(A/N: Warning for mentions of muzzle wearing but it doesn't go into too much detail. Just in case.)
...
Shouta quietly leaned against the wall of the dark hallway thinking about what he had just overheard as he listened to his students finally getting to sleep. Having intended to talk to Shinsou about his odd reaction that morning but instead was beaten to it by Midoriya. Leading to him learning yet another thing about one of his problem children. Ones who kept revealing more and more baggage as time passed.
Midoriya was one case of problem child that was unique. Quirkless with the dream to be a Hero. Being encouraged by a Villain to do just that. The fact that the Hero Killer was the first to tell the green one 'yes' was still a shock. Seeing something in the kid that not even All Might could see from his lofty Number One spot. Telling Midoriya what he had always needed to hear to push him forward and the kid using his words as fuel to stoke his inner Heroic flames. Never letting anyone hold him back from his dream no matter how hard he had to work.
It didn't really surprise Shouta that the green one had ignited the same flame in Shinsou. The kid just had this energy about him that was infectious. Firing people up and pushing them to try harder to match his level of tenacity. Shouta had first witnessed it when he had stumbled upon the two teens on the very first day of school. Beginning to train for the festival in hopes of transferring much like he had. Midoriya even coming with well researched knowledge of the events as well as his past win, transfer, and eventual Hero career.
But Shouta hadn't known that one of his students was in the foster system. It wasn't uncommon but he liked to keep tabs on the ones who showed up in his homeroom just in case. Not all foster homes were good and he had rescued a fair number of children from them in the past. Which was why he made a point to keep an eye out for red flags amongst his students. Hoping to catch them early enough to be able to do something about it.
Midoriya's situation with Bakugou could have been prevented if he had known. The kid had hinted at it but hadn't elaborated to the extent of their tense relationship. Shouta had intended to look into it but had pushed it off what with the USJ attack and then the preparations for the Sports Festival. Which unfortunately had led to him finally finding out by witnessing it first hand as Hizashi and he had broken up their confrontation. Still relieved that they had stopped it before more damage could be done, but still guilty that he hadn't been able to prevent it all together.
Todoroki was another can of worms that they had only just begun to pick through. Inko had brought up her concerns for the boy having helped him patch up after 'training' with his father. Had even sent them pictures of the bruises and burns. Ones that they couldn't use just yet as they didn't have the teen's permission. But they could get that further into the investigation once they had a more solid plan of how to handle that mess.
Midoriya had also been concerned for his friend. Going so far as to send the Hero Killer to look into the situation. Still not the best move on his part but it had worked out in the end. The video that the Villain had taken of the 'training' the same day of the Sports Festival made the Erasure Hero's blood boil. What the fuck was that man thinking 'training' his son like that? It was all kinds of messed up.
They were still going through the rest of the evidence Stain had given Midoriya. There were other videos of training and pictures of past injuries of not only the youngest Todoroki child but of another. Todoroki Touya. The eldest son of Endeavor who is believed to be dead. At least as far as the records say. Reporting his death due to a forest fire caused by his own flames going out of control during an unsupervised training session. The fact that no body had been found was presumed to be due to the intense heat of the fire that could have burned the boy up completely.
How this mysterious Dabi character was wrapped up in all this was still unknown though they had their suspicions as to how. But rather than voice them, they would let the evidence tell them that answer. That or Dabi themselves as they were keeping an eye and ear out for this potential ally. Finding nothing yet but they would keep searching for them. This Dabi could potentially be an important witness to their case.
Now to add to all this mess, Shouta learned that Shinsou was a foster kid. Given up by Quirkist parents and passed around like a hot potato ever since. It pissed him off how people can be so judgmental with no regard how their words and actions affected a child they were supposed to be caring for. No one deserved that crap.
Shinsou seemed to handling it alright from what he had overheard. Though that part about having to wear a muzzle was concerning. Hizashi had told him stories of people threatening to put him in one growing up from time to time. Scared of his Quirked voice and what he could do with it to hurt them. Not that Hizashi would on purpose. He eventually learned how to fine-tune the control of his voice to prevent unnecessary damage or harm.
The fact that Shinsou had apparently been muzzled at some of his homes flared up his Hero instincts. That was a fucked-up thing to do to a child. Shinsou wasn't a rabid animal that needed to be restrained. He was a kid. One who dreamed to be a Hero using his supposed 'Villainous' Quirk for good. And he very much could do so much good with Brainwashing. It was a great Quirk for a Hero and anyone who couldn't see that was an idiot.
While Shouta had been planning to talk to Shinsou tonight himself, he didn't mind that Midoriya had beaten him to it as it gave him more insight into the situation. Apparently, this had been going on since the Sports Festival based on their conversation. There was also that vague comment Nezu had made during their meeting about Shinsou understanding Midoriya's situation. At the time Shouta had figured he just meant the Quirk discrimination, but now he guessed this was also what the principal had been hinting at.
Regardless that Midoriya had been the one to ask, Shouta had his answer. Shinsou was a foster kid currently between homes. Safe for the moment and seemed resigned to that life for now. Probably figuring he would age out of the system before finding an official family. Satisfied with the found one he had with his friends and Inko.
That was all fine and dandy from the purple one's side. But Shouta wasn't feeling satisfied. Instead, he was pissed. Angry for his student having to face Quirk discrimination to such a degree. Midoriya had it bad too but at least he had his family supporting him. Shinsou didn't have that growing up. Left to make it through his life on his own with the world trying to push him down.
Thank the gods that the green one had met him. Used his power to inspire to bring the purple one much needed encouragement and hope. Having a similar effect on Shinsou as Stain had on him. Continuing that support by giving the foster teen a safe place to go to when needed. Or even simply a place to keep his prized possessions like his silver medal soon to be joined by the merch from Hizashi.
But what if that wasn't necessary? What if Shinsou did have his own safe place to call home? Namely one that had two willing certified foster parents with three cats? It was a spur of the moment thought that had just popped into his head but it was an idea. One Shouta would have to discuss with Hizashi when he got home that night.
He was sure Hizashi would be all for it. Having wanted a child of his own to care for a while now. But they hadn't found a proper fit yet. Until now that is. This situation was different than any of the other kids they had looked into and/or met. They both knew this one. Like really knew him. Having him in their own homeroom classes at one point or another. Training the teen along with Midoriya since the beginning of the school year. Taking Shinsou under their wings to either teach Binding Cloth style or to help him gain better control of the vocal part of his Quirk.
Because of this, they already had the foundation of a sort of chemistry between him and them. Having grown familiar with each other over the last month or so. Plus, he was already learning to defend himself so that covered that factor. Also, while this wasn't really a requirement, Shinsou looked different enough from them to not immediately be considered their son on sight. Well, to anyone other than the conspiracists like Todoroki, but that's beside the point.
The more he thought about it, the more Shouta found himself liking the idea. It would be fulfilling Hizashi's wish for a child while sating his own that the child would be protected against those seeking revenge. Either by his own self defense or just simply not looking like them. There would also be his name to consider going forward but that was an issue for the future.
First, he would have to talk with Hizashi about it. Feeling pretty confident the cockatoo would be thrilled with the idea. Then they would have to talk to Shinsou as well because it would ultimately be up to him to accept or not. Which Shouta would understand if he didn't but hoped he would. It would sate his combined Hero and teacher instinctive needs to know the kid was safe.
The tired man stood there against the wall a few minutes more before retreating to his shared bedroom to wait for his husband. He settled into a propped-up position on their bed so he wouldn't fall asleep before he pulled out his phone and put in some earbuds to listen to Hizashi's radio show. While he wasn't as obsessed with music as the blonde was, Shouta would still listen to support his husband from a far. It also served to let him know when Hizashi would be on his way home when he would sign off for the night.
...
By the time he got home, all Hizashi wanted to do was curl up in bed next to his husband and sleep. He had kept himself busy throughout the day with errands, cooking, and then playing host on the radio. Filling the airwaves with good tunes and good vibes as he did every week. While he did love each of his three jobs and wouldn't give any of them up, the constant energy he exuded as Present Mic could be exhausting at times.
But in his own home he didn't need to be as boisterous. Still energetic as that was just how he was, but with no need for the exaggerated personality that was part of his Hero persona. Their home was a place he could truly be himself and enjoy his free time with his wonderful cat of a husband and their three fur babies. And for this week only, he had enjoyed housing two of their students giving him the opportunity to shower them with gifts, good food, and caring attention that they both deserved.
Hizashi was sad that the week was over after tonight. The two boys would go back to their respective homes and it would go back to the five of them once again. Izuku had his own loving family to go home to and the blonde would guess Shinsou did as well. Or at least he hoped so as he didn't know much about the teen's homelife and was an optimist at heart.
The commute home seemed to take no time at all being a path he took every week. Their building was quiet as the tenants were asleep in the still of the night. Hizashi expected everyone in his home to be asleep as well considering the late hour other than one of the cats deciding to do some late-night mischief. So, he was surprised when he entered their quiet apartment and went into their bedroom to find his husband still awake.
"Shouta?" Hizashi asked in a whisper as he mostly shut their bedroom door leaving a gap big enough for the cats to get in and out as desired.
The tired man looked up from his phone that he was scrolling through, eyes half lidded as he sleepily drawled out, "Hey, 'Zashi."
"Why are you still up?" the blonde asked as he started to change out of his day clothes to just his boxers before throwing on a loose tank top. It was too hot for anything else.
"Was waiting for you," Shouta answered, also in his underwear and a tank top. Though his were briefs and both were black in color while Hizashi's were white.
Shouta typically would have been asleep already. Waiting in slumber for the other to join him for the rest of the night. Waking up just enough for them to snuggle up together before passing out again. It was rare for him to not take every opportunity to sleep because of his odd hours. Whatever it was that kept him up must be important. Figuring that, he made quick work in the bathroom of brushing his teeth and brushing out his long hair. Thankfully not needing a shower to wash out all the gel as he had gone casual that day.
"What's up?" Hizashi asked as he joined his husband on the bed wrapping him in a hug.
The tired man leaned into the embrace and let his head slump onto the blonde's shoulder before mumbling, "Learned something new about the problem child."
"Oh? Which one?" Hizashi inquired as he played with his partner's fluffy black hair.
"The purple one," Shouta answered, voice muffled against his skin.
The blonde huffed out a laugh in amusement for his husband's tendency to be lazy when identifying people. Choosing to stick with basic colors or other characteristics and leaving it at that.
"So, Shinsou, huh?" Hizashi said earning a nod. "What did you learn about him?"
"Did you know he's in the foster system?" Shouta muttered against him.
What?
Hizashi gently pushed the other away so he could look into his eyes as he asked, "He's what?"
"He's a foster kid, 'Zashi," the tired man reiterated. "Has been since his Quirk came in and his birth parents didn't want him anymore. All because they didn't want a kid with a 'Villainous' Quirk. Been between homes ever since."
Tears started to well in yellow-green eyes in sadness before hardening in hostility towards such Quirkist parents. Throwing away the child they had brought into this world just because they didn't turn out how they had wanted. It was sick and messed up on so many levels. Hizashi wanted to find these 'parents' and yell at them about how wrong that was.
But at the moment he couldn't do that. Having no knowledge of who or where they were. So instead, he pulled Shouta back into a hug in search of comfort. The other man gave him just that by holding him close and petting his long un-gelled hair. Acting as his pillar of support in that moment as he had many times before.
"What's his situation like?" Hizashi asked as he nuzzled into his partner's neck. "Is he safe?"
"As far as I know, yes," Shouta replied as he ran fingers through blonde strands. "He seems to be anyway based on what I overheard."
"What you overheard?" the blonde inquired pulling away enough to see his face.
"I had planned to ask Shinsou about an odd reaction he had this morning," the tired man answered, earning a questioning head tilt from the other. "Midoriya had joked about being my son for the week because of that weird theory Todoroki has about us."
Hizashi let out an amused hum at the conspiracy the bi-color teen had cooked up. Shouta had told him about it once he had gone to bed that night. Such a strange jump to conclusions that was also oddly endearing. Plus, it had allowed the blonde to tease his husband about being seen as a dad again. Something that the tired man vehemently denied even though he was dubbed Dadzawa time and time again for how he treated his students.
"What happened when Izuku said that?" Hizashi asked.
"Shinsou flinched," Shouta answered as yellow-green eyes shot up to black. "You were cooking so you didn't see. But he had a physical reaction to it. That's what I wanted to ask him about privately without drawing Midoriya's attention. But like I said, Midoriya beat me to it."
The blonde nodded and sat there in thought for a moment while still holding onto his husband. He knew they both had growing concerns about Shinsou and his homelife. Mainly because the teen had a tendency to avoid the topic giving only vague answers if he was pressed, but he had never let anything slip that they felt needed to be addressed. This certainly wasn't what Hizashi had been expecting.
Abandoned by his birth parents just because of his Quirk. In the foster system ever since. Shouta hadn't said anything but Hizashi could guess the teen's experience had not always been pleasant. They had both helped rescue foster children from their supposed 'families' at some point of their Hero careers. Never easy to deal with but relieving that they were able to help a child get out of a bad situation and hopefully into a better loving home. Because there were tons of families out there just waiting to open their homes to children in need much like Shouta and he were.
Wait…what if…
"Hey Shou," Hizashi said gaining his partner's attention. "What if we foster him?"
The tired man looked at him for a moment before letting out a huff of laughter.
"That's what I was going to ask you," Shouta mumbled sleepily, drowsy enough to let a small smile break through. "Figured you'd like the idea."
The blonde nodded with enthusiastic agreement.
"Alright, we can foster him," the tired man said. "If he wants us to."
"And eventually adopt him maybe?" the loud man pressed with a hopeful grin.
"Zashi, we just decided to foster him," Shouta countered earning a pout from the other. He let out a relenting sigh. "Fine. If he wants us to foster him and if it works out that way, we can adopt him. Happy?"
"Very," Hizashi replied with a kiss.
"Good," Shouta said before returning it. "Now sleep."
The blonde chuckled as his husband dragged them both down to lay together on the bed. Snuggling up with the other with both falling asleep to the budding of a plan to offer their home to the foster child. Hizashi in particular was excited to go shopping for everything the teen would need with them. Shouta went to sleep satisfied that they at least agreed to offer Shinsou this chance. While the foster teen in the other room had no idea what his teachers had in store.
...
The next morning purple eyes blinked open to the early morning rays starting to barely peek through the curtained window. It was still quiet and a little too early for even the birds to be up yet. But Hitoshi's mind had woken him up and he knew he wouldn't go back to sleep. Beside him was Izuku still slumbering away and drooling on his pillow while lying on his stomach. Hitoshi let out a huff of amusement before turning to the warm pressure on his chest.
At some time in the night, it seemed the cats had decided to pay them one last visit. Next to Hitoshi's head was DJ who had made himself at home sprawled out on his pillow. Sashimi seemed very attached to Izuku and had curled up into a ball on the small of the greenet's back. As for Esp, she apparently had deemed the purple haired teen worthy of her regal presence.
The scarred fluffy white cat was laying on his chest with her blue eyes staring at him intently. Hitoshi blinked slowly at the cat to communicate he wasn't a threat or threatened by the feline. Esp didn't return the gesture back but that was okay. She didn't know him all that well since they had only been there for a week. Instead, the brainwasher lifted his hand for her to sniff before petting her fluffy white fur.
He laid there for a while quietly petting Esp as the sun rose in the sky. Soaking up as much cat time as he could before having to return to the petless foster center. Knowing he was going to miss this domestic bliss even though he already knew it would be temporary like all his other living arrangements had been. But at least he wouldn't have to worry about the hoodies and sunglasses since Izuku had offered to hold onto them for him. He was also kind of relieved that at least someone knew about his situation.
Hitoshi had never planned on telling anyone he was a foster kid not wanting them to worry unnecessarily. He was fine. Had been for years because he had to be. Going with the ebb and flow of his life until he could find solid ground to walk on. Which wasn't going to happen until he aged out of the system and became in charge of his own person. No longer needing to rely on a guardian to make his own decisions.
But knowing that Izuku knew now was relieving in a way he hadn't expected. Finally able to express how he felt about the other boy who had been his first friend and was now like a brother to him. Part of his found family which was more than he could ask for. It was just nice knowing he had a place he was wanted and could go to if he needed to. Not that he would unless absolutely necessary. Because again he didn't want them to worry or become a burden on them.
It was also a weight off his shoulders. A secret he still held close to his chest. Not out of shame or anything. Hitoshi just would rather keep it to himself and he knew Izuku wouldn't tell anyone. Because despite all his teasing about the greenet being a lousy secret keeper before, turns out he really could. Befriending the Hero Killer…man, that still boggled the mind.
Their hidden connect was probably something Izuku had never intended to let out. But in the heat of the moment, he couldn't help let slip hints of their relation to each other. Considering that Stain had been the first to encourage Izuku and how much his words had influenced his brother-from-another, Hitoshi couldn't really blame him. He didn't know how they had become so familiar with each other but it was obvious they were close despite being on opposite sides of the law.
It would be Izuku who would befriend a Villain. He had befriended Hitoshi after all though the brainwasher knew the other didn't see him as one. Izuku was just someone who seemed like he could befriend just about anyone. If they gave him a chance that is and were able to look past his lack of Quirk. Acting like actual decent human beings instead of judgmental assholes like Bakugou.
Speaking of, the explosive blonde would be rejoining the class come Monday. Though thankfully Aizawa's modified seating chart kept them apart from each other. And with Shouto being seated between them, Hitoshi was sure Izuku would be just fine. Not that Izuku couldn't defend himself but there was no way one pining teen would let anything happen to the other. As for Hitoshi himself, if he could beat him once, he was confident he could do it again.
On the futon beside him Izuku started to stir. A tired grumble here and a stretch of an arm there. Squirming slightly but not enough to dislodge the ball of black fur. Yet. Though Sashimi's head did perk up at the disturbance looking about ready to bolt. Can't have that.
"Izuku," Hitoshi called out to the other receiving a hum. "Don't move."
"Mmm…why not?" Izuku muttered with a sleepy slur.
"There's a cat on your back," the purple haired teen answered.
That woke the greenet up but also stilled his movements. Green eyes looked over at him seeing Esp on his chest and DJ by his head. Meaning that it had to be the shadow cat on his back. Izuku grinned warmly at receiving the shy cat's attention. He carefully reached a scarred hand back and let Sashimi sniff his fingers. She gave him a lick which caused him to giggle before she got up from his back.
Released from his position, Izuku slowly turned over as Sashimi walked closer to his face. Once he was lying on his back, she crawled up on his chest and settled right back into a ball. The Quirkless teen smiled as he calmly petted the shy cat's soft black fur. The boys both laid there petting their respective cat for a bit. At one point DJ had woken up more and was nuzzling Hitoshi's head. He was in the middle of giving the cuddly cat a kiss on his furry belly while still petting Esp when he heard the snap of a camera.
Green and purple eyes snapped to the open door to find a casually dressed Yamada with his phone out as he continued to take more pictures of them surrounded by cats. They both blushed at the sudden attention but were also long used to such antics because of Inko and her pathological need to document everything. Well even if it was kind of embarrassing, Hitoshi knew he would still ask his teacher to send him a copy. A picture of him with cats? Yes, please.
"Good morning, you two," Yamada said with a chuckle as he put his phone in his pocket. "Breakfast is almost ready. We'll eat up before letting you get back home, yeah?"
Izuku nodded as he carefully picked up Sashimi before placing her down gently so he could get up. Hitoshi did his best to control his reaction to the mention of home but a twitch of his brow managed to slip through. He thought he saw yellow-green eyes track the minute movement but the blonde said nothing as he left to let them get ready.
Sensing their moment was over, Esp walked off on her own accord. DJ gave one last nuzzle before trotting off after Yamada most likely to demand breakfast and attention. Sashimi eyed Hitoshi warily where he remained lying down. She hadn't warmed up to him as much as she had with Izuku. The brainwasher carefully offered his hand to the shadow cat with a slow blink of his eyes to let her know he wasn't a threat. Yellow eyes stared at the offered hand for a moment before sniffing, licking, and giving one quick nuzzle before bolting out of the room.
Well, it was something at least, Hitoshi thought with a smile. Any interaction with a shy cat like that was a blessing.
The teens took turns in the bathroom to do their business and get dressed into their uniforms. They worked together to pack up the futons and made sure the room was back the way they had found it. As well as to pack Hitoshi's stuff with Izuku's bag to take back to the Midoriya apartment. Making his bag a bit more stuffed than Hitoshi's but it was fine. If Izuku could jump across rooftops with him on his back, carrying a bag with two extra hoodies and a pair of sunglasses inside was nothing. Thankfully they hadn't had to worry about their Hero costumes. After the hospital, they had been sent off to the Support companies that made them for cleaning and repair. Scheduled to be returned to UA come Monday in time for their Hero training.
Once they were ready, they left their bags in the hallway and headed to the kitchen. Yamada had just finished laying down the feast of a breakfast he had made for them as they entered. Grilled fish, sausages, tamagoyaki, pickled vegetables, miso soup, various onigiri, and of course white rice. A meal fit for an army going into battle and there were just four of them. Leftovers for later for them he guessed.
The four ate what they could and surprisingly ate most of it. Whatever was left was packed up for later but Yamada insisted the boys take the leftover onigiri as a treat. Even going as far as to wrap them in plastic and shoving them into the teens' hands at the door. The group gathered in the entrance of their apartment as the boys gathered up their belongings.
"Either of you need a ride back home?" Aizawa asked.
"Oh, uh, no but thanks," Hitoshi was quick to reply. "I can get back just fine."
"I'm okay too," Izuku answered. "You two have been accommodating enough. Thank you for mentoring us and allowing us into your home."
The greenet bowed to the two men and Hitoshi was quick to follow suit. He too was very much grateful for their hospitality. Spending a week away from the center had been a treat with the cats being the cherry on top. But now it was back to reality and his foster life. No parents, no home. Just him and what he could carry with him. Essentially living out of his backpack like he had for years.
With that the teens left the EraserMic apartment toward the train station before going their separate ways. After a brotherly hug of course. Neither knowing that as soon as the door had closed behind them, the Heroes moved to enacted their agreed upon plan.
The commute to the foster center wasn't much different as any other day. Just a slightly altered route from his mentors' apartment than the school taking a little longer than usual. Giving him plenty of time to mentally prepare himself for facing the other foster kids after being gone a week. Some of them were mean or obnoxious though he usually ignored them. Others were nicer but still didn't really befriend Hitoshi. Which was fine because he would probably be there only temporarily before being carted off to another short-lived home stay.
Once Hitoshi's stop came up, it was a relatively short walk to the center. As he crossed the parking lot heading for the main office to check in, a generic black car pulled into a spot. The brainwasher paid it no mind other than a passing thought of whoever it was apparently really wanted an early start. Not that morning visits to the center didn't happen, but it was typical for prospective foster parents to come later in the day. Either that or they were there for another reason.
Brushing it off as not his problem, Hitoshi strolled through the doors as he had done hundreds of times before. The front desk clerk looked up and noticed it was him. They made quick work to mark him as back from his week out of the center before sending him to the back. The brainwasher entered the main seating area where most of the other foster kids hung out during the day. A few greeted him while a handful of others jeered about him being back again. Hitoshi merely waved to the kinder ones without a word in response. He made his way to his room and started to unpack his bag when there was a knock at his door.
Looking up he saw it was another one of the center workers standing in the door frame. One of the nicer ones who wasn't scared to talk to him. Though there were some Hitoshi tried to avoid as they didn't…approve of him. This one was a man named Taikan Gosei. He was dressed in a muted blue button up shirt that was tucked into dark blue pants held up by a belt and wore dark brown shoes. He has been a worker at the center for as long as Hitoshi could remember. A man of average height and had a calm personality with a true want to help children. Yet despite this the majority of the other kids who lived at the center still tended to avoid him as they did Hitoshi. But rather than being judged for a Quirk, instead he was judged by his appearance.
Taikan had a mental type Quirk that allowed him to feel the emotions of those around him. Which had helped Hitoshi numerous times to get out of trouble when the man would sense deceit in those who wanted to blame the brainwasher. He also had the ability to minorly manipulate the minds of others. Nothing too extreme. Enough to calm someone angry down or help someone sad feel happier. Both he's done on multiple occasions to break up confrontations between foster kids or help Hitoshi out of a slump. Being more of a peaceful man who cared for those in his charge no matter their situation.
But despite all this peacekeeping and kindness, many still shied away from him. Because unfortunately in this world of Quirks, there are still those who judge someone by their appearance. A sort of discrimination that was still somehow common for those with mutant type features in this world of fantastical powers. For Taikan it was no different.
The man had told Hitoshi that his Quirk was from his mother's side but his appearance was from his father's. Taikan mostly looked like a normal middle-aged man. Stout but strong body with perhaps more hair than the average man. The biggest difference though was his head that was reminiscent to a buffalo. His fluff of fur was red in color with a mix of grey that had popped up over the years. He had large brown bovine eyes, a wide long nose, and thick eyebrows. He had horns on either side of his head and two tusk like lower teeth peeking out of his mouth. His appearance came off as gruff and intimidating despite the man being kind hearted.
Growing up with such a face had not been easy for him. Taikan never went into much detail but he had confided to Hitoshi certain tales and feelings. Of being judged by his appearance and being able to feel the fear or disgust with his Quirk. It had made the purple haired teen thankful that his Quirk only allowed him to brainwash others and not have to hear what they thought back. A one-way street of mental manipulation instead of the buffalo man's that went both ways.
Over the years, Taikan had been one of Hitoshi's constant supporters. Doing his best to help the teen in any way he could. Reading the room to prevent fights before they start or stop blame from being put falsely. Working hard to keep the peace. However, that was all he could really do. The kind hearted man always did his best but in reality, he held a low position of power. One he was in by his own choice because he enjoyed working directly with children rather than moving up the ladder.
But being on the front lines like that didn't help Taikan hold much power of authority. As such, any protest he could make for any of the children treated poorly for this reason or that would fall on deaf ears. Not that there wasn't enough evidence of it but the discrimination trickled down from the top and they chose to ignore such complaints. Taikan was also not a confrontational person. Preferring peaceful solutions over drastic measures. Doing his best to sooth situations with his kind nature and a little help of his Quirk when needed.
Because of this, out of anyone in the foster system Hitoshi felt closest to Taikan. Not that he wouldn't call the buffalo man a friend per say, but more a friendly acquaintance who knows some of the bullshit the brainwasher has had to go through. Could understand his situation of being judged for something out of his control and doing his best to help Hitoshi make it through his life. And though he had never given his opinion on the purple haired teen's Quirk, Taikan had never said anything bad about it either. Remaining as neutral as Switzerland in order to keep the peace.
"Shinsou-kun, welcome back," Taikan said with a kind deep tone.
"Good morning," Hitoshi greeted with a nod as a bud of anxiousness started to grow.
"Before you start unpacking, I'd like you to come with me," the buffalo man said, still speaking calmly but it didn't bring much comfort to the teen.
He could only think of two reasons why he was being summoned. One less likely than the other. Either he had been blamed for something by one of the other kids again. Hitoshi was long used to being used as a scapegoat by some of the less pleasant tenants here. But with Taikan involved he knew the situation would be handled just fine. Or the least likely option was that he was being called for an interview. Which he highly doubted because of his track record with those.
Hitoshi did have interviews in the past but they were few and far between. Having been repeatedly passed over in favor of a child with a better Quirk. Typically picked by families who wanted either the extra money that came with a 'troubled' case like his. A kid with a 'Villainous' Quirk with a long list of accusations against him across the years and homes. Or he was taken in by those who wanted to 'fix' him. Set him straight and all that crap. Those were the homes that usually made him wear a muzzle. Thankfully they had never been too tight or uncomfortable, but they still prevented him from eating, drinking, or speaking for as long as he had them on.
Even though he had never been physically injured by wearing a muzzle, he still hated wearing them. They were restricting in more ways than one. Hitoshi couldn't communicate not that anyone would have spoken to him anyway. Too afraid of what he could do with his Quirk. But he also couldn't eat or drink anything until they helped him take it off. Forcing him to rely on their 'generosity' when they saw fit to feed him. Acting as yet another way he didn't have control over his own life.
Being legally bound to the foster system was bad enough. Hitoshi didn't really have much of a say on most things because he's a minor. Most choices were to be made by whoever was his guardian at the time. It was one thing he was grateful of at his last placement. The couple had been one of the nicer families and supported his goal to attend UA. If he had been at one of the other homes who only saw him a Villain, the brainwasher doubted he would have been so lucky.
Hitoshi refused to think about what could have been or rather what could not have been. Not wanting to dwell on the negative thoughts of possibly never meeting Izuku that day of the entrance exam. Because the Quirkless boy had changed so much of his life. At this point, Hitoshi couldn't imagine his life without the Hero fanboy. Izuku had become so important to him. He was his brother. Family. Something that Hitoshi has been wanting since his birth parents gave him up.
No matter what, Hitoshi would fight to keep Izuku in his life along with Mei and his other friends. Inko as well of course. Because they are the people Hitoshi chose and they chose him. Family isn't dictated by blood but rather something you choose. His birth parents chose to abandon him so they were no family of his anymore. But Izuku and the others did choose him and he chose them back. Whatever this summoning was about wouldn't change that.
With a sigh, Hitoshi stopped unpacking his bag and nodded as he walked over to Taikan. The buffalo man gave him a pat on the arm before leading the way. The gesture didn't give any more comfort same as the kind tone. It could be just him giving his support for Hitoshi's side against another false accusation. And he still highly doubted anyone would want to interview him of all people.
The pair walked back through the main area passing the other kids. The assholes jeered that he was in trouble while the nicer ones sent him curious or hopeful looks. Hitoshi chose to ignore both and quietly followed the man. He expected to be taken to one of the offices to be lectured about being in trouble for one thing or another. But instead, Taikan led him to one of the interview rooms.
Huh?
Seeing his confusion, Taikan said, "A couple came in asking to talk specifically with you. They're waiting for you in there."
A couple asked for him specifically? Seriously? And this early in the morning? Why? Who? Just…what?! Questions rolled around under his gravity defying purple fluff as he stared at the door confused. Who on Earth would want to talk with him this early in the morning?
"Go on," Taikan prodded with an almost amused grunt. "They're waiting for you."
With a gentle push of encouragement, the buffalo man managed to coax him to open the door. Upon entering the room, the teen froze. For in the middle of the room was a table and sitting on one side of it were two very familiar figures. Purple eyes stared wide at the sight of none other than Aizawa and Yamada, his teachers, staring back at him.
HUH?!
...
Tumblr blog name: ja0-s-blank-canvas-fic
Notes extension: post/668046949356879872/part-2-chapter-39-homeward-bound
Drawing and Info on the OC Taikan: post/668046688115687424/blank-canvas-convictions-oc-taikan-gosei-your