Toshi watches the car disappear from sight before turning and staring up at the highrise. It reminded him of when he was about Midoriya's age; both of his parents worked abroad and he had no other family to speak of so he lived alone. No dreams or aspirations to speak of since he was quirkless. He'd just been trying to get by the best that he could until he met Nana.

He shakes his head to keep her face from appearing in his mind because he knows that he'll just end up seeing Shigaraki instead. He sends a quick text to Midoriya and then approaches the elevator. The students and their families had already been informed that the teachers would be conducting home visits but he wanted to let the boy know that Aizawa wasn't going to be joining them.

The boy's mother is every bit as timid as Toshi imagined her to be. Where else would Midoriya get it from? The apartment is small, just big enough for the family of two, and he can't help but to relax a little as he's already exhausted of the formal appearances. A serene smile graces the man's face when they walk past Midoriya's room, eyeing the name tag hanging from the door.

He's offered a seat at the table and a moment later is given some tea that he doesn't end up touching. When his mother sits across from him he get's straight to the point. Her face is cheerless as she informs him that she doesn't support the decision. Midoriya looks genuinely surprised but Toshi isn't surprised in the slightest.

He figured that for all Midoriya's fighting and trying his hardest that the boy would have become oblivious to his surroundings outside of school. It was one thing that he constantly disregarded his body and caused so much damage to himself. It was an entirely different matter to disregard the feelings of those who supported you the most, even if it was unintentional. Toshi hoped to help correct that way of thinking.

Toshi listens to her confide her worries and doubts to him, thankful that Aizawa had not pushed the matter to join him for this visit.

Though she might have told her son that she'd allow him to relocate, it's quite obvious that she really has thought about why she doesn't want him to leave. His life would have been so much simpler had Toshi not taken it upon himself to pass One For All to him. Just like the attacks on the school, it all leads back to him. Her worries and fears are his doing. Even still, he doesn't regret choosing Midoriya.

She asks him if he's aware of the state her son's arms are in. Toshi knew that he'd injured himself severely, but he'd not been aware that if he caused any more stress on them that he'd lose the ability to even move them. Even if he didn't have to convince the boy's mother, it's clear to Toshi, that he's failed Midoriya on more fronts than one.

As a citizen, she thanks Toshi for all that he has done. However, as a parent she fears for her son's well being. After witnessing his fight, she doesn't wish to see her son follow that same bloody path that he did. It makes her wonder if maybe he'd be happier if he'd remained quirkless.

Toshi understands her worries, but knows that Midoriya doesn't regret any of the choices he's made. No, they've not been the best ones and for not showing him that sooner, Toshi accepts full responsibility. But to ask if he'd be happier had he remained quirkless made him want to scoff at her laugh. For more than a year he's watched this boy grow and at this point can't imagine anyone better suited to take up the mantle that he's left vacant.

Midoriya surprises them both when he tries to argue his case and the woman asks him to remember what she'd said when the term began; that she'd always be on his side and support him. But that didn't mean she wouldn't worry about him. As the tears well up in the woman's eyes and she looks back at Toshi, he sees the boy finally realize what he hasn't been paying any attention to.

She looks into Toshi's eyes and tells him as clearly and as firmly as she can, that she has zero confidence in the school and cannot trust her son to them. He doesn't blame her for her decision and is quite impressed that she's able to stand so firmly against his proposal. When she's done speaking, that timidness returns. She pulls her hands into her lap and hangs her head.

"If I may-" he begins only to be interrupted.

"Mom you've it all wrong!" Midoriya raises his voice, causing her to squeeze her eyes closed. "My injuries are my fault. I've been told by all my teachers multiple times-"

"And that just further shows me that the school cannot be trusted to be responsible for you, Izuku," she counters sternly.

Toshi turns his gaze to Midoriya and gives him a hard look. "Sit down, boy," he says calmly, waving his hand down.

"I'm okay if you think I'm being overprotective," she admits, drawing the hero's attention. "I don't mean to keep my son from his dream... But if he really wants to become a hero, it's not as though UA is the only place where he can become one."

Toshi sees that Midoriya's eyes are full of fear. He's trying to keep himself from panicking, because what else can the boy do? His mother is adamant about her decision.

Silence falls over the room as Toshi thinks about what he can possibly say to sway her, though nothing comes to mind. He thought maybe, just maybe, he'd be able to do something to help the boy but he's rapidly losing hope. Without warning, Midoriya rushes from the room and Toshi hangs his head, thinking about just how hard this must be for him.

"I'm so sorry, I'll call him back," his mother hastily says as she stands up from her seat.

She barely takes a step before the boy returns, holding something in his hand. "It doesn't have to be UA, mom. But look at this," he says while showing it to his mother. "I saved a boy when the camp was attacked. This is the letter he sent me, saying thank you." He pauses and takes a breath. "Mom, it's my fault that I've made you worry so much and I'm so sorry. But that boy made me his hero, so if it I can't be at UA, fine. But I will become a hero."

Toshi holds his breath as he sees that, once again, there wasn't any reason for him to worry about Midoriya. Just when all seems lost, that boy is able to solve his own problem and that glimmer of light within him grows brighter. He's no longer just some individual chasing after his favorite hero. He intends to reach his long-term goal, even if he has to give up a seemingly childish dream.

With what strength he can muster, Toshi stands from his seat and approaches the mother and son. He strains to maintain his hero form and falls to his knees, bowing before the woman.

"It's my fault that my responsibilities were not prioritized properly and for that, I am truly sorry." He hears the woman let out a small gasp. "I believe that Izuku is worthy of being a successor to my legacy. There is strength and passion in him that I've not seen in a long time and I believe that he will be the next Symbol of Peace."

"What? Wha-what do you mean?" the woman stutters.

Toshi disregards her question and continues. He apologizes for taking advantage of Midoriya's admiration of him, thus neglecting his education. He lets out a shaky breath when he can no longer hold his hero form but remains on the floor. He appeals to her, as a teacher of UA, that he will not allow her son to walk the same path he has.

He genuinely wants to stand with the boy, not just to help him fulfill his dream and become the next Symbol of Peace, but also because in the time that Toshi has been able to spend with him and watch him grow, he's come to care about Midoriya and is proud of how far he's already come.

He understands that there are many uncertainties and insecurities around the school, but he informs with her that the heroes of UA are doing absolutely everything they can to change all of that then pleads with her that instead of looking at the current state of things, look at how they will be different in the future. Even if it's costs Toshi his life, he will protect and ensure her son's success.

He hears the woman sink to her knees, and waits for her to speak. He's practically laid himself bare before her and freezes when she takes a breath to speak.

"I can't... accept that," she sighs. His heart drops to his stomach. "Because you are what pushes Izuku forward."

Toshi's eyes grow wide and he lifts his head to look at the woman. Her eyes, they're just like Nana's. "I don't hate UA," she says softly. "I just want Izuku to be happy. Which is why you have to go on living while protecting and nurturing him to your fullest extent. If you can promise me that, then I won't stand in your way."

Toshi bows his head once more, fighting the sting of tears. "I promise," he whispers. It's done, so now he must make good on it and keep his word.

As Midoriya and Toshi walk downstairs to wait for a cab, Toshi pulls out his phone to see a handful of messages from Aizawa. In the time it took him to visit with Midoriya, the other teacher had already been to five homes. He quickly sends an apology to the teacher and asks where he should meet him. Toshi pockets the device and looks back up at the highrise to see the boy's mother standing outside.

"Your mother," he starts. "She reminds me of my master." He smiles softly at the thought, relieved that

"Huh? My mom?"

"Yeah. She's a strong woman." Toshi feels his phone vibrate and opens Aizawa's message: 'Ashido's family is next. Wait for me if I'm not there.' He bids Midoriya goodbye then gets into the cab, directing the driver to address that Aizawa sent as well.


Aizawa hits the button on his phone and returns it to his pocket, turning back to the father of Uraraka Ochaco.

"I apologize for the interruption. I know that the two of you are pressed for time," he says, bowing his head slightly.

"That's alright, Sensei," the girl's father says with a wave of his hand. "Our daughter's future is far more important to us." Aizawa follows the man's eyes to the kitchen as the girl and her mother return, offering him some tea.

"I take it that your daughter has already spoken to you about the relocation, then?" the teacher inquires.

"She has,"her father answers with a nod. "Listen, I don't really get the whole hero business, but it's something that our girl wants so we support her," he pauses to look at the brunette. "I do get that it's dangerous work, but can you look me in the eye and tell me that you and the other teachers are doing everything possible to ensure the students' safety on campus."

Aizawa doesn't hesitate to meet the man's stern gaze. "The students aren't the only ones relocating to the campus. All UA staff will be required to live on campus as well with a few of us on call each weekend in case of emergencies. That being said, on days off I doubt any of the teachers will be away from the campus for elongated periods of time."

The family sitting across from him are silent for a moment and in that silence, Aizawa notices that Uraraka hasn't said a word yet. To him nor her parents. He realizes that he might have said too much and opens him mouth only to close it when her father speaks again.

"And you believe that this is the best choice for the school to make?"

"If I didn't, I wouldn't be here before you, asking you to trust me with your daughter's future. For the students' safety and quality of education, I believe that this is the most logical course of action."

"Our daughter spoke highly of you, Aizawa-sensei," her mother says. "She trusts you and the other teachers for that matter. She believes that you all are doing you best and we trust in her judgment. Please, watch over our daughter and the rest of the students as well."

Aizawa bows his head to the family. "I will. Thank you for trusting in us." He's said that phrase too many time to count now but each time he's sincere about it.

Since starting their journeys at UA the students have been through much more than he had when he was their age. They've matured some which is evident because with each visit, he's received some sort of praise from the students through their parents. He's never cared much for being praised but it did mean a lot to him that the students were able to accept that even heroes made mistakes and were willing to give them another chance.

After thanking the family once more, Uraraka escorts the teacher to the door and before Aizawa steps through across the threshold he looks back at her. "What is you want to ask, Uraraka?"

Her brown eyes snap up to his as he waits for to speak. "Do you think the entire class will return to school?"

Aizawa offers her a rare smile. "You shouldn't concern yourself with the futures of others, but if I had to guess I'd say that it's likely all twenty of you will be seeing each other in a few days."

He reaches for his phone and messages All Might, telling him that he's on his way to Ashido's home.


After meeting All Might, Aizawa is given a chance to rest as the man takes it upon himself to do a bit of talking for the next several visits. Aizawa is grateful for the chance to rest his voice but was honestly a little surprised to see that All Might's smile was much brighter than it had been earlier.

Just what had been discussed at Midoriya's home? He expected that he'd get through two, maybe three, visits before blonde caught up to him. But in the time All Might had been at the boy's home, he'd visited five homes. He'd decided that after visiting with Uraraka, he was going to wait regardless of how long it took the man. Though he was glad that he didn't end up having to wait and waste time.

By the time they finish visiting all twenty homes and return to the school so that Aizawa can drop off the paperwork, the sun had set. As he locks up his desk, he tells All Might that he really doesn't have to get him a drink. Toshi insists, reminding him that he'd left Aizawa to visit several homes alone while he was with Midoriya. Remembering the favor he'd done for him, Aizawa accepts the offer and leads him to a small steakhouse not far from the school.

The place is pretty empty as the pair finds a corner table to sit at. The restaurant is plainly decorated, the walls painted a muted mint green that was easy on the eyes and had a rather soothing effect. The tables and chairs a dark cherry wood color. Aizawa waves to the woman behind the bar who seems to recognize him. A moment later she comes to the table, placing a beer in front of Aizawa and a water in front of Toshi. Aizawa never orders anything but she leaves a menu on the table just in case his companion wants something as she knows they could end up staying a while if he has more than one drink.

"You really didn't have to come," Aizawa says to him again.

Toshi watches the man run a hand through his tangled hair that he'd let down almost immediately after their last home visit. Aizawa picks up his mug and takes a drink.

"I already said that I'd treat you." Toshi reaches for the menu. "Besides I should probably eat a little something before I sleep tonight."

Aizawa nods and hums in response, thinking that they had been busy for most of the day and hadn't stopped to eat anything. He'd forego telling Recovery Girl about it this time because eating had completely slipped his mind too.

Aizawa asks him about the visit with Midoriya went, guessing that he must have had some trouble since he'd been there for so long. He learns that at first, her decision to not allow her son to continue attending at UA had been resolute. Aizawa didn't blame the woman or her reasoning though he was a tad annoyed that she still found the fault with the teachers that her son was always overdoing things.

"You know," Aizawa begins after finishing the first beer, "he's like you."

Toshi pauses in reaching for the food that had just been placed in front of him and looks up. "What do you mean?" he asks trying to sound as innocent as possible.

Aizawa watches him nibble on a fry, then awkwardly try and cut his burger into smaller, more manageable pieces. Aizawa rolls his eyes and plucks the knife from his hand. "He's too self-reliant," he answers as he cuts the sandwich into quarters. "It's good to be able to stand on your own, but the way he goes about proving that he can do just that is more than a little irritating."

Toshi waits for the teacher to finish his sentence and cut his food before he mumbles a word of thanks. Aizawa nods at the lone waitress as she sets another drink in front of him, then take a generous gulp. "Those kids are lucky," he says, placing the mug back on the table.

Chewing on a small bit from his burger, Toshi notices that aside ever present look of drowsiness in Aizawa's eyes the man looks disappointed. "They are indeed. I doubt there are so many parents such as theirs that would be willing to allow their children to return to a school that's been under fire more than once since April," he adds after swallowing his food.

He pushes the plate away offering it to the man across from him. Aizawa narrows his eyes at All Might and is met with that lackluster smile he'd seen at Bakugou's home earlier in the day.

"I wasn't meaning that, but you are right," he agrees and grabs for a fry. It's probably a good idea for him to eat something with the alcohol.

"Oh?" Toshi asks. "What were you referring to then?" he tilts his head.

"Your retirement, All Might."

Toshi, wide-eyed and confused, look at Aizawa who's straight-faced. Not knowing what to possibly say in response, he looks down at the table. Surely there's more that he has to say. Aizawa always has a reason for saying what he does.

Aizawa takes another drink. "Almost the entire fight was broadcast. There are countless videos as well." He pauses, waiting to see some kind of reaction from the blonde. "I know that a group of students were present that night."

Toshi recalls the sight of Midoriya, Iida, and Kirishima as they opened they way for Bakugou to escape. He'd already scolded Midoriya for his recklessness but the others had received no such thing. Just what was Aizawa planning to do?

As through reading his mind Aizawa answers the unasked question. "I would have expelled them. The five of them and the other twelve students who were aware of what they were thinking."

Toshi can only sigh. It seems like a harsh punishment, but it would be a fitting one. "You would have every reason to do so. The rules for acting as a hero exist for a reason. So what are you going to do instead?" He reaches for his water as Aizawa does the same to his drink, finishing it and waving for a third.

He pushes his hair from his face and let's out a frustrated sigh. "There shouldn't even be another option for punishment but..."

Aizawa sucks in a breath, unable to keep himself from admiring those striking blue eyes as All Might rests his arm on the table and leans into the conversation. "But what?" he prompts with a whisper.

Aizawa glances around to see that the other handful of patrons had started to look in their direction. "I hate to see potential such as theirs go to waste," he mutters just loud enough for his companion to hear him. "Because of that, this is the only chance they're getting from me. I'll let your retirement be a reminder to them that their actions have consequences, even if they aren't the one's to pay the price."

Toshi smiles sadly as Aizawa picks up another fry and takes tiny bites from it. He knew that retirement was imminent and inevitable when he returned here to find a successor that he could entrust One For All to. To think that his stamina had lasted even this long amazed him. But in the eyes of the world, and apparently his co-workers, the retirement was going to take a minute for them to wrap their heads around.

"Dammit.." Toshi returns his attention to the man across from him and sees that his arms are folded on the table and his head is buried between them. "...Mic's fault...alk a lo..." he mumbles but Toshi can't make out any of what he says.

"You're mumbling Aizawa," he teases, amused by this unfamiliar side of the stoic teacher.

Aizawa huffs in response and lifts his head. "I said that it's Mic's fault I talk a lot when I drink. It's always been his way of getting me to talk. Sorry."

"There's no need to apologize, though we should both probably get home and rest," he suggests.

Aizawa hums in agreement, thinking that he's had just enough to drink so that he'll pass out when he gets home. The principal also informed them that movers would be stopping by tomorrow to help the teachers relocate to campus ahead of the students, so he had all that to take care of as well. He reaches for his wallet only to see that All Might had flagged down their waitress and given her his card.

"You really didn't have to do that," he says and hangs his head so that his hair covers his face that's flushed from the drink and embarrassment.

"Think of it as my way of saying thank you, Aizawa. After all, I'm sure Recovery Girl must have put you up to something for you do agree to us sharing a flat on campus."

Aizawa merely shrugs. "Just to check up on you and make sure that you're eating a little something here and there. If you ask me, I think she intends on tailing you once classes resume just to make sure," he chuckles.

Toshi thanks the waitress when she returns his card then sets a takeout box and bag on the table. Aizawa helps him put the leftover food inside then loosely ties the bag closed and hands it to him. Outside the restaurant, they bid each other goodnight and head in opposite directions one final time before they move into their new home.


Don't forget to drop a review for me!