Notes:
So, I got in late to this fandom. This is possibly one of the greatest works of anime and manga I've encountered for the past few years so I'm extremely glad I gave this series a shot. Better late than never!
I was trying to resist writing in this universe but the idea sort of possessed me and wouldn't let go. So I'm trying it out for the sheer peace of mind. (Although it'd likely prove otherwise down the road.)
Warning: There are spoilers up to manga chapter 160-ish. The story goes AU route from that point. So there will be mentions of characters and events that are not yet present in the anime.
Izuku ran. The breath in his lungs kicking up to his throat.
He'd been using One for All to jump between rooftops. Blasting himself through airway shortcuts to his destination. Since he was a previous offender, he'd be in trouble if anyone caught him. But surely this counted as an emergency.
Although he'd never be able to make that argument.
I can make it, I can make it!
Izuku told himself as he skidded along the pavement, the phantom streak of One for All pumping his legs. He drew looks from people, who looked around wondering whether some villain was in pursuit of the poor boy - for him to run as if his life depended on it.
Well, they weren't so far from the truth.
This was the last time he let Hatsume fiddle with his phone. She'd been adamant about installing a new app she'd developed for him - a program that monitored his vitals, body condition, and strains on his muscles down to most intricate detail.
He was grateful - except she'd somehow set his phone's clock back an hour as well.
Thank you Iida-kun, thank you a million times. You're a true Hero. It'd been a month since Iida had decided he'd teach the class clock NOT to die every week or so. So far, despite Iida's best efforts and numerous visits to the Support Class - who were frankly not so enthusiastic to his cause - the clock had refused to give up its weekly leave. If it weren't for his persistent friend once again replacing the battery of the clock and setting the time, Izuku would have completely missed the hour.
Izuku nearly crashed into the fountain, scattering some doves and a few bewildered couples. He collapsed with his forehead on the cool surface of the stonework. He felt water droplets splatter onto him. He imagined them turning to steam the moment they landed on his panting form.
By the time his heart stopped trying to bolt out of his mouth, the thunder from the clock tower filled the square.
I made it.
"...A barely passing score."
A knee lightly bumped into his heaving side. The boy jerked, and turned his head sideways.
A hooded pale face peered down at him.
Izuku pushed himself up, his gaze darting between that face and hands shoved inside the pockets of the black hoodie.
"But - haaa - I'm - ahaaa - on time,"
Shigaraki Tomura emitted a barely audible huff.
This was the third time they met like this.
This will probably be the shortest chapter of all.
Obviously, THINGS happened before. A lot of flashbacks to come.
