be disappointed if he refuses. I’d understand.”

”Well he won’t! I make sure of that!”

Midoriya said with determination in his voice. Perhaps it was the feeling of failure from last time, or just that awful, hopeless face Sho-chan had had at that day, but Midoriya wanted to make sure the brothers could have a better reunion here, even if it changed nothing for his Sho-chan.

”….I need to go to bed, I can feel Aizawa’- Sensei's teacher-sense tingling and he’ll show up trough the door at any minute.”

”Ah! right, it’s very late.”

”Goodnight, Midoriya, and thank you.”

”Night, Todoroki-kun.”

Izuku puts his phone away and flops back down, staring at the ceiling. He honestly wasn’t sure how he could convince Tenko to speak to Dabi about this.

He had to try though, even if it killed him.

He wanted this to have a happier ending.

Chapter Text

The chat with the psychologist had been...well, pretty much what Midoriya had expected.

They’d concluded that while recent events were concerning, he seemed well enough at the moment. He was recommended to visit again next week, first what could be many more appointments, knowing how these things went. He wasn’t annoyed by any means, they were only wanting to help and make sure he was okay.

Still, it made him feel awkward, namely because while they saw a teenager boy, he wasn’t one in reality. He didn’t have the mind of one right now, so he could cope with these things a bit better than they assumed he would. At least, Izuku hoped he did, he admittedly did struggle with emotions and hormones again for a bit, probably why he got scared easier than he used to.

After that, his mum had treated him to a huge ice cream sundae - All Might Themed of course - and they’d gone around for a bit to buy him new clothes. His hero outfit still needed repairs too apparently, Inko hadn’t gotten to it yet in all her worry.

She kept chatting casually, but Izuku couldn’t stop noting how she kept glancing at him concerned, holding onto his hand firmly like she feared he’d disappear at any moment the second she looked away. He couldn’t blame her for it, and felt absolutely awful. She’d probably feel worse finding out the Izuku inhabiting this body wasn’t her dear little boy. The thought of having to tell her about that made his stomach turn.

Hopefully he’d find a way out of this mess without her ever noticing a thing.

”My...isn’t that Tenko?”

His mother suddenly comments, and Izuku looks up;indeed, the pale boy was currently inside a pet shelter nearby, petting a black cat in his lap. Since he was near the window the two could see him clearly inside. He was smiling too, a genuine smile rather than a mischievous smirk or terrifying grin. He wasn’t alone either, All Might was standing on the side, seemingly chatting with the shopkeeper about something.

”He sure does like cats. I wonder if he’s actually related to your teacher.”

Yes, one could make that assumption, one could assume Shinsou was Aizawa’s biological child too.

Those three just happened to like cats, a LOT, and as Midoriya recalled, so did Sho-chan.

It made him wonder if Dabi liked them too. This Dabi anyway. The one he knew...well, he probably wouldn't have an issue burning down a pet shelter if it would advance Shigaraki's cause. Not that such a thing was likely admittedly; the league had done many bad things, but never burned down a pet shelter.

Suddenly, Tenko lifts his gaze and their eyes meet. He seems a bit surprised to see him, even though there was nothing weird about Izuku going shopping with his mum.

After a moment, All Might spots them too, and waves with a smile, so the Midoriyas head into the shop.

”Toshinori, I didn’t know you’d considered owning a pet.”

Inko looks at the man curiously, who rubs his neck with a light blush tinting his cheeks.

”Ah...Tenko is the one who always wanted a cat, so...since I don’t spend that much time out in the field, I figured we could finally have one.”

Inko looks at Tenko curiously, who looked a bit bashful, hiding his face slightly behind the fur of the cat he was holding. It was black, but had white paws and face, and seemed quite content on Tenko’s lap, purring softly. Midoriya also noted that once the cat opened its eyes, the irises staring at him were blue.

He had a feeling he knew why Tenko picked that one.

”Aww how nice! I’m sure you’ll take good care of the kitten.”

Inko smiles at Tenko, making his blush worse.

”This cat was actually among the ones in the pet shop from that mall incident, where your class looked after them. The owner was fined for abandoning them there, and the animals themselves were put in shelters, or adopted right away if there was people willing to do so.” All Might explains, looking at his son with a soft smile, the kind Izuku knew fairly well.

”Lucky I suppose, that doesn’t always happen unfortunately.”

Inko comments with a sigh, feeling sorry for the poor critters. Many never found homes and were put down for no reason.

”Maybe you should adopt a cat or pet rabbit too mum? I mean...you have to be alone now a lot.”

Midoriya proposes while crouching down to greet rest of the kittens. One of them kind of reminded him of Sho-chan with how its head was split colored, one side ginger, other white.

”That one’s been following this black fluff-ball around. He’s been mewing at me nonstop since I picked him up.”

Tenko mumbles out, still petting the black cat. He was being careful naturally, just using two or three fingers as he did so. Indeed, the two toned cat kept walking around Tenko, rubbing against his legs and meowing up at the black cat, who tilts his head upside down to look at the smaller kitten.

”Maybe they are brothers? I mean, they both seem to be male cats so it's probably not a case of mother child or so...”

Midoriya blurts out before he could think, and blushes a bit. He’d only really thought of that because, well...the two kinda reminded him of Shoto and Dabi. Tenko hums, gazing at the smaller kitten at his feet. Then he looks up at All Might, who’d been chatting with Inko for a while.

”Can we have two?”

”Well uh...”

Tenko turns to face his dad fully, holding the black cat while glancing down at the one on his feet.

”These two don’t wanna be separated, but I want this black one.”

All Might examines the two fur-balls staring at him with their fluffy kitten faces and sighs.

”If you promise to take good care of both, instead of leaving it to me entirely, then yes.”

Tenko flashes him a bright smile and nods. It was rare to see him so happy, so Toshinori was glad about agreeing to this, even if he had his reservations. He’d probably have to ask Aizawa some tips on how to care for a cat, he had at least five according to Shinsou. Five, who may or may not have been named after some of his students.

Midoriya helps with holding the ginger-white kitten while All Might handles all the necessary paperwork and such. The cat looks up at him curiously, tilting its head and meowing at him. It also had blue eyes, so maybe the two kittens were brothers. Tenko was full blown cuddling with his, sitting on a chair. The black cat was surprisingly chill about it, just lazing there on his lap and letting Tenko pet it and play with its tail.

Oh my god he’s swinging his legs like a kid, that is actually cute.

I’m thinking that the most terrifying villain I know of is cute.

This world is super weird.

Midoriya thought as he watched the show.

Then, another thought crosses his mind.

”Uhm, Tenko?”

”Mmm?”

”I...actually needed to ask you something, but...it’s kind of personal so...”

Red eyes glance at him and he stops scratching the cat’s ear for a moment, before looking back at the fluffiness and continuing.

”....I can drop by later.”

Midoriya just nods, figuring he had nothing else to say, too mesmerized by the kitten version of his boyfriend. It honestly had similar mannerisms to Dabi, with being lazy, spread out all over Tenko’s lap and purring very loudly. The ginger cat was more curious, sniffing Izuku and poking his nose with its paw.

”You better hand him over once we leave Izuku, or I’ll decay your All Might collection.”

It was a jokingly made threat, but it still made a slight chill travel down his spine, especially with how Tenko was giving him the side-eye and that lightly freaky smirk.

Once the paperwork and all is done, The two cats are put to a carrier they’d gotten from the shelter’s behalf, and Izuku noted the smaller kitten instantly curled up against the black one, who plops one of its paws over the ginger one almost protectively. It was so cute.

The former pro hero puts the carrier securely on to the back seat, before turning to look at his son.

”Do you have names for them, Tenko?”

All might asks and the pale boy holds his chin as he thinks about it.

”...I kinda wanna name the black one Dabi, but I know that assh- that he’ll tease me about it.”

Tenko groans after a moment and rubs his eyes, gaining a slight chuckle from All Might.

”I had a feeling there was a reason behind why you instantly went for that one.”

”Daaad, stop looking at me like that!”

Tenko protests with a red face upon seeing the amused expression his parent had.

Izuku blinks surprised. Wait, did All Might know...?

"I told him last evening."

Tenko explains it simply upon noticing his surprised expression. After a brief moment Izuku smiles at him, unable to help himself. That had been a good choice from Tenko, it had to be mentally draining to hide something like this from his dad. 

”Well, that leaves the other kitten.”

The blond ignores the still peeved stare Tenko aimed at him, letting the smaller cat sniff his fingers trough the carrier’s door.

”...I think. Um...I don’t know but...m-maybe you could name it Sho?”

Midoriya blurts out, his face growing bright red.

Tenko tilts his head confused, then seems to connect the dots, as his eyes widen, and he looks down at the two cats, peeking at him from the pet carrier.

”...Yeah. He does look like Todoroki. I’ll go with that.”

Tenko gives him a slight knowing smirk, and Midoriya coughs, rubbing his head while looking aside. It had just felt fitting, honestly. All Might glances between the boys, but doesn't say anything. As Inko looks up at him equally puzzled, the man just shrugs. He had a slight hunch on the reason those names ended up being chosen, but All Might saw no need to point it out or explain it to Inko.

After closing the backseat door for All Might’s car, the two head for the front, likely to drive to the vet next and then go home.

Tenko glances up at Izuku before he steps in, giving him a pointed look.

”I’ll be there around noon.”

Somehow, that gaze was a bit intimidating.

As he’d said, Tenko showed up around noon. Inko had gone out for a bit, forgetting to buy some bread. She waved the boy a good bye as she passed by him, and Tenko watches her go for a moment before stepping in, getting rid of his shoes and dropping onto the couch, looking at Midoriya expectantly. The green haired teen shifts nervously for a bit, suddenly not knowing where to even begin.

”Sit down, you’re really fuckin’ pale. I don't wanna see you pass out on me AGAIN.”

Tenko grumbles at him as he curls up onto the couch some more, tugging his legs to his chest. Somehow that curled up pose made him less intimidating, allowing Izuku to relax a bit and indeed sit down.

”S-sorry. I...it’s been a long week and all, I feel constantly jumpy if I’m honest.”

”Noticed.”

Izuku takes in a deep breath, and hesitantly explains about the chat he’d had with Shouto. Tenko didn’t seem surprised that the whole class knew, but did tense up once Izuku admitted he’d told Shouto about Dabi.

”I...I’m sorry. I know it wasn’t really my place to do that, but I...”

Tenko shakes his head with a sigh and rubs his eyes irritated.

”No, honestly, I’m glad somebody said it. I’ve always thought that dumbass should go and talk to them, with how obviously he misses his family. He’s just got this weird idea in his head where he doesn’t deserve it.”

”He does though.”

Izuku protests with a frown. If any Dabi deserved another chance with them, it was this one. 

Tenko snorts, rolling his eyes at the smaller boy.

”I know. But he’s a stubborn fucker.”

Tenko pauses, and seems to consider it for a bit.

”I suppose though...if Shouto knows he’s alive, Dabi will have to go and see him if I bitch at him long enough.”

Midoriya laughs a bit awkward, Tenko’s choice of words was sometimes weird. In general, the way he spoke of Dabi could be very crude, but it honestly suited them. Even as non-villains, they both were rough on the edges and you could see it from their dynamics and how they spoke to one another. It sounded crude and insulting to an outsider, but Izuku had a feeling every insult was said with as much affection as possible.

Suddenly, the red eyes zero in on him, and Midoriya tenses, noting he once again had that calculative look on his face.

Even when it didn’t come from a villain, it was still a little scary.

”....You want me to convince him to do exactly that, don’t you?”

The grin on his face was more than a little unnerving, but Izuku just swallows down and nods. He had no actual reason to be nervous, right? Tenko hums and holds his chin for a moment, before uncurling himself, leaning forward and leaning his arms against his legs, red eyes zeroing in on Izuku, nailing him to his place.

”I’ll help you out, but it’s gonna cost you.”

”U-uh?”

”I wanna know what the fuck you’ve been hiding.”

Izuku blinks, initially confused. Then he gets it. Tenko had already hinted that he was aware Midoriya wasn’t telling everything about his current condition. Of course he’d want to know more. Even without the personal conflict and the relationship the teen Izuku and this Tenko had, Shigaraki was curious. The green haired figure gazes at his hands for a moment, considering it.

”If....if I do tell you, you’ll help me, right?”

”I’ll drag his sorry ass to the little Todo from his fucking foot and knock him out if I have to.”

Izuku lets out a nervous laughter, then glances at the door.

His mum wasn’t back yet, but his story was kind of long and hard to explain, and he feared she’d show up before he could finish. He didn’t want her to find out. Tenko seems to understand his line of thinking, as he sighs and leans back, crossing his arms over his chest with a serious frown.

”You don’t want Inko to know about this?”

Izuku shakes his head, unable to look at him in the eyes.

”I...I have a good reason not to tell her about it. You’ll probably understand once I explain the whole thing. If...if you believe me that is.”

For a moment, the pale figure remains quiet, red eyes examining him closely.

Finally, Tenko sighs and ruffles his hair seemingly irritated.

”Fine. I’ll speak with Dabi. But you better find a way to tell me about this.”

Izuku had a slight feeling Tenko might’ve spoken to his boyfriend regardless, but Izuku had already come to the conclusion he’d have to tell someone, and he might as well start with Tenko, as crazy as it seemed. He was the most affected by his behavioral change after all, from what Midoriya had gathered.

”It might be hard. The whole thing is kind of a long story, and mum will probably stick by me this whole week.”

Izuku sighs, glancing towards their front door. She hadn’t returned yet, but surely mum would be home soon.

”Well you could ask her if you could stay with us overnight sometime during the week. I mean, we’ve had sleepovers before and she trusts my dad. Plus, he’s gonna be away most of the day as he’s at U.A. I think you might be able to convince her for that.”

That...it sounded so weird, but the same time like a doable idea. He was not going to be able to talk with Tenko in secret as long as his mum was there in the same house with him.

This wasn’t a topic he could discuss trough a chat either, he had to tell it face-to-face.

”....What exactly did you say to Shoto by the way? Just so, you know, Dabi knows what kinda reaction to expect.”

Tenko suddenly asks with clear hesitance in his voice, and Izuku bites his lip, looking aside for a moment.

”The truth, well as much as I could tell right now. That he’s troubled, but he’s coping.”

Tenko just nods at that, it sounded fairly close enough.

”I did tell that we were at the mall, but...I only mentioned Dabi’s worry for him. I...chose not to speak about his...”

”Psycho-bitch episode?”

”Uh...yes?”

”Good. I doubt telling him that then would’ve been a good idea anyway.”

Izuku nods, having to agree with that one.

His dad would be late as usual, as the cat-adopting venture had eaten away some of his work hours. Initially, Aizawa had told All Might he should not be skipping his work days so easily, but changed his mind as the man had mentioned he just wanted to go and adopt a kitten for Tenko.

Because cats were apparently Eraserhead's weakness.

Granted, he’d still forced the former pro-hero to come back to work in the evening to finish his paperwork, leaving Tenko alone yet again for few hours.

Well, except he wasn’t alone.

He had two cats to keep him company now, as well as one giant asshat currently sprawled onto his bed, petting the black kitten in his lap rather enthusiastically.

The bastard was still snickering over the fact the kitty was named after him. The ginger one was climbing into his legs now, eventually curling up there, which wasn’t surprising; Dabi was warm, he was always warm, felines liked that. Tenko was pretty sure the moron would’ve squealed over the fluffy attention he was getting had he been alone in the room.

Tenko sighs and sits down beside Dabi, scratching the black one’s ear, gaining a satisfied purr instantly.

”I mean, I could not NOT name it after you. This little fucker is as lazy and overconfident as you.”

”Psh, sure. You just named it after me cuz it’s as cute and cuddly as me.”

”You and cute and cuddly? More like scraggly and horny.”

Dabi lets out a quiet laugh, shifting up enough to plant a kiss on his cheek, which quickly melts away the pout on Tenko’s face. It was so hard to be mad to this flaming hot cheeto moron. The ginger cat now shifts and plops beside its big brother, causing Dabi’s face twist into a soft smile, and he scratches the smaller one too.

”Sho was like that from the start. He got really upset when I picked up his big brother.”

”They don’t look like brothers.”

”No, but they act like they are. Dabs is very protective over Sho. When dad accidentally startled Sho today by dropping something, he kept glaring and hissing at him.”

”Whoa, are you sure you didn’t adopt a villain furry? Already hating on All Might.”

Tenko shoves him lightly, gaining another snicker from Dabi, but it dies down quickly as his turquoise eyes focus on the two cats again. Tenko could tell he was sunken in thought, and his eyes were glowing slightly in the dimness of his room. It was an apparent side-effect of his quirk, many found it freaky, but Tenko had always liked Dabi’s eyes.

”...That was a good idea from the broccoli. The name I mean.”

”Yeah. It felt fitting.”

For a moment the two just sit there, gazing at the snoozing kittens on Dabi’s warm lap, and any other time Tenko would’ve been a bit jealous. This time though, he had more important things in his mind, and well, they were cats.

Cute floofballs of death and destruction.

Of course they’d win this fight.

”.....Dabi, I...actually wanted to talk to you about something, other than these traitors who are currently stealing my boyfriend.”

The black haired man chuckles and nuzzles his neck, informing him that while yes, he absolutely adored his furball counterpart, he’d never trade Tenko for anything, not even cute kittens. The pale figure rolls his eyes, trying not to shiver as lips brush against his neck, and he pushes Dabi back, holding a finger up and poking his chest.

”Stop distracting me, this is serious.”

”Aww but princess, you’re always so serious.”

Dabi snickers with a sly smirk, grasping his wrist and kissing it.

Fucking hell this guy.

This guy was such a sappy fucking moron, and Tenko loved him way too much for his own good.

”Shoto knows about you.”

That got his attention, as the turquoise eyes shoot up to look at him in shock, and Dabi backs away a bit. His body temperature must’ve dropped too as the cats let out protesting meows, shifting and sprinting off his lap to hide under Tenko’s bed instead.

”.....What?”

”Shinsou pretty much told the entire fucking class about us, and then somehow that made him think that maybe he was talking about you.”

”....Didn’t you tell that mindfucker to NOT do it?”

Tenko waves his hand, noting Dabi was getting a bit riled up. As much as he’d been annoyed about it, Shinsou didn’t really deserve an ACTUAL beating. He honestly regretted opening with that, knowing how Dabi’s temper could flare.

”Honestly, it was gonna come out anyway. Besides you did say I could tell dad about you.”

”Your dad, not Shoto’s fucking class!”

Tenko huffs irritated and shifts to tackle him, pushing Dabi against the bed with a peeved expression. The turquoise eyes look up at him a bit surprised, but that hint of anger was still there.

”Dabi, settle the fuck down before you even start. It’s honestly not his fault, those brats would’ve snooped into it anyway. Besides it was Izuku who confirmed the fact.”

”So the sunshine broccoli’s in it as well?”

Tenko leans closer, snarling at his boyfriend now with a dangerous tone. He’d learned when it came to Dabi and his volatile temper, that best defense was offense. He had to be set straight before his mind could escalate things too far. Maybe it wasn’t the kind of approach psychologist would have recommended, but it always worked for Tenko.

”Shut the fuck up, and listen. It’s a good thing he did, because you’ve been avoiding your OWN fucking family like plaque. Your bastard of a father I get, but your siblings probably miss you, and it’s not FAIR you hide from them like this, especially when I know you actually want to see them!”

Dabi glares up at him defiantly, but doesn’t try to shove him off even if he could. He was honestly stronger than Tenko, Tenko just had the advantage in speed and reflexes.

”Do you think they’d be happy about seeing me like this? My sis would freak out seeing these ugly fucking scars alone!”

”Surely they’d be happier knowing you’re alive in the FIRST place! They’re not gonna give a shit about how you look like!”

”It’s not that you fuckin’ mophead! Once they see me they’ll freak out because they’ll KNOW then what happened!”

”I’m pretty sure they already do know, just not that you’re alive.”

Dabi snorts and finally shoves him off, slipping to the edge of the bed, turning his back to Tenko. The atmosphere on the room was tense, which Tenko had honestly expected. This particular topic had always been a sore spot, and Dabi could get really hostile over this. After a moment of silence, Tenko scoots closer, just sitting behind him, and waiting. He knew from experience, once Dabi was faced by the hard truth, he'd eventually come around. He never remained mad towards Tenko for long, especially not when deep down he knew the boy was just trying to help him.

Finally, a breath escapes Dabi’s throat, and he lifts his gaze to glare out of the window to the nightly sky.

”He claimed it was an accident. I heard ’im talking to the docs, saying I’d been playing with my fire too much. He was the one who pushed me to use it too far. I was only a brat for fuck’s sake! Of course I wasn’t gonna be able to fucking control it yet!”

His voice was shaking with anger, bits of smoke rising from between the stitches that held his skin together. Wordlessly, Tenko shifts even closer and rests his head on the shaky shoulder. The physical contact seems to ease him a bit as the trembling stops, but Dabi was still glaring ahead like the air itself pissed him off.

”I ran, ’cause I didn’t wanna deal with his bullshit anymore. Instead of admitting the truth, that he was a piece of shit who fucked up his own kid, the bastard lied to my siblings...and my mom.”

Dabi sucks in a deep breath, and exhales, trying to calm down. He didn’t want to burn down Tenko’s house anyway.

It was a nice house and had fucking cats in it, cats named after him and his little brother.

”I..did consider going back, but I felt like such a fucking coward for just...leaving them there you know? I couldn’t....I couldn’t bring myself to face them.”

Dabi’s voice had gone quiet, barely above a whisper, and red eyes examine his slightly pained face with sympathy. Dabi had never explained exactly why he’d decided to stay hidden, but...Tenko had always suspected something like this. He lifts his hand and uses two fingers to gently brush the black hair aside for a bit, making the blue eyes look at him.

”Well....Shoto clearly wants to see you, so I don’t think they’d blame you for your choice.”

Dabi snorts at that, shaking his head with a bitter smirk.

”Of course HE wouldn’t. He was so tiny back then, barely reached above my knees an’ all. I’m surprised he remembers me.”

Tenko keeps caressing his hair, up until all the tension leaves his body, and Dabi shifts back to lie down, pulling Tenko on top of him. For a moment they just lie there, with Tenko pressing his ear against the fire user’s heartbeat, noting it was still a bit elevated. A warm hand was mingled into his hair, and Dabi was rubbing his scalp, kind of like what he’d done with the cats.

”I’m not a kitty, Dabi.”

”Coulda fooled me.”

The black haired male chuckles, still rubbing circles to Tenko’s scalp, knowing he liked it.

”I get it, honestly. I’ve had to face things I didn’t want to.”

”Telling a super-villain to fuck off is a tad different from meeting the siblings whose trust you sort of betrayed.”

Tenko huffs and turns his head so he could look at Dabi. His pouty expression was so cute it made the fire user’s head ache. He didn’t deserve this cute little shithead, no way.

”That’s beside the point. You’ll have to face them eventually. We both know you’ll regret it if you don’t, given you want to do it. You and your siblings deserve closure over this, even if it’s just you meeting shoto for few minutes.”

”Hn, for a guy who says he doesn’t wanna be a hero you sometimes sprout pretty heroic shit.”

Tenko snorts and rolls his eyes, plopping his head back against the warm chest, squeezing Dabi a bit while being careful with his hands.

”Heroes don't get this kinda shit. All they're good for is punching bad guys and sometimes making decent pancakes."

Dabi lets out a rough laugh, squeezing his boyfriend back. Tenko was such a grumpy little shit, but he had a way with words.

For a while they lie there in silence, the pale figure almost falling asleep on top of the living heater, because the warmth Dabi always radiated was far too comforting.

”.....If....If I would do it...”

Tenko’s eyes snap open, and he listens closely to the hesitant words filling the quiet in the air.

”I don’t think I could do it alone.”

”Of course I’d be there. I wasn’t thinking you’d suddenly walk back in their home and yell ’sup bitches?’ Even if you like to act like you own the place a lot.”

Dabi laughs, then grimaces at the thought.

No way in HELL he’d do that.

Fuck that house, he’s been traumatized enough by living in it already.

”...I’ll consider it.”

Tenko sighs and props himself up, so he could gaze down at the glowing blue eyes. There were more emotion in those eyes that Tenko had seen in a while, though he was fairly certain he was the only one able to see it so clearly. Dabi’s eyes had a cold quality to them, making him appear emotionless easily to most outsiders. The burns on his face didn’t help, making it seem like he had permanently a slight grin on his lips, and don’t even get him started on crying.

The fucker actually cried blood if he got emotional enough.

The damage done to him was so severe, Tenko could not stop but feel murderously furious towards his no-good so called ’father.’ Yet, he knew marching in that house and decaying Endeavor’s face off wouldn’t fix anything. The only satisfaction he had was the fact that Shoto - the bastard’s apparent future hope - was violently disowning his dad and giving him a metaphorical middle finger. It was priceless.

”Touya. You need to do it. Not because I’m asking, but because you need it. I would not try to convince you to do it if I felt its not something you'd want or needed. Sometimes it is necessary to cut certain people off your life, but I can tell...I can tell that at least when it comes to your siblings and mum, you still wish to have some sort of connection with them, even if minuscule. You never talk bad about them the rare times you do mention any of your siblings, or your mum.”

Dabi stares up at him; Tenko only used his real name when his words truly had weight behind them, when he was extremely serious.

Still....

”How would you know?”

Tenko says nothing, just gazes down at him with a tired expression. They’d had so many debates over this, especially after Dabi found out his little brother was part of the class he was friends with. He was getting tired of it, getting tired of seeing this lovable dumbass torture himself like that.

”Because I fucking know you, you reckless, moronic, frustratingly charming, sappy little bitch. You act all tough and pretend you don’t care, when you do. You WANT to see Shoto, don’t fucking bother lying. Just do it. I’m tired of seeing you fuck yourself over with this, I’m not having it anymore. Just do it to get over the what ifs. If it helps you, great, if it makes you feel worse, well now you know, and can move forward accordingly. Fidgeting around uselessly isn't helping you.”

Dabi stares up at him for a moment, a little taken aback by his words, and the borderline ordering tone Tenko was using now.

”Since when were you my boss?”

He finally asks, unable to stop the smile forming on his face.

”Since you decided to be my boyfriend.”

Tenko pokes his chest, and that shakes out a laugh from Dabi. He laughs so much in fact that Tenko has to roll off him so he can breathe properly. With a wheezing breath, the fire user flashes him a wide smirk, and he fucking swore if his heart didn’t stop doing the jumps every time Dabi smiled like that, he’d fucking rip it off his chest.

”Alright. I’ll...I’ll do it. As long as you’ll be there too.”

He finally sighs, and Tenko nods lightly, squeezing his shoulder with an encouraging smile.

”I will. Just give it a try, yeah? You don't have to see him again if it's too painful or something.”

The next morning, Midoriya got a message from Tenko, and it made his heart skip a beat.

Tenko: He’ll do it. When and where?

Oh...oh it had worked!

Tenko had managed to convince him!

While Izuku was happy, he was also nervous about this. How would this go? When would be a good time?

Plus he still hadn’t asked his mum if he could stay overnight with Tenko. He felt he needed a proper excuse for it, instead of randomly asking it, but hadn’t come up with anything yet.

You: I’ll...I’ll ask Todoroki-kun when he’s available

Tenko: don’t forget what you promised.

You: I won’t, I honestly want to tell you.

Tenko: good.

Izuku glances at the clock; the classes had already started, so there was no point in calling Sho-chan now. Instead, he sends him a message.

You: Your brother wants to see you, when would you like to go?

It didn’t take that long to gain a response. Part of Izuku made him wonder if Todoroki had been glancing at his phone since that night, waiting for a message from Izuku.

Todoroki-kun: I’m free after classes tomorrow. He can choose where.

Izuku sends him an ok, and then, switches to Tenko, telling him what Todoroki had said. Moments later Tenko responds with a time and a place. It was a park on a quieter part of the city, nearby some smaller cafes. It was understandable that Dabi would pick a more remote spot like that. Izuku hoped the young man didn’t decide to run after all.

He sends the date and location to Shouto, who again responds within seconds.

How had Aizawa not taken his phone away yet?

Unless it was Mic-sensei’s lesson, he didn’t necessarily notice this stuff so easily.

”What is it Izuku?”

”Ah no, I just...I had to send a classmate message regarding to something school related.”

Inko frowns a bit, but then smiles and ruffles his hair.

”Put school away from your mind for a bit, you’re on a holiday.”

”Right, sorry.”

Izuku laughs sheepishly. In the end, there was a slight unexpected twist to the story. Izuku suddenly got a message during lunch that asked if he could come with Sho-chan. It was surprising, but on the other hand...yeah, he could see Todoroki being nervous.

You: I’ll have to ask mum, she’s been very concerned over me.

Todoroki-kun: I understand.

Midoriya walks to his mother, who was finishing dishes now. He takes in a deep breath, considering his words carefully.

”Mum, Todoroki-kun asked if I could come and help him do some shopping.”

”Oh, sure, we can go and pick him up if he wants.”

”Ah no...”

Midoriya shifts uncomfortably on his feet, rubbing his head. What should he say? Inko examines her son confused for a moment, then her expression widens, and she grabs Izuku by the shoulders.

”Are you going out on a date?!”

His face turns bright red, and Izuku waves his arms, stuttering out nonsense for a moment. Inko just looks at him for a moment, then let’s go of him with a smile.

”I see, why didn’t you tell me sooner? I can pick you a nice outfit!”

”Mum it’s NOT a....”

Izuku pauses, holding his chin. Honestly...did he really have to lie to her about the reason? She didn’t know much about Sho-chan’s family at this point...

”Actually...it’s...he asked me to come with him, because he’s meeting a relative he hasn’t seen in years, and he’s...nervous.”

Inko looks at her son surprised, and yeah, Todoroki didn’t come off as somebody who’d be easily frazzled. After a moment, she nods, a more serious expression on her face.

”I see...well, I hope it’ll go well for them.”

Inko pauses, and flashes him a smile.

”I’m still picking you an outfit for your date!”

”Mum it’s not a date!”

His face was now redder than a tomato, and Inko couldn’t stop but snicker. Sure, she was concerned but...it would not be nice of her to deny the support Midoriya’s friend needed from him. Plus, she knew her son was fond of the stoic boy, often having told her stories about how the fire and ice quirk user had more personality than first met the eye. He was just apparently awkward with social situations, which she could understand, some people were like that.

Still... Inko couldn’t stop but wonder, what kind of relative was in question?

Ah, it wasn’t really her place to ask these questions, was it.

Inko finishes the dishes and heads to find Izuku something nice to wear. She was certain it was still a date, no matter what her son claimed.

”Toga, kill meeee, right now.”

Dabi whines as he drapes over his friend, who was currently playing a game with Spinner, thus distracting her from it.

”Aww Dabs, what’s gotten you so down now?”

She coos while still expertly kicking Spinner’s ass despite being distracted. She was always super good with blade wielding characters. The pyromaniac grumbles and plops his face into her hair, releasing another high-pitched whine. It was honestly hilarious to watch, but also a little concerning.

”Dabi, honestly, what’s going on?”

Magne asks concerned. She’d just finished her shift at the bar downstairs, and had come in to the weird scene of Dabi begging Toga to kill him.

Well, it wasn’t that weird, but the pained noises he was making were.

”Princess convinced me to go see my little brother.”

That actually made Toga ’huuh?’ loudly, giving Spinner the edge where he managed to kick her character out of bounds, throwing his hands in the air in victory.

”Yass! Take that knife bit- uh, why’s Dabi squeezing the shit outta you?”

The group facepalms mentally at their reptilian friend’s obliviousness, and Magne repeats what Dabi had just said.

”What? No fucking way! You were always so adamant about NOT doing that, how the fuck did he bribe you?”

”Knowing Dabi it was probably sex.”

Magne comments dryly, gaining a scowl from the pyromaniac, who informs he wasn’t THAT bad. It was clear his friends didn’t buy it though.

”For real though, what changed your mind?”

Jin - or Twice, he was fine with both honestly - asks from his seat, looking a little sleepy.

He had probably taken his medication today, hence the drowsiness and lack of yelling second voice. He was actually the calmest of all of them, when his dual personality wasn’t yelling on top of everything he said. Dabi sighs and climbs over the couch, slumping next to Toga, who proceeds to squish him and pet his hair like he was an overgrown cat.

”There there our little walking inferno, what did the Big Bad Boyfriend do to you to get you to agree to this?”

Dabi remains quiet for a moment, staring at the TV screen where Spinner’s character was still performing his weird victory dance.

”He just told me how it is. That’s what he does.”

”I doubt him being blunt was enough to convince you, Tenko had tried that before.”

Magne points out, leaning against the armrest of Jin’s chair.

”.....Shoto found out. That I’m not dead.”

There is an audible gasp in the room, and even Jin seems to awaken from his half asleep state, staring at him surprised. For a moment, nobody knew what to say.

”.....Are you gonna go?”

Jin asks cautiously after a moment, and eventually gains a nod as a response.

His expression was somber, but had a hint of nostalgia in it.

Tenko could’ve probably listed dozen more emotions as he could read Dabi much better than any of them, but just those two were enough for them to understand his general mental state right now.

”As much as I’m...fuck, I’m honestly scared. I don’t know how he’s gonna react when he sees me, but Tenko is right. I...I kinda need this.”

He releases a slow breath and pushes away from Toga, gazing at his burned hands for a moment.

There were times where he looked into a mirror, and couldn’t recognize himself anymore. It had been a cold comfort at one point, but right now, he kind of hated it. The truth was, nothing of that Touya Shoto probably remembered was left. It wasn’t just how he looked, he’d changed on the inside too.

He couldn’t even imagine how his little brother will react to all of this.

But, Tenko was right.

The mophead could be a pain in the ass and harsh with his words, he could be a childish brat, but he was rarely wrong with things like this.

He needed to know at least, if he could do this, or if he truly was better off cutting them all off.

”Well then, you better pick something nice to wear, there is no way we let you see your precious little brother in those rags!”

Magne declares after a moment of silence, and Toga jumps up excited, clearly eager to go shopping.

Dabi honestly doubted Shoto would care about his clothes after seeing the scarring, but he let the girls have their fun.

He didn’t really like villains.

They were often nuisances, difficult to work with, unstable and unpredictable.

Sure, he’d been called one once, but ah well, he knew better than them.

Yet, here he was, forced to work with some to achieve his goal.

The man didn’t mind too much, he was so close in finishing his research. The first test had been quite a success, the only problem was, there was nothing in the body. Coma, they claimed, but he knew better than those foolish doctors. The body was simply lacking a mind right now, because his swapping hadn't worked quite as expected in this regard.

He would not fail, not when he was so close.

There was a hitch in his plans somewhere that caused this unfortunate side-step, but that was okay.

With the newfound connection to his old world, and his new allies, he could get what he needed and finish what he’d set out to do. That was why, he reluctantly turned to face the figure slouched onto a chair in the shadows, legs thrown over his table in insolent behavior.

The man didn’t dare to confront the villain about it.

He’d seen what this man could do, he could still hear the screams of his victims ring in his ears.

He shakes his head.

No, that did not matter, it was a necessary sacrifice for his goal.

Still though, he was surprised the villain didn’t seem worried about the next step at all, despite the obvious dangers and questionable nature of it overall. In fact, this man seemed to not care about anything.

He couldn’t stop but wonder if he was even human anymore, or just a demon born from fires of hell.

”The next step is almost done; I certainly hope you’re ready for the procedure.”

A low, chilling chuckle fills the air, and sharp, eerie glowing irises stare at him from behind half closed eyes.

This man truly was terrifying, every single one of them was.

”Doc. I was born ready.”

The man shudders a bit, seeing a flash of teeth in the darkness.

It was unfortunate, but this man was his only option.

The place he needed to get to wasn’t easy to access, not unless you could heat things up to remarkable degrees or had other, easily destroying power at your disposal. He was also the only one of his allies stable enough - strange as it sounded given what he'd seen the villain do when he'd aided their escape- to be sent undetected when the process wasn’t fully perfected. He'd have preferred somebody else from his bizarre allies, but alas, he had to make do with this.

Glancing at the leader sitting further away, the Doctor was glad that his little precaution seemed to be working, at least he hoped the cooperativeness came from his preparations rather than the villain plotting something. Only time would tell.

Either way, it was time to go back and have his revenge.

Endeavor

All Might

They’d both suffer for what they’d done.

”Come then. Let’s begin.”

Chapter Text

Izuku could tell his friend was nervous.

Outwardly, Todoroki-kun seemed as calm and collected as ever, but his lips were in a tight line, shoulders a bit tense. He didn’t blame him, he’d be nervous too if he was Sho-chan right now. He was nervous if he was honest, but it couldn’t possibly compare to how sho-chan felt right now.

”....Thank you again, for coming with me.”

”It’s no trouble! I mean, I can imagine your brother is nervous too, so having a third party there might help.”

”Ah, yeah...I didn’t think of it like that, but I guess you do have a point.”

They turn silent now, and Izuku shifts his scarf a bit. Despite his protests, his mother had chosen him some nicer clothes to wear for the ’date,’ such as the blue jacket, black jeans and the newest All Might shirt. Sho-chan hadn’t commented anything on it, but he hadn’t expected it either. Still, it made Izuku a little self conscious, and he kind of wished his mum hadn’t insisted on doing it.

”Nice shirt by the way.”

”O-oh, really?”

Izuku stutters out upon hearing those words leave Todoroki’s mouth, and the boy nods slightly, his gaze still focused ahead.

”Suits you, with being All Might’s secret lovechild and all.”

Izuku splutters, his face going bright red. It wasn’t a reaction he’d typically have towards that comment anymore in his pro form, but teenager hormones were powerful.

”I was joking by the way.”

Todoroki deadpans, looking around for the said park they were supposed to meet at.

Izuku blinks, then couldn’t stop but smile. It had been hard for Sho-chan back then, but at least he was trying. Then, his eyes caught something; a familiar mess of light blue hair further away, and even more familiar voice being rather blunt.

”The fuck are you wearing?”

”Girls forced me. You know I’m powerless against them. Plus Toga threatened to cut my throat if I didn’t do this.”

Tenko rolls his eyes amused, then spots the two teens standing at the park entrance.

He turns back to Dabi, who was wearing a brand new, shorter leather jacket and more stylish pants, though he still had his trademark white shirt. It wasn’t that big of a change visually, just that most of it was new. Dabi almost always wore old, torn clothes so seeing him sport something newer felt weird.

He sighs and looks back at Dabi, who was getting a bit antsy now, recognizing his little brother’s two colored hair from miles away.

”Relax. It’s just your little brother.”

Tenko tells him, squeezing his shoulder.

Dabi sucks in a deep breath and nods.

He had to do this.

As the two teens approach, he braces himself, and slowly lifts his gaze from Tenko, to his little brother.

Once they reach the two, Todoroki stops, and looks up at his big brother hesitantly. He honestly hadn’t known what to expect. He had assumed he’d probably have scars from his ordeal back then, but this.... this was excessive.

His stomach twists unpleasantly.

This was his father’s doing, all that horrid scarring, he could tell it wasn’t just his face; bits of it peeked under the collar of his shirt, the end of his sleeves. It wasn’t just the scars though, there was something in his brother’s eyes he had not seen before; the kind of weight that came with serious trauma.

All of that alongside his dyed black hair....he almost wouldn’t have recognized Touya had he not known it was him.

The older brother scratches his neck awkwardly, avoiding his gaze somewhat. Tenko glances at Midoriya, but doesn’t seem too surprised to see him there.

”So....uh. Hi Shoto.”

Dabi mumbles out sheepishly, really not knowing what to do or say right now.

A gust of wind blows trough the park, making Izuku shiver for a bit, and even Tenko stuffs his hands into his jacket pockets despite wearing gloves. The two toned teen steps closer, cautiously lifting his hand to touch the scarring on his brother’s face. It triggered a flashback on Dabi’s mind, of a much smaller Shoto doing the same thing to his unscarred face, when he’d been just a toddler.

”....Hi, Touya. You haven’t changed.”

It was a lie, an obvious, hideous lie, and it seems something within the older fire user cracks, because he snorts, and starts laughing, a sound that was weird mixture of amusement, sadness and perhaps a bit of hysteria.

”Fuck, Shoto, you’re still a shit liar, fucking hell.”

He snickers, and Todoroki actually smiles a bit, though Izuku notes there was something shaky about it.

Then, Dabi reaches forward and tugs his little brother into a firm hug, startling Shoto initially, but he eventually returns the gesture hesitantly, resting his head against his big brother’s shoulder. Izuku couldn’t stop but smile at the scene. This was the reunion he’d wished for his Sho-chan, the one that wasn’t possible.

The thought made him tear up, and Tenko pokes him lightly with his elbow, giving him an amused look.

”Stop weeping crybaby.”

It was halfhearted demand, for Tenko was used to his emotional and sensitive nature by now, and honestly, the sight of Dabi squeezing the living shit out of his little brother while hiding his face into the two toned hair, it did tug on his heartstrings too. Namely it reminded Tenko he still had a heart. As torn and beaten as it might've been.

He pauses and slaps himself mentally; there was no need to be so goddamn melodramatic, he was over that phase.

Eventually, Dabi let’s go of Shoto, smiling now, and there was an undeniable smile on Todoroki’s face as well. This had definitely been a good idea, and Izuku was glad he’d been able to do this, at least in one world.

”Thanks, Izuku.”

Midoriya blinks and looks up at Tenko, who was still gazing at the two brothers.

”I’ve...tried to make him do this, but it wasn’t until you got involved that he finally relented. I never really dared to tell Shoto about him...but you did. That’s the push that he needed, so thanks.”

He ruffles Izuku’s hair, and the green haired boy couldn’t stop but blush a bit, though having Tenko’s whole hand touch his head was a bit spooky at first, he almost forgot the gloves.

”I just...let’s say I had very personal reasons to do this.”

”Do they relate to whatever you wanna tell me?”

Izuku bites his lip, then nods hesitantly.

”You probably...even if you believe me, you won’t like it.”

Tenko hums, but says nothing to that, still watching the two brothers exchange some awkward, but more relaxed words.

The two had given them some space for a bit, and the brothers were now leaning against the railing of a bridge that crossed the small river on the park. Shoto examines his long lost big brother closely, his stomach still twisting as he saw the scars. They had to be uncomfortable, though Touya didn’t seem too bothered. Maybe he was used to them.

”So, how did you meet All Might’s son?”

”And I thought that was a secret.”

”Class 1A knows because Tenko had to stay with us for a while.”

Dabi hums at that, leaning his head against his palm. Right, he'd been so damn nervous about this he’d apparently forgotten that happened.

”I was out with my friends, we ended up having bit of an argument, and he kicked my ass real good.”

Dabi laughs at the memory, still remembering the car ride back home.

His body - especially his crotch from the nasty kick Tenko had given - had still hurt, and his friends had been both amused and concerned for him. Toga had even proposed they should go and find the ’tall ghostie skeleton boy’ and kick his ass in return.

Magne had naturally opposed to it, scolding her for such a ridiculous idea.

What had snapped them out of their arguing had been the moment he’d spoken, still staring into the thin air with a dumb fucking grin on his face.

”Guys. You might wanna kill me right now.”

”Why?”

Spinner had asked confused from the driver’s seat, almost missing a red light.

”I think I’m in love.”

”Fuckin’ WHAAAT?!”

”Spinner, the road!”

”Shit, sorry!”

He’d just laughed the rest of the way home, feeling kind of light headed. Initially everybody had assumed it was the alcohol, but the feeling hadn’t dissipated the next day. Hell, it hadn’t gone away since then.

”That...sounds like a typical meeting with him, to be fair.”

Shoto snaps him out of his thoughts, making the black haired man look at his little brother with lift eyebrow.

”He tends to be kind of grouchy during first meetings.”

”Yeah, he's kinda jumpy and paranoid and shit, probably because of the whole "villain tried to adopt me" shit.”

Shoto hums at that, gazing at the scenery for a moment. He had so many questions to ask honestly, about where Touya had been this whole time, who’d taken care of him, who were his friends he spoke of. Yet, he got the feeling Touya wasn’t ready to talk about all that yet, with how he’d focused more on how Shoto was doing, and the rest of the family - minus their so called father of course.

It made him feel a little miffed, but he also understood it. Touya would tell him when he was ready.

Still though...

”....I...understand if you don’t feel ready to see them too, but...can I at least...?”

He was clearly hesitant to ask that, and Dabi takes a moment to ponder his answer. Yeah, Shoto was right in assuming he wasn’t ready to see rest of his siblings yet, let alone his mum. She was still in a mentally bad place, witnessing how he was now would just make shit worse.

Still...

”You can tell ’em. But...I don’t wanna see ’em.”

Shoto just nods, understanding his sentiment.

While the two brothers were reconnecting, Izuku and Tenko had more serious matters to discuss.

”So, this stuff you wanna tell me about, is there a specific reason why with me? Honestly, telling a pro makes more sense, and while I DID sort of demand you to tell me first...maybe dad should hear it too.”

Izuku ponders it for a moment, knowing Tenko had a point.

”I...maybe? I don’t know. I think....I want to tell you first, because this whole ordeal has affected you the most. I mean, the only one who was really confused by my reactions aside from you was Kacchan, and even in his case...it wasn’t as severe.”

He shrugs, unsure on how to explain it otherwise.

Tenko hums at that response, hands still held in his pockets.

”Yeah well, the first thing you asked from me was why I didn’t off you.”

His tone was biting, but it was laced with humor. Izuku now felt genuinely bad about it. He’d gotten to know this Tenko, and seen how everyone around him seemed to like him to some level. Well, Kacchan didn’t, but he usually liked barely anyone aside from Kirishima.

”I mean...honestly, I’m not sure that you’ll believe me in the first place, and if I tell All Might he might think I’m going insane, and just worry so much, and I don’t want to do that for him again, he worries for me enough already, and-”

”Izuku, zip it, I get it.”

Tenko cuts him off with a groan, clearly a little annoyed by his mumbling.

”Sorry.”

”Alright, fine. Talk to your mum and ask her if you could come and hang out. Just tell her I need extra help with the cats while dad’s at work, or something relating to an art project or whatever.”

”Art project?”

”You forgot I’m an art student, did you?”

Midoriya pauses, then decides to answer honestly for once. He was going to explain everything regardless.

”No...I...didn’t KNOW you were.”

Tenko blinks confused, about to tell him that he’d told the green teen about it before, but Izuku shakes his head, giving him a determined look.

”You’ll understand once I explain everything.”

”...Oookay.”

They stayed at the park for a few more moments, up until the weather started to take the turn for the worse.

Midoriya watches as the black haired male gives another firm hug and a ruffle of hair to his little brother, and while Shoto didn’t show it openly, his eyes were smiling.

”You two better head home before you get your asses kidnapped or in other kind of trouble.”

Tenko tells the two while slapping Dabi’s back rather roughly with his - thankfully - gloved hand. The stitched man grumbles and gives him a peeved stare, gaining a smirk from Tenko.

”I’ll escort this asshat home, he has a bad habit of getting lost.”

”Only when drunk.”

”I’m pretty sure you might be drunk in pheromones right now.”

”Shut up mophead!”

He reaches up to ruffle the light blue hair, and Tenko snickers, pushing him back from his face, gaining a smirk from his boyfriend. The two teens watch the scene awkwardly, then slowly turn to head back.

”Please take care of yourself, Touya.”

Shoto mumbles out, pausing the weird play-fight the two were having. After a moment of hesitation, Dabi nods slightly, giving him a half-smile.

”I got friends to kick my ass if I don’t. Mophead included.”

”Good.”

Walk back towards the U.A was silent, and Izuku could tell there were a lot of things going on within Sho-chan’s mind. His face was blank, but he knew how to read the two-toned eyes, and could tell his companion was flipping between happy, relieved, and furious at his father. Izuku didn’t blame him.

He had been furious towards Endeavor as well once he’d understood the story behind Dabi’s scars and the reason behind his alignment.

Still....the end had been tragic.

Mainly, because it had signaled Sho-chan that there was no bringing Touya back, not anymore.

”Midoriya.”

He almost jumps and falls on his butt as Todoroki suddenly stops to face him. Green eyes look up at him sheepishly, a little spooked by the sudden attention. For a moment, Todoroki seems to hesitate, as if he was unsure on what to say or do.

Then, he suddenly hugs Midoriya, making the boy freeze.

Sure, this was normal back home, Sho-chan came to hug him often, especially during cold days or extremely warm summer evenings, but this Todoroki was still more distant. It was...surprising, but it made Izuku smile and blush regardless.

”Thank you, for doing this.”

He could hear Todoroki’s voice was shaky, which wasn’t very common. He’d really been affected by this meeting, and Midoriya hoped it was in a positive sense this time around. He squeezes back carefully, a wide happy smile on his face.

”You’re welcome Sho-chan.”

”Uh?”

Todoroki blinks and pulls back, looking at him confused. Midoriya flushes instantly, realizing he’d accidentally used the endearing nickname out loud. He flails his arms around in panic, backing away and apologizing profusely.

Todoroki just looks at him blankly for a moment. Then, he sighs and actually smiles, which catches Izuku off guard completely, making him stop his panicking.

”It’s fine. It...it has been a while anyone has called me with such a cute nickname.”

Midoriya’s blush worsens, and he plays with his fingers, unable to help himself. His adult body would’ve probably taken it easier, just laughed sheepishly and all, but his teenager body naturally had stronger reactions.

”Uhm, I think we should head back to U.A quickly, before curfew so Aizawa-sensei won’t ground you or so...”

Shoto just nods, adding that his mum was likely already getting anxious. The two continue walking in silence for a moment, up until Midoriya suddenly feels something warm brush against his hand. Well, relatively warm, it was Todoroki’s ice-side after all.

After a moment of hesitation, Todoroki grasps it gently, without looking at him.

Izuku blinks, giving him a side glance. His face was as blank as ever, but there was a very tiny blush on his cheek. It was so cute Izuku almost squealed, but instead he just held it in, squeezing the hand back and smiling with light redness coloring his cheeks as well.

”How was your date?”

Inko asks enthusiastically as Midoriya arrives home.

While she was chipper, it was clear his mum was relieved he was back home, safe and sound.

”Mum, I told you it wasn’t a...”

”I know I know.”

Inko chuckles and then tugs him into a hug, a gesture Izuku returns. Goodness it honestly had been a while since he’d been hugging his mum, he felt bad about it honestly.

”Well, how did their meeting go? Todoroki-kun and his relative?”

Inko questions his son curiously as he helps her put up dinner later on, and Izuku hums, thinking back of the heartwarming, yet slightly bittersweet scene.

”It went...okay I think. His bro...relative was still a little tense and all, but I think seeing him made Sho-chan happy.”

”Aww, and you said it wasn’t a date! You’re already on nickname basis.”

Midoriya blushes furiously, hiding his face inside his shirt for a moment. He was fuming even worse when he heard his mum snicker, and she pats his greenish black hair with a smile.

”It’s okay Izuku, as long as he makes you happy, I don’t mind.”

After eating, the boy decides to bring up the sleepover idea.

”Uhm, actually. We saw Tenko too today, and...he asked if I c-could come and stay overnight sometime this week? He uhm...with the new cats and all, and All Might working late, he feels a little overwhelmed.”

Inko blinks, then her face twists into sympathetic sad smile.

”I can imagine; that poor boy has gone trough a lot, and with recent events and all, he could do with some company. Why don’t you invite him to stay with us for a bit? He can bring the cats too!”

”Ah, uhm...since he only just got them, I think it’s better if they first get used to his house before being moved around so much and all....”

Inko examines her son quietly for a moment, making him fidget nervously. Izuku had a feeling his mum sensed there was another reason behind this sudden proposal, a reason he didn’t wish to share. She closes her eyes, focusing on her food for a moment, before speaking again.

”Izuku, you know you can share anything with me, right?”

”I know mum, I swear it’s not...”

”If Tenko is in a bad place right now and needs a friend for support, just say it. You don’t have to come up with excuses.”

Inko smiles a bit sadly, making Izuku blush embarrassed again.

”I just...you’ve been so worried and all, and probably thought we’d get to spend the whole week together...”

Inko sighs and gets up, walking to the other side of the table and grasping his hands gently.

”Of course I want to spend time with my son, but I understand there are other people in your life who need you. I cannot possibly deny them your presence if it helps them. Just...don’t lie to me about why you go there.”

She looks at him sadly, and Midoriya swallows down the lump in his throat.

”You don’t have to tell me exactly what is bothering him, it is not my place to ask about it, I am regrettably not his mother.”

Inko sighs and releases his hands, brushing trough his messy hair.

”Still, let him know I am always willing to listen.”

Izuku nods after a moment.

”I will.”

Tenko gazes at the message on his phone, while petting Dabi - the cat - who was curled up on his lap.

Izuku had made his mum agree to let him come for a visit, and the kid would head there tomorrow. It wasn’t the first time Izuku was there, before this whole thing happened, he and Inko had visited his dad a lot. He’d initially been miffed about it due to Izuku’s overly friendly nature - and the fact he was a weak little shit who got given a power he couldn’t quite handle initially - but slowly, the reanimated broccoli had grown on him, as well as his mother.

Well, supposedly this was good.

He’d learn about all the shit he was hiding from them tomorrow.

Tenko closes his phone and gets up, carefully placing Dabi-cat down to the bed. Initially he protests with a mewl, but as Sho jumps to the bed to check out what was going on, he quickly forgets about Tenko and starts playing with the younger kitten. It was so fucking cute it probably would rot his teeth off someday, and he already had dental issues and occasional bad breath due to his quirk drying him up.

With a sigh, he gets up and walks downstairs to see what his dad was doing. This was one of the rarer days All Might was home ’on time’ so to say, and was currently cooking them dinner. He was humming a tune while focusing on the pan, a small smile on his lips. After being on the front lines for so long, his dad really enjoyed the simpler, more domestic things in life, such as cooking. It was a good thing for Tenko couldn’t cook for shit, it was always such a hassle with either having clunky gloves or decaying the pans and pots.

That, and he burned shit way too easily.

”Afternoon Tenko, the food will be done shortly.”

”Dad, Izuku’s gonna come by tomorrow.”

”Oh? How so?”

Tenko sighs and leans against the doorway. He kind of wanted to tell him about what was going on, but Izuku had seemed so hesitant about telling his idol yet, so...

”well, for starters, he’s behind on English and other generic studies because of all the things that have been going on, and also because I need his help on a new project, and need someone to watch the cats while I paint.”

”Ohh! So you’ve finally started to get back to art? How wonderful to hear.”

The smile on his dad’s face was so bright it made Tenko feel bad for lying.

He’d have to actually paint something nice.

”I unfortunately won’t be around much, I’ll be overseeing few practical lessons again tomorrow.”

”You, overseeing practical lessons? As a rescue I assume.”

Toshinori chuckles at that, then puts up the table for them both.

”I suppose you two can order Take out, or I can prepare something for you beforehand.”

”That...would be nice, thanks dad.”

Tenko flashes him a smile and sits down to eat. Despite the cozy familiar atmosphere, Tenko’s mind was working mile a minute, as he was trying to think just what exactly Midoriya was going to tell him. It had to be pretty big with how cryptic he’d been.

”So...have you seen your boyfriend recently?”

It was such an abrupt question that it almost made Tenko spit out his food. He looks up at his dad flustered, who holds his hands up with an apologetic chuckle.

”I was just wondering. You don’t have to hide it anymore if you do.”

Ah, that’s true.

Still, it was a habit that was hard to break.

”I...I did today. He uh...he went to see his little brother, and wanted me to come as an emotional support.”

All Might hums, taking a sip from his orange juice.

”I see. I assume he hasn’t seen this little brother in a while?”

”Yeah...it was their first meeting since years. Dabi was pretty happy, but...it was a little nerve-wrecking too, with how different he was gonna seem from what his little brother remembers.”

”Well, I am sure this little sibling was glad to see him.”

Tenko hums and smiles a bit, thinking back on the hug the brothers had shared.

”Yeah, he was.”

Tenko woke up to the sound of someone stumbling trough his window, and he lets out a long-suffering sigh, rolling over slowly to glare at the clearly drunk Dabi, who flops onto his bed, laying across his legs with a goofy dumbass smirk on his face.

”Hey princess~”

”What the fuck are you doing here?”

”Aww C’mon, I’m often here.”

Dabi slurs and shifts, so he could slump beside Tenko now. His breath smelt of alcohol and it made Tenko wrinkle his nose in disgust.

”You’re drunk.”

”Might be, my head’s kinda buzzing.”

Dabi snickers, luckily his voice was quiet to not alert Tenko’s dad. Then, he suddenly shifts and pins the pale figure against his bed, gaining a startled noise from Tenko, who struggles to try and free himself.

”What the hell Dabi? Get off!”

”Nah, I like the scenery.”

Dabi mumbles, but then seems to ignore it in favor of slumping his head against Tenko’s bare shoulder - his nightshirt was very loose, usually exposing one or both - squeezing the boy with a pleased hum.

”Oh my god, you’re such a fucking idiot. You can't come here all drunk and cuddle me! Especially not when dad’s sleeping just few doors down!”

Tenko hisses at his boyfriend, still trying to struggle free from the vice-strong grip. The hot breath brushing over his neck and shoulder didn’t help much, making his face heat up slowly.

”Shaddup, lemme snuggle you mophead.”

Dabi almost coos at him, nuzzling against his neck. Tenko lets out a quiet groan, lifting his hand up to carefully threat his fingers into Dabi’s hair and tug his head back so he could look at the bastard in the eyes. That was a mistake, he was grinning that devilish grin again as Tenko did so, and a bit of drunken desire swirled in the glowing blue eyes.

Tenko quickly releases his hair with a slight squeak, but it was too late; Dabi leans closer to slant their mouths together, and it was so hard to resist it with the way his tongue traced his chapped and dry lips.

”C’mon mophead, gimme a little room.”

He mumbles, and Tenko releases a sigh, giving in and letting him deepen the kiss.

He was still wondering why the hell the idiot was drunk and had sneaked into his room again. Tenko had a hunch it related to today’s meeting with Shoto, though.

”You’re quite somethin’ you know?”

Dabi mutters between the kisses, gaining a confused look from the pale figure beneath him as he pulls back. Scarred hands reach up for the messy light blue locks, mingling into them and caressing the sensitive scalp gently while avoiding any knots. It was hard not to have his eyes flutter closed, Tenko always loved it when Dabi did that, his unusually warm hands made the touch feel extra good.

”I probably wouldn’t have done this even if Shoto had known, if you hadn’t asked me to.”

The fire user mumbles, his drunken eyes now more focused on the messy mop of hair he was untangling gently. Fuck he was so warm and comfy, even if the bastard was a little heavy. Tenko gave in and closed his eyes, tilting his head back a bit and letting out a pleased sigh. Dabi hums at that with a content smirk, but the smile softens quickly as he speaks.

”It’s weird. You’re not a hero and don’t want to be one, but always end up saving me one way or another.”

”You’re being a sap again.”

Tenko points out, opening one red eye to look at him amused.

Dabi just hums, then leans closer to brush his lips over the pale neck, making Tenko shiver a bit and close his eyes again.

”It’s just the truth. You always kick my ass back to action when I start hesitating or some shit like that.”

He places another kiss there after those words, and Tenko bites his lip not to moan slightly.

Damn Dabi and his knowledge of his weak spots.

”You set me straight when I mess up, or start losin’ it.”

Dabi continues quietly, the press of his mouth turning warmer with each kiss. He was getting worked up again, though not out of anger.

”Someone has to do that; your reckless ass has a bad habit of getting in—”

He gasps, cutting himself short as sharp teeth graze his neck.

Dabi shifts, now tugging on his hair to expose more of the pale neck for him to mark, and Tenko cannot stop the whine escaping from his mouth. Shit, he reeeally needed to make Dabi stop before this led somewhere.

”Fuck, you taste so good...”

the fire user breathes into his ear, the hot breath sending a shiver down Tenko’s spine, and he bites his chapped lips, grasping Dabi’s hair again to push him back. It was so tempting to indulge him, but the time and place wasn’t right for it.

”Not now. My dad might hear us, and you’re so drunk it’s probably not good for you.”

Dabi lets out a pouty whine, but allows Tenko to push him away after witnessing the stern glare.

”Aww but princess, I just wanna show how much I like you~”

He coos again, hand plopping around Tenko’s waist and tugging him closer on the bed. The red eyes examine his dumb grin and slightly sleepy eyes.

Dabi was gonna pass out soon. Tenko sighs and shakes his head.

”Fine. You can stay, but you need to leave before seven thirty. Dad gets up then and will check on me.”

”Thanks, mophead.”

Dabi mumbles out and instantly snuggles against his neck. It was clearly his favorite spot, as he somehow always ended up targeting it with his affections. Tenko sighs and tilts his head to rest it on top of the black fluffy spikes. Letting Dabi head home in this condition was probably too dangerous, and if his dad did walk in on them, well, then his boyfriend wouldn’t get away from meeting his future father-in-law.

Tenko almost snorts at the thought.

Sometime in the early morning, the bed shifts.

The pale figure was in a deep sleep, not noticing his boyfriend climb off the bed carefully, before walking to the window and slipping out of it.

He wanders across the streets for a bit, seemingly a little dazed, eyes focusing on nothing in particular. Then, he stumbles onto an alleyway, leaning against the wall with harsh breaths escaping from his throat. Bits of smoke began to bleed from between the stitches, slowly floating up and evaporating into the thin air.

Moments later, black flames dance around him, like little wisps of demonic energy.

Somewhere, a siren of a police car blares in the distance. He straightens himself slowly, turning off the small flickering fires all over his body.

Eerie blue eyes crack open, and look down at his hands, examining the stitching and the contrast between smooth and scarred skin with lazy curiosity.

Nothing new.

Just a little…weaker, perhaps.

Ah well.

A voice calls out to him, asking if he was okay.

A half-buzzed patron from a nearby bar. He turns, flashing a positively menacing grin.

”I’m good.”

He turns his terrifying, maniac gaze away and disappears into the alley shadows.

Chapter Text

Izuku looks up at All Might’s house a little nervous.

Not because of the visit itself, but what it meant.

He’d have to tell Tenko everything, and the more Izuku thought about it, the less it felt like Tenko would believe him. The story was so...unbelievable.

Still, he had to try.

As he knocks on the door, it takes a moment, but eventually it opens, revealing the light blue haired young man behind it. Izuku is taken aback by the fact he was wearing some sort of white apron and had paint all over himself. Yellow, red, blue, green, purple...all the colors of the rainbow basically.

”Figured since I claimed I was working on something to my dad, I should.”

Tenko explains simply and lets him in. All Might’s home was very similar to the house he had back home, but it had some extra things due to housing two people. Photos of Tenko littered the walls here and there, some with his dad, some without. There was this small mood-light in each room, probably to create a relaxing atmosphere for the easily frazzled young man. There was also a notable increase in cat-themed things.

”There’s soda on the fridge, dad went shopping this morning.”

Tenko comments as he wipes his paint-stained hands into his apron, naturally keeping up his pinkie finger to not disintegrate it.

In fact, his pinkies were the only ones without paint in them.

”I’ll be with you in a minute, gotta tidy up.”

Izuku just nods and watches him disappear into the back room, the one that in his world usually housed bunch of random stuff for All Might. He could tell from peeking in trough the door that in this world, it was Tenko’s painting room. He had to admit....the pale young man was good. There were some of his paintings on the wall, and Izuku could admit his mum would like a few of them.

He would’ve liked the All Might one on the corner admittedly too.

”Oh that? It was for your birthday but then you had a building fall onto you and that shit got pushed to the back burner.”

Tenko comments amused upon seeing what he was looking at.

Izuku feels his cheeks flush and quickly backs away from the room, putting his stuff aside and heading to grab the said soda from the fridge. It was his favorite, because naturally All Might would pick that. Sitting down on the couch, he drinks the sugary sweet drink and waits for Tenko to finish up cleaning.

It was so...weird, being alone in All Might’s house, with someone who technically was a version of his arch-nemesis, but...honestly.

At this point, Midoriya already saw Tenko and Shigaraki as two different people.

They had similarities with their easily irritable tempers and stealthiness, but they were also so different.

Finally, Tenko closes the door to his paint studio, and walks to the fridge to grab a drink as well.

”Dabi was really happy about the whole meeting thing.”

”Y-yeah, it seemed like that.”

Tenko snorts and slumps to sit on the armchair beside the couch, taking a sip from his soda.

”For real; the moron showed up in my room all drunk n’ shit last night.”

Midoriya’s eyes widen, but Tenko waves his hand in a reassuring manner. It was a weird world, having that hand reaching towards him be considered reassuring.

”He was just being a sappy lil shit and all. He tends to do that when he gets overwhelmed and shows up here acting like a Romeo. I’m honestly expecting him to show up one day and sing under my window.”

Izuku couldn’t help it; the thought made him snort out a giggle, which he quickly silences by covering his mouth.

Tenko just smirks, taking another sip.

One of the cats shows up, and jumps onto the armchair, plopping on Tenko’s lap. It was the black one, and Tenko rolls his eyes, scratching the cat’s ear.

”I wasn’t talking about YOU, but your big dumb human version.”

The cat just mews at him and gnaws his finger playfully. The other cat walks towards Midoriya curiously, sniffing his feet. After a moment, the cat deems him likable and jumps to the couch to cuddle against his side. Hesitantly, Midoriya reaches down to pet Sho, gaining a purr from the kitten.

”He left before I woke up though; I was actually supposed to call Magne and ask her if he made his way home instead of snoring in a ditch somewhere.”

Magne?

Ah...Izuku could recall that name.

She was a member of the League’s early years, who was slain by Chisaki Kai. Say what you want of the villains, Izuku could at least respect their comradeship, for that loss had been taken personally, costing Overhaul his arm and power. That's what had made them so dangerous in the first place; unlike most villain groups, their bonds seemed to base on genuine trust and respect, something that...was difficult for many heroes to grasp and understand. It had been hard for Izuku as well, but...

Looking at Tenko, perhaps he started to do so. This could've been Shigaraki. 

The villains were humans too, they just made and had different choices presented to them.

”Then I figured, if he hadn’t shown up, they’d called me anyway.”

Tenko finishes with a shrug, drinking down rest of his soda with one go and focusing his attention fully on the cat in his lap now. For a moment, they both sit in silence, with Izuku fidgeting nervously in his seat. His mouth felt dry, so he takes a sip of his soda again.

”.....So.”

Tenko begins, looking up at him pointedly. Red eyes examine the nervous teen’s face, and Izuku swallows down, wondering where he should even begin.

”Tenko...will you p-promise you listen all the way to the end? I....what I’m going to tell you will sound bizarre and crazy, and...”

”I’ve seen plenty of crazy shit, I doubt you can surprise me.”

The pale figure snorts, still petting the cat-Dabi who was now purring loudly. Izuku sucks in a deep breath, and nods.

”Still, I’d like you to promise.”

”Fine fine, Pinky swear and all that shit, just get on with it.”

Tenko grumbles out a little impatient, and Izuku turns his gaze aside, deciding on the best angle to go about this.

”I...have you ever heard of...of a quirk that...that could open portals to other dimensions?”

Tenko blinks confused, then holds his chin for a moment.

”The only portal type quirk user I know is Kurogiri, but I suppose it is possible.”

Izuku chuckles a bit nervously, then shakes his head to clear it from the unease he was feeling right now.

”Well...this is a bit more than that. It seems this person is able to send, not people, but minds, into other dimensions. Almost like...like he can make someone possess someone else in another world.”

Red eyes were now focusing on him intently, and the hand petting Dabicat had stopped briefly, gaining a disapproving mew. Tenko continues petting, but keeps his eyes fixated on Midoriya.

”Well...that’s...that’s what happened to me.”

Izuku lifts his gaze slowly to meet Tenko’s eyes.

”The reason why I’ve been acting so weird, is because...I’m...I’m not your Izuku.”

He let’s the words sink in, and for a moment, Tenko just stares at him in shock. Then, he blinks a few times to clear his head, and looks at him with a frown.

”The fuck do you mean?”

”I’m not Izuku Midoriya that you know. I mean, the body is his, but the man we were after somehow transferred my mind in his body.”

Midoriya looks down at his teenager hands with a deep frown on his face, more reminiscent of his adult expression. Seeing such a mature look on his usually childish features really caused Tenko to do a double take for a second.

”I’m...actually an adult. As in, around my twenties. I’ve been a pro for a while now, and me and my team were tracking an unknown villain with some sort of mysterious warping quirk. I got separated from others, and then the building began to collapse, perhaps it had been a trap or so.”

The pale figure remained dead silent, his entire body still as he listened to Izuku’s story very closely.

”When I woke up...I was here. I don’t know exactly how, but I’ve been thinking it’s probably that man’s quirk. I do remember having a slight out of body experience before I passed out...”

Izuku sighs and drinks his soda, finding that once he got going, talking was easy.

”I’ve...I think your Midoriya is still there, I saw him in that dream that caused me t-to...you know, wake up panicking. He was trying to tell me something but I couldn’t hear him.”

”....why not?”

Tenko asks cautiously, his voice barely above a whisper.

”I...there was a thick glass wall or something between us. I’m not entirely sure what that place was, but it reminds me of the...the vestiges, and the weird place where I go when I speak with the previous users of One For All.”

Tenko just nods, seemingly understanding what he meant. It made sense, he was All Might’s son so maybe All Might had told him about it.

”But...I am not sure, because...”

He pauses, wondering if he should tell Tenko about that part.

With the expectant look the older boy was having, he came to the conclusion hiding it would be useless.

”There’s...another thing. You and Dabi....in my world, you’re villains.”

Tenko blinks then leans back against the couch, eyes wide in shock.

”....Villains?”

His voice sounds really hesitant, as if he's almost afraid to ask for confirmation. Izuku just nods, unable to look at him in the eye. Instead of that, he keeps talking, powering trough everything he had to say.

”Unlike you, Shigaraki was never saved. All For One raised him, and turned him into the villain he is now. You...he, is the leader of the League of Villains in my world. We actually caught him and Dabi a while back, so they’re in prison now. Rest of the League is scattered around Japan, we’re still hunting down some of the members.”

Tenko had gone completely still, and silent.

Izuku dares a peek at him, and notes that his face had gone blank. he didn’t blame him, this had to sound...awful. It was a very terrible ’what if’ in the eyes of Tenko in all likeness.

Then, the pale figure sighs suddenly, his posture slumping.

As the red eyes open again, he did not seem shocked or surprised anymore, but rather...sad.

”....Figures. I probably would’ve ended the same way had dad not found me.”

He admits quietly, eyes focused on to the black cat in his lap, who was staring back with a tilted head and blue eyes. Izuku says nothing to that, and decides to continue his story instead.

”The r-reason why I woke up like that back then...why I...said what I said. It’s because I saw OUR Dabi there. Not yours, but ours.”

Tenko looks up at him confused, so Midoriya hurries to explain.

”I don’t know why, but he was there, behind my smaller self, and...it was clear he was aiming to attack him.”

Tenko’s eyes widen, and he opens his mouth to protest - because fuck that, Dabi would never hurt kids - but closes it, realizing that the Dabi in question was probably highly different.

”In the end...my teen self disappeared when I broke the glass, but he came back...”

Izuku swallows down hardly, noting the hands holding his soda bottle were now shaking lightly. Tenko just shakes his head, giving him an understanding - and horrified - look.

”Don’t. I seriously don’t need that to be described to me. I don’t wanna imagine it.”

”R-right...anyway. I think...maybe it was a warning? Maybe something’s off bad home, and that vision was shown to me to hurry up and get home...”

”Who’d do that? I doubt the Vestiges have any clue of what’s going on back there either if you're here.”

Tenko points out, and Izuku hums, holding his chin as he thinks about it for a moment. Then, Tenko’s words register properly, and he looks up at the pale figure with wide eyes.

”Wait...you...you believe me?”

Tenko hums in turn now, gaze cast downwards to the purring cat, and he scratches the black ear in thought.

”....I might’ve been with All For One for just few months, but I saw some weird shit there. I’ve seen dad fight bizarre villains too. What you told me is improbable, but not impossible, and...”

He visibly swallows down hard, and looks up at Izuku with a cautious, almost...guilty look.

”It explains why you’re scared of me.”

Izuku actually manages to smile.

”I’m not anymore though; I can tell you and Shigaraki are very different people.”

Tenko examines him skeptically for a moment, but then seems to believe him as he sighs with a relieved sound coloring his voice.

”So was that all you saw in that dream?”

”No...it wasn't actually first vision I saw; in an earlier one he told me to..."find the other one," which I assume refers to the real owner of this body, or his twin that exists within this Izuku’s One For All.”

”Huh, so Tomura speaks to you too?”

Izuku freezes, and looks up at him abruptly with a confused face. Tenko blinks, tilting his head equally confused.

”What?”

”W-what do you mean Tomura?”

For a moment, red eyes examine his face with a confused scowl, then his expression widens as if he realizes something.

”Ah....you don’t know....of course you probably wouldn’t know, I don’t see why that bastard would’ve ever told you or any hero where that name comes from.”

”Huh?”

Tenko rubs his neck, glancing aside for a moment.

”Say...my villain-twin. Does he go by the name of Shigaraki Tomura by any chance?”

Izuku nods, not understanding where this was going.

”Well....Where do you think All For One got that name from?”

Izuku’s mind pauses for a second, as he lets the words sink in.

Oh.

OH.

”First’s name is Tomura?!”

Tenko just nods, still rubbing his neck. He was getting a little agitated about Izuku’s story, about hearing that he was a villain in some world, that Dabi was a villain too and apparently really damn bad. At least he wasn’t scratching it though.

”Yeah. He told me, when he initially gave me that name, that it belonged to his little brother whom he ’cherished the most’ or some shit, but that his little brother was a foolish ideologist. He said he wanted me to ’do right by that name’ or so. I'm pretty sure the way he wrote the name for me was different from original though, 'cause otherwise they had very fucked up parents....which, given how AFO was, maybe it's actually possible.”

Tenko snorts and drops his hand, gently placing Dabicat to the ground as it had begun to struggle in his lap.

”Then when I...six months before all this, we had a final confrontation with him, and I told him I don’t wanna be forced to become something. He then said that it was a mistake to give that name to me after all, because I was apparently as foolish as his little brother.”

Tenko’s tone was a little icy, and Izuku couldn’t stop but instinctively lean back. He could feel all the hatred and despise oozing out from Tenko, as he thought back on his former ’caretaker.’

”Tsch. Yet look who’s rotting in jail now, a jail he can never leave. His league’s gone too, wiped out and shit. He’s got nothing left, no league, no heir, no nothing.”

The mocking tone and a sense of pride coming from Tenko was reminiscent of Shigaraki in a way, but for once it was aimed at a person who honestly deserved the ire of people. Izuku couldn’t stop but feel extremely glad for this world; it was a safer place than his, and people like Tenko got to live a life free of the burdens of evil, mostly anyway.

”I’m....you have no idea how glad I am, to having met you.”

He blurts out, and Tenko turns his red eyes back at him with lift eyebrow, and Izuku chuckles awkwardly, rubbing his head with a slight blush.

”You got a chance of living a peaceful life, free of any sort of manipulation.”

”Nah.”

Izuku blinks, looking at the pale figure whose gaze had grown distant, and he was holding his chin thoughtfully.

”Whatever morals we have, it’s a result of some level of manipulation from the world around us. I’ve been raised to think Heroes are mostly good, whereas he was raised to think they’re bad. Sure, we make choices, but we tend to make choices based on the outside world and how it presents itself to us trough the people around us. The truth is often something in between the two extremes I've been shown.”

That....it was a bit dark way of seeing it, but Izuku could honestly see where that philosophy came from.

It wasn’t like Tenko was entirely wrong either. No human was ever free of any and all sorts of manipulation. There was just differences between what the intentions behind such actions were, and what they caused in practice.

”The actual difference between me, and that villain, is that I got to choose my poison. He never did, if that AFO is anything like ours..”

”That’s...a dark way to put it.”

Tenko huffs out a slight laugh, nodding.

”It probably is, but I’m a twisted fucker even when I’m not evil.”

Izuku didn’t know what to say to that, so he just laughs awkwardly. The room is plunged into silence again, the only sound being heard was the purring of Sho still beside Izuku. Dabicat had sneaked out of the room and was wandering somewhere in the house.

Then, Tenko’s voice breaks the silence hesitantly.

”I....to be honest. I...think I might’ve heard of that before.”

”Huh?”

The pale figure frowns deeply, clearly thinking about something, his eyes flickering across the room as they followed the path of his thoughts.

”I swear, I’ve heard of such a weird mind-swap quirk before. I just can't remember where I heard about it.”

Izuku’s eyes widen, and he shifts closer towards Tenko on the couch, startling Sho who sprints down from the couch and rushes to find his big brother.

”You have?! We had nothing on the man, no records of his life or quirk anywhere.”

”Yeah...I just...I need to look into that.”

Tenko mumbles out more to himself than Midoriya, his gaze still running wild as he kept thinking, trying to recall where the hell he’d heard about this before.

It sounded so familiar...

It also made him feel weirdly apprehensive, though a lot of stuff that was just a vague memory in his mind tended to do so.

A sudden knock on the door catches their attention, and Tenko cautiously stands up, inching towards the door.

Who the hell could it be? Dad would not be home till six in the evening probably, and he hadn’t expected any other visitors aside from Izuku.

As he opens the door, he is faced by the highly concerned face of his friend Magne, who grasps his shoulder and shakes him.

”Tenko please tell me you’ve seen Dabi, that he’s here!”

”Uhh...no? He left before I woke up.”

Magne groans at that and rubs her eyes, clearly highly worried about her friend. Tenko grasps her shoulder, gaining her attention.

”Magne, what gives?”

”He didn’t come home! He called us and told he’d go and stay with you overnight - he sounded drunk but that’s beside the point - but he never came home!”

Tenko’s eyes widen in shock, and his next words come out as almost a high pitched squeak.

”Why didn’t any of you fuckers call me sooner?!”

”Because we thought he was with you! But we were supposed to go to that one concert today, Toga had been excited to go for months and there’s no way Dabi would’ve missed it!”

Tenko’s red eyes were blown wide.

Oh god where was that idiot?

A green head peeks from behind Tenko, and Magne blinks, soon realizing this had to be the Izuku Tenko spoke of a lot. She waves at him awkwardly, greeting the clearly nervous boy.

”Ah, s-sorry for barging in like this little dude, but our friend is missing.”

Izuku’s eyes widen and he looks up at Tenko, who was still frozen in shock.

”What the fuck, I just saw him last night, he was right here with me.”

Tenko mumbles out, his hand raising towards his neck, before he forces it back down and sucks in a deep breath. As his eyes open, they were full of determination.

”I’ll be out in a sec Magne, we’ll go find that buffoon.”

”Ah, thank you! Even Jin is freaking out - and I mean his relaxed side - so this is pretty bad!”

Tenko rushes back inside, past confused Izuku, and starts grabbing his jacket, trying to think of where the idiot could’ve wandered off to while drunk. A tentative hand reaches for his sleeve, and Tenko whips around to glare at the startled Izuku, quickly tuning down his gaze as he realized he must’ve scared the boy with his expression.

”Can I come with you? More eyes the better. Besides....I...I have a bad feeling.”

Tenko considers it for a moment, then nods.

”Your mum would whoop my ass if I left you here alone anyway.”

He manages to smirk, but it wasn’t as wide as usual, watered down by concern. Izuku nods back at him and grabs his coat.

The drive felt extremely awkward to Izuku; he was in a van, surrounded by what normally were villain league members, except they weren’t that this time; this was a group of friends concerned for their friend, searching for him. Jin - or Twice as Izuku mainly knew the man - was probably the nicest, noting the boy was uncomfortable, and trying to make him relax.

”It’s okay kiddo, I know we got scary faces but we’re mostly nice people. A little weird, but nice.”

The man reassures the boy and ruffles his hair a bit, gaining a slight tense smile from Izuku, who tells him he was just worried for Dabi.

”Why would ya be tho? Ya don’t know our Dabs.”

The reptilian asks - he wasn’t driving this time, for Magne did not want their car to break down while on such an important mission - and Tenko pipes in, sitting beside Izuku.

”This kid is the one who helped me to convince Dabi to see his little bro. He’s also in the same class with the said brother.”

Spinner blinks, then gives Izuku a grin and a thumbs up.

”Then you’re Cool in my book!”

”T-thanks I suppose.”

”Ten-chan, do you have any idea where he could’ve headed?”

Toga asks, and it was a little weird to see her openly concerned - and not trying to stab anyone or flirt with them - or flirt AND stab anyone - The Toga Izuku knew always wore a scary grin on her face. She still had a slight twisted glint to her eyes, but the grin wasn’t there.

”I told you; he left before I woke up! How the hell would I know? Usually when he leaves my house, he goes straight home!”

”Oh for the love of...do we really have to start asking around from people to find his sorry ass?”

Magne shakes her head frustrated; none of them liked the idea, for the whole group disliked drawing attention to them, especially Dabi who got stared enough due to his scarring.

”I guess we could start from the bar. I mean, he did go there first before heading for Tenko’s place, but it is on the way back to ours.”

Jin pipes in, and the group muses the idea for a while, up until Tenko nods.

”Let’s go there first. Izuku, you better stick close by, that place ain’t suitable for a kid.”

The green eyes look up at the pale man, whose hand was resting on his shoulder now, pinkie raised. He wasn’t really a kid, but only Tenko knew that right now, so he nods.

They weren’t kidding: the bar was shady, full of people that Izuku assumed were some level of criminals.

Couple of curious glances were sent his way, but they quickly turned away upon seeing Tenko’s arm wrap around his shoulders and glare at them. It was a bit bizarre; last time that arm had been a threat. Now it was weirdly comforting. Magne speaks with the barista, who seems to recognize Dabi but doesn’t recall seeing him after he initially left. Toga looks around curiously, the wicked smirk back on her face, but there was still a hint of that concern in her eyes.

”Looks like we’re out of luck; the barista doesn’t remember seeing him afterwards.”

Magne sighs as she returns to them, face in a deep frown.

Tenko rubs his eyes frustrated, trying to think.

Where else he could’ve gone?

”Maybe we should check the route from Tenko’s place to our dingy apartment?”

Spinner then proposes, and the group figures it was the best course of action for now. Still, that was quite a bit of streets to check, for the distance between the two houses was almost half a city away. They check every place, every nook and cranny and alleyway for their stitched friend, but nothing. Tenko and Izuku even talk to the people driving the subway on the route if they’d seen a scarred man enter anytime last night.

Nothing, no luck.

”Where the fuck could he be?!”

Tenko huffs out, worry tugging in his gut. Worse, when his panic began to be this bad, he had the tendency to feel like he was being choked, and his hands rose up to scratch on his neck, trying to get rid of the uneasy feeling. A tentative hand reaches for him, and he looks down at the emerald eyes, looking up at him concerned, but also determined.

”We’ll find him.”

Izuku says simply, and while he was just a brat - well, an adult in a brat’s body apparently - it somehow eased his mind a little, and the choking feeling vanished.

”Seriously, he doesn’t usually wander off that far from this path, why can’t we find him?”

Magne huffs out, adjusting her sunglasses. This was bad, really bad.

”Maybe Dabs got kidnapped! Like, maybe some weirdos sold him to a freak circus or something! With all those scars and stitches, he'd fit right in with the rest of the weirdos!”

Toga proposes with her usual chipper tone, the weird smile and eyes back in full force. For Izuku it was scary, but the rest knew she was putting up a front right now to not break down; aside from Tenko, Toga was closest with their pyromaniac, and she was probably freaking out badly on the inside.

”Don’t be ridiculous! We would’ve heard about that because Dabi would defend himself, and given his flashy fire quirk...”

Magne didn’t need to finish, all of her friends knew that Dabi plus alcohol plus surprise attack equaled potential mayhem.

”So, what now?”

Jin asks, scratching his hair. His other self had remained quiet this whole time, probably to not scare the kid, but he was itching on coming out and yelling his frustration about Dabi’s stupidity in their face.

Suddenly, a voice calls out to them. The group turns to look at a shabby looking man, wearing a flannel shirt, and a wild blond hair that kinda reminded Izuku of a cockatoos feathers. He looked like he’d had too much to drink last night, holding his head with a sleepy face.

”Uh...I coulda not stop but hear ya talkin’ n’....I think I might’ve seen yer buddy last night?”

Magne’s eyes widen and she walks to the man, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him like she’d done with Tenko earlier.

”The man you saw, did he have black hair and stitches on his face?”

”Uh, yeah, looked like a real weirdo - no offense - and he seemed like he wasn’t feeling well so I checked on him.”

”Tell us Birdie-kun, what happened? Where is he now?”

Toga hops beside him, jumping up and down like an eager schoolgirl. What seemed like a weirdly happy reaction to Izuku and the man, was a sign of desperation to the rest if them.

”Well uh. He kinda spooked me. At first he looked like he was gonna faint or puke, then he suddenly straightened and gave me this look and walked off.”

”Where did he walk off to?”

Magne demands, and the man points shakily towards an alleyway nearby. It was not part of Dabi’s usual route, in fact he almost never went to that direction as far as Tenko knew. It was the direction of U.A, and he had a personal reason to not show his face around there. A reason named Shoto.

”Thanks Birdie-kun!”

Toga waves at the man and the group rushes to the direction, tailed by Tenko and Midoriya.

Even if they knew the general direction, there was no guarantee they could find Dabi. It was still a big chunk of the city to search.

”Why would he head there?”

Tenko muses out, but as Izuku glances up, he figures the man was talking to himself rather than him. Holding his chin with a thoughtful frown.

”Well...if he wasn’t fully aware...maybe he...maybe he sort of instinctively thought of going to see Shoto?”

Tenko blinks, then hums. It made sense.

”....Could you message Shoto and ask if he’s seen Dabi there?”

”He wouldn’t get in though, gates for U.A are always locked, and you need a pass to-”

”I know! But if he passed nearby, surely someone would’ve found him!”

Right.

Izuku picks up his phone, and soon finds the group chat. He hadn’t really looked at it before, and only now witnessed the grand reveal of Tenko’s boyfriend to the entire class. Izuku grimaces, but sends a message regardless. The classes were on break right now as it was lunchtime.

Mighty Broccoli Boi: Hey, uh, has anyone perhaps seen a scarred/stitched man nearby the school?

It takes a moment, but eventually he gets a response.

Floaty Booty: Deku! Nice to hear from you!

Floaty Booty: not that I can remember, why do you ask?

Dragonboi: Nope, can’t say I have seen a weirdo like that either.

LordExplosionMurder: DEKU YOU SHOULD BE RESTING DAMMIT

Dragonboi: aww there he goes again, our mother hen Katsuki

LordExplosionMurder: SHADDUP SHITTY HAIR

Mighty Broccoli Boi: sorry Kacchan, but this is important. Tenko’s boyfriend is missing, and a man said he’d seen him walk towards U.A last night.

He supposed it was fine to be honest, the whole class knew about the boyfriend anyway and was friends with Tenko.

Mindfuck: Aww shit, that can’t be good. Tenko must be freaking out right now.

Mighty Broccoli Boi: he is. Please if any of you saw him or heard anything, tell me.

IcyHot: I saw him.

Alien Queen: WHAAAT. TODOROKI KNOWS HOW HE LOOKS LIKE

Alien Queen: ICAN’TEVENASDCOWBFODGSGDGDMN

Mindfuck: do you need help in searching? Some of us were skipping classes today anyway

PikaPika: Hey! I was undercharged today because of yesterday’s practical exam! You can’t blame me!

Mindfuck: suuure, sparky

PikaPika: aww you’re so mean :C:C:C

PikaPika: but I like chu anyway C:

Mighty Broccoli Boi: thanks for the offer Shinsou, but there’s already quite a few of us, and Aizawa won’t like you skipping classes any more.

Mighty Broccoli Boi: but anyway, Todoroki-kun, where did you see him?! Please this is important!

IcyHot: I....had to visit home early this morning, so I asked permission from Aizawa Sensei to leave the school grounds.

IcyHot: I saw him near the gates when I came back, but he didn’t seem to notice me.

Mighty Broccoli Boi: what was be doing?

IcyHot: I don’t know, he was just looking at the school for a moment, then walked away.

IcyHot: I wondered if he wanted to speak to me, but he’d disappeared before I could say anything.

Ah, that wasn’t good. They still didn’t know where he went.

Mighty Broccoli Boi: Did you see where he was heading?

IcyHot: I think he turned towards the park nearby. I’m not sure though.

Mighty Broccoli Boi: thanks!

He looks up at Tenko who’d stopped with him to wait and see if the class could give them a clue.

Izuku looks up after putting his phone away, noting that the rest of the group had stopped and come back upon noticing the two weren’t following.

”One of my friends saw him, he said Dabi headed for the park nearby the school."

Without further ado, the search team heads there, led by Izuku and Tenko this time as they were the only ones who knew where to go. Honestly, it was a long shot that Dabi would be there still, but maybe they’d find another clue. This thought was why Izuku was surprised, when they spotted a familiar patch of black hair on a nearby bench.

It was Dabi, and he was still out cold.

”Hey, Dabi! You alright?!”

Spinner shakes his friend, gaining no response. He almost seemed lifeless, had it not been for the even breathing.

Tenko rushes beside Spinner as well, placing a gentle hand on the scarred cheek. He was shaking pretty badly now, but also seemed relieved.

”Gods, you fucking moron, making us worry like this!”

He spits out with a quiet hiss, and is then shoved aside violently by Toga who literally glomps the unconscious fire user, shaking and squeezing him with big ugly sob escaping her throat.

”Dabiii! Why do you have to scare us like this! That was meannn!”

It seemed that her loud wailing finally woke the man up as his eyes crack open, and he blinks slowly, trying to make out his surroundings.

”....Toga why the fuck are you covering me in your snot?”

He mumbles out, trying weakly to escape her hold, which only results her crying louder, squeezing all the air out of his lungs, rubbing their cheeks together.

”You didn’t come home last night! We were extremely worried!”

Magne tells him almost accusingly, and Dabi blinks, trying to clear his vision. His attention soon turns to Tenko, who pushes himself up grumbling, giving him a glare.

”You fucking piece of shit. Why’d you leave in that condition?! Are you really that afraid of my dad?”

Dabi just stares at them dully, as if not understanding what he was saying. Then, he seems to take a proper note of his surroundings, and lifts his hand to scratch his head.

”Huh...I musta been real drunk.”

He sucks in a deep breath and gives them a sheepish smile.

”I don’t remember leaving Princess’ house.”

”You’re so hopeless!”

Magne declares with a facepalm, and Spinner and Jon nod agreeing.

Toga finally let’s go of him, and Dabi wobbles to his feet, soon getting support from his boyfriend, who smacks his chest for good measure.

”Don’t ever scare us like that, you fucking idiotic asshat!”

Dabi just hums, leaning heavily against Tenko, still clearly dazed. Izuku gazes at the group of friends, relieved that they found Dabi, but he also had a bad feeling about this.

His gut was telling Midoriya something was off, but he didn’t know what it was.

The only thing he did know, was that his gut rarely lied.

Chapter Text

He’d gone to scout out the place first.

There was always a chance that the city didn’t look like the place he was used to.

In the end, the differences were minor, which would make navigating and sneaking around easier.

It had been weird, waking up in an actual cozy house, cuddled beside Shigaraki of all people. Version of him anyway, a version that admittedly looked really fucking cute.

It was a shame, what they were planning for him.

But ah, doing this would get them quite a bit of valuable shit from the nervous Doc, shit that could really put the hero society on the edge.

He almost wanted to laugh each time the Doc looked at them or spoke to them; his fear was evident, and they had no problem freaking the man out if they felt like it. He’d seeked them out, so he oughta handle them at their worst, if he wanted their help.

Out of all of them, the man was probably most scared of him right now, which wasn’t surprising. He’d gone and burned down a bunch of guards in front of the guy while escaping. Otherwise the man would've definitely been most terrified of Shigaraki. Their boss was their boss for a reason. 

He might’ve chuckled about it a bit.

In the past, when he still had bit of that old brat left in him, h e would’ve felt bad. In the past, he didn’t like extra casualties like this, the guards were weak, just doing their job, not heroes shining brightly in spotlight, pretending to do good.

Now...he’d torn that last shred off long time ago.

He didn’t feel a thing, turning those guys to ashes.

You can’t gain anything if you let little things like morality or guilt get in the way, can you?

The only thing that mattered at this point, was Shigaraki and his cause, their cause.

......Still, it was a shame. ’Tenko’ was damn cute.

A slight grin appears on his face. He made a note to take full advantage of the situation, for as long as he could before the good-Shigaraki’s time was up. It was not like their boss would let him that close easily. There was only so far he could go, and then he'd get push-back, sometimes extreme kind.

Oh, he was DEFINITELY going to enjoy this.

He just had to make sure that the kiddo wouldn’t notice his presence yet. It was pretty easy honestly, this one drank a lot, almost more than he did.

Almost.

He stops in front of the hero school.

Ahh, it was tempting to go and burn the place down, but that would’ve been a moronic idea at this moment. Creep would’ve yelled at him for it and maybe decayed a limb or two off.

Well, at least he’d threatened to do so, they both knew Shigaraki's threats to any of them were rarely serious. 

He was doing them more than before their captivity at the moment, understandably a tad frazzled after the prison experience. Dabi was admittedly hoping he'd start calming down soon enough and go back to his more level-headed state he knew their boss could be in. It felt a bit like he'd somewhat reverted to how he'd been in the beginning, which was admittedly a bit frustrating to them. Namely, because it freaked them out, seeing him freak out so easily after such a long time.

The sky was slowly turning reddish, almost like someone poured blood all over it. Sun was coming up, and the weakling’s friends would eventually start looking for him if he didn’t return. He probably wouldn’t make it on time anyway, he’d wandered off so far.

Ah, good thing the idiot had been drunk right before he’d taken over. His blackout and wandering could be explained by the alcohol.

A figure appears, and he glances at it from the corner of his eye.

Ah....it was Shoto.

Weird, seeing the brat up this early, returning from somewhere.

Eh, didn’t matter.

He’d burned that bridge long ago.

He turns away before the boy could even say anything or call out to him.

Perhaps, in the past, he would’ve let the boy catch him.

In the past, the spot where his heart used to be would’ve ached.

Now, he felt nothing as he walked away from his little brother.

Todoroki was a little distracted during the rest of the classes. He couldn’t stop but wonder, what exactly had happened.

Why had Touya been wandering around so early in the morning, coming to U.A?

Part of him dared to hope he’d wanted to talk to him, but he’d then just left, not even looking at him. He’d told Midoriya that Touya hadn’t noticed him, but...Todoroki had a feeling he had.

He’d just chosen to ignore him.

Another thing that couldn’t leave his mind about it, was his brother’s eyes. Since they always were glowing that blue shade, they stood out in the dimness of the surroundings at that time. They’d looked so cold, and a little... He wondered if it was just the setting and all, and him still reeling from the early visit home, but it almost had felt like he wasn’t really looking at Touya at all.

The eyes were wrong, badly wrong.

”Todoroki-kun?”

He lifts his gaze up from his notebook, finding Momo beside him with a concerned frown. The class had ended and most others had left the classroom already, aside from Uraraka, Tsuyu and Momo who all looked at him concerned now.

”Is something wrong?”

She asks, and Todoroki takes a moment to think about it. He couldn’t tell the class that the man Midoriya had been looking for was his brother, so he settles on the next logical explanation.

”Tired. I went to see my siblings this morning.”

”Ah, of course. We just...we were concerned because you were so distracted since lunch...”

Momo mumbles out, brushing her hair nervously. She was always very self-conscious and doubtful of herself, when she really didn’t need to be. Todoroki had recognized her skill and leader qualities ages ago.

”Don’t worry about me.”

He tells the girl and gets up, putting his stuff away. The boy then walks out of the room, concerned gazes trailing behind him. He was still not quite used to having so many people worry over his well being. It was...nice, but also a little bizarre.

Once he reaches his room in the dorms, Todoroki grasps his phone, considering it for a moment. In the end, he came to the conclusion that he had to know, so the teen sends a message.

The group had brought Dabi home, and the fire user had instantly fallen back asleep on his bed, complaining that his head hurt. It was likely a hangover, though Midoriya still had that eerie feeling in his gut. He pushed the unease away, watching Tenko dote on his boyfriend for a bit, shifting him so he was more comfortable, getting a vomit bucket ready as well as some water and a painkiller or two. He did all that while grumbling under his breath about how idiotic Dabi was, and how he really should stop pulling off shit like this.

The whole time, Dabi kept his eyes closed but he was smiling.

Finally, the two head back out, knowing they needed to be back at Tenko’s house before All Might arrives or he might worry.

”It was nice to meet you, kiddo.”

Jin tells Izuku, patting his head, gaining an awkward laugh from the boy.

”Oi, don’t patronize him, he’ll feel awkward.”

Tenko scolds his friend, who lifts his hands up apologetically, but Izuku shakes his head and smiles. His smile was so bright that the group had to clutch their hearts. Tenko had warned them about this in the past, but damn; this kid’s smile was a killer.

”It’s okay. It was honestly nice to meet you all too.”

He meant it.

He was glad to meet versions of these people who hadn’t been ushered in to the world of criminal activity.

”Aww he’s so cuuute! Tenko can’t we keep him?”

Toga coos, making Izuku shudder out of reflex, and Tenko snorts, rolling his eyes and slapping her head lightly with his thumb tucked away.

”Don’t be a dumbass Toga; you know shit about raising kids, and this one’s got a great mum looking after him.”

”Aww okay. Say hi to your momma from us!”

Toga waves at Izuku enthusiastically, who waves back with an awkward smile.

As they walk back towards the subway - it would be easier for their legs, they’d been walking so much recently - Izuku let’s out a sigh, gaining a glance from Tenko.

”I know she’s a little weird and creepy sometimes, but Toga wouldn’t hurt a fly. At least not a kid fly like you.”

Izuku chuckles awkwardly, gazing into the distance for a moment as they walked.

”It’s not...it’s just...our Toga scares me. She has this strange habit of both wanting to be your friend or having a "crush" on you while also wanting to stab you.”

”A yandere, huh?”

"W-well...I think it might be more complicated than that; we had intel that suggested she acts noticeably different around her comrades. The "yandere" thing might just be a scare tactic, I don't know...."

Tenko grimaces slightly, but Izuku rushes to reassure him that his friend was okay.

”She...she didn’t try to stab me even once so I guess she’s okay.”

That sentence was so absurd that Tenko couldn’t stop but laugh. They enter the subway and travel back to All Might’s house, both lost in thought.

Once there, Tenko warms up the curry his dad had made for them, and Izuku offers to put up the table. For a moment, everything was strangely domestic, as the boys just eat in silence, only sound audible the slight tunes coming from the radio that Tenko had switched on.

”.....So uh. About your story.”

Izuku looks up at Tenko cautiously.

”I...I dunno. It’s really weird, but I do believe you as I said. Also...you think you can keep it a secret till I figure out if I do know something about that guy you guys were after?”

Izuku blinks, then frowns a bit.

”You were the one who said I should probably tell your dad.”

”Yeah I did, and I still think you should, but...I think it’s better if I dig out the info first so you have some proof to back up your story.”

Tenko huffs out a sigh and rubs his eyes.

”Because, I’m honestly positive I know something about the guy you spoke of. Or at least, the version in our world. It sounds so familiar...”

”....Okay, I...I guess that makes sense.”

Izuku pokes his food for a bit, looking uncertain. Tenko lifts eyebrow at the boy, who eventually releases a sigh.

”I’m still wondering why you believe me. My story sounds so...crazy.”

”....Well, for starters, it explains the weird selective memory thing, plus you’re not the type to lie.”

Tenko eats some of his food, then points a fork at him.

”Besides, if you weren’t an Izuku, I’d know.”

”Are all Izukus the same to you?”

”Well, based on what I’ve seen so far, apparently yes, they are.”

Tenko snickers a bit at the blush that forms on Midoriya’s face, but then he turns serious again, leveling the boy with a frown.

”This might take a while, so try to be as normal as possible. Also, if you see anymore visions, tell me about them.”

Izuku just nods. He honestly hoped Tenko would find something to back up his weird story, because convincing others wasn’t perhaps so easy. Hell, he’d expected Tenko to not believe him, or in case he did, get mad or something.

Which reminded him.

”You know...I’m surprised you’re not angry with me.”

Tenko blinks confused, so Izuku proceeds to explain.

”I mean...you seem to care about this Midoriya, and I’ve forcibly taken his place - even if involuntarily - and who knows where he is right now.” He mutters out hesitantly, rubbing his neck as he gazes at his food, suddenly having lost his appetite. Tenko remains quiet for a long time, just eating his food normally.

”....It’s true, that had this happened some years ago, had I met your younger self sooner, I would’ve freaked out and tried to decay your face off.”

Izuku shudders at that image. It was terrifying because it had almost happened to him, several times by now.

”But I’ve, I guess you could say, learned to control my impulses better. Besides, a Midoriya would never do shit like this on purpose. At least not a good Midoriya. Your villain version would probably be fucking terrifying.”

Izuku couldn’t stop the awkward laugh that escaped his throat.

The idea was so bizarre, but...yeah, he’d be scared of a villainous version of himself too.

”Besides if I’d hurt you now, I’d hurt our Midoriya too. That’s counter-productive don’t you think?”

Tenko points out with a lift eyebrow, an amused smile still on his lips. It was honestly a little eerie how calm he was about this whole revelation right now.

Either he really wasn’t phased, or hid it much better than most.

”I guess so.”

Rest of the afternoon was spend with Midoriya examining Tenko’s painting room and entertaining the cats while Tenko himself painted. The piece he was working on was about Midoriya’s class. It was a surprising topic, but ah, then again he seemed to be on mostly good terms with the class. Not that Tenko didn’t sometimes do some mischief, at one point he poked Izuku who was currently petting Sho, and showed him the big curly mustache he’d painted on Kacchan.

He’d burst into giggles, unable to help himself, and almost made poor Sho sprint away.

At times, Tenko asked more detail in his world, though he avoided mentioning the villainous versions of himself and his friends.

He was quite amused to find out most of Midoriya’s class were the same, and a bit irritated to hear Shinsou hadn’t joined the course officially until their final year. The biggest shock for him was the part about Kacchan though, as he actually paused his work to look at him in surprise.

”He bullied you?”

”Y-yes. Our Kacchan wasn’t...he doesn’t like me very much.”

”That’s fucking weird. Our Explosion brat would be the first one to kick any bully’s teeth in if they as much as looked at you the wrong way.”

He pauses, doing finishing touches to their homeroom teacher. Aizawa looked about as sleepy as he usually did, Tenko had nailed him near perfectly.

”Granted, he’d do that for anyone in his class, but especially you or his boyfriend.”

”Yeah...this Kacchan is super nice in his own way.”

Izuku mumbles with a soft smile, petting Sho who’d come back for more cuddles, big brother in tow this time. Dabicat had slumped to rest beside Izuku on the small shabby couch the room had. It also had old dried paint stains here and there, but honestly it fit in the room’s aesthetic.

”I might beg to differ, but what do I know, I’m not part of the class.”

Tenko shrugs, he’d began to work on Shinsou next, who was standing beside his dad naturally. It was amazing how he could draw them so well without needing a reference. Then again Tenko knew those two very well.

”I have a photographic memory.”

Tenko answers the unsaid question, and Izuku’s eyes widen; that was pretty neat.

A purr gains his attention, and Izuku looks down at Dabicat, who was rubbing his head against his side, demanding attention. Izuku lifts one hand from Sho to pet the other cat too, gaining an approving purr from the black one.

”Say....how did you guys met?”

”Hm?”

”You and Tou— Dabi?”

Tenko hums and let’s out a chuckle, mixing up another shade of purple before continuing.

”I was out late in the evening, needed some fresh air. Dad didn’t know ’cause I slipped outta the window and all. He was hella drunk and kept bothering me with his flirting, so I put him in his place.”

”You...what?”

”I kicked his ass - without my quirk of course - and he was pretty fucking dumbfounded to end up on the floor like that. Especially when the guy who beat him was some scrawny, skinny ass punk.”

Tenko laughs at the memory, working on the detail in Hitoshi’s wild hair.

”Granted, I heard the next day that he was actually a bit of a big deal around those parts. Not a criminal per say, but people tended to not challenge him like that ’cause they were afraid of his powerful fire quirk. Normally he just had to hold his hand up and show ’em the flames and peeps backed off.”

Izuku remains quiet, listening to the story while petting the cats.

”So I was a lil freaked out, avoided the area for over a week. Then one time I had to get rid of some other drunk dudes stalking me so I ended up skipping to that area. The fucker spotted me with his gang, and I honestly got a little scared. I thought they were all gonna gang up on me.”

Tenko hums and pauses, shifting to mix up the skin-tone next, glancing at Izuku. The broccoli was completely focused on his story, which wasn’t too surprising; theirs had always been a keen listener too.

”Instead, when the guys stalking me showed up, Dabi went to confront them for bothering me and they started a fight. I used the commotion to kinda slip away. He ended up following me though, after they beat the idiots up”

Tenko snorts, shaking his head with a small smile.

”Dabi then said I should go out with him on a date as a reward; he wasn’t fully serious and was really just throwing it out there full on expecting I’d say no. Unfortunately my brain tends to get paranoid, so while I did agree, I kinda thought I had no choice despite what he said.”

”....That’s....he probably should’ve been more clear of his intentions then if you felt pressured or so...”

Izuku points out hesitantly, not wanting to offend Tenko.

The pale figure just shakes his head, finishing up Hitoshi’s face.

”Yeah. Honestly that whole thing was bit of a shit-show, though I also should’ve made my thoughts known. Basically we both handled it kinda terribly at first. Namely me admittedly given he did actually say pretty clearly that I didn’t have to do it. My mind just...it gets paranoid as I said so that part didn’t register properly.”

”So...I’m guessing you enjoyed the date regardless, as you’re together now.”

”Yeahh, kind of, after we cleared up that whole misunderstanding, it was kind of fun. Don’t tell him I said that.”

Tenko whips around and points at him mock-threateningly with a paint brush.

Izuku was about to respond, when his phone beeps, and he checks it, noticing there was a message from Todoroki.

IcyHot: Did you find my brother?

Mighty Broccoli Boi: Yes, he’s back home now, sleeping off his hangover.

IcyHot: ah, thank goodness, I was....I was honestly worried.

Mighty Broccoli Boi: I don’t blame you. His friends almost squeezed him to death and Tenko kept grumbling at him the whole way back.

IcyHot: ....Say
IcyHot: did you notice anything...weird about him?

Izuku blinks confused, before typing a reply. Tenko had sneaked beside him, looking at the chat curiously.

Mighty Broccoli Boi: ...aside from the fact he was sleeping on a park bench and couldn’t remember wandering off from All Might and Tenko’s house? Not really

IcyHot: then, it must’ve been my imagination. Sorry for bothering you.

Both boys look at each other a bit confused. That was weird.

Mighty Broccoli Boi: wait, what do you mean?
Mighty Broccoli Boi: did you witness something weird when you saw him?

IcyHot: I just thought his eyes looked kind of weird, but it was probably just the setting.
IcyHot: really, don’t worry about it, just enjoy your holiday

Shoto then logs off, leaving the two stare at his words in utter confusion.

”That...was weird.”

Tenko concludes as he straightens himself from leaning over to see Izuku’s phone screen. He rubs his back a bit as the position had hurt it slightly, and Izuku nods, re-reading the chat a few times. The eerie feeling from earlier had come back now, but Todoroki’s observation didn’t necessarily mean anything.
Dabi’s eyes and their weird glow effect could look spooky in dim lighting after all.

”Yeah, but it was probably just his imagination as Sho-chan said.”

Izuku mutters out, not wanting to worry Tenko. The pale figure examines him closely for a moment, then nods.

That night, Izuku has another dream.

This time, he was standing on a cliff edge, and could see his smaller self on the other side, trying to shout something at him. The wind was fierce, so he could barely make out the words.

”I can’t hear you!”

Izuku shouts at the boy, who frowns in frustration, cupping his hands and trying to shout even louder.

”.....s poss....ed...warn.....ko!”

Izuku attempts to hear the words, but the wind was too strong.

”Th....fter...m....you....ell...ight!”

”I can’t hear you!!”

Izuku yells in frustration; what was this wind, why was it stopping him from hearing his younger self? Suddenly, the ground begins to shake, and Izuku backs away as the gap starts widening, and moments later, shadows appear and whisk the scene away, leaving him into empty darkness.

”Shit! Not again!”

Izuku didn’t curse often, but, well, this situation earned it.

Suddenly, shadowy hands raise from the ground and grab him, attempting to tug him under.

His legs began to sink into the sudden shadowy abyss that had appeared beneath him, and Izuku struggles, feeling slight panic raise in his throat.

He could hear distant laughter, and he recognized the voice.

It was Shigaraki.

”What’s the matter, Midoriya Izuku? I thought you were stronger than this.”

The voice echoes around him, just as the hands reach his face, attempting to pull him under. Then, a sudden light appears, and the shadows dissipate. Hand reaches for him and pulls him out, and Izuku collides with something surprisingly solid, clutching onto it as he tried to get his breathing back under control.

Once he looks up, he quickly recognizes the First’s face.

He was as calm as usual, waiting for him to settle down.

”I...what...”

”He’s trying to reach you, but something is blocking his path.”

”I...how do I...?”

The First shakes his head, helping him to stand.

”I cannot say for sure; this place, this situation, is different from anything I’ve witnessed before while guiding the carriers of One For All.”

For the first time, there was a crack in his calm demeanor, as the normally stoic, serene eyes seemed troubled, reminding Izuku of that vision he first saw, where he was introduced to the First’s story.

”I’ll...I’ll figure this out. Tenko has a hunch on who this might be, that is doing this.”

Izuku reassures the entity, who lifts his gaze slowly, then smiles softly after a moment.

”He’s...a good child. I’m glad there exists a version not corrupted by my brother.”

Izuku had to agree.

Then, a thought came into his mind. He wasn’t sure if he had the right to ask though.

As if reading his mind - which is what First probably was doing - the entity hums, giving him a sad smile.

”Yes, it is true. However, I do not wish to be called by that name anymore. My brother has tainted it.”

Izuku just nods, looking at the skinny man sympathetic.

”You better wake up soon Midoriya, dawn is coming.”

While Izuku slept, Tenko was still on his computer, looking trough the web for any info on his hunch. There had to be something, that quirk sounded so familiar...
But he didn’t know where to look.

Tenko huffs quietly and leans back in his chair, irritated about the whole thing. He glances at the green teen who seemed to be sleeping soundly on the mattress beside his bed. His computer wasn’t facing towards the spot so the light didn’t bother the boy too much. It was a miracle the boy slept so well given what he’d revealed. He was technically asleep in the same room as his worst enemy, except not really.

He must really be different from Shigaraki so the boy could separate them this easily even in his subconscious.

With another sigh, Tenko pulls out the phone, and glances at the clock. It was 4 A.M, he reeally should go to sleep soon, if he wanted any shot at waking up early enough for freshly made pancakes from his dad.

Still, he was concerned about Dabi even now. Shoto’s cryptic words haunted his mind. It wasn’t likely he’d get a response soon, but he types a message to the flaming moron.

For his surprise, it takes less than a minute.

Dumpster Fire: You reeeally shouldn’t be up this early, princess.

You: you mean late

Dumpster Fire: for fuck’s sake, what the hell?
Dumpster Fire: go to bed

You: I couldn’t really sleep ’cause I was still reeling over the stunt you moron pulled.

Dumpster Fire: Geez, I’m sorry. I honestly don’t know myself how the hell I ended up there.
Dumpster Fire: Last time I go to that bar for sure, their drinks must be spiked with some drugs or shit.

You: and I thought you liked to get high

Dumpster Fire: my preferred drug is a certain, grumpy ass night owl who’s currently chastising me for falling asleep on a park bench....

You: Oh my GOD stop being sappy!

Dumpster Fire: Never
Dumpster Fire: you like it.
Dumpster Fire: Don’t lie mophead, you do~

You: ....I hate you SO much

Dumpster Fire: <3<3<3

You: ...Are you okay?

Dumpster Fire: yeah, I’m good. Hangover’s gone and shit, just...you woke me up.

You: you didn’t have to answer!

Dumpster Fire: aaa, but good I did
Dumpster Fire: now I know you’re staying up late for no reason and can tell you to drag your sexy ass to bed.

You: Ughhm fine. It’s not like I found anything anyway

Dumpster Fire: hm?

You: nothing, just...Izuku told me something that made me think I might’ve heard of it before, a quirk maybe. Must’ve been wrong.

Dumpster Fire: ....alright. But for real, go to bed mophead. Your dad will worry.

You: fine fine mother hen. Night

Dumpster Fire: don’t think about me too much while you sleep ~<3

You: shut the FUCK up Dabi

Blue eyes look up at the house window from the shadowy corner he was standing. Wisp of smoke rose up from the lit cigarette on his lips.

Dabi hadn’t smoked in ages.

He decided to change that today for the brat.

”Aaa....this might be a problem.”

A low, quiet chuckle escapes his throat, as he pockets the phone, glancing up at the window again. The light from the room shuts off, indicating the boy had indeed gone to bed.

He blows out smoke, watching it creep up into the skies.

”So he DID make it here. That Deku’s quite something huh?”

He drops the cigarette, turning it off with his foot, a slight, eerie grin creeping up his face.

”I Miiiiiight have to do somethin’ ’bout this eventually~”

The man waits, watching the house in silence.

He knows, he knows the boy is a light sleeper, knows how long it takes for him to enter the deep sleep phase.

The brat had spent enough nights watching his mophead sleep, so he had that knowledge now.

Knowledge HE could use to his advantage.

Honestly, answering the message had been a bit dumb, but he couldn’t help himself. Their dynamics was amusing, and it was even funnier how easily he’d pretended to be the sappy little Romeo.
Now he was stuck there, waiting for his chance to snatch the boy’s phone to erase the evidence. Not that he minded so much. he’d learned long ago to take everything in stride.

Finally, after thirty minutes, he shifts, slipping across the road unnoticed.

He could handle that issue later. For now, he needed to make sure the brat had no evidence of him being there.

The window was open, which almost made him snort.

Their boss wouldn’t be this careless.

he slips in quietly, glancing at the two sleeping figures. A bit of black flames dance around his hand. it would be so easy to take the green haired one out right then and there.

But he doesn’t.

Now was not the time for it.

So, he just grasps the phone left on the table, glancing at the sleeping blue haired figure again, before checking trough the chat.

He deletes the whole thing.

Moments later, the visitor slips out, disappearing into the streets as first rays of sunlight start piercing the darkness of the night.

Chapter Text

That morning, Midoriya woke up feeling like he forgot something. The sensation didn’t disappear even during the morning chat and breakfast with Tenko and All Might.

Both glance at him at times unsure, but neither asks anything.

All Might then readies himself to head for the school, offering Midoriya a ride home but the boy shakes his head, saying he’d rather walk as the weather was nice.

”It certainly is. Hopefully once this week is over you get to go back to class.”

All Might ruffles his hair and gives Tenko a firm hug, before waving to them and leaving. The two watch him drive away, until red eyes drift to Izuku, looking at him questioningly.

”I....I think I had a dream, but I can’t remember it.”

”A dream? About our Midoriya?”

Izuku nods slightly and sighs, slumping to the couch and rubbing his temple. Gosh why couldn’t he remember anything all of a sudden?

Last time he practically woke up right from it and could still remember the horrid nightmare.

”Well, maybe you’ll recall it later.”

Tenko concludes after a moment, and as Izuku looks up, he suddenly notes the older boy looked more tired than usual. Upon seeing the concerned gaze, Tenko smirks a bit and slumps on the couch as well, resting his head against the backrest. His hands were hidden in the hoodie pockets, and he tugs his legs up to curl up into a semi-ball.

”I stayed up late researching on the stuff you told me. Couldn’t find anything though, not yet.”

”Ah...well maybe later on you will. But please don’t stay up all night for it, it’s not good for your health.”

Tenko hums, keeping his eyes closed.

”I’m insomniac so it doesn’t really matter either way.”

”Still...”

”Don’t worry about me yeah? Since I’m currently not at school I can sleep during the day.”

Izuku nods after a moment, still examining him slightly concerned though.

Around ten the boy decides to head home, wanting to spend time with his mum. He promises to call Tenko the moment he recalls the dream. The pale figure nods and once he’s alone, settles right back to the couch, releasing a tired sigh.

He watches as the cats sneak around the living room, clearly playing tag or something. Sho hides inside the cat tree on the corner they’d bought, but Dabicat sneaks behind him, pushing his little brother playfully off the hole, gaining a protesting mew from the smaller kitten, who glares up at the black cat peeking from the opening with a catty smirk on his face.

Tenko huffs out a tired chuckle at their antics and then digs out his phone.

A frown appears on his face as he scrolls trough it however.

”Huh, that’s weird. I could’ve sworn I had a chat with Dabi last night...”

Tenko muses to himself like he often did when he was alone. Despite what he recalled, there were no messages from last night. Had he imagined it all? After a moment of contemplation, Tenko sighs and dials up the moron’s number, waiting for him to pick up. There was a predictable groggy response from the other end.

”Oi...Mophead, it’s not even eight in the morning yet.”

 Given his sleeping habits, Dabi usually worked on Kurogiri’s bar during the evening or afternoon. Tenko couldn’t stop but snicker at the grumpiness on the other end of the line.

”Which means it’s time to wake up already you lazy ass.”

”What did I do to deserve a shithead like you?”

Normally, that question was asked in a fit of self-doubt and consciousness, where he genuinely questioned if he was worthy of someone like Tenko, but right now it was just Dabi being pissy because he got woken up so early, as in, early in his mind.

”Need I remind you, YOU chose me first. So you don’t get to complain. You made your bed, you lie in it.”

”I was doin’ just that, then this nag called me and started snickering into my ear...”

At that Tenko laughs even more, and Dabi didn’t have the heart to keep being grumpy. Tenko’s laugh was addictive, everything about him was.

”Yeah actually. I called to ask you something.”

Tenko eventually tells him with a bit of hesitance in his voice, making Dabi sound concerned at the other end now.

”What’s up?”

”....Did we have a chat last night? I could’ve sworn I sent you a message, but there’s nothing on my phone.”

”...no? I was asleep the whole night.”

Tenko could picture the smirk appearing on the bastard's face, and Dabi clearly couldn’t stop himself from teasing his boyfriend a little about this.

”Whaat, do you miss me so bad you start hallucinating about us talking?”

”Oh shut up! I must’ve just been dreaming then.”

”That’s even better.”

”Shut up!”

Tenko grumbles, his face red as Dabi laughs at the other end.

The fire user is so immersed in the call, that he doesn’t notice how his room door opens, and moments later, Dabi is ambushed by Toga, who squeezes the living daylights out of him.

”Dabiii! You STILL haven’t apologized for making us miss the concert! I’m so mad!”

She near shrieks into his ear, making the fire user flinch, and Tenko laughs in turn at the other end.

”Geez, I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t think I’d drank that much.”

”Doesn’t matter! You need to make this up or else!”

She pouts at him, then notices the phone in his hand. Toga quickly snatches it before Dabi could stop it, greeting the still laughing Tenko.

”Ten-chan, tell your boyfriend to make up for what he did! He won’t apologize!”

She whines at the phone, then puts it on speaker, keeping it away from Dabi.

”Dabi, you do owe her for that concert.”

Tenko chuckles, gaining a dramatic gasp from his boyfriend who playfully holds his chest.

”Even my own boyfriend turns against me! Betrayed!”

”Oh come on you dumbass; you know you messed up, apologize.”

Dabi releases a long suffering sigh, then bows down, head touching the bed he was still sitting on.

”I sincerely apologize for being a drunk dumbass as usual, please don’t stab me to death.”

Toga lets out a laugh and grabs him into a squeeze hug again, ruffling his messy spiky top.

”Aww of course I would not stabby stab our favorite pyromaniac.”

Her eyes turn calculative the next second, and she gives him a sly smirk.

Oh shit he was actually in trouble.

”I’ll let you off this time, if you take me to the concert that’s on this weekend!”

Dabi almost splutters, glaring at her now.

”That shit’s crazy expensive! The fuck do I look like to you? A billionaire?”

”Your family is though.”

”A family I got sort of disowned from!”

Toga snickers at her friend’s dismayed look, then grabs the phone again to speak to Tenko.

”Tenko, you’d love to go too right? Dabi’ll pay for everything!”

”Oi! Don’t you fucking dare!”

”I’d love to, Toga. I’m free this weekend anyway!”

Tenko responds instantly, snickering as Dabi pouts at him for the ultimate betrayal.

”Deal! The concert begins 18.30 on Saturday! Come here around five so we can go together!”

Toga drops the phone back to seething Dabi’s lap and sprints out of the room, dodging a pillow thrown at her with a giggle.

”I swear, you guys are in this just for my money.”

He complains to Tenko in the phone, who was still snickering lightly.

”Nah. I know since you left your family you became piss poor. Don’t worry I’ll pay for the tickets, I got money.”

”Look at you, flaunting your family riches in my face. Classy.”

Dabi snorts but couldn’t stop but smile. It was so hard to stay mad at these guys.

”Forreal though. I’d kinda like to go, as much as I hate crowds and all…. Last weeks have been kinda...”

”Shitty?”

”Yeah. I’d need to relax and get my mind off shit for a bit; I...I think I can do it if you guys are with me. I’ll just ask my dad if I can come.”

”Why wouldn’t he let you? You’re basically an adult.”

Tenko rolls his eyes back in his home, hand reaching to pet Dabicat who was now beside him.

”It’s not that you idiot. I just....I genuinely want him to know I’m safe, and where to find me if I need help.”

”...Ah, right. Sorry.”

”I don’t blame you for that honestly; your ’hero’ dad is absolute shit.”

Dabi sucks in a deep breath, then, with a very serious and blank voice, declares;

”Fuck Endeavor.”

”Fuck Endeavor indeed.”

Tenko chuckles, and moments later Dabi is snickering again with him. They spend few more moments chatting, up until Dabi gets a final call for breakfast, and a warning that he’ll have to feed himself if he doesn’t show up now.

”Gotta go mophead. I’ll call ya later yeah?”

”Yeah, I...I probably need to go and take a nap myself.”

”Go to bed, now.”

”Yes yes you damned mother hen, I will.”

Dabi closes the phone, and for a moment stares at it. Hesitantly, he opens it, and checks the messages. There was nothing from last night, indicating Tenko indeed had been dreaming or something. Yet....he had this weird feeling...

”Dabi, for the love of all that is unholy, get your lazy ass over here!”

Magne yells from the kitchen and the man scrambles up, tugging on pants and scrambles off his room, still sporting an impressive bed hair. The breakfast about as much of a messy routine as ever. Jin splattered his food everywhere, Toga was having a play-fight with Spinner using the butter knives, and Magne was sighing deeply, wondering why she bothered to live with this loud, messy bunch.

Dabi just sort of poked his food, suddenly not very hungry. For some reason, the weird mystery messages thing bothered him greatly.

”Dabi, what’s wrong?”

Magne places a hand on his and the man shrugs, muttering that he wasn’t hungry.

”What? Dabi isn’t hungry? No way usually you eat, like, the most out of all of us!”

Spinner declares, accidentally flicking some of his food at Toga’s face, gaining a buttered toast face mask within seconds as a response. Dabi just shrugs and gets up, thanking Magne for the food.

”You’ll still owe me those concert tickets!”

Toga yells after him as he grabs his coat to go for a walk. Dabi just waves at her before heading out. He just felt like he needed to clear his head for a bit.

The weather was nice today with sunshine and all, but Dabi didn’t really feel it.

His mind felt strangely fuzzy and uncomfortable, and he rubs his eyes, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling. He was currently at the park, the same park he’d met Shoto after such a long time. It was the same bridge too, and he gazed at the scenery to try and calm his head. There weren’t many people around these parts, which he was fine with. He didn’t really want to deal with people right now. Part of him was tempted to head for Tenko’s house, but for the first time since they met, he didn’t feel comfortable with the idea.

Dabi didn’t know why, but he felt like something was off.

He gazes at his reflection from the water surface; there were no physical changes, it was still the same ugly scarecrow mug staring back at him. Yet...there was just something that didn’t feel right.

He brings up his phone again, checking trough his convos with Tenko. There was nothing unusual, no mystery messages he didn’t remember sending.

”I must finally be losing it.”

He mumbles and rubs his eyes, feeling a headache coming in.

”Touya?”

He almost jumps, then turns to look at Shoto, who was standing beside him looking a bit uncertain. Further away he could spot some classmates of his that kept their distance, but eyed the two curiously. A ponytail wearing chick, a round faced girl and Shinsou. His gravity defying wild purple hair was unmistakable.

”The fuck are you out here? Shouldn’t you brats be at school?”

It came harsher than intended, but his brother didn’t seem to mind.

”We have a two hour break right now and there is a shop nearby here Yaoyorozu wanted to go to.”

Shoto explains, glancing at the ponytail girl who was examining him with both curiosity and concern. It annoyed him, seeing that judgmental look, and he gave the girl a glare, which made her blush and look away, likely realizing she’d been staring at him.

”Don’t blame them; they don’t know you and you look quite terrifying.”

”Gee thanks for having your big brother’s back Shoto.”

Dabi snorts, ruffling trough his hair.

”Sorry. I just...wanted to ask if you were okay.”

Dabi blinks and looks at him confused, noting the boy was now avoiding his eyes, shifting slightly uncomfortably in his feet.

”I...when Midoriya was looking for you I presume, he asked if any of us had seen you. Well I did.”

Dabi blinks. Come to think of it, U.A was on the way to that park. What was with him and ending up in these city bush gardens when he wasn’t conscious?

”I just...you looked kind of strange that early morning so...”

Shoto rubs his neck uncomfortably, and Dabi just stares at him dumbfounded for a moment.

He’d looked strange?

Stranger than usual?

How was that possible?

After a moment of hesitation, he reaches a hand out and squeezes his shoulder gently, gaining Shoto’s attention. Pair of mismatched eyes look up at him, and he still felt a painful squeeze in his chest when he looked at one of them, and the scar on his young face. Shoto hadn’t deserved that, their mum hadn’t.

”I’m good. Don’t worry about your dumb ol’ big brother, I’m a survivor anyway. I must’ve just been hella drunk so that might’ve made me act or seem weird.”

He ruffles the two toned hair, noting amused that Shoto actually blushed lightly, and the boy nods, offering him a tentative smile.

”Really, worry more about your own self and the bunch of loonies you’re sharing the class with.”

”None of my classmates are crazy.”

”Really? How ’bout the explosion kid who was forced to be chained when he wan?”

”....I suppose I can't vouch for Bakugou.”

Dabi laughs at that, giving his hair another ruffle, then tells him to head back to his friends, who were watching the exchange confused. Well, all except Shinsou. He had his usual sleepy pokerface on.

”By the way. I...that morning, I actually went home because I wanted to tell Fuyumi and Natsuo about you. I went so early so dad wouldn’t be there, he tends to be on patrol around that time.”

Dabi swallows down now a bit nervous, but manages to keep a straight face.

”They said...that they’re glad you’re alive, and would like to see you, but understand if you don’t want to see them.”

Dabi laughs at that, it was a bittersweet snicker, and he suddenly had the urge to cry. He refuses to though, knowing Shoto would freak out seeing the blood tears.

”Well, I certainly won’t be coming for a visit, but I....let’s say I won’t run away if they spot me on the street.”