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Life had always been a little harder after I found out I was quirkless. Katsuki even bullied me for a few years, led on by others saying he was too great to be around me. I tried following him for years, and when we were almost nine, I had completely stopped going around him. He never hurt me, shoved me around a little sure, but it was mostly words. The words especially hurt, his friends chorusing them as they laughed as well.
It wasn’t even a month later when he began finding me on purpose, holding me by the shirt in confusion. After a week of coming up to grab me with no words, he told me that he was angry that I
wasn’t
following him around. I expressed that I couldn’t take the words anymore, and I could tell that really had him thinking. He had only let me go after that, taking another few days to himself before one morning I was putting my outside shoes in my locker and he grabbed to drag me along. He said nothing at first, just dragged until I followed and then his friends tried taunting me. Katsuki told them to ‘
shut the hell up
’ and they were confused. He said that no one was going to say anything more about me and that was that.
It took a couple months for everyone to get the memo, him being aggressive when someone tried to harass me or say awful words. He did claim that he would continue to call me Deku, but it wasn’t to be used as an insult, just something as he is used to it and I still called him Kacchan. The name still bothers me, but I have grown used to it as he doesn’t say it with so much hatred anymore.
“I wish I could have applied to UA,” I say while we watch Katsuki’s acceptance video, him grinning wide.
“It’s the rules, no matter how much it seems fucked up.” He says as he grabs his drink to sip from. “Anyways, it doesn't matter as you just need to do your recording and then work for me.” A thumb presses to his chest before he rests back on the couch while drinking more.
“One day, I am going to rewrite all of my journals, to make them even better. Plus, I would be able to organize and add updates more easily.” I explain while resting back on the cushion while legs are crossed. “I… I don't really want to be a fighter anyways.” I admit and he snorts.
“That’s what I am here for, nerd.” He says with his grin staying, determination in his bright red eyes.
“You are going to be number one before you even know it, Kacchan!” I express with a big smile and I know it strokes his ego as he is beaming.
“Damn straight!”
The door slams open and his mother’s voice fills the air along with his father’s. Katsuki looks over towards the door and I follow his gaze. His mother is saying something adamantly before seeing us and then the television as it is replaying the acceptance.
“I told you to wait, brat!” Mitsuki says, sounding offended while coming in and Katsuki makes a grunt loudly.
“What’s it matter, hag?! We knew I would get in!” He says and she comes over to lean over the couch and hug around his head.
“That’s my baby!” She says while rubbing his head roughly and he struggles for freedom.
“Glad you could join us for this occasion, Izuku.” Masaru says with a smile as he stands by me.
“I’m happy to be here,” I say as it was fantastic watching the acceptance video with All Might giving the speech as he would be at UA this year as a teacher, not sure after that, but he is said to stay around for a while after being in America.
“Let’s enjoy the cake we got,” Masaru says next as he lifts a grocery bag with said cake in it.
“Hell yeah!” Katsuki cheers, his mother smacking his head for language as I begin following his dad to the dinner table.
-o-o-o-o-
The time passed too quickly for my liking as the next thing I knew was that our new schools were starting. I stayed in the area, though I did qualify for advanced courses and took them gratefully. I told Katsuki to message me whenever so we could hang out.
The first week, I hadn’t really expected to go anywhere as I tried to adjust and get everything prepared as we got last minute lists for supplies. When the second week happened, Katsuki had been a bit exhausted from them doing training, showing more of what they are capable of. As the weekend came up, I was relieved when he came over to go out and have something to eat or something. We each had some allowances saved up, so I was happy when he commented on looking at the prohero merchandise.
“Sure, I think we have one in the back, maybe two.” The worker said as we had gone to a popular figurine store.
“Just one,” Katsuki says as he is looking at some spicy candy from overseas.
“If you have any of the limited edition I would like it, but absolutely fine with the regular.” I say with excitement, the worker smiling lightly before excusing to the back. “I really hope they have the rare one,” I told Katsuki as he picked up a package of spiced, roasted walnuts.
“It would definitely outshine your others.” Katsuki says while smelling the package before shoving it under my nose. “Spicy?” I already have the whiff of the choking smell of just
spice
.
A small choke, “yeah,” a little cough leaves me as I face away to do so into my arm. A grin shows on Katsuki as he grabs another bag.
“Here we are, the last one.” The employee comes out with the rare Red, White, and Blue All Might, expressing his time in America proudly, the background of the box with a bald eagle soaring in front of the flag. It was always interesting how much Americans show off their flag, but I assume it was just something they are proud of, being the Land of the Free and all that.
“Thank you so much!!” I say in joy while taking hold of the box carefully and hold it to my chest protectively. The employee excuses themself while Katsuki starts for the register and I follow behind with hums.
We checked out, him getting his stuff and I was next. The total pops up and I count out my money, only to come up five yen short. I panic, patting my pockets and turning them inside out. Katsuki slams five down to cover the rest of the purchase and the cashier takes it readily. Once bagged up, we leave and I am holding it with my ever big smile.
“Thanks, Kacchan. I will give it back soon! I just could have sworn I had the right amount for it!” I say, a bit confused on how I was missing yen.
“I’m not worried about it,” he says while getting one of the candy bags open and pops a piece in his mouth.
“I know you mentioned over messages that you have been proving your strength, and at number one, of course. But how are others? I hope they will be challenging enough for you!” I start chattering, wanting to know what its like being in UA and in the hero class nonetheless.
“There is this half n’ half bastard, something about fire and ice, but won’t use his fireside. He even does this stupid ice shield on his fire side, absolutely fucking stupid looking.” He expresses with a huff and I try to picture it.
“Wouldn’t it restrict his mobility?”
“It does,” Katsuki clarifies with a scowl resting on his face, popping more candy in his mouth. “It won’t be much of a challenge when the Sports Festival comes around.”
“Well maybe he will be some type of challenge for you, Kacchan.” I say, though by the expression he holds shows it probably won’t be if this guy doesn’t use all of his quirk.
-o-o-o-o-
“Attacked? How did UA get
attacked
? I thought it was potentially impossible to do so.” I remark as I hate hearing Katsuki tell me over the phone, some time after dinner, that they were attacked at USJ.
“It’s supposed to be. A lot of parents are pissed that this could occur.”
He explains while making a noise and I hear a paper flip over.
“We are getting tomorrow off, the principal wanted to check over everything.”
“That’s good, and to make security even better than it was since they seemed to have been too slack on potential villains attacking the hero class as well.” I explain, getting a noise in return and I glance at the clock. “I will let you go, Kacchan. So you can finish up before bed.” I say as I know he likes to lay down at eight o’clock when possible.
“Yeah, yeah. Make sure you go to bed too, nerd.”
Katsuki tells me while more shifting is heard from his side.
“I will, Kacchan.” I tell him in return with a smile before we both hang up.
As far as I was aware, they will still have the festival, just more watchful than usual. Proheroes are usually in the stands anyways, so it shouldn’t be too much of a big deal, they will just have to have some inside the building to keep an eye, plus on the grounds with all the stalls and such. I didn’t feel too worried as this was a big event and they were usually already cautious, just more so now than before.
Anyways, I should get some sleep as I still had school the next day.
-o-o-o-o-
As expected of the top school, they had extra guards and everything as the sports festival day finally came. Katsuki had been very irritated leading up to it, most likely due to his classmates, but I didn’t take it to heart. I got to sit in the stadium for the sports festival, getting a seat close to the front as he got me a ‘plus one’ ticket and I got to sit with his mother. Watching it all was exciting and I couldn't wait to get home to write everything I had reviewed; though mom promised to record it for me so I may review for details. The battle with Katsuki and Todoroki was something that showed a restraint on one side as we had been expecting. Of course this made Katsuki pissed about it which I hated the thought of getting the backlash. Luckily at the end, I scattered away, his mother expressing how I should get home to my mother before it got too late as the hero class had to do some things before release.
When I saw him the next day, walking with him into town after school. We didn’t get to talk much as he got a lot of attention. Eyes from people as they would start talking about or to him. I had to hold him back from attacking anyone that pressed too hard for chatter, but I did hear some of their words. Talking about how a kid from a different school could be around a UA student, the words jeered in a way of disgust or annoyance of my presence. I ignored them in favor of keeping Katsuki out of trouble.
“It’s so great seeing you get the attention you deserve!” I tell Katsuki in happiness as I am about it. As I begin fixing my sleeve, he grabs my forearm before pulling me to the side.
“Listen, shitty nerd,” he starts with eyes gleaming to me sharply. “Don’t listen to a fucking thing they say! They are just annoying extras!” I am startled at this, not realizing he had heard with all of the commotion.
“O-Okay, Kacchan…” I agreed, and made sure to change the subject. “We should probably hurry up, with the popularity showing, more people might try to stop you…” I continue, ignoring the lump in my throat, on how it wants to constrict my words. When Katsuki gets upset by people, he can go on a rant or get a little cranky around me. The fact he still stays friends with me always brings me joy, lucky to keep this friendship, but people know how to sour that and he nitpicks at me subconsciously.
“Shut up, Deku. I’ll just blow them the fuck up.” He scoffs while walking on, and I can only sigh and pull on a smile.
“Let's go, Kacchan!” I holler while moving to catch up and we move on to grab a few things for his internship.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The days started running together as Katsuki went on the internship to Best Jeanist, and the text messages were pretty funny. It was worth being yelled at seeing him with flattened hair and he even sent a picture with the jeans on. He was complaining as they had to be on properly and tight, bringing a whole new view of Katsuki that brought me to laugh and I
had
to show my mother as I knew she would enjoy seeing that; no doubt Mitsuki would be tormenting Katsuki with it as my mom almost begged to send it so she could show his mother.
When it was time to go back to school, he told me how his hair had needed to be fixed. I had asked how he fixed it before school, he hadn’t, but his friends had helped him out. Just a few minutes of messing with him and causing him to spark with his personality and it was fixed. It didn’t suit him anyway, the spikes brought the look of who Katsuki is and I didn’t want him to change. Even with being in our home prefecture, people still chatted about him, referring to the Sports Festival, but mostly calmed down after a couple more weeks.
“Haaa, so late…” I complain while walking to the station, glancing to my phone once more to see if I will make the seven-forty train.
I helped out with the school and some extracurricular activities as they needed a hand that required a bit more of a strategic outlook, which ended up being a group thing with another school. I was used as a third person to look in from the outside with a good idea on how to do things like picking out on strong and weak areas. I have been helping from time to time, also gaining some credibility with the school as the teachers who do the after school activity are watching. This was just the first time it was a coexisting effort, but I think it turned out well.
I make my way to the train, being a bit quiet for the area I am going to as most people are coming into the station on the other side than leaving. Sitting on a bench, I wait for my train, checking through my phone as I idly reply to my mom and Katsuki. A small smile lingers on me as I close the applications to show my background. It’s one that his mom took, Katsuki having an arm over my head to have me pulled down to his chest. He is grinning while I have one as well, no one would believe I am with how much I whined about being pushed down. It is an action I am used to it and wouldn’t trade anything for.
Someone sits in the spot next to me on the bench, I pay no mind as it is a public place, and I pull out my notebook, replacing the spot with my phone in my bag. It was still a good six minutes before the train would arrive, so I began writing some notes on a couple battles I saw or possible weaknesses to heroes as it's good to acknowledge these things, especially if they conquer them. A smile stays on me as I think on a few things, before a ghosting is along my shoulder near the person. At first I thought it was their shoulder, as maybe they leaned to the side, maybe looking for something, but they weren’t.
“That’s cool,” the mentioning has me relax a little as it is about my book. I laugh nervously while finding some darker red eyes.
“Thanks, I do this in my spare time…” I mention offhandedly, the guy next to me shifting, hand scratching his neck a few times. Blue-ish hair hangs partially in front of his face, but I can still see the curious gaze. It’s sort of creepy, the whole air around him just seethes with that weirded out feeling. I'm sure it's because he doesn't seem to know how much is too much into someone's personal space. I want to move away, anywhere but being next to him as I am not good with things when I am uncomfortable. Though, I don’t want to be rude and I merely hold my book close with a nervous smile.
“You must be really smart, seeing how you named a few strategies along with a weakness?” The guy asks, looking interested about my work, and that helps ease me a little.
“Acknowledging weaknesses helps with personal and physical growth…!” I state, trying to hide my lingering discomfort, gripping my book closer to me.
“That is true…” He merely responds, eyes half-lidded, tilting his head as he gazes to me in curiosity. “You have an incredible quirk there… analysis?”
“Ah, no… I don’t have a quirk, though that would be a very incredible quirk to have!” I smile, hoping that my mention of being quirkless won't deter him like most are.
“Haa? Too bad,” he responds, but doesn't seem to be disappointed at me, if anything he only seems more interested. When the bell chimes for my train, I practically jump up, startled, and start standing to sling my backpack on, keeping my notebook to my chest.
“Excuse me! Have a good day!" I say with a quick bow in his direction to not be rude, and quickly move to wait closer to the train as it pulls to a stop. My heart is thundering from me moving quickly and I step on and quickly move to sit down across the way. I didn't want to miss the train, and though the guy wasn't too bad, I am just too awkward, but he seemed to be too.
As the door’s close and the train pulls away, I calm enough to breathe properly and I gaze more around. I happened to notice the guy gone, but must have got in a different car possibly. Only a few people linger in this car and I am grateful as I put my book away and get my phone out to say I made it on the train to my mom and will be home soon.
-o-o-o-o-
The weeks to follow had been almost routine, with the exception of afterschool activities as I became part of that type of study club more officially. Katsuki would message me after school and depending on what happened at school sometimes he wouldn't be in the mood to message or talk. I understood that, knowing he is under a lot of pressure and how things are becoming more serious for him. Plus, if he was in a bad mood then I wasn’t a fan being on the other end of that.
At our middle school, Katsuki was number one in almost
everything
there was. I was always a few points behind with studies, but I feel like I subconsciously let him stay ahead. I think it was a subconscious move to not get my ear yelled off, but I stayed high enough that showed me to be useful. Plus he had the most powerful quirk and that was something people admired and praised him that he would be a hero. Now, though he has friends who support him, his ego isn't inflated as much as before.
He is number three in studies with the class, which is still extremely impressive, but I knew Katsuki took that a bit harshly. Training with quirks, he still comes out on top, but he also feels cheated as Todoroki still refuses to use his fire side. He is strong with his ice, but there is a setback from him not balancing out his abilities.
Summer exams felt brutal and I felt bad that Katsuki would be going on a training trip as part of his exams. He mentioned they would get leisure time, but I wouldn't hear from him as phones are not allowed. It was to help disconnect them and to focus on the training at hand. Plus, they were taking precaution and not wanting to reveal their location for safety, not wanting another USJ type of incident. At least when they get done with the trip they will have two weeks off like other school districts.
"They
knew
I had to be here at seven-thirty!" I say in frustration as I missed the train by five minutes, hoping I could jog and make it in time. Who was I kidding, though, as I am not very athletic.
A groan leaves me as I take off my backpack and sit on a bench, bag between my legs as I slouch. The next one wouldn't be by for another hour. I decided to message my mother on how I missed the train and apologized profusely for being out after the curfew she has set. The reply was almost instant, she had said not to worry and keep her updated on where I was. I was happy she understood and I decided to write in my notebook a little while I wait. I knew delving into my personal studies would make the time pass, mumbling some theories and answers to myself.
"I bet Edgeshot could immobilize someone without harm…" I mutter lightly as I thought about the recent hostage situation that the prohero unarmed a villain.
"As long as he knows the anatomy of the individual," the new voice has me stiffening before turning to look to the side at the end of the bench. It's the guy from the one time I rode the train a little while back.
"Oh, it's you!" I say, curious if he remembers the encounter. He moves to sit next to me, keeping a bit more distance this time as he relaxes back.
"You are here later than last time, did you miss the train like I did?" He inquires and I start nodding with a slightly louder groan.
"I won't have much time for anything when I get home." I say honestly and he shifts while gazing over before turning back.
"There is a café up top if you are hungry, I will pay." He says with thumb pointing over his shoulder. I am surprised by the offer and stumble on words as I try to think.
"I c-couldn't bother you! I mean, you don't need to waste your money!" I try to explain and he snorts while shifting to stand once more.
"Come on and make sure to set an alarm on your phone so we make it back in time." He says and I can't help following with my backpack pulled quickly on before setting up an alarm immediately. "My name is Tomura, by the way."
"Izuku," I return for an introduction as I get my phone away.
"What curricular activity do you do since that isn't a uniform from around here last I checked?" He asks curiously as we get to the small café, slipping into the quiet space. A person on a laptop is in a corner and some guy was in a booth sprawled along the seat and drinking coffee as he reads a book.
"Study group basically, but they invite me for an outlook on some quirk analysis related things. They are challenging me last I heard and I hope this helps…" I say, feeling a little disheartened as I mention it.
"That should be a good thing," he remarked as we stopped a few feet from the counter where the barista was organizing something behind the counter.
"It would be if my odds weren't cut down by my lack of a quirk…" I say more softly before stepping up to order. Something has been bothering me and I didn't want to mention it to Katsuki, or more like I can't right now.
After taking most of my exams, I overheard a teacher mention me. They said I had so much potential, which made me happy until they added that
but
. Due to my quirkless state, my resume in
anything
will be hampered and academics may not make that final stretch to show my smarts off. I knew places would separate resumes into two piles, quirk and quirkless. There weren't a whole lot of people out there without one, but they are still out there. We are mistreated by something we have no control over.
"I know someone who could give you a quirk," Tomura said after we ordered and stood to the side. The words fill me, and I can't help the rush of hope at what he said.
"Give a quirk?" I ask quietly in confusion, but ever more curious as I hadn’t thought there was a quirk out there that could do that.
"Yeah, he's a kind man once you look past his exterior. Plus, he is helping to right the world and one way is to provide quirks to those who do not have one if they wish for it." He explains and my heart is thundering. If I got a quirk, I could be labeled as
useful
and able to stand more on ground with my peers.
I pause my thoughts while viewing Tomura in hesitation. "What's the catch?"
"You hear me out on our cause and help with it to also prove yourself." He admits, which has me hesitant as I don’t know what that all entails, but to have a quirk… I have
dreamed
almost every night when younger that I would get one and maybe mine was just delayed. I still get bad mouthed for being quirkless and I knew the world was harsh. I figured I could prove myself more whenever Katsuki becomes a prohero, but that would take a few years and I don’t want to burden my mother with little money as it would be hard to find a workplace that isn’t minimum wage, or even below that.
“I’m willing to listen,” I agree, almost determined that having a quirk would be a world of a difference no matter where I am. Our order is called out, which we go for as I got myself a bagel to munch on and he got a coffee.
“Even if you get labeled a villain?” He asks more seriously after we stepped away once more from the counter, and this has me pause while completely soaking it in. I had never pictured myself as a villain before and no one would want anyone to unless they think a quirk is, which isn’t always the case.
“I… I guess it depends on motive and cause…” I admit, but still hesitant as being a villain means hiding and running, and who knows what else. I am only sixteen, almost seventeen, and to think of a life like that, especially at a young age, is a bit odd.
“Bringing justice and exposing the corruption the hero society has hidden.” Tomura explains, watching me carefully and I start to notice more on how much his skin looks dry and wondered if it hurt.
“That… That is true… I mean, that they do have… corruption lingering.” I admit, and don’t like thinking about it because they are
supposed to be heroes
. Yet, a lot of heroes are either divergent or don’t do what an actual hero is supposed to. All Might was someone that inspired me as he is one of the main and remaining exceptional heroes out there.
“We want to weed that out and show them what their society does to those less fortunate.” Tomura continues while watching me, and it really does make me think. I would be handing my life over, exchanging it for one where I
won’t
be able to show my face again.
“Could… Could you let me think about it for a few days?” I ask, trying to wrap my mind around everything and look at him seriously. “I won’t mention this as I am
truly
considering… I just… I need to get my mind straight with this all.” I try to explain, not wanting him to get the wrong impression as I am seriously thinking this all over.
“That’s fine,” Tomura agrees after what seems like a good minute of thinking. I understand he is thinking of all outlets of the situation and glad he is letting me do this. “Should we head back for the train?” He asks instead before taking a drink of his coffee.
“Oh, we should!” I agree as I find a clock on the wall of the café and we head out the building. “I appreciate you letting me think it over. I will be back to this station, maybe around seven?” I inquired as we made our way to the station as it isn’t far and I shut my alarm off from my phone as I took a bite of my food.
“Three days?” He asks for an exact day and I agree on that as I will need to decide then. “I hope it will be a great decision,” he says with a slight smirk and I feel a slight weight of a difficult decision ahead, but I smile in return.
-o-o-o-o-
The following day brought with me pondering it over the whole day, which interfered a little with classwork. I wasn’t lying when I said I would seriously consider it. Gaining a quirk has been
the
dream for me and I never got it. I honestly feel robbed of it because it was so
rare
to be born without one, it was almost guaranteed to get one. A lot of my life has been awful since I am quirkless, including the factor that I could still have a hard time getting a job. The next morning, thankfully a weekend and break for two weeks, I am greeted with a hearty breakfast.
“What’s this for, mom?” I ask while going to the table, scratching to my side and trying to hide a yawn.
“You seem to be stressed, so I wanted to help you forget about it, even for a little bit.” My mother smiles while drying her hands with a hand towel and I let a smile form on my lips.
“Thank you, mom. I have been thinking about some things related to school, a bit too much it seems. I’m sorry for worrying you.” I say while moving to sit at the table and she moves to join across from me.
“I know I can’t do much, but I hope this does help.” She says while getting settled and I get my fork and knife ready.
“I think this will… Thank you for the food.” I say before we start to dig in. We eat in silence, fully enjoying what she has made and I can’t help thanking her again for such a meal, which she appreciates. “I’m actually going to hang out with some friends tomorrow, if that’s okay?” I inquire and she seems to brighten up at my words.
“Of course, honey. Try to be back around seven if you can.” She starts with and it takes me a minute to think up something as I needed to meet Tomura at seven.
“Can it be seven-thirty? We are going to a movie after a snack, it will start around four, but we should make the train at seven.” I explain to her and it doesn’t seem to bother her as she is moving to get up and I join.
“That’s fine, sweetie. Just keep me updated, okay?” She asks and I start grabbing our plates.
“Of course, let me help with the dishes.”
It was one thing that I was lying to my mother, but it's another that I
won't
be coming home. I still feel a little confused on how my life will be, but I wanted to have a quirk and be able to do
something
. If anything, I won't be able to do anything and even if Katsuki becomes a prohero, who is to say he will keep his promise? That he would recommend me to work there? Plus, how long would that take? He won't be a credible recommendation until he climbs the ranks, and I would still be quirkless.
My logic, at this point, is that I need a quirk to make a difference. If joining a group of villains that seem to at least be trying to actually fix the world of its corruption, it shouldn't be too bad. Plus, Tomura really seemed impressed and not taken back by my quirkless state, even with him knowing someone who can give quirks, which was a whole different thing to process as that seems impossible.
For now, I would spend the time I have with my mother and I had decided to gather my things that night into a bag. I would leave without her seeing my bag, hopefully, and I would leave a note in my desk drawer. She would only look if I didn't come home after a few days. I was still unsure on what to put, but I do know I would express how much I appreciated her and that it was all my decision that I 'ran away' as I wouldn't reveal anything. It would be hard, but I am given a once in a lifetime opportunity and I shouldn't waste it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
My mother
almost
didn't let me go after Mitsuki contacted her about how villains attacked the two hero classes that were out training. I was shocked to hear this, but quickly concluded to my mother that I was
not
a UA student or will have a uniform on from any school. She was still hesitant, but after some talking and how the classes ended up safe with no one harmed or missing, besides an instructor, she gave way. I had expressed so much on how I would be out in public areas and prohero security went slightly up as UA had decided to do dorms so students were at home until then.
"Huh?" I made a noise of confusion as I was about to head out, deciding to waste time at an eatery before the meet up as I wasn’t actually watching a movie, though I had one picked out and everything so if my mother needed to look up times.
"It's Katsuki," my mother says while holding the corded phone out as I just came from the bathroom. I almost protested, but relented and approached to take the phone and put it to my ear.
"Kacchan?" I question, not expecting a call from him.
"Hey, nerd. Auntie says you're not free until tomorrow."
He starts out immediately and I take a steady breath.
"Yeah, going out with some friends tonight for movies. I met them through my study group." I express, knowing I haven't really hung out with anyone besides Katsuki.
"Can't cancel?"
He asks, surprising me.
"Well, no. I was about to head out actually. I mostly agreed because you were busy, but I also won't go back on my word." I explain, not realizing I would be in this situation.
"Fine. Since it's
so
important then you can just come over tomorrow."
The way he worded it, I
know
he wants me to feel bad and cancel. I really hated when he did this to me, but I held strong as I needed to go.
"Sounds good, Kacchan. We can talk more later on what time in the morning and everything." I say, trying not to give way on the fact I won't be coming home. He makes a noise, noticing his words did not change my tune.
"Whatever,"
he starts, completely irritated about my choice.
"Message when you get home tonight."
I agreed with him before he quickly ended the call with a short 'bye'. I hang up the phone and look over to see my mother by the kitchen counter, glancing in my direction.
"I'm heading out, but I will catch the train at seven, but will keep you updated as always." I tell her, which she frowns a little.
"Oh, I figured you would have just gone to Katsuki's instead." She mentions, which has me realize she wanted me to cancel and go somewhere 'safe'.
"It would be rude to cancel now, plus they should be getting to the train to meet up now." I tell her before walking over to give her a hug, which she returns. "I will be going over tomorrow. Love you, mom." I tell her while pulling away and she just smiles.
"Let me know if anything comes up." She remarks and I agree before heading for the door and she goes to fill a kettle. I am quick to grab my bag out of my room before slipping out the front door while hollering a goodbye.
I took my time while heading off to the other prefecture, looking up eateries on my phone. My mother gave me some money for the theater and I knew I had plenty to get me a good meal. I was still uncertain on how everything would go, but I planned to show up around ten minutes early for the meeting, just to be sure and would go from there.
The food I had was amazing and I even had a dessert as I had the time to waste. After eating, I
still
had time to waste, which I kind of wandered around and even got to see a couple arrests made by heroes. It was a little nerve wracking as one day that could be
me
. It had me shake it off as I wasn’t about to let some last minute intruding thoughts to invade. I was going to get a quirk and use it for something I still desire to do, which was record and help towards a good cause.
When it was finally getting close to seven, my mother was messaging on if I would make the train and I was just getting to the station. I hope Tomura will show and not leave me hanging around and then have to awkwardly go home. I did message my mom on how 'we' were headed to the station as there was still ten minutes until it arrived. People were wandering around and I found myself off to the side away from everyone.
I played around on my phone, messaging on arriving to my mother to keep up the faucode, and stood a bit more nervously. It would be a lie to say I wasn't nervous as I am extremely so. I hardly know Tomura and his supposed group, I am going in blind. It brings a pit in my stomach, which just seems to grow as I stand there to the point it chimes loudly for the train.
As it reaches seven o'clock, the train is being filled up by the people who were waiting around. I watch as everyone gets on and I can't help but to look around for Tomura. I feel anxious, but maybe he was waiting for it to clear out to make it easier. As the train officially leaves, it's bare on the station, except for what seems to be an officer down one way. I look at my phone for the time and see that its over five after and I worry. My stomach felt like it was almost burning at the thought of maybe he was just lying to me, standing me up instead, maybe a type of mockery for being quirkless.
“Everything okay?” The voice has me turn to see the officer as he looks at me in confusion.
“Uh, yeah! I am just waiting on a friend!” I tell him with a forced smile as I hope I am not being stood up.
“Well, be careful, there is someone over there and I am not sure if he’s a good person.” The officer mentions with head tilted and eyes flashing over. I follow his gaze and I could feel
relief
at the sight of Tomura scratching at his neck.
“Oh! There he is!” I say in a bristling joy that Tomura showed up.
“What?” The officer asks in confusion and I wave a hand.
“He isn’t a people person! Thank you though!” I give a quick bow before moving over to Tomura as he leans against a pillar that supports the station and he pulls his hand away from his neck. I wait until closer to him before saying, “Hi, Tomura.”
“Sorry for being a little late, some things were happening.” He told me while pushing off from the pillar and shifting to face away, but still looked at me and behind, probably at the officer.
“I understand, things happen.” I say, just more relieved he was here. “That officer was just asking if I was fine and to be careful of you. I just said you weren’t a people person.” I fill in for him and he flicks eyes to me to nod before back behind as I get next to him.
“Phone,” he puts his hand out and I grab my phone before opening the screen.
“Hold on, just… messaging my mum that I love her and all that.” I merely say, keeping my screen in view as I message her and sent. “Do you need to see it?” I ask as this is a whole different play field, he is a villain and needs to do precautions. He merely glances at my phone before declining, so I close the screen, it making a sound and shows that my mother replied with the same and something else. I was happy to see the love returned and hand it to Tomura. His hand clasps around it, disintegrating it, ash fluttering from his hand. “Oh, that’s cool. Is that an all finger quirk?” I ask, curious and he smirks while gazing at me before tugging on a glove.
“Come on, Izuku.” He merely says, maybe not wanting to talk in the open about his quirk.
“Of course,” I grip my bag straps as I begin to follow him. Oddly enough we went to a supply closet where a
portal
appeared after he said a name, I presume. We step through the blackish, purple mist portal and show up in some type of warehouse where I gaze up first as it’s tall.
“Look a cutie!” A girl’s voice startles me, turning to see a girl with blonde hair in space buns as she seems to be in a school uniform. She skips up to me with a big grin and gleaming golden eyes as she gets closer.
“Oh, hi! I’m Izuku Midoriya!” I greet them and she giggles with hands to her face, cupping her cheeks.
“I’m Himiko Toga! What does your blood taste like Izu-cutie?!” She immediately asks, taking me back a little as I blink a few times.
“Calm down, crazy.” A deeper voice, a little scratchy, comments while she turns to face a man with black hair and a long tailed coat. His shirt has a few burn spots and he has black pants on with boots.
“I can’t help it! He’s
so
cute!” Toga remarks easily while the other approaches and stops to view down at me.
“Name’s Dabi,” he says simply and I nod with a mental note of names. “You are our new analysis member?” He asks and I glance towards Tomura as he has told them that was my job and that I was a member?
“Izuku is still new to our line of work, but he has potential and has come to agree with our views.” Tomura explains while coming up closer next to me.
“Ah, yes! I have my notebooks!” I say in explanation, moving my bag to have it in front of me, pulling it open and retrieving my latest book. “The lower number volumes are a bit messy as I was younger, but my latest ones are much better.” I explain while handing it over towards the other two villains. Dabi takes it before flicking through pages, blue eyes skimming the information. Toga is still looking at me and I hold my bag while nervously smiling.
“Do you intake blood for your quirk?” I ask Toga as she still smiles at me and she seems to pause her endless stare.
“Yes, I do!” She responds happily, seeming to like I am inquiring with her.
“We will go over our quirks later,” Tomura starts as he puts a hand to my back. “Let me introduce him to the others.”
“Yeah! Our turn, our turn!” Someone says out and Dabi shifts out of the way as he seems to be looking more into my notebook, which I feel like that is a compliment.
I was introduced to everyone else; Twice, Magne, Mr. Compress, Spinner, and Kurogiri. Everyone was nice to me and Tomura explained a little on how, yes I was the new analysis member and he expected everyone to treat me as such. It was a little overwhelming, face-to-face with a group of villains and how Tomura is the leader. Kurogiri was nice and gave me a deeper run down on some things on how the group is trying to expand and the warehouse is a temporary location. I was sure to take my role seriously as I would help with taking in the statistics for potential recruits.
-o-o-o-o-
It wasn’t long before I had to do my first analysis of a person wanting to join. I could tell Tomura had his mind up after my first time and he wanted to hear another input, maybe if he missed something. The first few were a no go, but there was one person that was a potential, but they had to do backgrounds on them by an outside source, so it was a contact again later thing.
They kept me occupied by giving me newspapers to keep up on current events. I was also given a sleeping bag to linger on mostly, studying the material given to me, even magazines. I partially wished for a television to get a more clear image, but from what I understand that would have to wait. It was fine, I dealt with what I had and was organizing my books as I had the time. I wanted to be up to date mentally and I didn’t write the members' quirks or anything in the books. I didn’t want for any reason that we lose the books for someone else to get a hold of them. Plus, how could I even think of them getting disadvantaged as they have been nothing but kind to me.
“Interested in joining the League?” Tomura asks while he sits on top of a cargo shipping box and I get up from my spot from behind.
“Of course! I heard it would be a fantastic time to right the world!” The guy who has come in mentions while I come around the box to stand near Tomura. A few other members were present for the display as well, but I knew I needed to view and standing felt best as I have been sitting for a while.
“Show me you can
handle
yourself.” Tomura remarks and the guy glances at me in confusion.
“Am I battling him or somethin’?” A hand waves at me, which I am startled at the implication of his words showing he was
not
impressed.
“Nah, you got me, buddy!” Twice walks by me with arms out in a showcase before one hand moves to cross over his neck. “Yeah, asshole!” The words leave next, bringing me happy that he seemed displeased at the way the guy acted towards me.
“Fine with me, just be sure you got a doctor present.” The guy rolls shoulders with a grin before they begin a fight.
The person was some type of pufferfish, with exceptional spikes that came off his arms. The thought of him around wasn’t a bad thought, but his reflexes are slow and his cheeks did swell slightly while using his quirk, which may impair vision if not done properly. He was able to shoot out his spikes as well, and smartly only did that a few times without aiming at Twice, more of a display. His strength wasn’t too bad, able to defend against Twice, but those reflexes could be a hamper.
“Alright, alright,” Tomura says loudly, done with the display. Twice came hopping back to our side, not even winded. The other guy was a bit winded, which could mean low on cardio. “Izuku?” My name has me glance up to the leader as he meets my eyes, his thumb rubbing along his bottom lip.
“The quirk is a nice touch, the capabilities of it would be very useful as it is like a pufferfish, along with its potential toxin. The issues would be slow reflexes, possible sight impairment, and needing to work on the cardio portion, though his strength outweighs that.” I explain my full account of the situation, though I could explain more in detail if he asks. As Tomura reflects on my words, I glance to the guy, who seems flustered by my words, and not in a good way. He doesn’t seem like my words and has a scowl forming.
“You look like you got something to say, porcupine.” Dabi remarks from somewhere, his tone and name choice showing he was seeing the reaction and not liking it.
“I don’t like some kid remarking about my capabilities, especially as scrawny and breakable as him.” The man grunts out, and the words make me a bit upset, but I wouldn’t say anything.
“Fighting
isn’t
his job,” Tomura explains plainly with aggravation. “I was considering getting you to join our lower ranks, but you just pissed me off.” He remarks, and I glance up to see him wave his hand out. “Get out of my sight,” he practically hisses before scratching his neck.
“What?!” The pufferfish guy practically hollers and I watch as he glares in my direction. “All because I said something about the brat?!” He continues on with posture becoming aggressive. It makes me nervous and I see Dabi stepping forward at the side with head tilted and eyes glaring.
“I can crisp ya, fishboy.” Dabi raises a hand with fire coming from it. This threat has the guy reconsider his aggression, but I see his arm pores begin to open. I begin taking some steps back to get out of sight.
It was quick, the guy slung his arm and needles shot out of his skin in my direction. Fire comes flaring around the whole area and then also a body. I had reflexively covered my face with my arms. The guy had started screeching before it stopped and all I heard was crackling flames.
"Those needles really are toxic!" I hear Twice and focus in front o f me as he is shifting around before he melts away, clarifying to me that it was a replication. People are talking around me as I look to the ground and see the needles laying on the ground. A few had made it before the fire and they could have pierced and poisoned me. That toxin would have inevitably
killed
me.
"Izuku," a hand is directing my face and I am met with Dabi looking at me. "Did any hit you?"
"N-no, no, it got Twice's replica." It takes me a moment to sputter out my answer, still a little stunned. Dabi glances to the ground and moves his hand away to soon get fire on the ground, getting rid of the spikes. "Anyone else?" I begin to look around and up at Tomuta as he is more slouched to look in my direction.
"No, no one else." Tomura confirms and I breathe out in relief. I turn to find Twice standing close and Kurogiri lingering a bit as well.
"Thank you, Twice."
"Absolutely, our golden boy!" He says while looking happy and does a comical bow. It brings a chuckle from me before Dabi begins leading me to my sleeping bag.
"You should sit, Midoriya." Kurogiri starts up with a mug in hand as I get seated. "Experiencing shock is quite normal and expected when not used to certain situations." I accept the mug and start inhaling the tea.
"Thanks, Kurogiri."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Days to follow, I was really happy with how much they were taking care of me, taking it in. The attention is nice, the three to give me the most being Tomura, Dabi, and Kurogiri. They took care of me mostly, but the others helped where they could. The others also enjoyed my presence, it was just different in some aspects. Though I have discovered a lot in the few weeks I have been present now.
Magne thought I was cute, sneaking me some sweets. My favorite thing she would bring me is honey buns, munching on them for a break as she would brush my hair, clips going into it. Toga would join if she was around, and I didn’t mind the attention, even if she tried to sneak a ‘taste’. Spinner would talk about video games to me as I made a correction one time to him about a character’s fight move. It was a common interest that he latched to and would bring some magazines to show me. The only reason I knew some video games was because of Katsuki playing them and I sucked so terribly at most of them if it wasn’t strategy related, which Katsuki purposely avoided when I was over.
Twice is eccentric, going off with his two sides and I can sometimes tell the more honest side, but nonetheless he is kind to me. Kurogiri got me some new clothes, and keeps me up to date on events and gets me drinks, also our meals. He seems to be Tomura's pillar of support and I couldn’t help taking that seriously, especially after learning about his mentor being imprisoned. Compress shows me incredible card tricks and uses his quirk with the marbles, commenting on how I learn fast on some things and how I see through his tricks on most occasions, but I still enjoy watching them. Then Dabi is one of the more protective of me, besides Tomura, threatening to burn anyone that looked at me wrong and that included potential recruits. Toga says that it’s hard to not be protective of me with how ‘cute’ I am.
“Go with Dabi?” I ask in confusion, looking up at Kurogiri as he lingers by me with yellow eyes viewing down at me.
“It will be a good experience for you,” Kurogiri mentions and I glance at Tomura. It’s apparent he doesn’t like the idea, tense and hunched, but says nothing. I wonder if it's due to the scare we had with the guy who had that pufferfish-quirk.
“It will be fine,” Dabi says as he walks over to look down at me, a smirk showing. “Toga and Magne are going to dress you up.”
“Yay~!” Toga chirps in excitement and Magne shows a clutch purse, pulling out a few brushes. They were clearly prepared, the whole time anticipating the discussion.
I say nothing as I trust Kurogiri's decision and the two girls pull me to an old office area to change me and put makeup on my face. Hair extensions are added, being painful at certain points as they had those ones that stay for months at a time they said, something called micro-rings, only to be sure no one can yank them out. Then they put my hair up in a ponytail, bangs still in my face. It was a little embarrassing that they put me in a black dress, quarter sleeves and it goes down to mid thigh as it flares out. Tights are on me with red flats on my feet, a blessing as I feared heels for a moment, but they mentioned it was unrealistic if I had to move fast, especially as I have no experience in heels.
“He’s so cute!” Magne walks out first while Toga is pushing me out and I hide my face.
“E-Embarrassing…” I whisper as Toga hugs around me in joy and Magne tugs on my hands.
“Don’t mess it up!” She says in a small scold, but is smiling down at me and puts the strap of a purse over my chest to hang onto my side.
“I didn’t say dress him as a girl,” Kurogiri mentions as I gaze at him, his arms crossed.
“Dabi needs to go on a date anyways,” Toga is giving a mischievous grin, blue flames showing along Dabi's shoulder as he gives a sharp glare.
“You shouldn’t speak,” he mentions as she laughs and pushes me closer to him.
“Plus, they won’t expect a girl~!” Toga says while moving away to look at me more with a wide smile. “I think I would like Izu whether he was a boy or girl!”
“Don’t get caught,” Tomura says in a stern voice, first time speaking throughout this all. It’s apparent he is still irritated and gazes at me with a certain look. That gaze shows a mixture of emotions, but I think a lot is concern and stress. On someone doing anything, I wasn't really worried as Dabi can incinerate people down into ashes within minutes, but running into heroes may cause an issue as I am not a fighter.
"We will be back,” Dabi starts walking on to the door and I quickly move to keep up with him. We begin walking along through some woods, but I can hear a town nearby. “Got any sunglasses?” He asks me, having me search my purse and finding some to pull on. It’s a good thing, too, as we exit the woods and meet with the bright sun. The feeling on my skin is nice and I take in breaths, enjoying it. Maybe this was one reason Kurogiri suggested it? To get me out for some sun and fresh air as I haven't gone out like the others.
By the time we made it to the edge of the bustling town, I kept my place to Dabi’s side as I gazed around. I’ve never been to this prefecture, seeing places I have heard about from the news or forums I found online. I soak it all in, hand gripping to Dabi’s to not get lost. My head is turning in all directions as I view it in interest and he keeps us going along to whatever it is.
The time came for a crime to spring up, and people yelled for a hero and we stepped to the side out of the way. We watched on as a hero follows after the criminals, and I grip to the hand in mine as I hoped they didn't recognize us. It seemed like they didn't as we weren't the only ones to stop and stare and I feel relieved.
“Come on,” Dabi mentions next to my ear and I turn to face him, seeing his smirk. I nod while shifting to follow along the sidewalk, still gazing around to take it all in. I soaked in information, finding it easier to do as that’s all I have been doing for who knows how long I have been with them and before that because of it being a hobby.
As we walked a little more, we soon came across some criminals in an alley, such a sight as it was closer to the rougher side of town. They are laughing about something and Dabi moves us closer. It makes me nervous, but he grips my hand to move it to grip his bicep. My hand grips there and the other grips at my skirt as I don’t really want these guys looking at me.
“Who do we got here?” One guy asks as he notices us and the others look our way.
“Heh, you could do better, baby cakes!” They laugh, my face flushing at what he just called me.
“You think you all are tougher than me?” Dabi asks, noticing him smirking as he plays along and it’s evident that these guys won’t even be seen as good enough for the League, just something for Dabi to do.
“You betting your girl?” That has one guy stepping forward, looking to maybe be the leader of this little pack.
“Hm? You don’t mind, right,
baby
?” Blue eyes gleam at me, a hand moving my sunglasses up to see upon my face that is flushing. I replace my hand to grab the sunglasses to set back in my purse before moving my free hand covering part of my face.
“Just don’t burn their clothes or the area, they might have money…” I mention softly, remembering Tomura mentioning they needed some cash. A chuckle leaves Dabi as he moves his arm I am holding, so I let go and he grips my hip to soon start directing me towards the side.
“Stay here, understand? I will only take a minute.” An eyebrow raises and I nod nervously, not wanting one of those guys near me, before he pulls away to approach the five criminals that are laughing, the leader taking off his jean jacket. He tries a display of muscles, making me breathe out in embarrassment at the fact they think I am a girl. Shakily inhaling, I guess I should help in the situation, a distraction for Dabi to get closer, and I cross an arm over my midsection, gazing over with my other hand resting on my cheek. I give a cute smile and batting lashes, the leader grinning, seeming to think he is impressing me as he does more poses with eyes solely on me.
“I think I may already be winning her over, bahahaha!” The guy readies his fists and I notice Dabi tilting his head, glancing back. I purse lips, flushing more when he grins back at me, looking amused that I was even doing something.
“Teasing dead men is all she is doing…” The guy looks confused at Dabi’s words and I hardly catch his movement, flaming hand grabbing a face before jumping to the next guy. I cover my face, not wanting to watch the scene that matches the screams. When quiet follows, I peer from behind a hand to notice Dabi turning to me with a grin. “Let’s be quick in collecting…” Two fingers curl and I swallow down the lump in my throat at the thought of dead people before jogging over to him.
I help in digging through the many pockets, stashing any cash found into my purse. They had quite a bit on them, running out of room in my purse, especially after I found a plain bag with money in it, seeming to have done a robbery somewhere as labels around bundles had a bank name on it. I pull the bag off of one of them, looking inside and tossing out junk to gather more money. I was a little grossed out by the money that had blood on it, but continued to fill up the regular looking backpack, a patch showing on the lip of the bag. Closing it and latching, I stand up and Dabi leans to grab a strap and puts it over his shoulder. One arm sticks out towards me and I merely move to grip his bicep to follow along.
We stop at the end of the alley before there is a whipping of wind and I hear the sound of crackling flames. The sound intensifies and I feel the high heat behind me, but I don’t turn back. Dabi leads me along down the sidewalk, a different one than when we first came in and I notice we will be taking a different route back.
The walk back was mostly silent, the only sounds were of other people chattering. I gaze around, making mental notes, him stopping when I seem particularly interested in something. It was like he gave me time to process information, and I guess he should if I am an analyzer for them. It made me grateful as I feel like I am proving myself more every day.
“They’re back!” Spinner announces as we come through a side door and I breathe out tiredly, haven’t walked that much in a long while.
“No one interesting?” Tomura asks, looking
relieved
at the sight of me.
“No… found some good kindling that were also cash cows.” The bag is slung closer, Twice opening it to gaze in, a gasp lingering.
“They were packed!” Twice is surprised, pulling out some bills, “It’s not that much.” The scoff lingers, but then he cheers once more. I shift a little as Magne comes over to take the purse. She looked in, pulling out some bills in surprise and I rubbed a hand to my cheek a bit.
“Izuku was the one who told me not to burn them completely in case they did have money…” Dabi mentions with a smirk at me, a flush lingering on my face while looking away.
“It seems like a successful trip, regardless.” Kurogiri mentions this time as Twice takes the bag to him and I flicker to notice Tomura looking at me.
“Any problems while out?” The question has me shaking my head.
"No, nothing noticeable." I respond, and Tomura looks pleased with my response.
“It was funny that those guys were trying to
steal my girl
.” The humor lingering has me cover my face at the fact I looked enough like a girl to be mistaken as one.
“See! I knew Izu would look cute as a girl!” Magne says, part of me happy Toga isn’t present to help with the comments on my disguise.
“Go ahead and help him, Magne…” Tomura remarks with a hand wave, probably thinking I want it off immediately. The disguise wasn't terrible or anything, but I do miss my other clothes.
“Sure thing,” she agrees while helping me to the office room, a bathroom connected to it. “You did great, honey.” She tells me, encouragement ringing in her tone and I flush with hands to my chest.
“You think so…?” I ask, searching for an honest answer as we stop in the room and she looks down to me with a grin.
“Of course! You got us standing on our feet still and not to mention melting some hearts here!” Hands start messing with my hair, taking it out of the ponytail and letting hair rest down on my shoulders. “As a guy or girl, they are smitten!” She smiles, my face filling with heat and she chuckles. “Do you want me to take the extensions out? It will take me a bit of time to do, but it’s no big deal.” She mentions while splitting my hair a bit and I wince at a tug.
“Let's figure out future plans first, I think…” I state since they may have me go out again, and I have always been curious on how it would be if I had long hair.
“I think you look adorable like this!” She compliments before unzipping the back of the dress before pushing me towards the bathroom. “I will get you some comfy clothes, sweatpants and t-shirt, promise!” She says, and I nod while thanking her and she closes the door.
As I turn, my eyes find a mirror and I can’t help but stare. My hand reaches out, touching along the reflection as my freckles are not in sight and I honestly have sharp similarities to my mother. It’s like I am looking at her when she was younger, one of those many pictures she would show me. Tears well in my eyes and I grip the dress over my heart and lower my head in a bow.
I would be lying if I said I didn't miss her. Being here isn't bad and I wouldn't leave, but I do miss her. Even though it was rough, she always tried her best to support me even when things felt helpless. I don't think she would fully understand why I would pick this path in life, but I had to. The chance for a quirk and to be able to just fully immerse and have people who understand is something I desire.
The League has been kind to me and protective. They all cared about me and understood what my strengths are and helped balance it where they can. Plus, I really can't help that I am becoming a little smitten myself and selfishly taking in a certain two men's attention. Though I have no clue if they share an interest or just teasing.
-o-o-o-o-
I ended up asking Magne to take the extensions out, explaining how it reminded me a bit too much of my mother. Magne understood that it was making me homesick and took them out for me. Being in the warehouse with them, I had started to get used to more things. Like on some occasions, Tomura would lay with his head in my lap while I am reading. It was a little startling at first, but it made me flustered and would sometimes run fingers through his hair.
I went out a couple more times with Dabi, not always wearing hair extensions, and everyone agreed it was beneficial for me to get out more and collect data and expand my knowledge. I think the first time was mostly nerves as no one wanted me separated, which I especially didn't. Also while out, there were times we would see heroes, but they paid no mind and I was happy our cover wasn't blown.
“You brought someone big, Twice.” Tomura says as I am standing near Dabi as he is looking over some of my notes.
“He seemed strong!” Twice explains, joining over to our side as this man in a mask is standing there. Viewing the guy as he just exudes this aura of just complete danger and nothing good about his intentions here.
The conversation they have turns aggressive, Tomura getting pissed off. I stay far back, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire of anything. When he is dismissed, Magne moves to get the point across. Though, the man does something that causes panic and uproar. Magne’s top half looks to explode, disbelief going through us and I feel an ache seeing that happen to her. Compress goes to attack just as walls are caving in and a couple of gunshots are made.
Pain sears through one of my eyes, something stabbing into the corner of it. I grab it with a cry of pain, grasping onto cloth in front of me. Dabi grabs around me, pushing me until my back finds against wood. I lean into him, hand gripping tightly as I shake.
“Why are people trying to seriously
piss me off
…?” Tomura says, tone dipping to show how true it is in his anger.
“Do consider joining together… it would be beneficial for both sides.” The man speaks, Tomura spatting at him to get out with curses.
Once the building clears with no other mishaps, I am helped to sit and head moved. Whatever it is gets pulled out and pressure is made to the spot. I open my good eye to see Dabi looking pissed, glaring at something silver in his hand.
“Compress was hit with that too, disabling his quirk.” Tomura states, crouching next to us, moving my hair out of my face to view me. “We took a hard hit today…”
“We should relax for a bit before considering anything,” Kurogiri says near us, but I just close my one eye instead of listening to anything more. I was honestly just happy it wasn't worse, though I was heart wrenched by losing Magne.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Tomura agrees to meet Overhaul, wanting me to go along. I had been startled, not understanding why he would, but the mentioning of needing my intelligence. It made me feel absolutely
ecstatic
as I felt my hard work is paying off to the point he needs me for the big stuff too. I was also nervous though as this would be unknown territory with someone who attacked us. It’s not that I doubt Tomura would protect me, as he most definitely would, it’s just nerves.
“Do you know how long you had us walking?” Tomura asks in irritation as I follow behind him, keeping in mind our route. It’s a little hard to focus with only one eye, finding it did a decent wound, but I manage as he sits down and points in front of him. I sit on the floor in front of him and he props a foot up onto the table. It's a safe place as they would have to go through him to reach me.
“Please remove your foot from the table.” Overhaul mentions as he glares to the foot in disgust, but Tomura doesn’t move.
“I thought it over,” Tomura starts, ignoring the other man completely and Overhaul lets it go. “We will not be under you, we can stand on equal ground… A means of acknowledging the other, but staying out of the way and aware of plans.” He explains, and Overhaul seems to understand this, maybe even expecting it.
“Any conditions?” The question is met with Tomura shifting forward as his foot moves down next to me. I notice movement, tensing as I could tell the other two people in the room are threatening him, but I don’t look on how.
“It has to do with killing Magne and injuring two of my people.” Tomura mentions, and Overhaul flickers eyes at me as he must know I am one of them. He has his men stand down before Tomura leans forward and holds out that silver like capsule bullet next to me and forward. “What are your plans?”
“To destroy this world’s peace…” Overhaul merely mentions, startling me on such a broad goal and Tomura chuckles.
“I see… At least we can agree on that.” The comment is soon followed with Overhaul flickering eyes at me.
“Who have you brought with you?” The question is brought up with Tomura moving to line fingers along my jaw, bringing my tension to let up as I felt safe with him.
“This is Izuku, my analyzer.” He explains, and his other hand shifts to push at my bandages and reveals my injured eye. “Also someone you guys have injured.” He states while his hand cups my chin to raise it up and his chin rests to the top of my head.
“Is that his quirk?” Overhaul asks and Tomura chuckles before tilting my head a little.
“No, Izuku doesn’t have a quirk… He is just intelligent.” Fingers tap my temple and I see Overhaul looking surprised.
“I didn’t take you for someone to have someone pure in your group.” The comment confuses me before I am let go and slouch a little forward as Tomura is still leaning.
“Quirks are just a bonus to people, Izuku doesn’t need to fight, I just need his mind.” Tomura explains and Overhaul shifts forward while tugging his glove off.
“Let me fix his eye, I can since no pieces are missing.” The mentioning surprises me before there are nudges to my back.
“I will accept that, but
don’t
try anything.” It’s a threat, the protective tone, and I move to lean along the table near Overhaul. As his hand comes closer, I close my good eye, cowering in fear. Fingers skim along around my eye and I feel shifting of sorts before the hand is gone. I flutter my eyes open before noticing no pain and my one eye is fine. Shifting back to sit on legs, I touch along my face, the wound gone and my chin is grabbed. Tomura tilts my head to look at it, finger grazing the spot.
“There is a scar, but not as bad as it may have been.” Overhaul explains and I am released to touch along the spot some more.
The talk shifts, Tomura having me play the board game against Overhaul while they discussed since he doesn’t care for those kinds of games. Toga and Twice would be going with the yakuza leader, and Tomura said he would think about letting him borrow me. That brought a lingering fear, not liking the thought of being under someone else that I know nothing about or how they would treat me. I ended up winning the game, Overhaul a little surprised and mentioned being impressed, though I think part of it was because he was a bit distracted with negotiations.
When leaving, Tomura asked how long it would take to leave without aimlessly walking and I mentioned how it would only take around eight minutes, keeping track of our path. They were once again surprised and agreed to just lead us out normally since it seemed to be of no use with my mind. Though, as we left the door that went underground, it disappeared by someone’s quirk. The person escorting us drove us to where Tomura asked before we walked on to where we were temporarily staying since the warehouse was destroyed. I walked with him, glancing around, and feeling completely safe.
He stops near the building we have taken over and I do as well to look back at him. A hand touches along my cheek as he tilts his head to view me more. “You have been doing good, Izuku.” He states, a flush lingering on my cheeks at the compliment. “It shows how much you belong with us… expanding so much on your knowledge and showing it off so effortlessly… When we get Sensei out, I will ask him to give you a quirk.”
My eyes widen, realizing everything I have done is really paying off and I feel anticipation. “Really? I could… I could have a quirk?” I asked him, just wanting the confirmation for my lifelong dream. He seems a little surprised at my reaction before he grins and removes the hand from his face.
“Why, of course… you deserve it.” He tells me, gripping my chin and leaning in to kiss my cheek. I am startled and absolutely flustered at the attention while he pulls away to put the Father hand back to his face. “Let’s tell the others of our progress.”
“O-Okay, Tomura!”
-o-o-o-o-
Paying attention to the news, they kept me indoors for now since the yakuza were on the move and being sought out. They all were relieved I was healed, and I told Compress on Overhaul’s ability, wishing I could help more than that. He seemed fine with himself for the moment, thanking me for the information I could provide. On a recent ‘adventure’, Toga found some jewelry and I got my ears pierced, silver rings along the shell of one ear and the other holds a round opal earring on the lobe as suggested by her, noticing that the jewelry pieces she got were random sets of things. It was sore for a little while, but I wasn’t bothered, enjoying them more when the others complimented them.
As the heroes were tracking the remaining yakuza down, we moved out to do some collecting and pay back. I had a feeling from the beginning that Tomura didn’t like Overhaul and was just going to wait for a chance, which also meant I was happy he wouldn’t have left me alone for a minute with the yakuza boss. Once Toga got in contact, a copy of Compress made, we waited in a truck by a main road. I stood in the back, Spinner at the wheel, watching as Dabi, Tomura, and Compress prepared themselves.
When it was time to move, I got the strap secured to my arm as I stayed near the front. Driving down the road, Tomura moved up top and the two readied at the door. They throw the doors open, hanging onto them as they gaze out and I look to notice a cop car and a big truck behind them. Tomura jumps into the fray and I notice the sand hero moves to fight the man, but Dabi and Compress jump in to help. Spinner continues to drive insanely, not surprised he learned through a video game, and I could only hang on.
As we soon stop somewhere, Spinner hollers, “get the back open and ready for them!” I move to unravel the strap from my arm before moving to the back and pushing one door open, surprised to see a police officer.
“Hands up!” I am startled, hands up while falling back and shaking at the gun pointed at me. “Oh shit!” He seems to recognize me, and I curl with fear before blue fire consumes him. Compress steps into view after the flames moved away so he could and I breathed out in relief, smiling as they made it over.
“They are getting in now, Spinner!” I called up front while shifting to turn my upper half to face the driver's seat, and I heard feet hitting the metal of the van. A hand ruffles through my hair, Compress walking by with his hand being the one who ruffled my hair. I turn to gaze and see Tomura climb in, Dabi following up while closing doors.
“Pointing a gun at Izuku is signing up for death…” Dabi mentions with a heavy exhale before coming over to me, tugging my hoodie to get me standing.
“Did you not see them, Spinner?” Tomura asks while going towards the front, truck taking off.
“What? I was paying attention to the front!” Spinner complains and Dabi supports me from falling over. He grips to a strap on the side, almost caging me in and I didn’t mind as I felt safe. A hand cups my cheek, having me hum as I am directed to look up before his lips line mine. I sharply inhale with wide eyes before squinting as he presses in. Shifting a little, I press into it, feeling the rough bottom lip and not minding.
“Toga is going to be jealous,” Compress comments, startling me before shifting to face away, tucking into a shoulder.
“Oh? I’m sure you mean someone else…” Dabi says, a mischievous tone and I shift a little to glance over and notice Tomura with his head tilted.
“It’s not like you will run off with him…” Tomura states with a slight tone of irritation, but not as much as I expected.
“True, he’s part of the League afterall.” Dabi comments, having my heart race as I do truly feel like a member. I nuzzle into his shoulder, taking in his presence, not minding the smell of sage and a hint of something else I can’t place. “Right, Izuku?” The question rings in my ears and I grip to him before nodding with a happy noise of agreement.
-o-o-o-o-
The news of Kurogiri being arrested had Tomura pissed, destroying some furniture in sight. No one bothered him for a couple days so he could get it out of his system. Though, once he sat down on the third day, I lingered in curiosity before going for it as surely him and Dabi showing affection meant I could show my own.
Tomura's feet are propped up on the coffee table and his head is back. One hand is hanging over the armrest, fingers twitching in irritation, but I ignore it. I move over, climbing up onto the couch and sitting next to him. He tenses, but I pay no mind, wrapping arms around his one and leaning my face into his shoulder.
I could see the others looking at me like I lost my mind, but I linger with one hand moving to grip at two fingers. Resting in place, I feel as he begins to relax, muscles not being so tense before he shifts a little. A weight is on top of my head, but I don’t move as I feel more shifting and then leaning against me. This has made me realize more that his head is leaning against mine and I close my eyes while curling legs in, gripping to him.
Whenever he looked irritated after that, Twice would retrieve me to place me near him, like a peace offering. Tomura found it amusing after the fourth time as I stood there in confusion and only moved to sit with him. If it helped with him calming down then I didn’t mind. Plus, I wasn’t around every day as I would sometimes embark out with Dabi as he was one of the top people who went to find anyone worth our time.
There is someone he is interested in, but I am weary about it since who the individual is. After unleashing an attack, I waited at an empty construction building. Ujiko, someone I have yet to meet, had Dabi show up and he had me stay hidden as he is meeting with the one who wants to join. As they meet, I watch around the corner as the now Number Two hero, Hawks, is standing before Dabi. Which the pro hero list had been updated when All Might ‘retired’, though he still has been seen out for public appearance, but not like before.
The supposed hero is angry at the plans being changed on him and Dabi rebuttals his points. I didn’t like Hawks, I can tell he is lying about wanting to help the League. There was just a string that lingered, attaching him still to the heroes, not wanting to break away. Plus, how he words things, I don’t believe him.
“Who is that?” Hawks asks, head tilting to let eyes gleam at me, having me cower lightly.
“It’s okay, come here, Izuku.” Dabi says with a hand out and I slowly move away from the large pillar I was by. Moving up to him, I grab the hand being held out and looking up at Hawks, who looks surprised.
“You were the one who was kidnapped…?” He questions, which I was unaware I have been marked as such, and I leaned into Dabi’s arm while viewing the hero.
“He’s our analyzer,” Dabi explains and I know for a fact that if something this big gets out then that means it left Hawks.
“I’m surprised, considering the fact you guys are villains who kill people.” Hawks comments, watching me as I cringe a bit, but grip to Dabi tighter. I knew what I was signing up for and people being killed was something I knew would happen. It wasn't something
I
ever planned to do, but it was something that happens
A hand grips my chin and I let it direct me to look up and meet sharp blue eyes. Dabi gives a smirk, my heart thundering and flushing at the gaze. A chuckle leaves him as he shifts to kiss my cheek and pulls away with his hand. Heat fills my face, moving one of my hands to cover part of my face as I was still trying to get used to them laying kisses to my cheeks and lips.
“Don’t bring up such things, Hawks… Especially if you want some type of standing with us.” Dabi explains, my eyes flickering to look at Hawks as he looks concerned at me. “Plus… You need to convince him too…” I am still gazed at and I frown while tugging a little to Dabi. “We need to go… Important matters…” We start moving to leave and as we leave the building, I gaze back to see Hawks turned to watch us, eyes on me.
Getting closer to the hideout we are using to find that greater power, I am holding Dabi’s hand. “I don’t believe him,” I say and get a hum in return. “He’s good… acting, I mean. Though I can tell on how he words things and actions he makes… he’s just trying to get in for information.”
“I had a feeling, but this gives us a little something to do and hopefully pulls out some information for us. It’s a game for information, and we will need to play as if giving him a chance.” I blow out air when he mentions that and I lean into him.
“Still don’t like him…” I mumble, receiving a chuckle as we go up the steps to the door. Moving along, he opens the door and I walk in first to see everyone gathered.
“Lazy asses…” Dabi complains with eyes flickering and I go over to Tomura, him immediately moving arms out to let me climb up into his lap to be sitting sideways. I wrap my arms around his neck and I nuzzle into his jaw while resting against him as I have found he
really
enjoys my affection.
“I wouldn’t mind taking Izu on a date,” Toga comments with a grin over to Dabi, and I hear a noise of irritation.
“Tch, do you want to burn?” She laughs at that while moving to search through something.
“You all should be doing something, too.” Tomura remarks above me and I notice him shift before I pull back to gaze up. Lips brush mine before his Father hand finds my face, and this isn’t the first time hime doing so. It still feels a little odd, but it doesn’t smell bad, surprisingly, and I only rest along my side so the hand isn’t bothered. “We have some time to spare before we will be found by what Kurogiri was mentioning…”
“How about Izuku and I go retrieve some valuables?” Compress offers and I hum in agreement as that wouldn’t be a bad idea.
“Tomorrow,” Tomura states as an arm rests over my midsection and a few fingers grip my shirt.