The cover is a commission I got from Yvolain on Deviantart and Tumblr.
SO, I AM HELPLESSLY IN LOVE WITH MY HERO ACADEMIA AND THE GRUMPY HOME-ROOM TEACHER, SO THAT'S WHERE THIS CAME FROM. ALSO, I'M ACCEPTING PEOPLE INTO MY 'Izuku Protection Squad', IF ANYONE'S INTERESTED. ;)
ANYWAY, AS THE DESCRIPTION SAYS, AIZAWA IS A FEMALE IN MY STORY. I JUST...REALLY LIKED THE IDEA, FOR SOME REASON. ANYWAY, I'M SHIPPING PRESENT MIC AND EASERHEAD IN THIS STORY ONLY (THEY'RE EVEN MARRIED CUS I AM A SAP FOR MARRIED COUPLES).
I DO NOT, HOWEVER, SHIP IT IN THE ANIME AT ALL. I JUST LIKE THE IDEA OF A HYPERACTIVE, BUBBLY GUY LOVING ON A BORDERLINE EMOTIONLESS, RESERVED WOMAN, I GUESS. HOPE Y'ALL LIKE IT!
ALSO, THIS IS THE 'PROLOGUE'/INTRO, THEN IT WILL BE ONE CHAPTER PER EPISODE, SO THE CHAPTERS MIGHT BE LONGER OR SHORTER, DEPENDING ON HOW INVOLVED MY GIRL, TAKARA (Japanese for 'treasure' because her parents were cheesy dorks), IS. HAVE FUN, GUYS! HOPE YOU LIKE HER!
GOD BLESS AND GOOD DAY!
~THE LUPINE SOJOURNER
It had been a long week at the orphanage, and the worst part was, no matter how many times I asked, no matter how I pleaded, no one would tell me how my parents died. They were working to protect the world. That's what they always said, so...so how could they have died? They were the best!
To me, anyway. I wanted to be like them when I grew up, working alongside them...but now...that couldn't happen. Ever.
Then she came in. She was a little taller, but not as big as Mommy was, seeming strong in a different way. She wore black clothes and had a strange, stiff grey scarf around her neck. Her eyes, nearly hidden by long black hair, looked impossibly weary and dried out, like she hadn't slept in a week. She sighs heavily and discretely puts in eye drops before moving too far into the building. It doesn't help her appearance much, but she seemed to feel a bit better, so who am I to question it?
I didn't know why she came, or what she was looking for, but she seemed so sad and tired, that I decided, once she sat down, that I'd say hi and give her a smile to show her everything's okay. That way, she might be happier, right? Who cares if I still feel bad when there's someone who needs me?
Unfortunately, she didn't sit down for a while. She seemed to be searching for something or someone before she kinda gave up and flopped wearily into a seat at a table.
As soon as she did, I walked up, gathering my courage. "H-hi." I murmur, then take a breath and give her the best smile I could. "My name's Takara; Takara Watanabe." I introduce. I didn't know why she was at this orphanage, but if I could help her, I didn't need to know. The woman raises an eyebrow, looking at my polite extended hand and half-bow for a few moments shaking my hand, nodding.
"I'm Shota Yamada." She replies, and I beam at her, so happy to see her begin to become happier.
"It's nice to meet you!" I chirp, ignoring the revelation for now. She nods, not smiling, but I can tell she's less stressed and unhappy. But then, almost as quickly as I'd gotten rid of whatever was hurting her, it was back.
"...Takara?" I tilt my head a little, my smile gone. Why was she so sad now? Was my smile not helping?
"Yes?" She hangs her head, and I can almost see her trembling.
"I need to tell you something. It'll be scary and might hurt you, but I think you need to know." I gulp, but trust her for some reason.
"...Okay." I prompt when she doesn't speak.
"I was there, when your parents died. They fought until they couldn't anymore against a very evil group of people. They helped us win that day. They were heroes." Tears fill my eyes. No one had really talked to me about my parents yet. It was only a week ago, but it feels like forever. I remain silent, not daring to speak and make her stop. "I was their friend and I let them down. I was too slow and it cost us two amazing heroes...and parents. I'm sorry." There wasn't a lot of emotion in the words, but Mrs. Yamada's tense, guilty posture said so much more. It took a moment before I realized she was about to cry. I manage a watery smile and hug her.
"No one's told me about what happened to Mama and Papa. Thank you." I murmur, then lean back. "I don't think they'd want you to make yourself sad over this." I continue, trying for another smile to help her. "They'd want you to feel better." I continue. Mrs. Yamada didn't seem to be cheered up, and she then scoffs.
"I really do appreciate the thought, kid, but the world isn't like that. People can't just 'feel better' on command. It'll take time." She then seems to take in her words. Her eyes go wide. "I- -ah...I'm sorry. Thank you for trying to help." she murmurs, standing and making sure I didn't hurt myself as I half-hopped, half-fell out of her lap. "I'd like you to come with me." she says, holding her hand out for me to grab.
I do. Together, we walk to the front entrance, where the desk with the adoption forms is. Mrs. Yamada talks to the woman there to help her start...wait...what?!
"Mrs. Yamada, are you sure?" I ask tentatively. She really wanted...wow! She wanted to adopt me?! She smiles down at me.
"Yes. I'm sorry it took so long for me to get here. I had to make sure the killers will never step outside prison again. Their under tight guard and won't be hurting anyone any more." Awe and wonder filled my young heart in that moment. She was so cool!
It was hard, not having my parents here, but at least I wasn't alone anymore. Here, I was 'Newbie' or 'the poor little dear'. But Mrs. Yamada treated me like I was actually capable of understanding. So far, that's a first this past week, so I trusted her, no matter what anyone says. "You see, your parents once asked me to look after you if something like this happens. It's called being a godmother. They wanted me to make sure their kid was safe and grew up happy and loved, no matter what." she grimaces and hangs her head, kneeling down. "I haven't been doing that, which is why we've never met before. I let my hero work dictate my actions, and in so doing, isolated you when I should have at least let you know I existed." I hug her again. Mrs. Yamada seemed to always find something to be sad about.
"At least you came and talked to me!" I chirp, drawing away. She didn't seem to like extended hugs. She exhales and I swear the corner of her mouth twitches up. "No one else really bothered. Thanks!" Mrs. Yamada then ruffles my hair as she stands, a full, genuine smile on her face, though it looks subtly creepy with her baggy, bloodshot eyes.
"You talked to me first, kid." she muses, then continues working with the lady and eventually she had the paperwork she needed and an appointment with a social worker to determine if Mrs. (and Mr.) Yamada was truly the best fit. Unfortunately, I had to remain here until the Yamada's house was proven capable to holding a child and the Yamadas themselves a good fit for me. I really hope she'd be able to take me home. I didn't like it here, and missed Mrs. Yamada already, even as she said goodbye. She notices my tears as I hug her leg.
"Don't get emotional, Takara. I'll be back before you know it." she assures me, another rare full smile on her face. "I promise." If she could smile through this, then I could, too! I wipe my tears away and step back.
"Okay! Bye, Mrs. Yamada!"
=#=#=#=#=
"Here we are. Go set your bag in the room on the right at the end of the hall." she says a week later, pointing out where the hall was with a casual thumb. "I'm ordering take-out for dinner. Anything in particular you like?" she asks. I shrug.
"Um...I'm not really sure." Her look tells me I need to make a choice. "Ah...orange chicken, I guess." I mumble. Mrs. Yamada nods.
"Thank you. Decision-making is a critical skill for anyone to have." she points out. "I'll call, you get settled in." I nod and head into the room. It was like the rest of the house; empty, but I grin, anyway. I had my own room and Mrs. Yamada taking care of me! This is awesome!
I set my bag on my bed and open it. I didn't have many clothes right now, but what I did have fit in the dresser easily, leaving lots of room for more clothes. I only had a stuffed fox and a small tablet as toys, but that was okay, too. I had Mrs. Yamada.
Done unpacking, I then notice a kitten in the doorway. I grin and walk over slowly, holding out my hand for it to sniff. It then let me pet it. I giggle at the way it leans into my hand and continue stroking it. Its fur was a pretty grey color and had ice blue eyes. Adorable!
"I see you've met Kemuri." Mrs. Yamada notes behind me. I squeak and scramble back in shock.
"Uh, yeah." I mumble. She smiles a little.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to startle you." I shake my head.
"No, no. It's okay." I am quick to assure her. "I finished unpacking and spotted her." Mrs. Yamada nods.
"Alright then. While we wait for dinner, perhaps you should tell me about your Quirk." I blink.
"Oh, right. Um…" I spot a glass of water in Mrs. Yamada's hand and smirk. "Can I use that water? I'll put it back." My foster mom's eyebrow raises, but she nods. I extend my hand, concentrating. The water obeys as I swirl it around the glass, then up to Mrs. Yamada's face, being careful not to splash her. Then, before I lose control, I make the stream leap back into the glass as neatly as I can. I grin, waiting for Mrs. Yamada's reaction. She smiles.
"Very impressive control." she muses. I smile wider.
"Thank you! I got both my parents' Quirks, and Mama and Papa liked to practice with me. I can also move earth, but that's a lot harder, and I can't keep controlling water for long yet." I explain. Mrs. Yamada ruffles my hair again.
"It's still very impressive for your age, Takara. With training, your command of water and earth will make you into a great hero, if that's where you want to go in life." she replies, sounding the happiest I've heard her. I grin, nodding vigorously.
"I do! I wanna be like you, Mama, and Papa, Mrs. Yamada!" She doesn't say anything, I swear her eyes are teary as she stands and moves to get the plates.
Suddenly, there's a few knocks at the door. Mrs. Yamada walks over and accepts, then pays for, the food. When she comes back, I smile and grab my container, sitting at the table.
"Did you really mean what you said, knowing how your parents died and what it means to truly be a hero?" I nod.
"Yeah! I wanna be a hero and help people so no one has to lose Mamas and Papas like I did." Before I can take a bite, or see Mrs. Yamada move, she's got a hand on my shoulder, using her other hand to make sure I look at her.
"That is the attitude of a real hero, Takara." she says, and I can see that she's happy and maybe even proud. "Keep that up, and you'll be a great hero one day." My eyes sparkle in wonder, remembering the world's top hero. He was another part of my inspiration. If All Might can rescue so many people without getting hurt, maybe I can learn to do it, too!
"Like All Might?" I ask, squealing in excitement. Mrs. Yamada chuckles, stands, and goes back to her food.
"We'll see about that. If you train hard, you will be the best hero you can be, that much I know." I nod. I can work with that.
=#=#=#=#=
"Where's the kid?!" Comes a loud voice in the morning, followed by eager footsteps searching the house.
"Hizashi! She's sleeping!" I hear Mrs. Yamada hiss, sounding about as angry as I'd heard her. The footsteps come nearer, the person making them trying (and failing) to walk quieter.
"Sorry, Sho. I got so excited when you told me about her, I just couldn't help myself, yah dig?" Mrs. Yamada groans, but I think she's secretly happy.
"Unfortunately, I do, knowing you."
"But you love-ah!" The new man cheers, opening my bedroom door. He's tall and skinny, more so than Mrs. Yamada, with blonde hair and there are a lot of colors to him. His hair is styled up like a banana, with headphones over his ears, a leather jacket, and had some kind of speaker thing around his neck. All in all, I wonder how Mrs. Yamada knows him. "Hey, there, champ! Couldn't wait to meet yah when 'Zawa told me she was bringin' you home! Ain't you cute?!" he was so loud and it was too early in the morning to be yelled at. I rub my eyes blearily, staring mutely at him as I tried to process what he said.
"Alright, honey. Let's leave her alone now." Mrs. Yamada intervenes. 'Hizashi' waves Mrs. Yamada aside. Wait…'honey'?!
"My name's Hizashi Yamada!" he replies, too loud as usual. I nod, not up to talking as I shake his hand. "I'm your dad, and babysitter today, yo!" I blink.
"What?" Mrs. Yamada groans.
"Sorry, Takara, but I got called out on assignment. My husband, Hizashi, luckily had the day off and wanted to meet you. I'll be back around 3:00." Mrs. Yamada explains, and I nod. Mrs. Yamada turns and talks briefly with Mr. Yamada as I go to brush my teeth. When I come back out, I see that I'm alone in my room again, so I close the door and get dressed. Coming out to the kitchen, I see Mr. Yamada making eggs.
"Hey, Takara!" he greets, managing not to be overly loud for once. I notice the weird thing on his neck is off, left on the table. Mr. Yamada has also taken off his jacket, making him look a little less intimidating and weird. Mrs. Yamada was gone.
"He-hey." I reply, sitting down as he finishes the eggs and bacon.
"You know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so we gotta make it banging, you know?"
"I guess…thank you." I offer, unsure how to react to this guy. Mrs. Yamada was okay with not saying or doing much. This guy always seemed to always be doing something, and I felt weird sitting still around him.
"No sweat, Takara!" Mr. Yamada replies. The food is served soon and we begin eating.
"So...Mr. Yamada, do you work with Mrs. Yamada? Is that how you two met?" I ask, unsure how else these two different people could know each other. Mr. Yamada nods vigorously, chewing quickly and swallowing.
"Not quite, but close! We were best buds since high school, becoming lovers soon after we started our hero careers!" I blink.
"Whoa!"
"Yeah, dog! Took some doin', but I wanted to help the gal out, at first. She looked so tired and lonely, I figured she needed a friend. That's what I became to him..at least, for a while!" I laugh at his energetic pride in making Mrs. Yamada his wife. He must really love her. I find I can like him for that, at least.
"Awesome!" I finish my food quickly, politely carrying my plate to the sink.
"Hey, kid! Why don't you show me your Quirk?" I grin, nodding. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. After all, he seems to really like me.
"Yeah!" We head outside and I spot a birdbath with water in it. Extending my hand again, I make the water snake toward me, swirling up my body, then going to spiral up and down Mr. Yamada before leaping back into the birdbath.
"That's tight, yo!" Mr. Yamada cheers wildly, hopping around while spinning me in the air. "You're already so good with your Quirk! That's topping the charts!" I blush as he puts me down.
"Thanks. That's not all, though!" Mr. Yamada quirks a brow.
"Oh? Do tell!" I stomp the ground and a small platform juts up between us. I then push it back down.
"It's a lot harder to move earth, but I can." Mr. Yamada squeals happily, scooping and spinning me again.
"You're gonna be the top contender for All Might when you get to be a hero!" I laugh.
"If you say so, Mr. Yamada!" he ruffles my hair as he sets me down, his other hand scratching the back of his head.
"Tell yah what, kiddo; call me Otōsan, my wife Kāsan, and we'll call you Musume." I grin wider than I think I've ever grinned.
"You got it!"
(Otōsan means father, Kāsan means mother, and Musume means daughter, btw. Hope y'all liked!) Wow this turned out longer than I meant for it to. Hope y'all don't mind!