When Aizawa and Izuku arrived back at the room, they found only Hitoshi and Shouto with no Tenya in sight. Probably still out for those tests. The tired man said he would go check leaving the greenette there. He quietly closed the door seeing as both of his friends were both snoozing. The brainwasher on his bed and the other still laying on Izuku's. Meaning he hadn't moved since he had left.
Izuku let out a fond chuckle as he crossed the room to his bed. He carefully crawled onto it and laid down next to his friend. His movements had been slow and careful but they still managed to wake the other up. Grey and blue eyes blinked open to find green staring back.
"Hey," Izuku said with a soft smile.
"Hey," Shouto said with warmth in his eyes.
"Is this ok?" the greenette asked, shifting a bit closer.
"Of course," Shouto assured him with a small smile of his own.
Together they situated themselves until they were both comfortably cuddling on the bed. Sharing as Shouto had said an 'extended hug'. It felt so nice snuggling up to his friend like this again. They hadn't had a chance since the sleepover. They had only recently added this to their list of friendly touches and it was already one of Izuku's favorites. Especially when Shouto started running warm fingers through his hair. The greenette let out a content hum as he snuggled closer to his friend's left side.
That familiar fluttering feeling flared up in his stomach as they cuddled. It kept happening more and more as the days passed so he knew it had nothing to do with where he had gotten stabbed. Izuku had talked with his mom about it one evening as they had sat on the couch together. She wouldn't outright tell him what it was wanting him to come to his own conclusion. But she did say it sounded much like the feeling she got when Hisashi had first started courting her. All while wearing a fond smile on her face at the memory.
From there he had done his own research during his fleeting free time last week. Not as in depth as he would a Quirk but enough that he could get an idea of what this feeling was. Though it hadn't really taken much to find the possible answer. In fact, he kind of already had it with all of Hitoshi's teasing. Because the top results either were medical like allergies, unlikely, or about nerves. Namely the nerves one feels when having a crush on someone.
Izuku had openly admitted to the Purple Panda that he found Shouto attractive. Or as Hitoshi put it, he had the 'hots' for him. But attraction doesn't necessarily mean there was more to it than finding his friend pleasant to look at. How could he not? Stormy grey under snow white on one side. Ocean blue under fiery red on the other. Smiles subtle and rare but when they did appear they filled Izuku with so much warmth. The same warmth he felt whenever they talked or touched. Being with Shouto just made him so happy.
Perhaps it was a crush. He still wasn't sure but even if it was, he chose not to worry about it too much. Shouto was his friend and he was perfectly happy with what they were. Special friends sharing special moments. Expressing their friendship through tactile touches that were just for them. That was enough for him.
As long as I can remain by Shouto-kun's side, everything's going to be just fine, Izuku thought as he snuggled closer to his maybe crush.
The pair remained in each other's arms on the bed for a while. At some point, Izuku dozed off and slept while cuddling into Shouto's left side, enjoying the warmth. The bi-color teen stayed awake and passed the time taking in the sleeping face of his friend. Or was Izuku more than that to him. Shouto was still reading through the suggested books from his mother. He was learning a lot though he still hadn't come to a conclusion as to what exactly his feelings were for the boy in his arms. But he did know that he wouldn't have wanted to do this with anyone else.
Shouto found himself drawn to the freckles that rested on his friend's cute round cheeks. He would have run his thumb over them but he didn't want to wake the other up with his cool fingers. But perhaps he could another time? It was an action that had occurred in several of his readings so far. Maybe he could try experimenting with some of the reoccurring themes he came across. Find out if they had as much special meaning as the books made them out to be. Yes, that sounded like a good plan. And if he was able to be more tactile with his special friend, who was he to complain? Shouto was sure Izuku wouldn't mind either.
He was interrupted from his thoughts when the door opened and revealed Tenya who was back from testing. Upon entering the room, Tenya's eyes were immediately drawn to the two who were sharing the same bed. Shouto could see that the class president was about to reprimand them for not staying in their own areas. Quickly, he raised a cool finger to his mouth and gestured towards the sleeping teen lying next to him to tell the other to be quiet.
Thankfully, Tenya caught on in time and stopped himself with a furrowed brow and a slightly open mouth. He closed it and shuffled to his own bed while Shouto turned his attention back to the boy in his arms. Carefully, he nudged his friend's shoulder to wake him up. Green eyes lazily blinked open and looked up to see gray and blue. It took him a minute to remember that he was looking at Shouto and that they were still cuddling. But he wasn't awake enough to care or find it awkward.
"…Shouto-kun?" he mumbled sleepily as he cuddled closer to the other. "What is it?"
"Tenya's back," Shouto said, running his fingers through the other's hair before shifting away to give him space.
Izuku sat up slightly and glanced over at his friend who was struggling slightly as he tried to situate himself on his bed with both arms bandaged. He wasn't sure if Tenya was avoiding looking at him or was simply preoccupied to spare him a glance. The greenette turned back to the boy beside him who was looking at him in concern. However, before he could ask what was wrong, the door opened again and through it came Aizawa.
"Problem children," their homeroom teacher drawled.
His voice was gravely and low but not too loud. Though it was enough to wake Hitoshi from his nap. The brainwasher grumbled but made himself sit up so he wouldn't fall back asleep. Izuku and Shouto both sat up as well. The bi-color teen ran a lingering hand across the other's shoulders before moving back to his own bed. The greenette found himself already missing his friend's warmth. He caught Tenya staring at them when he was turning back to Aizawa but the engine user quickly averted his gaze. Though whether out of anger or something else Izuku didn't know.
"We're going to have some visitors to discuss how we're going to handle this situation," the tired man said. "But before that, Midoriya as something to tell you."
The Quirkless teen gulped at being put on the spot like that. He wished Shouto was still next to him so he could hold his hand for support. But then again, once he knew Izuku's secret would he ever want to hold his hands again? They were ones that had willingly accepted a gift from a Villain. Would he ever again be able to hold his friend in his arms? The same ones that had hugged the Hero Killer?
There was a chance he was overthinking this. After all he had been wrong about being kicked out of the Hero Course, expelled, or arrested. Perhaps there was hope that things could work out? But then again, things could still go wrong. Not that it would surprise Izuku if it did. Consorting with a Villain. One who had attacked the brother of a friend. Said friend who was avoiding from looking at him. It was a sad thought that he was about to lose a friend because he was an idiot who hadn't turned Stain in sooner.
But it was like Aizawa said. Chizome had been the first to believe. His words of encouragement inspired so much of the Hero-in-training he was today. Even his Hero name and certain parts of his costume. His belief in Izuku helped push himself to work harder to achieve his dream to be a Hero. Their talks had helped the Quirkless teen really think about what his motives were and what kind of Hero he wanted to be. They made him want to live up to the man's given label of 'true Hero'.
He was still worried he would lose his friends because of this connection though. He had consorted with a Villain even though all they did was talk. Especially to someone like Tenya who was a stickler for everything, this alone would be a serious infraction. The likelihood of losing his friendship seemed ever more likely because that Villain had hurt his brother.
Hitoshi might stay. Though Izuku worried that the fact he had essentially befriended a Villain would have a negative effect on him. The brainwasher had grown up being labeled a 'Villain' because of his Quirk. The greenette had always insisted that his Quirk did not define him but rather his own actions and choices. But there was a possibility Hitoshi could think that Izuku would have befriended him anyway while still thinking he was a Villain if he was able to do the same with the Hero Killer.
He felt even more conflicted about Shouto. Budding feelings paired with the potential loss of everything they had built up in this bond they shared. It would all depend on this moment and their reactions to this secret. But it wasn't one Izuku felt he could keep from them. Not from the friends who had fought along side him against Stain. He felt they deserved to know at least the gist of the connection he had with the man. Taking a deep breath as the others waited in anticipation, he began.
"Hosu wasn't the first time I met Stain," Izuku confessed with his hands fiddling with the blanket on his lap. Avoiding their gazes as he talked though he didn't miss the array of shocked gasps. "About a year ago, I met him on a roof. I had been having a really crappy day that day. Typical Quirk discrimination at school, getting attacked by a Villain on my way home, but thankfully saved by a Hero. Only for that same Hero to tell me I couldn't be a Hero like him without a Quirk."
With his head down he missed the scowl on Hitoshi's face. The purple haired teen knew which Hero Izuku was alluding to. A certain 'live in technicolor' Hero whose face was plastered all over his friend's bedroom walls. It had always confused him how Izuku could still look up to the man after he told him 'no' like that. And leaving him on a roof of all places? For fucks sakes that could have ended terribly if the Quirkless boy wasn't so stubborn about following his dreams. Hitoshi may have never met his best friend and it would have been Dumb Might's fault.
Thankfully Izuku hadn't let his dream being crushed like that hold him back. Had pushed himself forward to become a Hero anyway. Had worked hard with Hitoshi to win the Sports Festival and score the coveted transfers to the Hero Course. It was all thanks to the Quirkless teen's strong desires to be a Hero. That and the person who had finally told him 'yes' ten months before the entrance exam.
Wait…
The brainwasher was having an epiphany in a flash of connecting dots. Izuku had mentioned several times the person who had first believed in him. The first to tell him 'yes'. Had said this person had 'strong ideals' when it came to Heroes and that was why he knew they really 'meant it' when they said he could be one. That all he needed was an 'edge' which inspired his Hero name.
Don't tell me…
"It was after that Hero left that I met Stain for the first time," Izuku revealed with a solemn tone.
Fuck.
It made sense. Stain was obsessed with Heroes dividing them into true ones or fakes. Wanting above all else a 'world filled with a better class of Heroes who save people without desire for fame or money' as Izuku had said. Like All Might. Guess this explained why he had sounded so sure that an impression of the Number One Hero was the best way to go. As well as the calling of a certain name before jumping into the alley.
It also made sense why Izuku had been so vague about who that person was. How do you tell someone you were being encouraged to be a Hero by a Villain? It seemed ridiculous! And yet somehow Izuku had found a supporter in the man who self-appointed himself as judge for what a true Hero was. No wonder his words had held so much sway over the Quirkless boy. Because when the Hero Killer himself told you that you have what it takes to be a Hero…just, damn. That says something.
"When I presented my Hero name," the greenette continued. "I told you of the person who had been the first to believe I could be a Hero. That was him. The Hero Killer Stain or, as I know him, Akaguro Chizome. The man behind the mask."
The Quirkless teen cleared his throat as the other teens were too shocked to interrupt.
"This wasn't the only time we met," Izuku admitted, still not looking up. "He came to see me after I finished cleaning the beach. Curious as to why I hadn't revealed it was me when it had hit the papers. But I told him I didn't do it for the attention. I only wanted to make the world a little better and give the beach back to the people. Them being able to enjoy the beach again was enough thanks for me."
There goes Izuku's selfless acts of charity again. Not that it was bad. Opposite actually. And it was just so Izuku for him to not care for any sort of credit despite having lugged a beach full of garbage by himself. A beach he was still periodically checking for debris. Picking up any bits of trash he found and disposing of them properly. Had even apparently inspired others to do the same not knowing they were working along side the one who had done the major clean up in the first place. Inspiring through anonymity. Though there were a lot more people who know about it now such as the entirety of 1-A.
"He also came to see me after the USJ attack," Izuku said. "He wanted to check on me and see if I was alright. Called the League idiots for attacking children in a school full of Heroes." The memory drew a chuckle out of the him. "He also wished me good luck in the Sports Festival."
His audience listened with rapt attention to his tale. Even Aizawa was learning more about the boy's relation to the Villain. Hiding a smirk into his scarf at the man's insult to the League. Idiots indeed.
"The last time before tonight was after the Sports Festival," the greenette continued. "Like all the other times, all we did was talk. About the festival and a possible transfer. Among other things. He, uh, he also confessed to me that he was the one who attacked Ingenium."
Green eyes finally lifted his head to look at Tenya across the room.
"He regretted it, you know?" Izuku said with a serious tone. "He didn't want to go after your brother. He didn't consider Ingenium a target. It was more a matter of circumstance than anything else. Notifying the authorities was his way to atone for having to hurt him."
The greenette then looked back down at his lap. Feeling unworthy of meeting his friends in the eye. A few moments of silence passed as the others processed the secret he had just revealed to them. That he had consorted with a Villain multiple times and had done nothing.
Izuku let out a sad sigh as he said, "I'm sorry for keeping this from you and I understand if you don't want to be friends anymore after this. I…"
"Fuck that," Hitoshi retorted back immediately causing green eyes to snap up to purple. "Izuku you are my best friend. I wouldn't stop being your friend just because of this."
"Nor would I," Shouto said to his right, his sincerity clear in his two-toned eyes. "Our friendship means more than that."
Tears welled up in green eyes at their words. They weren't going to leave him. The three boys then turned to the final one who hadn't spoken yet. From across the room, Tenya stared at the greenette at a loss for words or really any other reaction. He felt frozen in place to learn that his friend had been associating with the Villain who had hurt his brother. Unsure what to make of this situation.
On one hand, Izuku had met up with and talked to the Hero Killer multiple times. Seemingly doing nothing to help authorities to apprehend the Villain as he had still been at large all this time. Free to continue his unlawful and violent acts. Aiming his blade at Tensei and taking him out of commission for a while. Though it did bring some sort of comfort to know the man did in fact regret the act and called for help to make up for it. But it didn't entirely absolve the Villain for what he did.
On the other, this was Izuku. His friend. A boy of conviction and tenacity. Always willing and wanting to help others no matter the circumstances. Their training, the USJ, the festival, Hosu…every time he had gone out of his way to help people even in the smallest ways. And this entire time that Tenya had known him, Izuku had been associating with a Villain.
Knowing this, did it really change how he viewed the other? Well, yes, it did, but it didn't necessarily mean it was worth the end of a friendship. The situation brought up a medley of emotions. Much like how Tenya felt about Stain himself. Hurting then helping. Becoming a Hero while consorting with a Villain. It was a lot to process that was for sure. He would need time to really think about it all instead of coming to a snap decision as he normally would. Because that was what had started that whole fight to begin with.
With a sigh filled with muddled emotions, Tenya finally said, "I may need some…time to process all this."
The greenette immediately looked down dejectedly at his words. He was going to lose his friend. He didn't know Tenya as well as Hitoshi or Mei. But he was still his friend. Or had been. But now because Izuku had fucked up and didn't do anything to turn Stain in, he was going to lose him. It was all his fault. Why did he have to be so stupid? His mind was flooding in deprecating thoughts until a single word broke him out of the spiral.
"However…"
Green eyes peaked up with a flicking flame of hope.
"…I would like to continue to consider you a friend."
Izuku stared at the other in awe. Confused but pleasantly surprised that he still wanted to be his friend. Could he really be so lucky to come out of this mess so unscathed?
"Really?" the Quirkless teen asked, his voice coming out as a whisper. Afraid that if he spoke too loud it would break the moment and make Tenya change his mind.
"Yes," the engine user answered with a nod and a conflicted but determined smile. "I'd also like to apologize for not talking to you first before bringing it up with them. I was…concerned."
"I understand why you did," Izuku said with a forgiving nod. It was in Tenya's nature to do what he did and he didn't hold it against him. "I know this is a complicated situation so please take all the time that you need. I'm just happy you still want to be friends with me. I didn't have really any growing up so I appreciate every single friendship I have."
It was true. Every bond he had was precious to him. Hero, Villain, and civilian alike. His parents for their unconditional love and support. His friends who cheer him on to follow his dreams. His mentors who care and push him to become better. And of course Chizome for his words of encouragement. Erased from the world along with the rest of the recording, but lived on in his memories. Ones that Izuku would think about every time he saw the scarf and knife gifted to him by the Hero Killer himself.
This level of appreciation he tried to convey as he looked at each of his friends. Hitoshi shot him a supportive smirk. Tenya gave him another nod looking more assured with his feelings. Still needing time to really understand all this but feeling more confident that he wanted to stay friends with the other. Then there was Shouto looking at him fondly filling the greenette with so much warmth. Causing Izuku to smile.
It wasn't his usual smile that was as bright as the midday sun. It was more subtle than that. Like the first rays of the morning sun peaking over the horizon on the start of a new day. Because that's what it felt like to him. He had been worried about what would happen if his secret meetings with Chizome were revealed. Of losing his friends, mentors, and his ability to become a Hero. But, with his friends and teachers assuring him that he wouldn't be losing any of those things, the future looked much brighter.
There would still be a need for time to sort everything out. Unsurprising as it was an odd situation. It's not every day you find out your friend had a secret supporter that turned out to be the Hero Killer himself. Having a connection with a Villain but still firmly heading down the Hero path. If it were in another universe or anyone else other than Izuku, it likely would not have worked out so well. But here and now, this Izuku somehow managed to make it work.
"Glad we've got that settled," Aizawa spoke up from where he was leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. "Now then, everything you just heard is sensitive information and part of an ongoing investigation. Meaning that you are to not repeat it to anyone else outside of this group. Understood?"
The four teens easily nodded though the hardened Hero still gave them a fierce glare to stress his order. Though only he and Izuku knew what exactly that investigation was. Tsukauchi hadn't lied that this was a 'big fish' they were going after. Endeavor had a formidable line of defense with the Hero Commission, lawyers, and public opinion. It was going to take a lot to tear the Number Two Hero down. But now they would be forming a joint front of Pro Heroes, a Villain, a concerned friend and his mother, and possibly this mysterious Dabi if they were able to find them. Surely that would be enough to end Todoroki Enji's reign of terror on his own family.
A knock came from the door and in stepped Tsukauchi followed by Manual and a very tall man with the head of a dog who even towered over Aizawa. The detective introduced him as the chief of police, Tsuragamae Kenji. The boys scrambled to stand respectfully and gave a bow to the dog man despite him saying they could stay where they are. With a shocking tagged on 'wan' of all things at the end much like a dog would say. But then again, his Quirk was obviously dog related so perhaps it was a natural tendency of his like how Tsuyu tended to say 'kero'.
"So, you're the UA students who fought the Hero Killer, huh?" the chief asked getting several nods in response. "Seems you faired about the same as the Hero Killer. He's receiving treatment for burns and has numerous contusions as well as a concussion. He also had several cracked ribs but other than that no other serious injuries. He's currently in the hospital under strict guard for observation, but should be healthy enough to transfer into police custody within a few days."
Izuku breathed out a quiet sigh of relief as some tension left his shoulders. Glad to hear that Chizome was going to be alright. The other teens and the tired man side-eyed him but said nothing as the chief continued.
"Be that as it may, we still have some issues to discuss," Tsuragamae said. "When the world became one of Quirks, it became necessary to regulate these powers in order to maintain the status quo. The police and other authority figures decided to not allow the public use of Quirks and that included the police themselves. To compensate for this, the profession of 'Hero' was formed with the authorization to use their powers to uphold the law."
The teens listened intently waiting to see what the chief's point was. Though they could easily guess it had to deal with their fight against the Hero Killer using their Quirks. Except for Izuku of course but he still fought the Villain with his Support Items.
"That authorization is essential in today's society," the dog man continued. "With so many Quirks that could easily kill, such restrictions of use of these powers are necessary. Holding those with the title of Pro Hero to a certain standard and expected to stick to a strict code of ethics. Using their Quirks and authority as protectors of the peace following the letter of the law and bringing those who break it to justice."
Hitoshi and Izuku shared a glance as the chief seemed to be putting a lot of stress on authority and such. It was a special permission that the Heroes had to use their Quirks openly. Similar to the temporary allowance Eraserhead had given them before he sent them off to find Tenya. They didn't know about the other two but they had been given permission to fight if necessary.
"Because of these restrictions, the public use of Quirks by those who are not authorized is a breach of the law. Especially when such use leads to injury. Even if it involved the Hero Killer and his injuries were not serious. As such, those without the given authority and their supervisors who failed to keep you in check should receive harsh punishments for this transgression."
Shouto was brimming with indignation as the chief spoke. He wanted to snap at the dog man for berating them like this. What were they supposed to do? Just stand by and let Stain murder Native all because they didn't have permission to fight? Damn the law. Someone was in danger and they did what was necessary to save a life. Shouldn't that be good reason enough? He took a step forward to yell at the mutt with Izuku trying to placate him with a staying hand but Aizawa's words were what stopped him.
"Wait, Todoroki," the teacher said, seeing his student's intentions clear as day. "Hear him out."
The bi-color teen relented with a nod before sitting on the greenette's bed in a huff. Izuku joined him and grabbed his hand subtly between them in an effort of giving some support. It was silently appreciated.
"For the circumstances of this incident, that would be true for two of you," Tsuragamae stated sparking confusion in those unspoken two. "Iida Tenya, you ran off on your own without permission. Even if it was to help Native doesn't absolve that fact."
Tenya looked down in shame. He knew he should have made more of an effort to get his mentor's attention as soon as he had entered that alley. But he hadn't and there was no way to change the past.
"Todoroki Shouto," the chief continued focusing on the irritated element wielder. "You left your father to help your friends but did not have the permission from a Pro Hero to do so. This wanting to help does not vindicate your actions."
Shouto grimaced in annoyance but he couldn't deny the mutt spoke true. Izuku gave his hand a comforting squeeze between them. It helped make him feel a little better.
"However, in regards to the other two," Tsuragamae said as he eyed them both. "I have been informed by the Pro Hero Eraserhead that he gave you permission to defend yourselves and others in pursuit of your friend. Is that correct?"
"Yes, sir," they both answered with a nod.
The dog man nodded before saying, "The official stance of the police department is that those who used their Quirks to harm while uncertified should be reprimanded. However, that would only be necessary if their involvement was made public along side those of you who did have permission. That will all depend on how we decide to handle this situation."
The teens waited with bated breath to hear the chief out. Hitoshi and Izuku were safe from any consequences that came from illegal Quirk use. Especially Izuku since he didn't have one. But their two friends were still in danger of receiving punishment for their actions.
"If we reveal all of your involvements in this case," Tsuragamae said. "You would most likely be applauded by the public everywhere. But there would be no chance to avoid punishment for those who broke the law. Another would be to give Endeavor the credit as he was the only one present with a fire-based Quirk to explain the burns."
Shouto scowled at that. How could they even think of giving his bastard of an old man the credit? He didn't even show up until the end! Shouto had fought and won against the Hero Killer with the help of his friends. That bastard had nothing to do with it and deserved no connection to the take down of Stain.
"However, there is a third option in this case," the chief added earning curious looks all around. "Because there were two of you with permission to fight, we could publicly announce it was them who took down the Hero Killer and leave the others out of it altogether. And with this one's Support Items we have a way to explain many of his injuries."
The dog man gestured towards the Quirkless teen who looked down bashfully. Izuku was conflicted even if it seemed the best option out of the three. It would protect his friends from being punished, but they would also not get the credit they deserved. It felt wrong to say it had only been Hitoshi and himself who took down the Hero Killer.
"I don't want it," Hitoshi spoke suddenly earning everyone's attention. "I want to be an Underground Hero so this kind of attention wouldn't be good for me. Izuku can take the credit."
"Wha!?" Izuku exclaimed with a flush to his cheeks. "But I don't want all the credit!"
"Izuku," Shouto said, sending chills down Izuku's spin as he said his first name. "If you don't take the credit, then Endeavour will."
Izuku looked at his friend, into those blue and grey eyes, seeing how much he didn't want his father to have that fame.
"But you guys fought just as hard as I did," the greenette tried to argue with a troubled expression.
"I wouldn't say as hard," Hitoshi interjected. "For me at least. Knocked out two seconds in. Pathetic."
The brainwasher clicked his tongue and shook his head. Then purple eyes looked up into green filled with determination.
"But you, Izuku," his best friend said. "From what the others told me, you fought your ass off. And then some. Hell, you used his own Quirk against him. None of us would have thought to do that. Also, you were the one to capture him in the end. Out of everyone here, you deserve the credit the most."
Green eyes filled with tears at his words. He looked around at all those in the room. The detective, chief, and Pro Heroes gave him nods of approval. Hitoshi offered him a proud smirk. Tenya seemed to think for a moment before nodding as well. Then he turned to Shouto who gave him a soft smile and an encouraging squeeze to his hand.
Izuku took a deep breath, making up his mind as he said "Alright. I'll take the credit."
Shouto rubbed a thumb across his skin in gratitude. Pleased they would not inflate the ego of his father today. Also pleased that his special friend would be getting credit for all his hard efforts in that fight. To him it didn't matter if he got any credit at all. As long as Endeavor didn't get it and Izuku did instead, he was happy.
The other boys were happy for Izuku as well. Tenya agreed with the chief's rationalities concerning the situation and approved of this decision. Hitoshi was simply glad his best friend was going to get credit for the fight while avoiding the spot light himself. Even if no one was to know of the other three boys' involvement, between the four of them they would. And that was enough for them.
"Then it is decided," Tsuragamae said giving them a thumbs up. "I believe it is the best course of action as well. I would rather not damage any promising careers in pursuit of charges for this mistaken indiscretion."
"Either way," Manual said glumly. "Us supervisors will have to take responsibility for our own negligence."
"Highly doubt the old man would agree with that," Shouto muttered only loud enough for Izuku to hear who gave a quiet snicker.
Tenya stepped forward and bowed to his mentor for the week and said, "My apologies. I shouldn't have run off on my own."
The engine teen received a scolding chop to the head and an order to not do that again. Shouto muttered a forced apology as well even though it was more for the chief's sake than anything else. He would never regret running to Izuku's side when he needed him. If he had to do it over again, Shouto was sure he would have done the exact same thing no matter what. No one hurts his friends.
The chief was pleased with their decision and apologized again that the others wouldn't get any of the credit. He then thanked them all for their efforts with a low bow. The dog man assured them that everyone involved, including Native, would be sworn to keep to this chosen story of events. He bid them farewell to allow them to rest and then the chief, detective, and Pro Heroes left the teens to themselves.
Aizawa was quick to return though with Recovery Girl in tow. She checked everyone over again before giving a final round of healing kisses. Hitoshi slumped willingly into his bed for much deserved sleep. Tenya fell asleep as soon as his head hit his pillow as the Youthful Heroine's Quirk did its work. Shouto refused to go back to his own bed so Shuuzenji relented and had him help arrange Izuku as he was already dozing off in his arms. The two Heroes left the teens to their slumber and they were all finally able to rest.
...
Tumblr blog name: ja0-s-blank-canvas-fic
Notes extension: post/665499102587535360/part-2-chapter-35-off-the-hook