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Chapter Text

“Mirio... there’s s-something I need to t-tell you...” Amajiki Tamaki stuttered as he and his blonde best friend were walking home like they always did. But it wasn’t just like always because in a few days they would both be in high school and, if all went well, both going to U.A. to become heroes. Today Tamaki was going to tell Mirio, he had to. He had tried to keep it locked away but it was eating him up from the inside. But for once Toogata Mirio remained oblivious to the worry and fear that filled Tamaki’s every breath and answered with his usual cheery,

“Okay! What’s up?”

Tamaki stopped, took a deep shuttering breath, his hands twisted themselves together in anxious knots as he gathered his courage.

“I-I I’m in love with you!” Tamaki shouted as quickly, and as confidently as he could.

Mirio frozen mid step and turned to face him with an completely unrecognizable expression and Tamaki felt his heart sink as the silence filled the space between them. Tamaki’s chest burned as he struggled to get air into it. Mirio opened his mouth to speak but Tamaki found he couldn’t bare to hear the rejection put into words and turned and ran down the street they had come just as, rather fittingly, it began to rain.

-x-

Tamaki knew he was very lost when he finally looked around after he had run away from Mirio like a coward. He found himself standing a little ways from the slightly ajar gates to a tradition looking mansion as the torrential down pour continued to soak him. He was going to have to ask for directions... something he would very much like to avoid. He was debating his chances of randomly finding his way back when a tiny figure ran out of the gap in the mansion’s gates and right into him. The child, a girl guessing by her dress and long hair, was glowing brightly and buzzing like she was electric but he didn’t hesitate to hug her.

“Are you alright? Is your quirk hurting you?” He asked comfortingly when he realized that the girl’s face was wet from more then just the rain. Slowly, the glowing and buzzing stopped along with her tears. Her adorable red eyes looked up at him in awe like she couldn’t believe he was still here.

“You didn’t go away...” She whispered with such hope Tamaki forgot his own anxieties and smiled softly at her.

“Does you quirk make people go away? I have two quirks actually, and one of them is that quirks that require touch don’t effect me.” He told her with a blush of embarrassment. “It’s usually pretty useless so I don’t talk about it much...”

“I think it’s wonderful.” She whispered again and clung to him.

“Eri.” A voice said from the now very open gateway and the little girl stiffened in Tamaki’s arms. He looked up to see a fairly young man standing in the Gateway surrounded by several dangerous looking people wearing what looked like an ancient plague mask. He must have been watching them this whole time, he realized. “Have you calmed down now?” The little girl, Eri, was now shaking badly but nodded her head in response. “Good. I see you made a friend... I think he might even like it here.” Now it was Tamaki’s turn to stiffen up in fear. Was this man really going to just grab him off the street? And if so could he fight off this man and all his henchmen on his own? Why did he want him anyway? Was the fact that he didn’t ‘go away’ when he touched Eri-

“Bring him.” The man said and the group of threatening men with him surged forward to grab Tamaki. But before he could even try and manifest anything to defend himself he felt the hilt of a gun meet the back of his head and all he knew was darkness.

Chapter Text

-3 years later-

Midoriya was so excited. His first patrol and it was with one of the two top U.A. students, Toogata Mirio while under All-Might’s old sidekick, Sir Nighteye. But as they walked he realized their was a deep seriousness about Mirio that Midoriya hadn’t noticed before, a kind of sadness that he couldn’t quite place.

“Toogata-senpai... Are you alright? You seem rather tense today...” He asked hesitantly as they walked.

“My apologizes Midoriya-kun, today is a hard day for me every year...” The blonde third year said with a heavy sigh and what seemed like a tired kind of smile, gazing at nothing. The walked for several minute in a heavy silence. Midoriya was about to think that the third year wasn’t going to say anything else for the rest of the patrol when he suddenly decided to speak again. His words were sad and bittersweet. “This was the same day that three years ago Tamaki, my oldest and best friend, went missing. The police suspect it was villains but they don’t know for sure... He just, vanished.” Mirio let out a laugh was so unlike his other laughs, cold and empty. “Did you know he was going to go to U.A. with me? He would have been an amazing Hero... Very anxious and hating the attention he’d get, but still amazing...” Midoriya could hear the pain in the blonde’s voice so clearly it hurt him too.

“I’m sure he would have Toogata-senpai... You’re still looking for him aren’t you?” Mirio looked over at the younger boy in surprise.

“Am I that obvious?”

“No, you just don’t strike me as a person who gives up easily Senpai.” He answered confidently and the blonde actually laughed with warmth at that.

“Haha! You got that right! One day I’ll find him and I’ll tell him what I wanted to tell him that night. That I love him too...” The last part was said so softly that Midoriya almost didn’t catch it.

“He said he loved you the night he went missing?” Midoriya couldn’t stop himself from blurting out. Curse him and his big mouth! Surely Toogata wouldn’t want to-

“Yeah... it was my fault he was alone that night. It just surprised me so much when he told me that I couldn’t find the words to answer him like I wanted to and he took my silence as a rejection and ran off... I woke up the next morning to Tamaki’s mother in our kitchen, asking about when the last time I had seen him because he hadn’t come home last night...” Another rather bitter laugh and then more silence. Midoriya felt horrible for being so nosy. He wasn’t sure what to say without making it worse so he decided to focus on their patrol. He was contemplating offering Toogata lunch in apology when something, or someone ran with a soft thump into his legs and bounced back slightly. Midoriya looked down to see a little girl dressed in a thin white robe, dirty bandages covered her arms and legs, picking herself up off the ground shakily.

“Oh are you alright? I didn’t hurt you did I?” Midoriya asked as he crouched down to her height with a gentle smile. She looked up at him in shock, her bright red eyes widening at the sight of his and Toogata’s hero costumes. She looked like she was going to say something when another figured emerged from the shadows of the alleyway. The new figure looked in his twenties but it was hard to tell under the dark, very creepy mask that looked not that dissimilar to the beak of a bird.

Chisaki. Overhaul. The leader of the Eightfold Cleansers that Sir Nighteye had been keeping tabs on.

“My apologizes Heroes. My daughter can be reckless at times.” Midoriya felt himself bristle under the man’s sickening stare. Mirio took the initiative and stepped behind him, flipping his mask over his face properly before the yakuza leader could get a good look. “Come Eri.” The man commanded coldly. Midoriya scowled and hugged the girl gently closer to him when she gripped silent at the fabric.

“Is she really your daughter? She seems like she doesn’t want to go with you.” He challenged with a glare of his own.

“She is throwing a bit of a tantrum but but we really should be going, if there is nothing else Heroes?” The first year gritted his teeth and was about to snap that yes their was something else but Mirio put a heavy hand on his shoulder to calm him.

“Midorya-kun let’s continue our patrol and let them be on their way.” Mirio said evenly and Midoriya was forced to release his hold on the young girl. The girl seemed to hesitate though and looked like she might run back to Midoriya anyway. But then Chisaki spoke again.

“You don’t want to hurt Caretaker again do you Eri? He might die if you leave him all alone.” And just like that girl ran to the man’s side again and walked docilely with him back into the dark alley. But neither Mirio or Midoriya missed the look of fear and panic in the girl’s eyes. Whoever this Caretaker was Chisaki was clearly using the threat of hurting them to control Eri and because they had no proof they couldn’t stop the girl from going with the man.

-x-

“Have you learned your lesson Eri?” The little girl just nodded silently. When they finally made their way underground two figures met them. The one who was older and wearing a mask immediately began simpering and scraping before Chisaki but the other, much younger of the two, went straight to Eri and picked her up with bandaged arms, gave her a sad, very apologetic expression before kissing her small forehead lovingly. As they walked Eri whispered into his pointed ear, “I’m sorry Tama-Chan...”

“You have nothing to be sorry for Eri-Chan... You did your best. One of these days we’ll get you out of here.” He whispered wistfully to her as he pressed her face into his shoulder, protecting her from seeing Chisaki disassemble the simpering follower into smear of blood on the wall. They traveled deeper into the tunnels before coming to a wide room filled with medical equipment that the both of them had come to fear.

“You are going to change the world. You understand Eri? We can’t do it without you so please don’t try to run away again or I’ll have to hurt Tamaki even more.” Chisaki made a point to gesture to the old bandages on Tamaki’s arms. The girl’s pleading for Tamaki echoed behind him as he was dragged forcibly away from her by one of the Eight Precepts. As they walked they took great glee in the expression of guilt and sadness that crossed Tamkai’s face as he was lead away for his ‘punishment’. He couldn’t be ‘disassembled’ like the others when he displeased Chisaki but that didn’t mean they didn’t know other ways to make him hurt. His only regret though was that Eri hadn’t succeeded in getting away. Whatever happened to him didn’t matter, if it meant Eri was free.

-x-

When Mirio and Midoriya finally reconvened with Sir Nighteye and updated him on what they had found out about Chisaki, little Eri and her Caretaker the Pro’s brow furrowed deeply.

“You made the right call. Chisaki’s Quirk of creation and disassembly is very dangerous to face uninformed. But you learned some valuable information and we can use it to our advantage. We will discuss this all further at a later date.” Midoriya made a protest but was quickly silenced by Sir and that was the end of it all for the time being. But neither teen could get the little girl covered in bandages out of their minds. And when they learned what was being done to Eri and why at the meeting that followed they were only more determined to rescue the girl.

-x-

Eri hurt when they dumped her onto the bed in her room. And like always after an escape attempt Tama-Chan was asleep in the bed already, new, bloodied bandages covering his arms and upper back. Tamaki was always trying to get her away from Chisaki even though he got hurt every time she ran away. He would always tell her that she should leave if she got a chance, find a hero to help her but Tamaki was her special person. He hadn’t left her so how could she leave him? He always kissed her wounds better, hugged her, read to her, drew pictures with her, he made her feel like she wasn’t a cursed child of death. He even use to be able to smile for her but eventually he forgot how but he was still warm and kind and always thinking of her, protecting her whenever he could.

“Hello girly! I’m gonna be watchi- I mean, hanging out with you and your Caretaker from now on so let’s be good friends.” A new voice said and Eri looked up and saw one of the many followers enter the room and approach her. She flinched when the man patted her head. It didn’t feel good like the Hero’s or Tamaki’s hands had. He smiled at her but that also felt nothing Tamaki’s old smiles which had been small and soft or like the bunny eared Hero’s one that had been bright and warm, it felt slimy and icky and she could hardly wait ‘til he left which was thankfully not long.

“Eri? Are you hurting?” Tamaki’s soft voice mumbled, heavy with sleep little while after the icky man had gone.

“A-a little bit...” She whispered as she turned to snuggle up next to him being very carful of his new injuries. He didn’t respond with words but just silently rapped his arms around her and softly pulled her closer and just for little while Eri didn’t hurt.

-x-

It wasn’t until Sir Nighteye called another meeting to share an update on the Overhaul situation that Miro learned more about little Eri’s ‘Caretaker’.

“She is at their hideout.” Sir said simply as he leaned forward onto his interlaced fingers to the gathered group.

“WHAT?!” Was the general outcry from the whole room.

“I ran across one of his henchman as they were purchasing a toy for her. When I used my Foresight on him I was able to discern where they are holding her. She is in a room in massive labyrinth of tunnels under the their main hideout. Though it should be noted that I saw someone who I believe is the ‘Caretaker’ that Mirio and Midoriya heard Chisaki threaten to control Eri as well. He looks to be a teenager with dark hair and eyes and has bandages on his arms not that unlike Eri.” Sir paused again as he re-adjusted his glasses. “From what I can tell he is the one responsible for the girl and will be the one carrying her. Keep in mind that he might fight us but he may be also be as much a prisoner as Eri and be willing to cooperate or even assist us.”

“So we have two people to rescue then.” Mirio said suddenly, jumping impatiently to his feet.

“IF he turns out to not be working with Overhaul willingly.” Sir emphasized sternly. “None the less he is a person of importance. We storm Overhaul’s Hideout in two days and If we are fast and efficient I believe we might just succeed. With that, Heroes. I believe we have a job to do. I will see you all in two days bright and early.” And just like that the meeting was adjourned.

Chapter Text

The day of the raid everything happened quickly. It was a race with time to get Eri before Chisaki escaped with her. But Mirio kept thinking about Eri’s ‘Caretaker’ and how the girl clearly cared for him enough to go back to a man that had definitely scared her terribly. And if he was a teenager as Sir had reasoned then how long had he been under Chisaki’s thumb? Despite Sir Nighteye’s warning it was very hard for him to see this other person as working with Overhaul willingly. He was going to save them AND Eri he decided as Kirishima and Midoriya smashed the hidden entrance to pieces and as they went deeper.

But they had gotten no more then a few feet down the hallway when the walls and floor began to melt and reshape itself to block their path. One of Overhaul’s Precepts was using their quirk on the tunnels someone observed from behind him, and Mirio then made a rather snap decision.

“I’m going ahead! They’re just buying time because they know this is race as much as we do! No matter how they change the hallways if I know the right direction they can’t stop me!” He exclaimed confidently and without waiting for a response phased through the barrier and any other wall that tried to get in his way. And before he knew it he was standing right behind the fleeing Chisaki. To the Yakuza leader’s right was one of the Precepts if the mask was anything to go by but to the left was a slightly shorter figure holding Eri with their back to him, the Caretaker Mirio assumed from the bandages and dark hair. “I think we need to talk!” He shouted making his presence known.

At that Chisaki turned to face him with a look of only mild irritation.

“You shouldn’t have been able to catch up so quickly.”

“Something to do with his quirk I assume?” The masked Precept said as he turned to face Mirio too.

“I took a shortcut. Now let Eri go!” Was all he answered with.

“So you realized your mistake and come to save her?” Overhaul gestured to Eri who was clinging to the one person who still had their back to Mirio. “You are no hero to her.” The words stabbed at Mirio’s heart like physical wounds. The mere idea that that would be true hurt greatly.

“Maybe! But I’m not going to fail this time! I will save her!” Surprisingly it was the Caretaker that reacted to his words and snapped around to face him. And when he saw who it was he felt his whole world freeze.

Standing there, holding the little girl, thin, heavily bandaged under the ragged and thin t-shirt he wore and looking at him with equally horror and hope filled eyes was Amajiki Tamaki. His dearest friend and the boy he loved who had been missing for three years.

“M-Mirio?” Oh god, had Tamaki been trapped with Eri all these years?! Mirio thought he might be ill. When Tamaki had disappeared Mirio had hoped that Tamaki had just started a new life somewhere or that Tamaki had gotten amnesia and just forgotten him or something similarly benign but here he was looking like a prisoner with a madman as his captor and caring for an equally imprisoned little girl.

“Tamaki...” Just saying his name seemed to cause the dark haired teen to cower slightly and it broke Mirio’s heart. Just what had they done to him in all this time?

“Oh, so you’re the one who broke his heart? Not much of a hero now are you? You abandoned them both.” A new voice said with a sinister calmness as it’s owner made their appearance in front of him, another Precept dressed in all black and a mask, and Mirio’s heart ached when he saw Tamaki’s pained wince at the words. But then suddenly his head felt fuzzy and the hallways began to tilt heavily.

“Wha-“ He muttered in confusion. He looked up and was greeted by the fuzzy outline of another masked person hanging from the ceiling drinking from what looked to be a bottle of liquor. A quirk related to alcohol in some way he guessed as he attempted to right himself and make the hall stop spinning.

“You might want to not get too close you might get drunk, hehe” The figure hanging from the ceiling snickered some how looking and sounding both totally sloshed and also dangerously aware. The black cloaked one pulled out a gun and Mirio barely had time to phase his leg so that the bullets would go through him.

“What is your Quirk?”

“Permeation, I can pass through just about anything.” He found himself unwillingly blurting out. The darkly dressed one could make people tell the truth wether they wanted to or not. That was Nemoto then, if the list of the Precepts and their quirks was accurate.

“This isn't about Eri or Tamaki really is it? It’s just for you to redeem yourself of you’re guilt over betraying their trust, leaving them behind.” Was that really the truth? He would like to believe it wasn’t... He could see Tamaki and Eri being lead farther away with Chisaki. There was no time to be doubting himself now.

“You can try and tell me how I failed them and you would be right and maybe I am doing to it redeem myself but I refuse to let them hurt a minute longer!” In one fell swoop he knocked the two Precepts out of commission and flew straight for the last of the Precepts present that was dragging Tamaki and Eri away. His kick landed with perfect precision, smashing the masked aide into the wall and phasing through Tamaki and Eri harmlessly.

Now he had Overhaul’s attention. “Tamaki, Eri, come here. You know what I will do if you don’t.”

“Tama-Chan... He’s you special person... I don’t want you to be so sad again when he kills him!” The little girl wails struggling to leave Tamaki’s arms. Tamaki’ special person? So sad again? Mirio was questioning silently when Tamaki finally responded.

“No, Eri.” He had straightened up sharply, a defiant look in his eyes as he moved to put Eri down. It was the bravest expression that Mirio had ever seen and he felt himself falling in love with the other teen all over again. Of course he should have believed in Tamaki more. He had been, and still was, one the bravest people Mirio knew. “You go with Mirio. I’ll hold him off.” But apparently he had also gotten a bit more reckless. Tamaki was clearly determined but he was also shaking, terribly thin so probably unable to manifest anything, and if the sweating and redness were anything to go by his poorly bandaged wounds were infected too.

“No way! I’m saving you both!” He declared lifting both Tamaki and Eri in his arms. Both let out a mild shriek of surprise.

“Fine. You call all die together.” Chisaki said as he pulled off one of the white gloves that covered his hands.

“You would kill your own daughter?!” Mirio cried in shocked outrage.

“Oh that old story. I have no children. Tamaki fascinated me with his inability to be affected by touch required quirks like mine or Eri’s and he was convenient to keep Eri in line but I don’t really need him alive and I don’t need Eri to come out pristine, I can always recreate her like I’ve already done hundreds of time before!” And then he slammed his ungloved hand onto the ground and the entire hallway came apart and reformed into wicked spikes in every direction. Mirio had to use every ounce of speed and strength to lift Tamaki, who thankfully was pretty light, and Eri over his head, out of the way of the spikes, in time and still be sure to phase his own body too.

“Woah! That was way too close! This guy’s no joke!”

“One hit from this and you can kiss that quirk goodbye!” The last of the three Precepts he had taken out, the aide Chrono, snarled from one of the few spaces in the now massive room of spikes that was still flat, cocking the gun the other Precept, Nemoto, had been using earlier. Mirio had meant to knock him out but he must have been affected by the drunk’s quirk more then he had thought and not made as solid a hit.

Anticipating the gunshots Mirio swept his cape in such a way to block him, Tamaki and Eri from their opponent’s lines of sight. It worked and the two shots went wide, missing all of them just as the spikes crumbled away. But before the cape dropped Mirio had already phased through the ground and made quick work of the gun and the Precept, appearing from below to land a single, powerful punch.

He took out Chrono so easily... Overhaul observed as his aide was sent flying. This kid is tough but... He eyed the feverish, barely conscious Tamaki and fear frozen Eri frighteningly. The blonde had left them unguarded. If I take them out the he wouldn’t- but that was as far as he thoughts got because Mirio was already behind him to deliver a rage fueled punch.

”So you really are that kind of Scum! The reason Heroes wear capes is so they can take tormented innocents who are in pain and suffering and cloak them in it’s comfort!” And indeed, both Tamaki and Eri were rapped comfortingly in the remains of Mirio’s cape. “Watch your enemy closely! Then predict their next move! The way you fight I would never have thought you were just some Yakuza! You’re no pushover Chisaki!”

“Don’t all me that!!! I abandoned that name long ago!!” Chisaki Kai screamed in fury, loosing his calm composure for a brief moment. A moment that Mirio used to his advantage.

“But you know what?! I’m even stronger then you!” He cried as he delivered the crushing blow. “I won’t let you lay another finger on Tamaki or Eri ever again! YOU LOSE CHISAKI!!”

“So filthy. Don’t call me that name so flippantly!” The Yakuza boss hissed as got up shakily. But then something happed that no one had predicted. Nemoto, barely conscious, had crawled his way desperately part of the way through a crack in the walls that blocked Mirio’s escape. He was clearly disoriented but all too determined to help his boss to the very end.

“NEMOTO! SHOOT!” Chisaki ordered as he tossed a case of very different looking bullets and the gun to the staggering follower. The man loaded the gun and for a moment hesitated, debating who to aim for since he only had really one shot. He could shoot at the Permeation kid but he could phase through it... The girl though, he had said he couldn’t bare to see her sad. Both her and her caretaker would wouldn’t cry or scream when threatened with pain, only clench down to prepare themselves for what was unavoidably about to follow. But the girl most of all. And so he aimed for her.

Nemoto’s hesitation was just long enough for Mirio to see him and dive forward to protect the two with a kind smile. The pain that followed the bullet was incomprehensible but all Mirio could think about was that he was so glad Eri or Tamaki didn’t have to experience it.

“MIRIO!!” Tamaki cried out when he realized what had just happened. “Y-you your Quirk, t-that bullet it-“ He stammered as he attempted to pull himself closer to Mirio or protect the fallen hero, somehow, even though he was hardly in a position to do much of anything. “I’m so sorry!” He sobbed.

“I know Tamaki. Don’t apologize though. It’ll be okay.” He managed to get out as he staggered back to his feet through the pain. “I just got you back and I’m never leaving you alone again. I promise.” He declared as he stood up again between them and the people who wanted to hurt them. Lemillion wasn’t going down without a fight, quirk or no quirk.

Chapter Text

The infection in his wounds was burning him from the inside out but Tamaki could still just make out Mirio fighting Chisaki like a man possessed. Chisaki was ranting about the curse of quirks and how everyone was sick and he would cure them with Eri signifying that he was really, truly being backed into a corner. Mirio was actually keep Chisaki at bay even without his quirk. Just maybe...

“Tama-Chan wake up! Don’t fall asleep!” Little Eri exclaimed fearfully, shaking him when his eyes suddenly began to droop against his will and he swayed dangerously even though he was already sitting down beside her.

Eri. Mirio. Right. He couldn’t leave Eri by herself and Mirio was fighting alone to protect them. He couldn’t just sleep. So he gathered every scrape of energy he had to spare and pulled himself upright, bundled Eri completely the cape before lifting her up with him when he stood. His body screamed at him for it and almost passed out right there but he managed to keep conscious. He looked around for an exit but as expected Chisaki had sealed all ways out. Then the floor shook again and wicked spikes rose upward at them and Tamaki instinctively wrapped himself over Eri to shield her.

He heard the spike hit something with a sicken squelch but he felt nothing. When he uncurled himself and looked up he was greeted by the sight of Mirio towering over them protectively like the amazing Hero that Tamaki had always known Mirio was, a spike in his right side and another through his left leg near the knee.

“You won’t touch them Chisaki! I won’t let you!”

“I told you not to call me that!” The madman screamed as he lunged for Mirio with one ungloved hand. Mirio wasn’t going to be able to dodge it this time Tamaki realized and almost without thinking he reached forward with the hand that wasn’t holding Eri from behind to grab Chisaki’s outstretch arm and throw him a good ways across the room. “You ungrateful Brat!!” He spat angrily.

“I’m not going to let you hurt Mirio either!” Tamaki shouted back unapologetically. He might have shouted a few more things but the adrenaline left him and suddenly he felt himself shaking violently and everything started to become muddled and fuzzy again. He was so cold and so hot at the same time if that was even possible. “M-Mirio? I think s-something’s w-wrong with me...” He managed to stutter out as he felt every bit of energy leaving him all too quickly. He managed to put Eri down before he dropped her and then promptly crumple to the ground beside her. Mirio’s tired, worried voice came somewhere from above him but Tamaki felt his callused hand brush through his dark hair lovingly. He hadn’t realized how much he had missed that...

“I know Tamaki, you’re pretty sick right now but just hold on a bit longer. Help will be here soon...” The last part sounds far too wishful for Tamaki’s liking but he couldn’t even find the energy to respond. “I love you Tamaki... please don’t die...”

Wait. Had he just hallucinated that? Had Mirio said he loved him? But Mirio’s hand and voice were already gone. The sounds of fighting resumed as Eri crawled up next him to clutch at his arm desperately.

“Please don’t go Tama-Chan...” She pleaded just as a massive crashing sound filled the air and a new voice echoed in the room.

The shout of “Toogata-Sempai!” Was the last thing that Tamaki heard.

-x-

Mirio has never been so glad to hear Midoriya’s voice as the first year along with Sir and Eraserhead came charging in. Before he knew it Sir Nighteye was standing in front of him, holding him up and all of the exhaustion and pain hit him.

“You were splendid Mirio. We will take it from here.”

“Sir- she’s- they’re behind me... Eri and Tamaki, Chisaki had Tamaki this whole time...” Mirio managed to get out and felt Sir stiffen from under him with understanding. He had told Sir when he first started interning under him about Tamaki and how he hadn’t given up on finding him. But as they headed towards Tamaki and Eri Mirio felt panic clench around his chest. Tamaki wasn’t moving.

“Wake up! Wake up Tama-Chan!!” The girl was wailing, shaking the other boy wildly but getting no response. Sir lowered Mirio to the ground gently before he cautiously approached the practically hysterical child. “No!” She practically shrieked, whacking his outstretched hand away. “Don’t hurt Tama-Chan! He’s good! He’s my special person!”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Sir Nighteye answered calmly. “But he is Mirio’s special person too, isn’t he?” The girl looked up at him hesitantly but nodded. “For Mirio I want to help you both. Will you let me?” Another nod and just in time because Chisaki had again turned the floor into a mass of dangerous spikes and Sir somehow managed to grab all three of them and pull out of the spike’s way. Eraserhead had disappeared along with the aide Chrono leaving only Sir and Midoriya available to fight.

Nemoto, who was clearly unconscious, landed beside Chisaki and the man didn’t hesitate to grab the subordinate by the face, disassembling him and literally fusing them together in to a truly grotesque form.

“So sad for you Lemillion. If only you hadn’t gotten involved with me or with Eri you might not have lost your quirk forever!” Chisaki taunted but Sir Nighteye didn’t wait for him to continue and instead leapt forward to begin attacking him in a way very similar to Mirio, whom he had taught. Midoriya meanwhile ran to Toogata who was holding a distraught Eri and very sick and unconscious Tamaki.

“Senpai, can you walk?”

“Yeah, but we need to get Eri and Tamaki out of here...” Mirio rasped painfully, clearly exhausted and in pain.

“You got it Senpai!” Midoriya exclaimed and kicked a new hole in the wall and helped Mirio get Tamaki and Eri into the adjacent hallway. “This is the hallway we came from and should be pretty safe. Why don’t you-“ But they all turned in time to see Sir Nighteye be stabbed clear through by a massive spike. “Please protect them Toogata-Senpai!” Midoriya shout as he flew through the air, kicked off the top of the spikes and proceeded to use it to bash Chisaki over the head. Not that it did much. Mirio wanted to help but he had to get Eri and Tamaki out. They came first.

“Don’t give up on me now Tamaki...” He practically begged as basically carried the other boy down the hallway, Eri walking slowly beside them. His side and leg weren’t bleeding anymore but the blood loss apparently had been enough for him to feel dizzy and disoriented now. But when he heard Tamaki moan weakly and move some he felt like crying for joy.

“Mirio? Eri?” Tamaki’s voice was rough but right now to Mirio it sounded beautiful.

“Tama-Chan!” Eri cried with delight, reaching up to grab his hand in her smaller one.

“We’re right here Tamaki.” Mirio assured him even though he was thinking he might just pass out too.

“Eri!” That horrible voice called out summoning the girl back into a world of fear and she almost unconsciously let her hand slip from Tamaki’s and walk a few paces back towards the hole they had escaped through. “Is this what you wanted!? Do you think this boy can really beat me!?”

“...no” She whispered as both Tamaki and Mirio tried to go to her but neither one was able to move much more then an inch in any direction and she was already crawling back through the hole.

“What will you do then?”

“Come... Back...”

“Yes. If you do that I will fix everything. I will make everything back to normal.” Chisaki promised.

“Don’t listen Eri! I will save you! No matter what!” Midoriya countered and the indecision in her eyes was heartbreaking. She wanted to believe she didn’t have to go back but if Chisaki could fix everyone who had gotten hurt because of her...

And then a dragon came crashing through the ceiling.

“Right on target!” Someone shouted.

Chapter Text

When Mirio heard the crash and shouting of the other pro heroes he let out quiet sigh of relief. The rest of the back up had made it.

As he sat with his back to the wall of the hallway as he turned his head to look again at Tamaki who was leaning heavily against his uninjured side, eyes barely open. The other boy looked terrible, even worse then before if that was possible. Tamaki’s gasping breaths and dangerously high fever worried him.

“Tamaki, I think I need to look at your injures... ” Mirio rasped as he gently turned Tamaki so that his was to him. Mirio began to pull the hem of his threadbare shirt upward but stopped when he felt Tamaki stiffen sharply. The action make Mirio’s heart hurt. “I’m just taking a look, I promise but please me if I’m hurting you okay?”

“O-okay...” He whispered trustingly and so Mirio continued to lift the shirt until he found see the damage clearly. But even just a glacé was enough for him to spin around and very nearly throw up what little food was in his stomach. Under the shirt were blood coated bandages but those had started to peel away to expose wide, long wounds that looked barely healed, some clearly swollen and dark red around their edges. If the wounds on his arms were anything similar, the infection was without question already in Tamaki’s blood. If they didn’t get out of here within the next hour or so... “M-Mirio?”

“I’m okay Tamaki, don’t worry.” He said as cheerily as he could muster as forced his feeling horror and rage down and turned to face Tamaki’s ravaged back again. “Do you have any clean bandages?” Mirio’s heart dropped when the darker haired teen shook his head no.

“I-I used the last ones on Eri... ” The worry and guilt wasn’t hard to hear.

“Eri will be just fine!” He said with more confidence then even he had expected as he gently lowered the shirt and turned Tamaki back around to face him. Midoriya would protect Eri, even from herself, he realized with relief even if it stung his pride that Midoriya could help Eri more then him right now. But his job was to get Tamaki out of here and get him fixed up. No more moping around, it was time to get going. “And so will you! Come on!” He shouted almost to himself as much as Tamaki. “One, two, THREE!” And he heaved them both to they’re feet. For a few minutes they wobbled and it looked like they might fall down but with the help of the wall the two managed not to.

As they walked at an agonizingly slow rate down the hall Mirio tried to come up with things to talk about to keep Tamaki, and himself too if he was being honest, conscious.

“So Tamaki, you know these tunnels very well? Do you know a faster way out of here?”

“At the next intersection take a left, then a right, keep straight for about 800 feet and we’ll hit Rappa’s rooms, if Mimicry didn’t bother to change this part too much. There is an exit near there... but Rappa will have probably been ordered stop anyone.” That was actually a lot more information then Mirio had been expecting.

“Who’s Rappa? One of the Precept?” He had to ask, because while he had read the list of people and their quirks that they might encounter before the Raid, his memory wasn’t the greatest thanks to all of the blood-loss.

They reached the intersection and Mirio took them down the path to the left.

“Yes, he is... decent...” Well that certainly didn’t sound all that great. “Rappa lives for a fight to the death. He follows Overhaul only because is the only one to beat him. I managed to convince him to teach me how to fight better about a year after Overhaul took me.”

“How did you convince him?” He wondered out loud as they made a right turn.

“I promised him that if I ever escaped I would fight him to the death like he wanted.”

“WHAT?!” Mirio’s reaction only got him a tired sigh.

“I never planned on actually getting away from Overhaul alive. I gave up on that along time ago...”

“What about your parents? I haven’t from them since they moved away but they were so worried...” Apparently that was not a good think to mention because immediately Tamaki bit his lip viciously, hands clenching so tight that the blonde worried he might break something.

“They’re dead.” And just like that all the air in the hall vanished.

“A-are you sure? I mean how-“

“I killed them Mirio.” Tamaki had bit through his lip and it was now bleeding sluggishly. “I tried to escape with Eri once and we actually got pretty far... But when he caught us, as promised, though I hadn’t believed him at the time, he killed my parents and made me watch. He said that if I tried to escape again he would kill you next...”

Tamaki wasn’t crying, just unsettlingly silent, and somehow that was worse. Mirio wasn’t one break into tears, it took a lot to make him. But this time he felt like he was crying because Tamaki couldn’t and so he let the tears fall freely.

“I’m tougher then I look Tamaki! We’re both going to get out of here! We have a lot to catch up on, me and you.”

“But Mirio, you-“

“Nope! None of that! After this is all over me and you are gonna sit down and have a long chat so I can tell you properly how much I’m in love with you.” Tamaki looked at him with an expression of doubt and what might have been a glimmer wistfulness when suddenly a very tall figure emerged from a doorway a bit of a distance from them. Mirio could make out that they had on a mask. “Is that Rappa?” Mirio whispered as he tried his best to keep both of them from being spotted, which was pretty impossible at this point and the figure got closer.

“No... Rappa is bigger and wears a mask that looks a lot more like a plague mask and he certainly never smiled like that...”

“Toogata Mirio! If you aren’t a sight fer sore eyes!”

“FatGum?!” He exclaimed as the much slimmer, barely recognizable Pro Hero ran towards them. He looked pretty beaten up but nothing too serious at a glance.

“Oh yer a mess kid! Did you find little Eri?”

“We got separated... But Midoriya was with her a least...”

“You really went all out didn’t cha? Don’t worry too much. I actually think that kid might be able to succeed after seeing what his classmate Kirishima managed to pull off...” The Pro shared thoughtfully before taking note of Tamaki who had practically curled into Mirio’s side and hadn’t spoken a word yet. “But who is this you got with ya?”

“This is Tamaki. He was the Caretaker that Chisaki mentioned. He was a prisoner with Eri.” He said, almost silently daring Fatgum to challenge him about it.

“No need to stare me down, I believe ya.” The man smiled widely as he crouched down some to look Tamaki in the face. Very cautiously he lifted his undamaged hand to feel the teen’s forehead only to pull away immediately. “Yeouch! You’re hot as an oven kid!”

“His wounds are really infected. Do have any clean bandages?” Fatgum frowned worriedly at that and moved to help Mirio lift Tamaki down the rest of the hallway. The frowned deepened when Tamaki winced painfully at the barest touch to the arm Mirio didn’t have over his shoulder.

“Kirishima faced down a Precept named Rappa with me and by some weird logic he’s not giving us much problems since we injured him enough or someth’n? I wouldn’t trust you both ‘round him but he gave us a ton of medical stuff that I’m sure can help you both out.” Fatgum said warmly as he opened the door he had come out of earlier and ducked in to grab some fresh bandages and disinfectant. He moved closer to Tamaki first. “All right here we go. Now why don’t get a look at those wounds?”

Tamaki who just shrugged and then winched again from the movement once they were all seated on the floor. “I ‘preciate it. I’ll be real careful.” Fatgum promised as he began to lift the shirt. But just like when Mirio had done it, Tamkai stiffened in unconscious fear. The blonde reached over to take the other’s unnaturally warm hand in his.

“I’m right here Tamaki, Fatgum is a Hero too, he’s just here to help.”

“O-okay...” So with that Fatgum continued to lift the dingy shirt and then visible sucked in a breath at what he found under it.

“Oh this ain’t good at all...” The man whispered hesitantly before lifting the shirt very slowly completely off of Tamaki with some help from Mirio. Next he separated the filthy, blood soaked bandages from the skin of Tamaki’s back and arms, exposing all of the horrid wounds that they had expected and the layer of scars that they hadn’t. The new wounds were different lengths but all straight and too deep, some were clearly infected.

“I’m gonna clean the uninfected ones first then do what I can fer the others. It might hurt some.” He warned and Tamaki clenched Mirio’s hand tighter. Tamaki didn’t move an inch as Fatgum worked but Mirio could feel him shaking all the same and he wished desperately that he could spare Tamaki all of this.

Finally done cleaning the wounds Fatgum rapped the clean white bandages over them before turning to Mirio. “All right now it’s yer turn.” The teen wanted to argue but the Pro’s expression left no room for resistance. With a sigh he resigned himself to his fate and let them clean his wounds and wrap them up too. When Fatgum was satisfied with his first aid the first thing he said was, “Kid you’re way too skinny. That don’t look healthy...” to Tamaki and he wasn’t wrong. Tamaki was almost skin and bones.

“My quirk, w-well the one that’s good for fighting a-anyway, Manifestation, requires me to eat things for it to work.” Tamaki answered shakily. “So Overhaul made sure I always had the bare minimum to eat and never anything I could use to fight back with...”

“That’s horrible kid.” The man said with complete sincerity. “My quirk needs food too so I can understand how hard that is at least a little.”

“Yeah...” Tamaki looked about ready fall over again at this point so they lol let the topic drop.

“I think we should all should really be get’n out of here. I’m gonna go get Kirishima, but you got him Toogata?” Mirio gave him his best smile and thumbs and so Fatgum stood up and went back into the room. When he came back out a few minutes later with a very heavily bandaged boy with mass of bright red hair in his uninjured arm Mirio and Tamaki were standing, though Tamaki was again leaning heavily on Mirio to stay upright.

“Alright let get outta this hell hole you two.” And so they all, very slowly made their way back up towards the sunlight.

Chapter Text

It was only after quite a distance of walking that the red haired freshman stirred and sat up slightly in Fatgum’s arms.

“Wha- Toogata-senpai?”

“Yup! Welcome back Kirishima-kun!” The blonde third year responded cheerily even as he staggered on beside them, doing his best to keep another boy and himself upright and moving. Their little group was moving at a rather hurried pace down the tunnels.

“Glad you’re awake Kirishima! You broke a few bones so don’t move too much.” The Pro warned the boy gently. He nodded carefully to show he had understood but his eyes were fixed on the on person with them that he didn’t recognize at all. They were thin with dark hair and cutely pointed ears but had thick bandages on their arms and chest area. Suddenly with a snap Kirishima realized who they must be.

“You’re the Caretaker that Sir Nighteye mentioned at the briefing!” He exclaimed excitedly, proud of himself for put it together. But his excitement died a quick death when he was answered with only a sad nod from Fatgum and Mirio pulling the dark haired teen closer, protectively. “What’s wrong with him? Is he hurt too?” He asked with honest concern and upon closer inspection noted that the ‘Caretaker’ was breathing strangely and shivering badly even though their cheeks were bright red.

“Ah, well, Tamaki’s pretty sick but when we get out of here we’re going to get you both all fixed up!” Mirio said with a smile that somehow didn’t comfort him like all the other times, it felt really...forced.

“Is there something you’re not telling me Senpai?” The blunt words made the mask of confidence on Mirio’s face crumble under them. An expression of desperation and deep worry showing.

“He- Tamaki won’t wake up again... Almost all of wounds are septic and even if we get him out of here as soon as is possible their is 50% chance he’ll die anyway...” Mirio admitted stiffly. “After everything, after all these year I finally found him. I got him back but I might lose him again anyway.” Definitely a sob this time. Kirishima could see the tears. “I’m sorry Kirishima-kun... You shouldn't have to see your senpai like this...”

“Don’t worry Mirio-senpai! I don’t know exactly who he is to you but if he’s important to you you can’t give up on him! I mean, he must really believe in you if he holds onto you like that.” He said with a bight smile when he pointed to the way the unconscious Tamaki’s hands clung to Mirio and the tears stopped.

“Look at that boys! The exit’s just up ahead!” Fatgum shouted encouragingly as he directed their attention to the large double doors just a short distance away. Their goal now in sight Mirio and Fatgum picked up the pace even more, almost a run, carrying the more injured two along with them. Fatgum reached the doors first, kicking them open with little fanfare and they all blinked heavily as their eyes adjust again to the bright daylight.

-x-

Toyomitsu Taishiro, also known as Fatgum, wasn’t the prying type but with the way that Mirio had slowly become more and more worried with every minute that passed after the boy, Tamaki, fell unconscious. It wasn’t hard to realize that their was something more between them then Mirio’s sense of duty as a Hero. A gentle prodding was enough for the blonde to spill the whole story. How Tamaki was his three years missing friend, how a miscommunication between them had separated them and all the regrets he had when he found Tamaki here with Eri.

But when Mirio got to the part where Tamaki’s parents were killed just for trying to leave and had since given up on getting away from Overhaul alive Fatgum felt like simultaneously punching Chisaki’s lights out and giving the poor boy in the blonde’s arms a large, much deserved hug. The feeling only grew the more stories that Mirio shared about they’re childhood together before Chisaki had entered the picture.

“He was so strong, probably still is, and he care so much! He got into U.A. with me even though he had really bad anxiety and while I have no idea how bad it is now, I know he would be an amazing Hero if he gets the chance... I mean, he said he got that guy you and Kirishima fought to teach him to fight for about half of the time he was trapped here.”

“RAPPA taught him?!” The Pro exclaimed in complete shock. That violent precept was definitely an odd one but to have taken the time to teach some teenager... He looked over at the very ill teen Mirio was pretty much holding up on his own with even more respect then he already had.

“Fatgum... Who’s gonna take care of him when we get out of here? His parents are dead and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have any family left on either side...”

“I don’t know kid, that really isn’t up to us...” Was all he could say as they walked. But then Tamaki’s breathing got progressively worse, faster and shorter, as they went along and then he stopped reacted at all to the jostling of his wounds like he had earlier. Needless to say they picked up the pace considerably which was probably what had woken Kirishima. And almost immediately, the red haired boy had see right through Mirio’s positive facade with record speed. That made Toyomitsu smile proudly, that boy was going to make a truly amazing Hero in the future and, if he gut was right, the Tamaki boy might make one too. He hadn’t wanted to end the supportive moment between the two students but then he saw the exit.

“Look at that boys! The exit’s just up ahead!” And the excitement did the rest. In no time at all they reached the double doors and Fatgum didn’t wait to kick them open and lead the way through them.

The daylight was blinding since they had all been underground for so damn long. But when their eyes had finally adjusted they realized they had come out at the far end of the Eightfold Cleanser’s estate. Thankfully, the Raid was over already if the lack of battle sounds was anything to go by. That means medics Toyomitsu noted with relief as he started jogging in the direction that he heard low sirens, waving awkwardly for Mirio to follow him. But thankfully they didn’t have to go the whole way because Bubble Girl met them with a whole pack of medics who took Kirishima from him gently. Fatgum couldn’t resist praising the young boy one last time before they were carried away on stretcher and got a tired but proud smile for it. He was about to go and try to find out about the other Heroes that had been involved in the Raid but when he turned to check on the third year and his charge before leaving he was surprised to see Mirio was making quite the commotion.

“Toogata-san you can’t come with us! Your friend’s injures are severe but so are your’s! You are both going to need your own ambulances!” One poor medic was shouting, trying her best to get the blonde to listen to her, and unfortunately failing miserably.

“I won’t leave him! I won’t let him to think I abandoned him!” Mirio shouted back, refusing to release his grip on Tamaki’s limp wrist stubbornly.

“TOOGATA!” Fatgum bellowed making all heads snap in his direction and fall silent. Confident he had their attention he knelt down and put a large hand on Mirio’s shoulder. “Ya have to let’m take care of him, and you. I know ya want to go with him and that’s not gonna be possible right now but I’ll tell ya what, I’ll go with him to make sure that he knows where you are. Okay?”

“Okay...” Mirio submitted with a pained expression as he let his grip slacken some. Seeing that Taishiro gently separated the two and nodded to the medics to lead Mirio to his own stretcher and follow closely after Tamaki’s. He didn’t like the tense expressions the ones looking over the boy were making.

“Do you think he’ll make it?” He asked as they got into the ambulance, dreading the response.

“Well he’s a fighter that’s for sure....” One said vaguely as he hooked up an IV into the boy’s arm and adjusted a breathing mask over his face but the other was more willing to give him a clearer answer as she checked under the bandages.

“He is barely hanging in there. He’s badly malnourished as I’m sure you’ve noticed so that’s probably why the wounds got so infected. You did good to try and clean his wounds out but the damage was already done. He’s going to be in for quite the battle...but if he survives the night I personally think he’ll make it.” She told him not unsympathetically as they pulled into the hospital. “You’re not in too bad of shape but you should probably get checked in too. If nothing else for that arm of yours, it looks broken.” She nodded to the arm he had been favoring the whole time.

“Ya got me there.” He admitted with sheepish laugh. “But please, you have to let me stay with the kid. At least till he’s awake.” He demanded with complete seriousness. “I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have any family left and he’s gonna be scared if he doesn’t recognize anyone.” That got some sympathetic looks from both medics.

“That shouldn’t be too much of a problem Toyomitsu-san if he has no family. I’m sure we can arrange something so that you can visit him regularly. What’s his name, if you know it, that is?”

“Tamaki... I’m not sure about his family name but he went missing almost exactly three years from today so there was probably a missing person’s report filed. Toogata Mirio would know for sure.”

-x-

An hour or two later Fatgum’s arm was being secured in a cast and all of his scrapes bandaged up. But just as they were finishing up the head nurse had come over to kindly updated him about everyone in the Raid who had been injured as he has requested after being admitted to the hospital. Some of the new wasn’t too bad, such as that Aizawa and RockLock had both needed some stitches but nothing else and that Kirishima, who while having broken several bones, was otherwise okay. But some of it was terrible.

“Sir Nighteye has passed away...” Taishiro couldn’t stop from crying at that. Him and Nighteye hadn’t always agreed on a lot of things but he respected the man greatly and had worked with him on multiple occasions. And poor Toogata must have been crushed... “Would you like me to come back at another time Toyomitsu-san?” She inquired gently but he shook his head and pulled himself together.

“Nah, please continue.” She eyed him skeptically but did as he asked.

“The little girl Eri is experiencing a bad fever and looks to be unable to control her quirk so no one can be near her at this time unfortunately. As for Toogata Mirio, he has numerous injures but the blood loss and the contents of the bullet he was shot with are the most worrisome.” That caught his attention. And not in a good way.

“Contents?”

“Yes, the bullet in his arm contained what looks to be an improvement on the quirk suppressing drug you and Kirishima Ejirou came across. I’m afraid that the effects may be permanent.” And he had thought that boy already having a tough day...

“What ‘bout Tamaki?” He asked, afraid that the answer wouldn’t be good. The blonde third year might really crack if he lost the other boy on top of all this.

“Everything that can be done for him has been, but has not woken up yet. It could go either way.” So that wasn’t comforting but it was something at least...

“And his family?”

“As you suspected we found a missing person’s report for him easily enough.” She frowned and looked down at one of the many files in her hands. “Amajiki Tamaki, 17 years old and missing for three years, no family members still living.” She read aloud evenly before looking up at him again. “You and Toogata-san have been allowed visitation under the circumstances but only one of you may visit at a time.”

“Could we head over right now?” She seemed surprised but open to the idea.

“You are not too badly injured and Toogata-san is under strict bed rest for the day... It should be doable.” She determined causally, before calling over another nurse to take him in a wheelchair to Tamaki’s room.

When they got there Fatgum was upset by how small Tamaki looked in the hospital bed. The poor kid was wrapped heavily in bandages, still horribly flushed from the fever and surrounded by a number of tubes and monitors. He did look admittedly a bit better then the last time Toyomitsu had seen him though, not as pale and in less pain so that was good.

“I’m gonna stay here for awhile, if it’s alright?” The nurse who had wheeled him here nodded with a warm smile and left him and Tamaki alone. The stillness and complete silence aside from the machines and the sound of the kid’s ragged breathing was hard to take but Toyomitsu had made Toogata a promise and he didn’t plan on breaking it.

It was getting late in the evening when saw a pair of dark purple, almost black eyes finally blinked open to look over at him blearily. Quickly Fatgum realized that he had been waiting so long that he hadn’t planned at all for how to keep Tamaki from panicking when he woke up in strange hospital and Mirio nowhere in sight. He could already see the kid becoming more aware and more tense by the second. He put down the food he had been eating and smiled, placing his much larger hand lightly over Tamaki’s smaller one in hopes of calming the boy some.

“You’re in the hospital Tamaki and you’re safe. Chisaki is gone, Mirio will be fine and so will Eri.” He told him firmly. And though he might be stretching the truth a bit about Eri and Mirio the last thing the kid really needed was to stress over what-if’s. Better to just be positive for the now he figured. The tension in Tamaki’s eyes that had been building up thankfully eased away and his mouth tried to make something that could have been a smile but it ended up being something only slightly better then a frown. The way the kid struggled to even do that hit Toyomitsu in a painful place. What kid didn’t even know how to smile? The deeply scarred ones he guessed silently. It broke his damn heart.

The action had been a small one but it must have been exhausting because already he could see Tamaki’s eyes beginning to droop closed again. He stayed until he was sure the kid was really out before he let one of the hospital staff wheel him back to his own room. Yes, Tamaki had woken up but everyone told him the odds were still not strongly in the boy’s favor. Everyone he asked though also seemed to agree that if Tamaki lived through the night his odds would be much better. All the Pro Hero could do was keep his fingers crossed and be there if everything went to shit... and he hated that with a passion. Promise or not, Fatgum wasn’t going to let Tamaki hurt any more then he already had.

He would make sure of it.

-x-

Mirio had truly meant to visit Tamaki yesterday but the staff had all but tied him to the hospital bed, telling him he was not allowed to be moving around yet, even with assistance after his breakout to see Sir... Unfortunately it left him the whole rest of the day to think about, well, everything. The loss of his quirk and Sir as well as Eri and Tamaki who he knew were both still struggling to recover from the whole ordeal. Especially Tamaki.

It all made him want to break down into a crying mess. But he didn’t. Sir’s last request had been to keep smiling and he would do his very best to honor the man’s last request but it might be impossible if Tamaki or Eri didn’t survive...The face the nurse that he had gotten some info from had made at the mention of Tamaki’s condition didn’t do anything to lessen his fear. It wasn’t a good expression, an expression of pity and false assurance that is. But that had been yesterday and today was a new day and he prayed to every god he knew that new news would be better.

He had practically dug his nails through the bedsheets with the amount of abuse he had been giving them by the time the first nurse on the morning shift had finally arrived to check on him. But she wasn’t alone because right behind her was Fatgum. See the Pro made Mirio’s stomach churn. His arrival could mean something very good or very bad...

“Good morning Toogata, how ya holding up?” The man asked as he took a seat in one of the two chairs on the other side of his bed. He had bandages and one arm in a sling and cast but was moving around on his own so he had most likely already been released.

“I am doing pretty good the doctors say.” The blonde responded with a proud thumbs up but then he hesitated, lowing his arm slightly before asking. “Tamaki?”

The smile Fatgum made was large and bright. Immediately Mirio felt himself let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding.

“The kid made it through the night and his fever’s down too. They say his improvement is pretty impressive and they’re already mov’n him to a new room where he had have more visitors.” At that Mirio let out a whoop of joy, his face instantly breaking into a smile of his own. Tamaki had made it, as he should have believed from the beginning because Tamaki had always been so strong when it really counted. “Of course he’s still sick and probably will be for a’while.” Fatgum warned at his excitement. “but everyone seems pretty confident that he’s finally get’n better now. He’s been asking for ya.” The man finished with a knowing look.

And then suddenly Mirio wasn’t so sure he wanted to visit Tamaki. It had been three years since they had last seen each other and it hadn’t been on a good note. Tamaki had had three years of hell believing that Mirio didn’t love him back. Did he even still love Mirio? He knew that he still did but he could no longer say he knew Tamaki well enough to know with complete confidence.... That was the painful truth and Mirio didn’t know if it was a reality he was willing to face right now.

“I-I can’t see him right now?” He said with such a lack of conviction that it practically came out as a question. The Pro looked at him in shock, surprise written all over his face.

“What? You can’t do that to him Mirio!” The look of surprise quickly turning into a deep disapproving frown. “The kid really wants to see ya and I know that you know that the doctors say you can.”

“I need a few days...” He pleaded with a hopeful smile. Toyomitsu was still frowning as he stood and headed for the door where he paused to look back at Mirio.

“Three days Toogata. Don’t make ‘m wait longer then that or I’ll see to it that ya regret it.” And with those parting words Mirio was left alone with his thoughts again.

-x-

The three days came and went and Mirio still didn’t feel ready to face Tamaki. A visit with Eri had given him some hope though. Somehow he had ended up sharing his romantic woes with the little girl when she was finally well enough for visitors too. She had immediately ordered the blonde to tell Tamaki everything, declaring that he, Mirio, was a stupid banana (apparently the worst thing she could think of to call him at the moment) for waiting so long and that he had nothing to fear. Eri had seemed so sure and Mirio wasn’t usually the worrying type, but this was Tamaki, someone who meant so much to him... to possibly ruin it all, or to face that it was already ruined beyond repair when he had just found him, after everything, was... Terrifying. To put it mildly.

But in spite of all his worries here he was, standing, sweating nervously in front of the door to Tamaki’s room. He could hear voices inside, easily discernible as Tamaki and Toyomitsu. The Pro Hero had been splitting his time between visiting his intern Kirishima and Tamaki he had heard from Midoriya who had dropped in once or twice before. It was now or never he figured. If Tamaki could face his worries and anxiety like this every day so could he. Mirio took a deep breath, pulled the door open and entered.

Right away he noticed that Tamaki looked immensely better. Of course he was still too pale, too thin and covered in bandages for Mirio’s liking and the blonde had caught the winch of pain when he turned his body too much in one direction but his hair and skin shone with how clean they were, his breathing was back to normal and he sitting up and talking to Fatgum comfortably.

Tamaki’s eyes turned to look at Mirio when he heard the door open. And at that moment he realized that Amajiki Tamaki was still the most beautiful person he had ever met. He could feel his breath catch as their eyes met.

“Ah Toogata! You’re just in time! Tamaki has just agreed to try staying with me for awhile or at least until he’s back on his feet.” Fatgum interrupted the moment well-meaningly and waved him over from his seat beside Tamaki’s bed. Mirio was stunned by the news for a moment but almost right away it was overtaken by relief and happiness and he smiled genuinely in response and walked closer. Where Tamaki was going to live after he was out of the hospital had weighed on him and now that he thought about it Fatgum was actually pretty perfect for the job. Kind, familiar, strong and currently off of Hero work until he had replenished his fat stores, which would take some time.

“That great Tamaki! I’m so glad!” He said warmly as he sat cautiously at the end of the dark haired teen’s bed and the said teen ducked his head to hide a heavy blushing face behind his hands.

“No need to be embarrassed, you’re a great kid Tamaki-kun. It all works out just right. You’re not alone anymore.” Toyomitsu said with a boisterous laugh and wide smile. Then he paused to look the two boy’s thoughtfully before suddenly declaring. “I’m gonna go get some more food.” Getting out of his chair he motioning for Mirio to take it who did a bit reluctantly. “I’ll be back in a bit, I think the two of you have things to discuss.” And then Fatgum was out the door, already closing it behind him. Tamaki and Mirio were alone. And then Mirio spoke.

Chapter Text

“So...Tamaki I believe I owe you an apology.”

Very slowly Tamaki moved his hand from his face to meet Mirio’s very serious gaze with a look of confusion.

“What? Why?” Mirio had to pause to take a deep breath to settle himself. Where did he even start?

But apparently he took too long because Tamaki pressed on. “I should be the one apologizing, I’m the one who ran away. I was the one who got kidnapped because they couldn’t defend themselves. You had to save me in the end and got you hurt, caused you to lose your quirk-“ The other teen’s breaths were getting shorter and their words more and more frantic and pained. He wasn’t even looking at Mirio anymore, but at his own hands, that were digging into his palm hard enough to draw blood.

Without hesitation he leapt forward to pry Tamaki’s hands loose and lock them with his own. It was an old habit, one he had almost forgotten, to hold Tamaki when he was self-destructing. According to Tamaki when Mirio touched him, held him, even just a hand on his shoulder he felt grounded, less lost and, most importantly, not alone.

But then Tamaki let out wounded whine and for a second the blonde worried that he had done something wrong. When he moved to separate their hands though, the other immediately tightened their grip. For someone who had been at death’s door just days ago he was pretty strong.

“Does it still help?” Mirio had to ask as Tamaki continued to stare at their intertwined hands with an indiscernible kind of longing.

“I missed this...I missed you Mirio.” Tamaki croaked like he was still trying to hold his emotions in. “I missed your smile, your voice, the way you always know what to do to make the world feel brighter... God, Mirio I would have given almost anything to see your face, even just for a minute...”

“ I missed you too! I missed you so much Tamaki! I thought about you every day! I never stopped look for you I swear!” Mirio shouted, desperate to share all of the hope and love he had saved up for this boy. And then Tamaki crying. No, he was sobbing like he hadn’t for, well, three years and Mirio just held him gently, freeing one hand to run it gently through his dark hair.

“Tamaki... can I ask you a question?” He asked when Tamaki’s tears subsided and they pulled apart some, two left hands still twisted tightly together.

“I-I, um, yes?” Was his shaky answer.

“I love you Tamaki. I loved you those three years ago and love you now. I’m very sure about that. But do you still love me Tamaki? And please don’t feel like you have to say yes for me, I want to know honestly how you feel...”

“I gave up Mirio... I gave up on everything including the idea that you would love me back.” At that Tamaki turned his gaze from Mirio guiltily. “I don’t deserve your love anymore. Especially now that I know you never gave up on me-“

“Tamaki.” He cut in sternly, staring the other down steely. He probably should have been more gentle but he was just so... frustrated. “Did I ask if you deserved my love? No.” He waited to be sure that Tamaki was listening. He was, but still looked so doubtful. “The fact that you’re alive with me right now means you didn’t give up Tamaki, even if you think you did.” He said as he gently pressed his free hand to the place on Tamaki’s chest where his heart was beating strong. The dark haired teen’s skin still felt feverishly warm, though much better then before, even through his bandages, but the feeling of life under his fingers made him smile. He meant every word. “I asked if you still love me, so do you Tamaki?”

“I mean, I-“ Tamaki struggled, seeming to have to almost fight himself to form the words. “I... do! I really do Mirio!” He shouted with a clearly pained expression. “But I shouldn’t! I’m awful! I’m a coward! Why do you love me Mirio?!”

“Because you’re you!” He shouted back and leapt forward to wrap himself around Tamaki, loose enough not to irritate his injures but tight enough to show Tamaki that he was anything but undeserving of loving him and being loved. “You aren’t awful! You’re any number of wonderful things! You get anxious and afraid, but you don’t let it stop you! You protected Eri too! You gave her love and hope in that terrible place with terrible people and that’s amazing! I didn’t stop looking for you but I got so discouraged Tamaki! I didn’t keep looking because I was strong or brave but because a world without you was so unbearable! I just got you back! Don’t leave me now!” He shouted as loud as he dared and for awhile the only sound in the room was Mirio panting from his long winded rant. Then, very slowly Tamki hugged back, burying his face into Mirio’s shoulder comfortingly.

“I still don’t feel like I deserve you’re love but... If you think I do Mirio, then I guess have no choice but try and believe you. So…Thank you Mirio, for everything.” He whispered so softly that only because they were so close together did Mirio hear it and he felt his smile widen so much his face hurt.

“Thank you Tamaki.” He whispered back just as Fatgum walked in, arms loaded with food and snacks. The Pro’s already impossibly wide smile got bigger when he saw them and didn’t hesitate to empty his findings onto the far end of Tamaki’s bed.

“Sorry I was gone fer so long! But I figured you two would be hungry too so I made sure to grab enough to tide us all over til dinner. So what do ya boys wanna try first?”

-x-

Fatgum’s food haul was extensive and looked fairly edible, especially for it being hospital food. Tamaki had always loved food but...

Fatgum and Mirio, who were already digging in, both looked over at him when he hesitated.

“You can have whatever ya want kid. I know yer stomach isn’t use to hav’n much on it so you probably shouldn’t eat too much, but don’t hold back on our account, this is fer everyone.” The Pro Hero said as he pulled out a tray of Takiyogaki from the spread of choices and offered it to Tamaki. “The doctor approved it before I came in, ya need the calories.” With a tired sigh he took the food and started in on it. It was delicious. He could remember eating these by the pounds since they were so useful for his quirk and one of his favorites but now, even finishing one tray was hard. It was just another example of how much had changed about him. Everything was so confusing and happening so fast. Just a few days ago his biggest worries were to make sure Eri was as happy and safe as was possible and planning ways to get her away from Chisaki. Eri!

“Where is Eri? Is she okay?” He panicked momentarily. He had a hazy memory of Fatgum telling him something about her but his exact words were lost

“She’s doing pretty good now and she can’t wait to see you to Tamaki!” Mirio told him with a warm laugh and he physically sighed in relief. He couldn’t wait to see her too. But then another thought hit him, where was she going to stay once she was released from the hospital? Fatgum had offered him a place but little Eri’s unique situation and quirk meant that most normal housing arrangements wouldn’t work. He had to think of something fast or-

“Stop think’n so much boy, I can practically see your mind spiral’n out.” Fatgum cut in. “If yer worried about who’s gonna take care of little Eri, don’t.” He chided with a scarily accurate guess. “U.A, and more specifically the underground hero Eraserhead, have agreed to care for her and I can promise that he is a very good person and will give her the best support possible.”

Well that was good he supposed as he felt Mirio shift slightly closer to him comfortingly. Tamaki could recall Eraserhead’s quirk being able to temporally erase other’s quirks, and him being one of the Heroes involved in the rescue so he was probably trustworthy and informed at the very least and able to manage Eri’s quirk if it got out of hand. Tamaki was very aware of Eri’s deep fear of hurting others with her quirk due to Chisaki’s manipulating words. He was very glad that she would have somewhere safe to belong after what their life before was like, fraught with tension, fear and helplessness. It was all he had ever wanted for her. He just hadn’t expected to get it too.

“Oh, that’s good.” He managed to get out, not insincerely. Everything was just exhausting him faster then he expected was all. He hadn’t even noticed that he had already started leaning his head and most of his body onto Mirio’s broad shoulder. The blonde teen, his boyfriend? that thought alone made him blush, lowered him carefully back onto the bed and pulled the sheet up and over him when his eyes began to droop heavily.

“Sleep Tamaki. I’ll be here when you wake up.” Mirio promised with feather light kiss to his forehead that made Tamaki sigh happily despite the small voice in his head telling him he still didn’t deserve it. But for now though, he took strength from the warm familiar hand that held his as he drifted off to a blessedly dreamless sleep.

-x-

When Tamaki awoke he found that Mirio had somehow managed to keep his promise and was curled in what looked to be rather uncomfortable position in a large chair beside his hospital bed. Snoring loudly.
He felt his face twitch and thought maybe he hadn’t lost the ability to smile completely but then the door of the room opened and the warmth was replaced by the cursed fear that Overhaul and his precepts had, quite literally, beaten into him and he curled up defensively. Thankfully it was just the nurse for his morning check in. As sweet and gentle as she was he still was tense and on edge the entire time. She was very quiet as she went about changing his bandages, IV and taking his vitals, keeping her voice thoughtfully at a whisper for the sleeping Mirio.

“He was very stubborn about staying the night, something about a promise to be here when you woke up.” She let out a soft, playful laugh, eyeing the blonde as she finished up. “We should wake him up now, no? That position can’t be comfortable.” Tamaki could only nod silently and watch as she shook Mirio gently. The teen snuffled awake, jerking upright with a winch before looking around like a lost puppy. But when he spotted Tamaki awake and in clean bandages he smiled blindingly.

“Good morning Tamaki!”

“Ahem.” The nurse coughed pointedly and Mirio looked appropriately apologetic for completely ignoring her. She didn’t seem angry though and didn’t saying more about it, moving onto other things. “I’m glad you are in such good spirits Toogata-kun, but I believe the deal you made with the doctors last night was that when Tamaki was awake you were to go back to your own room to rest.” The said teen rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and let out a hesitant laugh.

“I guess so… Sorry Tamaki. I’ll come back as soon as they’ll let me!” He promised with yet another beaming smile. But then, so quick he almost missed, the blonde dipped forward and kissed Tamaki’s thin fingers before fleeing the scene with surprising speed for someone with a busted leg. For a good minute or so Tamaki went as still as a statue then turned a bright red all the way to his pointed ears, ducking under his covers in embarrassment (and happiness). Why did Mirio have to be so adorably sweet? Well, because he was Mirio of course. He could still hear the nurse laughing as she ran after Mirio to make sure he made it to his room in one piece.

-x-

The next few days went by in a blur of strange new visitors and few old. Of course Mirio visited as often as he could, as promised. Eri also visited him every day until she was released, eating lunch together and happily sharing their new experiences free of Chisaki and his Precepts. Tamaki had memories at least, though faded by the three years distance, but almost everything was new to little girl. She was as jumpy around the hospital staff and other patients as he was but very eager for Tamaki to meet Eraserhead, her new guardian. When he finally did meet the man found that he was nothing like Fatgum, who was really Tamaki’s only reference point for what Heroes were like in person. The man was scraggly, very tired and much quieter then the boisterous BMI hero.

“It is good to meet you properly Amajiki-kun.” Hearing his surname from someone who wasn’t hospital staff was strange. It was a level of respect he hadn’t even realized he missed. Something that was quickly becoming a trend with him. “I want to promise you that I will see to it that Eri is well cared for and is as safe and happy as possible.” The man assured him bluntly, cutting right to the point of his presence.

“Ah… thank you Eraserhead. For agreeing to care for Eri and for helping us escape Overhaul too.” He responded with a small bow from his bed.

“There is no need to thank me. It’s my job after all. However, you and Eri are deeply connect from your time together and I would like to respect that connection. If you need assistance or just want to see Eri this is my address and personal phone number.” He then pulled out a folded piece of paper with the said information scribbled onto it. “I don’t hand this out lightly. Don’t abuse it.” The words were said in monotone but to Tamaki they felt more supportive then they suggested.

“I appreciate it…” He whispered as he placed the paper in a drawer on the end table along with another paper that had Fatgum’s information written on it.

“Good. I should be going now. I wish you a speedy recovery.” And then he left without another word.

Tamaki also got a few visits from one of the first years who helped with the raid. A boy named Kirishima Eijrou to be exact who was apparently interning under Fatgum. The boy was almost as boisterous and optimistic as Mirio and while he was a bit much at times he was quite pleasant to be around. He was both bright and kind, two traits that Tamaki was very weak against but silently craved. It didn’t take long for him to grow fond of Kirishima and him of Tamaki, if the number of times he dropped by was anything to go by.

It hadn’t never even momentarily occurred to him that Toogata-san, Mirio’s father, would come to see him. But there he was, the day Tamaki was finally leaving the hospital, standing in the doorway alone.

“Tamaki-kun…” The man said with a tired smile, a poor shadow of Mirio’s, as he walked closer.

“Toogata-san… W-what brings you here?” He paused when he reached Tamaki’s bed, looked the teen straight in the eye before dropping to his knees and prostrating himself before him.

“I’ve come to beg for your forgiveness.” That made Tamaki straighten up sharply, the first signs of panic stirring in his chest. What on earth did he think he needed Tamaki to forgive him for? “I told Mirio forget you.”

Tamaki made a choking noise at that. He couldn’t blame the man for it, he could see why he might suggest such a thing, but hearing it still hurt now that he knew that Mirio had always loved him back. “It’s alright Toogata-san, I know that I was considered dead after- I was missing for so long…” But the man shook his head and continued to kneel before his bed.

“I told him to forget you little more then a week after you went missing.”

~Roughly three years ago~

The clock in the living room read two o’clock in the morning when Mirio came home wet to the bone and completely miserable. Not all that unlike another night not long ago, the night that Tamaki had disappeared into the night.

“Mirio.” The older Toogata said, making the guilty teen jump slightly in surprise. “Two o’clock this time? How much more of this are you going to do? I know you and Tamaki were good friends but you need to move on with your life! No more going out on these searches.” Mirio scowled and looked very ready to protest but he didn’t give him the chance. “Don’t argue with with me! It’s final! I tried to be understanding and let you come to a realization your own but… Mirio, almost all children that are not found within 48 hours are never found and more often then not… not alive…” At that the blonde teen’s face melted into what could only be described as pure rage, and slammed his hands down on the table with enough force to make it shake.

‘“How could you say that Dad?! You don’t get it! It’s Tamaki! He’s strong! He’s brave! And he’s alive! I know it!! Something happened to him but I just have to find him! I HAVE to! And I will! Whatever it takes!” He screamed before stomping up the his room and shut his door with a unapologetic slam. With a deep sigh the man buried his face in his hands.

~Current time~

“I meant well but I can clearly see how unfair it was of me it was. You were his world and you are clearly as strong as Mirio always knew. I should have believed in my son, he has always been right whenever it comes to hero thing and you. And I should have believed in you Tamaki. Now that your back I hope that he will finally have some peace and happiness. He missed you so much Tamaki. No one, especially not this old man, should get in the way of the love you two share. Please forgive me for trying to take Mirio from you.” He finished with, still facing the ground. Tamaki could the burn of tears again, a few even slipping out.

“You are forgiven Toogata-san, p-please get up… I-I can’t say I that I’m not hurt since you hurt Mirio, but I’m too happy to have him beside me, to be free again to hold a grudge. Please stand…” He pleaded shakily. And when Toogata-san was finally standing again Tamaki, rather slowly got up and grasped the man’s hands in his. “Thank you for telling me… I promise I will do my very best to deserve Mirio’s love.” To his surprise the adult laughed.

“You already have Tamaki.” And then with a gentle wave he made his exit. And not a minute too soon because not long after Fatgum, Eri and Mirio barged in with all the delicacy and quietness of a circus.

“Congrats Tamaki! You ready to bust out of this place?!” The blonde cheered wildly, carrying the quieter but equally happy little Eri who add a very adorable,

“Congratulation Tama-chan.”

“You got the bag that the nurses packed for ya? We’ll go shopping for more stuff later so don’t worry! I’ve got a whole room you need to fill!” Fatgum exclaimed jovially as he grabbed the small bag of items that the nurses had indeed packed for him with everything he would need for a least a week at the end of his bed.

Tamaki wasn’t exactly sure how he would get by, there was so much he had missed, so much time lost. But as Mirio came up beside him smiling, gently twining his free hand with Tamaki’s as they followed the Hero, his new guardian, out of the building he couldn’t help but think that just maybe everything would be alright. He was home at last.

Chapter Text

After saying goodbye to Mirio and Eri at the hospital exit, promising to arrange times to spend time together at a later date with them he got into a cab with Toyomitsu Toshiro to the man’s home. Both Eri and Mirio had offered to come with him for support if he wanted it but he had just shaken his head, explaining quietly that he would be alright and he felt comfortable enough with the Pro to go alone and could handle it. They had agreed, if with at least some hesitancy.

When the cab came to a final stop Tamaki peered out the window curiously and was rather surprised by the size of the house that they had stopped in front of. It was very western, only one floor and unusually wide.

“Come on Amajiki, this is our place.” Toyomitsu said with a warm grin before getting out of the cab, miraculously, without hitting his head on the way. Slowly Tamaki trailed after him up the walkway to the front door. “I know it looks a bit strange but I’m not a fan of stairs when I’m at my max fat levels and at least fer a bit, until the cuts on yer back heal, ya won’t be either.” Tamaki wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so he didn’t and just trail silently after the tall adult into what would be, at least temporarily, where he would live.

The place had a very lived in feel to it he noted as the Pro showed him around. Several knitted blankets covered a massive very well worn couch in what he assumed was the living room area, the dining room chairs all looked completely mismatched from one another around very thick oak table at the other end of the area and photos of what he assumed were friends and family covered the walls and counter spaces. One table tucked under a closed window was completely overflowing with what was clearly fan gifts. The collective dining and living room space had been pretty clean but the kitchen was spotless. “A clean kitchen makes a happy cook!” Fatgum proudly responded when the teen unconsciously commented on it. “Feel free to help yerself to anyth’n in here or the fridge if yer hungry. I make sure ta restock them both every week, and like I said, I eat a lot too so don’t worry.” He gave him ridiculously exaggerated wink as he showed off the massive walk-in cupboard but Tamaki just stared at it and had to wipe the small bit of drool that formed at the sight. If Toyomitsu noticed it he said nothing and continued to lead Tamaki around cheerily which he was very thankful for.

But then he was lead to a door that had a piece of printer paper taped to it that read in Toyomitsu’s own rather wide and lopsided handwriting ‘Amajiki Tamaki’s Room’ and the dark haired teen found himself hesitating to go in. “I did get a few things, Toogata mentioned ya liked butterfly’s and soft things so I tried to stick to that, oh and I have some presents for ya too…” Fatgum rambled almost nervously as Tamaki slowly entered. He immediately felt a very soft carpet on his shoeless feet and couldn’t resist savoring the feeling for a second before looking at the rest of the room. It was pretty empty but there was a small twin bed in the far corner that had cool colored sheets and large butterfly pattered comforter. There was also a long dresser with a matching mirror over it, small in table with shaded lamp on it and a window that had dark purple curtains hanging on them, drawn open just enough to light the room with daylight.

“So what do ya think?” Tamaki had to choke back a sob. It was so bright, warm, welcoming… When did that feel strange? It felt impossible, unreal.

“I-I’m not sure… it feels a bit too…big for me…” He found himself saying, then his eyes went wide at his own words and immediately dropped his gaze carpet looking disturbingly like he was expecting to be hit.

Toyomitsu paused for minute, really taking in the quickly shrinking teen and the deeper problem quickly became apparent. Before speaking again he crouched to Tamaki’s eye level so he couldn’t avoid. “I thought it was just the right size for a talented, grow’n boy like you but we can always find an even better one if ya don’t like it. You get to decide things, yer allowed to want or not want things and be selfish Amajiki and no one, I mean NO ONE, is gonna hurt you for it anymore. You get that, yeah?” The man asked, making sure that the boy had heard him and then patiently waited for his answer. It took about a good five minutes for Tamaki to find the words.

“I-I do? It’s more of a habit by now, I suppose…” He hesitated but pressed on. “I guess I felt the room was too big because I’m not use to the space... Eri and I shared a room and Overhaul and the Precepts came and went as they wanted. I was never alone really… I feel like this is all a dream and it’s going to end the minute I wake up…”

“It’s not. I promise.” Toyomitsu answered without pausing for moment. “Now I got ya a present so why don’t you go ahead and open it? I left it on yer bed.” He encouraged, nodding his head towards the said piece of furniture.

Delicately the dark-haired teen unwrapped the small package he found resting on the bed’s pillow he was surprised to find a box containing a very new looking phone inside with a few contacts already added. He recognized almost all of them Aizawa Shouta, Mirio Toogata, Toyomitsu

“Eraserhead is gonna get little Eri a phone at some point soon so when she does the two of you can swap numbers easy.” The hero added as Tamaki held the phone in his hands reverently. “Ya like it Amajiki?” The teen could only look up at him with an expression that could only be described as very grateful and nod sharply in response.”Glad to hear it! Why don’t you give that Toogata boy a call while I whip us up some dinner. He mentioned that he wanted to ask you something this morning.” At the mere mention of Mirio Tamaki felt himself get warm and fuzzy. Who knew just hearing the blonde’s name could reduce him to this he had to wonder… Mirio truly was just that special he decided as he watched Fatgum head out of the room, it was still hard to get around the idea that it was his, and towards the kitchen.

For several minutes he fidgeted with the phone absently in silence but after a few deep, shaky breaths Tamaki pressed the other boy’s number. The few seconds of the ringing that followed were unbelievably stressful so when Mirio’s cheery

“Hi Tamkai!” finally came through Tamaki promptly dropped the device with a small yelp. After some scrambling he got it back.

“H-hello M-mirio…” Ah yes already off the a good start he groaned inwardly in shame.

“How is Fatgum’s place? Are you doing okay? I know knew places can be rough…” The blonde asked in worried tone. It make Tamaki feel terribly guilty.

“Toyomitsu-San is very nice and he is very kind. I’m okay Mirio, so please don’t worry…” he pleaded gently. “I-I just, Toyomitsu-San said that you had wanted to ask me something?” There was a moment of shuffling on the other end and a dry cough.

“Well-um- I was going to try and ask you in person but do you think you would be up for going to a cat café with me tomorrow? Just the two of us? It’s pretty new and I know you like cats and it’s suppose to be super relaxing-” Tamaki had never heard Mirio sound so afraid and excited at the same time and before he could stop himself the words,

“Like a date?” Just slipped out and immediately Mirio fell silent. Yup, Tamkai now wanted to bury himself eight feet under and never come back up. He swore he could feel his whole face turning as red as a tomato as he smashed it into his pillow. But thankfully Mirio jumped back in before he could spiral too far into a panic of embarrassment.

“Of course Tamaki! We are dating now, at least I hope we are or I’m gonna be really sad-“ Tamaki didn’t let the silly blonde finished his rambling.

“I-um I hope we are too.” He managed to get out.

“Oh good!” The relief in Mirio’s voice wasn’t hard to hear. “In that case, yeah it’s a date. So do you wanna go?”

“Yes, I would. I think I can manage it.”

“Awesome! But if you get too tired or aren’t feeling up to it let me know! We can always reschedule.” He added warmly.

“Okay.” Was all Tamaki said with a little warmth of his own in it. People hovering made him… uncomfortable at the best of times but when Mirio did it it felt more endearing then annoying or stressful.

“Amajiki! Dinner’s ready! Come and get it!” Fatgum suddenly called from the other end of the house loudly.

“I guess you should go and eat now.” Mirio said with a sunny laugh. “I’ll call you again tomorrow morning and we can just figure out the rest then.” Tamkai nodded but then remembered that Mirio couldn’t see it.

“Ah- um yes thank you.” Mirio let out another laugh as bright and cheery as the one before it.

“No need to thank me Tamaki, I will always want to talk to you! Any time, day or night, It’s really one of the highlights of my life.” Another laugh. “Have a good dinner!”

“I will… Good Night Mirio.”

“Good night Tamaki! Talk to you tomorrow!” And with reluctance Tamaki hit the end call and went to join Toyomitsu at the table. Tamaki was actually looking forward to the next day but as usual, things happened.

-x-

Tamaki woke up with a jolt when a loud ringing and buzzing sound reverberated from the area beside his bed, the room black as pitch. Still shaking from a less than present dream Tamaki looked around then down at the lit up and still-buzzing phone on the in-table. The name Aizawa Shouta flashed on the upturned screen. Hesitantly Tamaki hit the accept button and put the phone to his ear.

Tama-chan!” A small, very familiar voice sobbed over the line and Tamaki felt his blood chill in his veins.
“Eri?! What’s wrong?! Are you alright?!” He practically shouted, pulling to his feet in a panic. He was barely conscious of what he was doing as he raced his way out of the room, and house and then outside with only the weakly flickering overhead street lights to see by.

“I’m so scared! You were gone! Where are you?” The little girl was sobbing uncontrollably now and Tamaki was in full on Big brother panic mode. His little sister needed him and he need to be with her, Right. Now.

His own breaths were coming in gasps and hastily he summoned forth duck wings from his back, and nearly screamed from the pain that followed it. But he gritted and bared it. He had to get to Eri, he had to find her.

“Can you tell me where you are? Can you describe your surroundings?” Every flap of his wings made him flinch in pain but he somehow managed to stay airborne. He had a vague memory of where Mirio use to live so he could only hope that the blonde hadn’t moved and that other things hadn’t changed around a lot in three years.

Then suddenly the sobbing cut off as the call dropped. Okay, now Tamaki was going to really loose it and he felt very justified in doing so, because this was hell all over again. By some mercy he finally spotted Mirio’s old house and ungraciously crumpled at the walled gate of the house. With very shaky sweat covered hands he called Mirio who answered immediately even though it must have been three in the morning at this time.

“Tamaki what-“

“Mirio” Tamaki panted out with a small whimper. “Eri- she called me- she was crying and asking where I was- I had to-“

“Wait, calm down Tamaki. I can’t get what’s going on if you don’t take some deep breaths first.” The blonde’s solid, comforting voice did wonders for the dark haired teen’s very frayed nerves. The shaking was slowing some now and he could breath just a little bit better.

“Eri called me crying and I couldn’t tell what was wrong but she was so sad and scared that I ran out and flew to you’re house, well I hope it’s your house still, because I didn’t know where else to go. The call just dropped suddenly! Please help me find her!”

“You flew to my house?! But you’re back-“

“That’s not important! I have to find Eri! I need to know she’s okay!” Tamaki’s breath was back to being choppy again and his back was starting to burn something awful. He wasn’t sure he could make another flight without his transformation giving out on him. Mirio was silent for a minute before he spoke again. A light came on in a second floor window in the house that Tamaki was in front of.

“Okay. I’m coming down right now.” And, as promised, the sound of a front door being unlocked and opened could be heard. And when Tamaki looked up Mirio was standing in front of him with a smile that seemed just a bit forced, dressed in some truly tacky All Might pj’s and phone still in hand.

Now that they were face to face Tamaki pressed the end call button. Mirio then, very cautiously, helped Tamaki to his feet and watched with a sympathetic wince as Tamaki dematerialized his wings.

“You’re something else Tamaki..” The blonde said with a tired chuckle that seemed genuine. “Using your quirk on your injured back and flying all the way here… Don’t worry too much, I’m sure if Eri is in trouble Aizawa-Senpai has probably already got it fixed.”

“But she-“ Mirio shushed him gently with a warm hug and began to lead him into the house, sitting him down on a couch. The same couch that the two of them had bounced and jumped on enough for every adult to chide them over, Tamaki could tell by the smell and touch alone and it was soothing.

“Why don’t we try calling Aizawa-Sensei right now?” Without waiting, Mirio hit the teacher’s number and put it on speaker as he sat down next to him on the couch. Tamaki was ready to start bitting his nails when the man finally picked up.
‘Amajiki-kun. I am very sorry for the panic, Eri is not injured or kidnapped.”

“Hello Sensei, this is Toogata Mirio actually.” The blonde teen admitted sheepishly. “Tamaki is with me right now though.” There was a pause of silence before the teacher continued. “I won’t ask why that is right now... Eri had a nightmare and flashback to some time in the past with the Precepts. Somehow she saw my phone and Amajiki’s name and called him in her confusion and fear. She hung up when I came in, after hearing her crying.” He explained evenly and Tamaki felt his whole body melt into the couch and Mirio with relief. It had all been because of a nightmare and not some physical thing, not that it made it all that better but it was definitely a weight lifted. His boyfriend rubbed small circles on his arm comfortingly. “She is very sorry for worrying Amajiki, but would very much like to see him all the same if he is are already awake. Hizashi can come and get him.”

“Who?”

“Yamada Hizashi, PresentMic, my husband?” The older man said it like it was a well know fact or something. It certainly wasn’t. But Mirio took it in stride.

“Okay awesome, but he’s gonna have to come to my house…”

“And why would that be?”

“Uh, Tamaki panicked and used his quirk to fly to my house?” The silence was unquestionably tense this time. Aizawa wasn’t pleased. Finally the man just let out a tired groan.

“That was beyond stupid. But Hizashi is heading out now and should be there in a few minutes. So stay where you are and let Toyomitsu know so he doesn’t panic too. We’ve certainly had more then enough of that for one night.” Was all he said then abruptly hung up and immediately Mirio let out an echoing laugh.

“Well I think that went pretty well all things considered!” Tamaki felt warm. The blonde was still ever the glass-half-full type and his blinding positivity was so warm.

If there was one thing they all learned from the whole fiasco though, it was that while Eri and Tamaki were doing much better they still had a lot to heal from their time with Chisaki and his men and that it most likely went even deeper then they had anticipated.

-x-

When Yamada Hizashi had arrived Toyomitsu had been informed of the situation and Mirio was ready with a plan to convince the adults to let him go with Tamaki to see Eri, which had somehow worked out flawlessly. But the minute they had all arrived Eri had jumped into Tamaki’s arms, both apologizing again and again to each other and proceeded to cling together for the rest of the night.

When morning came Tamaki, Mirio and Eri all were eating a breakfast of pancakes together at the the joint Aizawa-Yamada household and discussing the plans for the day.

“I wanna take them shopping!” Mirio had declared the minute his plate was cleared and his mouth empty. Yamada seemed keen but Aizawa was scowling, well scowling more then usual.

“No. Amajiki’s injured were pulled enough that I’m surprised his stitches didn’t rip. And Eri already has lots of cloths.” There was an award silence, since no one felt brave enough to point out that the cloths purchased for Eri were all unbearably tacky and cat themed. Not that the little girl minded much, she liked cats a lot, but even she couldn’t help thinking they looked silly. In the end it was PresentMic who defused the situation.

“Babe, maybe Eri would want to pick some cloths out for herself though?” The stern man seemed almost a little guilty at that, his face softening just a little as glance over at the little girl who was still eating the pancakes that Tamaki had cut in small bites for her.

“Eri, would you like to go shopping with your brother and Toogata?” Her two small red eyes looked up from her food, going wide as she took in his words.

“Is shopping fun?” She asked innocently looking from Aizawa to Tamaki to Mirio to Yamada very quickly. It was Tamaki who answered her.

“I think most people would call it fun. We get to try on and buy all sorts of nice things, but there are lots of people and it can take awhile.” She paused, looking very serious as she gave the idea lots of thought.

“Can I pick out something for Tama-Chan and Mirio?”

“Of course.” The stern pro stated immediately, no less then a second after she asked. She nodded her head firmly in response.

“Then I wanna to go shopping.” And that was all it took for Tamaki to speak up as well.

“My back is sore but I can handle some shopping if it’s not all day or anything.” With a whoop of delight Mirio kissed Tamaki on the cheek boldly before pulling the blushing teen to his feet too and lifted Eri up onto his own shoulders.

“Awesome! You guys won’t regret it!”

“It because you say that I think I might…” Aizawa grumbled as he handed over a card to the blonde teen. “Fine. Get anything they need but keep it within a decent price range Toogata. It’ll be covered by the school so keep the receipts and call immediately if anything goes wrong.”

“You got it Sensei!” He said with a smile and salute before he headed out the door with the two other children. Hizashi laughed when his husband let out a long suffering groan as he dropped his head onto the table.

-x-

There was actually an excellent shopping center close to the to the house and Mirio got to watch with glee as Tamaki and Eri both took in the whole thing in. Tamaki looked conflicted though, like he couldn’t decide if he wanted to stay or run away very fast from the long rows of shops and the people milling in and out of them.

“Come on you two! A friend of mine even recommended a few stores for us to visit!” And by friend he meant Nejire because, of course she would hear he was spending time with little Eri and his new boyfriend, and feel it was her duty to inform Mirio of the best places to shop since Mirio’s own fashion sense wasn’t much better then Aizawa-sensei’s in truth.

The first stop was a child’s clothing store that they just been passing by. Eri’s red eyes had lingered on an a very stylish jumper in the window with cute cat shaped buttons on it and of course her two companions noticed.

“Eri? Do you like that?” Tamaki had asked gently as he came to stand beside her and pointed at the said item. She looked up at him then down at her feet hesitantly before nodding ever so slightly.

“Awesome! Let’s go and see if they have it in your size Eri!” Mirio declared with a beaming smile as he came up from behind them. Both jumped in fright at the blonde’s loud voice, for which Mirio apologized. Neither were quite comfortable with surprises from behind or loud shouts yet. Tamaki patted Eri’s head fondly when she looked back up again at him, and took her hand in his to lead her into the store.

When they left they had purchased a many number of cute, Eri-approved outfits along with the jumper, but Eri had been the most excited about a pair of unbearably adorable red boots they had spotted as well that, with some assurances that it was very much okay, she wore out the door of the store.

The next store they entered was entirely because both Eri and Mirio saw the large number of butterfly themed items in it and all but dragged Tamaki inside. And they perused it for a time picking out a number of solid, comfortable pieces of clothing for Tamaki with a few tasteful butterfly themed items tossed in for good measure. But just as they had finished checking out and were leaving the store Tamaki felt a small tug on his sleeve.

“Tama-chan, look” The little girl directed Tamaki attention towards a jewelry display, pointing more specifically as two necklaces tangled together on it. “They go together like you and Mirio. They’re so pretty…” She wasn’t wrong, the two necklaces were pretty, but he also couldn’t really see how they went together. One had a silver chain with a crescent moon charm painted in a glittering blue and purple hanging from it while the other had a gold chain and had a sun charm that was painted in red orange and yellow.

“Are you sure that they go together?” Tamaki had to ask as he fingered the said necklaces delicately. Eri nodded without hesitation.

“They both share the sky together don’t they? Mirio is the sun and you’re the moon remember?” When they had been imprisoned underground together Eri had always love stories about Mirio and the sky the best and naturally decided that Tamaki and Mirio were the like the two celestial bodies.

Mirio took the necklaces from Tamaki’s hands and looked him over with an expression that seemed to sparkle with adoration.

“Well in that case, we will have to get them for sure!” He declared with a laugh as he untangled the two chains and handed them to the girl. “Why don’t you hold onto them for now though.” Her expression softened adorably and she nodded again, clutching the necklaces tightly in one hand beside Tamaki while Mirio paid for the pieces.

Tamaki was tired and his back burned a bit from walking about but way that Eri had a small happy skip in her in her red booted step and the was that every time he looked over at Mirio he was right beside them smiling, with so much love that made Tamaki feel like he might go blind whenever their eyes met made it a small price to pay.

-x-

Tamaki had finally gotten a bit more comfortable at Toyomitsu’s home, not tensing up at loud noises, feeling less guilty for raiding the pantry in the night and his room even looked a bit more lived in then before even though he still had his bad days. Most of his time was spent with Mirio or Eri or both and the rest with Fatgum getting caught up on all the high school material and training he had missed. Though he, to his surprise, was able to fight the Pro Hero without a struggle and even best him a few times too. Toyomitsu was kind and understanding but also a very persist man Tamaki quickly came to realize, he didn’t let him run from his problems even a little. So when the Pro heard about the U.A. School Festival happening the next Tuesday it really shouldn’t have been a surprise that he hadn’t let Tamaki try to back his way out of it. The dark haired teenager tried to hide in his room and complain about it to Mirio over the phone but that ended up being a very poor decision anyway. The blonde had sheepishly informed him that he already had plans to go with Eri and had been hoping to invite him to come with them. He really couldn’t find the strength or will to refuse Mirio and his guardian both and found himself agreeing to go. The day of the festival he walked up to the U.A. front gates at 8:00 am sharp, clutching unconsciously the moon necklace he wore under his shirt, one of the pair that Eri had picked out on their first shopping adventure with Mirio for them. He wore it every day without fail.

The blonde was waving wildly at Tamaki like an adorable dork when he had been spotted and had hugged him so hard that he literally lifted him off the ground. Tamaki was a bit pleased to see that it was more of a struggle for Mirio to do then the last time because it meant he had finally started to get back to an actually healthy weight. His weight had been one of the hardest things to fix since he burned through calories so fast but wasn’t hungry a lot.

When Mirio had finally put him down Tamaki crouched down to accept the outstretched hug from Eri who was dressed in an adorable dress, red boots and cute cat purse before he lift her into his arms and was happy to see she was a bit heavier too.
As more people began pouring in around them through the gateway Tamaki felt himself begin to shake nervously and might have really panicked if Mirio hadn’t slipped his hand into Tamaki’s free hand that wasn’t busy holding Eri. He squeezed his thanks and let Mirio lead the way. They must have gone about 100 feet or so before they were met by Eraserhead who had apparently come to tell them at the freshman in his class had heard Eri and Tamaki were coming and desperately wanted to invite them to the performance they were putting on in person.

“They won’t shut up about it so I would appreciate it if you would humor them at least for a bit.” We’re his exact words as they stopped in front of the 1-A class dorms. Mirio looked eager but glanced at Tamaki and Eri first before agreeing to anything. Tamaki figured it couldn’t get much worse if they did so he looked to Eri for the final call. She looked a little scared and nervous but in the end,

“I-I don’t mind… I wanna meet they others who helped me and Tama-Chan.” And with almost perfect timing the doors of the dorm creaked open and Aizawa waved the heads that peaked out over. In what seemed like a few bounds the spiky haired Kirishima, a soft froggy girl, a girl with round warm cheeks and Midoriya crossed the distance with speedy excitement while the rest of the class trailed behind politely.

“Amajiki-kun! I’m so glad you decided to come!” Kirishima exclaimed with a wide smile even though he had seen Tamaki just a few days ago at Fatgum’s office. “And Eri too!”

“Eri-Chan what a cute outfit.” The frog girl said with a gentle welcoming smile. “I’m Tsuyu Asui and I’m so glad your doing better.” Midoriya looked the most excited of the bunch to see them.

“Toogata-Senpai! And Eri-chan and Amajiki-kun! You all came!” He exclaimed with so much cheer Tamaki had to wonder if he was related to Mirio in some way. But then Eri tugged his shirt softly and gesture toward the ground and recognized the silent request for what it was. Wordlessly he placed the girl down on the ground, taking her hand in hers as Midoriya didn’t hesitate to crouch to her height and describe a Carmel Apple to her. Tamaki had to hold in a laugh when he saw Eri starting to drool a little and look up at him hopefully, silently requesting for the new treat. He felt his mouth twitch and curve slightly into what, judging by the small in sync gasps from Eri and Mirio, was a smile.

And just like that Tamaki was uncomfortable and blushing heavily. Mirio, the beautiful person that he was, leapt forward and hid Tamaki in a massive, very warm hug as Eri settled for hugging his leg like a koala.

“Thank goodness…” He heard the blonde whisper with something that sounded suspiciously like a withheld sob. But when Tamaki had felt brave enough to lift his head again only Midoriya and Kirishima of the freshman remained and they were smiling proudly at him, he must have missed the others excusing themselves to get ready for the event and he couldn’t deny he was relived some.

“See you guys at the show!” The two younger boys said before leaving them to explore the festival a bit on their own. And as they walked Eri looked on with awe at everything they passed. The little café was nice, the rather confusingly complex play by the 1-B freshman was fun and a maze with puzzles was a nice challenge but by the time 1-A’s show was about to start Eri was being carried by Mirio on one shoulder while Tamaki leaned on his other. The blonde wasn’t complaining though, in fact he looked quite the opposite. The bodies of two of the most important people to him close and so relaxed made his heart soar with joy. He tugged Tamaki gently when the music started. All the sparkles and lights flashing and sounds filling the room gave the air a kind of joyous buzz. Mirio started singing along off key and Tamaki felt his foot tapping unconsciously to the beat and Eri

Eri was smiling wide and bright and with cry of unbridled delight tossed her little hands in the air with the song.

Neither Mirio or Tamaki had dry eyes when the song ended and held each other so close it might have even hurt, but it was so worth it.