Alrighty then, Author Notes time. This is going to be a chapter to test if this kind of story might appeal to people. If you enjoy it let me know and I'll get to writing more. That said, I'll shut up and let you enjoy the fanfic, Bread out.
"I'm sorry kid, you're quirkless"
Those words were all I heard, the rest of the doctor's condolences and discussion with mum drowned out by the sound of my hopes and dreams shattering around me, the broken pieces stabbing into my heart over and over again. As I fall into despair, I find myself sitting in the chair completely numb to wait for this nightmare to be over, to wake up and realise it wasn't real, that it was just a dream. Only it never ended.
This was the day that I, Midoriya Izuku, had lost hope.
The next day
"Hey Izu! How are you doing?" called Kazumi, my closest friend and someone I could call family. Her mother and mine were close friends during University and even now regularly visited each other. We basically grew up together, almost inseparable to the point that if we didn't look completely different, people would have mistaken us for siblings. Some people still did.
I was dreading the moment where I would have to tell her that I was quirkless. I couldn't lie to save my life and Kazumi knew me well enough that I didn't even bother to try. As unfair as it was, seeing Kazumi letting off small explosions from her palm filled my heart with jealousy. At least she got a good quirk I suppose.
"K-k-Kazumi..." I sobbed, terrified of the rejection and pain I had heard about other quirkless suffering. Seeing my tears seemed to light a blazing rage inside Kazumi as she growled, the small explosions growing larger and hotter. "Izu, which idiot has enough of a death wish to hurt you? Don't worry, I just want to have a little chat"
See her angry for my sake calmed me down a bit as I grabbed her wrist and stuttered "N-n-no one h-hurt me. I-I-I found yesterday I'm...q-quirkless". For a moment the air seemed to freeze solid with tension, only to be blown away by Kazumi's wild laughter. Understanding that I was confused, she choked out "You're still Izu, right? You're my oldest friend, why would I care about that?"
Overwhelmed with relief that I wouldn't by rejected, I joined in and we laughed ourselves senseless. When we came back to our senses enough to talk without Kazumi cackling, she cracked a few jokes about me always overthinking and worrying about things too much.
Seeing our mums stood beside one another at the park gate, I turned to Kazumi and said "Even If I don't have a quirk, I still want to be a hero. If I can't get into the hero course, I'll be the David Shield to your All Might. What do you think?"
A grin threatening to split her face in half, Kazumi hugged me tight and whispered "Thanks Izu, that sounds amazing. Let's become legends together as friends. That's a promise alright"
If only life could be that simple, that easy to make things turn out right. Sadly, I hadn't yet understood just how cruel and uncaring people could be.
Five years later, Izuku age 10
The five years after that happy day in the park were hell on earth. Once word of my status as one of the quirkless had gotten around, people ended up avoiding me like the plague. The relentless casual abuse and mockery of the other children and even the teachers slowly wore me down, grinding away at my resolve to become a hero or to even continue on in life.
To begin with Kazumi would defend and comfort me, granting me on small piece of solace from the unending nightmare. Over time she slowly drifted away and the suffering she had held back for two years came crashing down on my head. The worst parts by fair were the comments about it being better for Kazumi to no longer hang around a quirkless freak like myself and the way everyone was slowly, but surely twisting and corrupting the kind, protective girl I had always seen as my only true friend into an arrogant, cruel girl that revelled in putting others beneath her. No one seemed to care or stand up to her. No one except for me.
Over the years I had tried again and again to convince to stop going down her current path, to remember why she wanted to be a hero. Today had been the tipping point.
She had bullied others before, I was well aware of that, but she had never used her quirk on them until today. Seeing the girl curled up and begging for mercy with tears in her eyes, her clothes spotted with holes burnt through to scorch her flesh put cracks into the desperate hope I had held to that Kazumi could remember why we had both wanted to become heroes.
Storming over I did something I had never thought I would never have to do. Grabbing her shoulder, I spun Kazumi around and delivered an almighty slap across her face. Stunned by the idea that I, the scrawny quirkless loser, would ever fight against her she froze and I roared in grief "What the fuck are you doing Kazumi? Did you forget our promise? Even if I can't be a hero, I'd be the David Shield to your All Might. That was our promise and I bump into you acting like a damn villain! Where did it all go wrong? What happened to you Kazumi?"
Unable to bear the sight of the person I had idolised alongside All Might as someone to look up beating up someone weaker than her for her own satisfaction, I turned and ran as fast as my stumbling legs could carry me. I fled as best I could with my vision blurred from the unshed tears in my eyes, causing me to miss the heartbreak and guilt that filled her eyes. The tears that silently crept down her face not from the pain, but the dawning realisation of what she had become.
Kazumi
What have I done? Even after all the times I hurt him, all the mockery and hate I had directed towards him, he still followed me and tried to change my mind. I thought he was mocking me, extending his hand in smug pity to someone he looked down on. It had never been like that, I should have known better, we basically grew up in each other's houses.
He'd seen me change and tried to remind me of why I wanted to be a hero. I thought for so long it was just to always win, to stand at the pinnacle upon the villains I had defeated. I did want to always win, but it had never been to reach the top, it had been to make sure no villain could ever get past me to those that couldn't protect themselves. I'd been so caught up in winning that I had forgotten why I even wanted to. Endeavour had solved more cases than All Might, but he was cruel and merciless with so much damage and loss of life caused by his hands, that the only thing keeping him in service is the sheer volume of crimes he stops. I wanted to bring people hope, not fear that they might get caught in the cross-fire.
This is the first time he had ever attacked me, not even fighting back when I hurt him, and that alone would have been a wake-up call, but the sheer disappointment and sense of betrayal in his emerald eyes as he spoke truly made it so much more painful to hear.
When one of the extras suggests dragging him back, I simply grab them both and push them away, yelling "Fuck off and leave me alone you damn extras!" before desperately racing off towards Izuku's house. At least they didn't hear my sobs as I collapsed in tears at Auntie Inko's door. All I remember after that is being brought into the living room and crying myself to sleep on the sofa, haunted by those bitter emerald eyes.
Izuku
Taking a long roundabout path home, I wonder if I could have done more, if I could have found a better way. As much as it pained my heart to admit, the girl I had grown up with and treasured like a sister was most likely gone. The dull, empty ache in my heart stayed with me all the way home. Outside the door Mum was waiting for me and instantly walked over hugging me and whispering softly "It's okay Izuku, you can cry now. You don't have to act strong, I'm here for you". At those simple loving words, the floodgates opened and tears streamed down my face, leaving Mum shoulder soaked with my tears.
After I had cried all the tears that I had in me, I explained what had happened. From Kazumi beating up the girl, to me slapping and shouting at her, to running away in despair. With heavy bitterness infused into every word I splutter "I-I tried t-to stop and h-h-help her, b-but I don't th-think I can d-do this a-anymore". Sensing in that special way that only a parent can for their children, Mum wore a wobbly smile and said "You're worried she'll keep acting like that and lose her way to her dream of being a hero. I think you need to see something".
Following Mum silently through the door, I see Kazumi asleep on the sofa, turning fitfully and whimpering in her dreams. Listening closely, I hear the repeated mumbling "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...Izu, I'm sorry...where are you...what should I do? I was wrong, I'm sorry".
Sneaking around the side I was shocked to see she had obviously cried herself to sleep and even as I watched new tears fell down her haggard face. Was this the same person? The girl that had hurt me and so many others, the girl that had played every malicious prank in the book on me, the girl some people called "Bomb Bitch" behind her back. I found it so hard to connect that girl to the one on the sofa in front of me, tormented by nightmares and begging to be forgiven.
Looking back at Mum I saw her hold up a large piece of paper with "Seems you won't have to keep trying Izuku. You did it" filled me with a bittersweet sensation. Glad that I had finally manged to help Kazumi, but upset that it took so much to help her change. As I reach out to tug up the blanket that was falling off her Kazumi gently grasped my hand, her tense expression easing slightly and her breathing calming down. Trying my best not to be embarrassed by Mum wriggling her eyebrows with a shit-eating grin on her face as she took a photo, I sat on the floor and drifted off the sleep, still holding Kazumi's hand.
Inko
Watching the two children drift off holding each other's hand was a truly sweet moment, one that I fulfilled my duty as a mother to collect potential dark history and recorded in full for Mitsuki to see later. Dragging a blanket from the cupboard to cover Izuku, I saw Kazumi's face and the sweet gentle smile I hadn't seen since she was seven and drifted apart from Izuku. Sneaking into my bedroom, I quietly called Mitsuki and the moment she picked up I giggled "So is that bet on who will propose first between our kids still going? I know they grew apart, but watch this" as I sent the video of them sleeping hand in hand. The evening was young and I hadn't gotten a proper opportunity to gossip in several months.
Kazumi
Groggily opening my eyes, vision still bleary from all the tears I had cried, I sigh and wonder how I should try and apologies to Izuku when he gets back. I guessed he would take a few hours at least to get back. "I wonder if that has anything to do with you beating him if you ran into him on the direct route home, you monster" whispered the dark voice at the back of my head. "He stood by you, tried with all his heart and soul to save a cruel bitch like you and all he got was pain and contempt. You think he would forgive you after everything you've done as if it never happened? Not even a saint could stand to be friends with you. Those 'extras' only ever hung around you to use you and your favour with the teachers to get out of trouble. That isn't a friend, it's a flunkey, a thug, a hanger-on and you threw away the only friend you ever had for that kind of existence. Your life could be considered one massive joke if it wasn't so pathetic"
The tears welling up again, I try to block out it out and return to the sweet dream I had been in before waking up. Where in spite of everything I had done, he gave me a second chance and softly held my hand. That sensation of comfort and peace was so gentle, so warm as he told me it would be alright. That he forgave me and he would be there for me if I ever started to lose my way again. Even if it's just a little longer, let me believe that it could happen before I go ahead and fuck up like I have for everything worth a damn.
Turning slightly to try and bury my face into the back of the sofa so Izuku won't see my bloodshot eyes when he comes back, I felt something tug on my arm. Looking down I see something that leaves me wondering if I'm in a dream. I see Izuku slouched on the floor against the sofa, his hand holding mine with a light reassuring pressure that he was here. The dark green hair, the baby face, the freckles, all exactly the same.
Slowly my heart sinks, coming to terms with this probably being a dream. Even if he's the kindest cinnamon roll that I've ever witnessed, I doubt he would be able to forgive someone like me. At least in this dream, I can maybe do things right and say everything I doubt I'll get the chance to him anymore.
Sitting up and sliding onto the floor beside him, I whisper "I'm sorry for everything. I'm short-tempered, crude, arrogant and despite all that you still reached out to me, tried to help me become a better person. You're a better person than I could ever hope to be. I know I have no right to feel like this after all I've done to you and I don't deserve to have it returned either. I... I wish I could say this to you in person and not in a dream like this, but... Izuku, I think might have lost my heart to you. I love you, Izuku" before delicately wrapping my arms around him and hold him close, never letting go of his hand all the while. This warmth lets me feel, even if it's all false, an idealistic dream, that he's here in my arms. Having said it all, I felt as if a heavy weight had lifted from my heart while a smile, a sweet and happy one instead of my usual manic grin, take place on my face.
Exhausted by the emotional day and soothed by the feeling of holding Izuku close to me, I drift off to sleep on his shoulder.
Izuku
Startled awake by something tugging my arm, start to wake up to feel Kazumi shift around to sit beside me. Pretending to still be asleep I hear and feel everything. How she thinks that she's still in a dream and her awkward confession. The tenderness and care with which she hugs me, using a delicate touch that it seems she's afraid I'll vanish if she squeezes me too tight. The sense of peace and contentment pouring off her in droves as she falls asleep on my shoulder. The small, sweet smile I spot when I peek from under my eyelashes. Muttering to myself I say "This certainly isn't what I expected, but...I guess I'll see what the future holds".
Auntie Mitsuki will probably be here soon enough to pick Kazumi up. I think it would probably be best if I pretend that I really was asleep, if only for the sake of avoiding any blunt-force trauma to the skull.
All the while I was unaware of the chilling dedication that mothers will go to in order to preserve their children's dark history as a camera lens flickers softly between the books on the shelf by the TV.
Inko
After repeated thanking whatever twist of fate led to her getting a high-quality video recorder last Christmas from Mitsuki, with an equally high-quality directional microphone installed into the same product, Inko furiously copied the footage across from the video recorder to the laptop she was using to make sure no untoward events occurred and sent it to Mitsuki, all with a gleeful reminder on the terms of their little bet. Next weekend would be a full course treatment at the luxury spa in the mountains outside of Mustafa and she was footing the bill. We aren't going to show it to them though. Not yet anyway. There would be time for that in the future.
Kazumi
As I come back from my dreams the only thing I could think was "Fucking damn it. Can't a girl enjoy her dreams just a bit longer before reality crushes them". Turning to my right, I almost yelp out loud when I see that I had fallen asleep on Izuku's shoulder. At that moment I notice a tiny detail that informs me of how spectacularly I have managed to fuck up. I fell asleep on the sofa, so why am I waking up having rested my head on Izuku's shoulder and hugging him...? That wasn't a dream? Then that means I said all that out loud and he might have heard it and...
My face doing its best tomato impression, I manage to separate myself from Izuku with some reluctance and bolt to the bathroom. Quickly turning on the cold tap at full blast, I shove my head under it in an attempt to cool my head and calm down. It's okay, I just fell asleep hugging my childhood friend after confessing to him. I have to admit for a nerd he's surprisingly well muscled.
My internal screaming is interrupted, when the water in the sink shows signs of red. Swiftly yanking my head out from under the tap, I look in the mirror to see I have a fucking nosebleed! Pinching my nose, I quietly chant under my breath to distract me from the irritation only to realise that I'm chanting "I'm not a pervert" of all things. Biting back a scream of frustration I sit on the toilet and wait for Mum to come and pick me up. I really need some sleep after dealing with this and I don't think my brain can handle anymore madness today.
Izuku
The days after that were truly blissful. Kazumi had started to work on her bad habits, ditching her grunts and calming herself down somewhat even if she occasionally let herself slip back into them. At that point I would appear and tap her on the shoulder, reminding her of her desire to better herself as a person. The news quickly spread around the school that I was the only person whose words Kazumi would actually listen to, with the incredibly embarrassing nickname of "The Demon Tamer" flitting about whenever I walked past. As we were on friendly terms again, the majority of the bullying stopped, but the disdain and disgust in everyone's eyes as they looked at me still remained. Quirks were considered power and the only definitive proof of one's worth. That wouldn't change any time soon from the way things looked.
Walking home with Kazumi, I saw Mum standing outside the door waiting for me, holding a yellowed letter in her hands. "Izuku, we need to talk. Kazumi, I'll see you tomorrow morning, okay?" Mum called with a smile. The smile didn't reach her eyes however, as they teemed with pain, guilt and sorrow. Quickly heading in after yelling my farewell to Kazumi, I run up to Mum and hug her tight whispering "It's okay Mum, I'm here. You don't need to pretend for me. I won't leave you alone". Holding my tight, she kept quiet and sniffled, but I could feel the tears soaking the back of my shirt as she tried to hold back and avoid worrying me.
Thirty minutes passed and we finally started to settle down. Mum looked between the letter and myself, the guilt clear in her eyes. "Izuku, before Hisashi disappeared he left me this letter. He said that if you still wanted to be a hero, even without a quirk to give you this letter when you were ten. He knew you would want to be a hero and believed you could. He never told me what was happening, but he didn't abandon you for being quirkless, that much I can assure you. I'll let you read alone". Having rushed through her words Mum swiftly leaves the living room and goes to her bedroom.
Opening the letter from my father, from the man I hated for making Mum cry, with trembling hands the first few lines gave me something I had lost the day I was declared quirkless.
"To my Dearest Son, I know you probably hate me for leaving you and your mother behind. I can't blame you, nor can I expect you to forgive me. I want to tell you this from the bottom of my heart.
Izuku, you can be a hero without a quirk. I know I can't repay all that I owe you like this, but let me act as a father should for once and help you achieve your dream"
Joy welled up as my hope returned, sitting down to read the help my father had left for me.