Enjoy.

Life always comes full circle, doesn't it?

One minute, what feels like a lifetime ago, you're in middle school being told to find a tall building to jump off of and pray you're lucky enough to attain power in the next life. The next minute, after rebuilding yourself and gaining prestige, you end up at the mercy of that same asshole who didn't give a damn about you then and surely can't now.

Life is unbearable sometimes.

Izuku lets out a tired sigh. He wishes he could take back this entire project, rewind the clock before he ever made a name for himself. Looking back on his life, it's really strange to think about.

Do other people experience lows as great as his? Or is his suffering unique?

He chuckles reminiscing on the period after middle school, during his personal great depression.

Picture this:

All Might had just finished telling him to give up on his dreams and settle for police work. Only those with power can stand in the limelight, so to speak.

Izuku was hoping and praying for a different answer, but it turned out to be a pipe dream as reality finally gave him a firm slap awake. All Might, the shining beacon of hope, crushed him. His words distorted to mean only those with power get the luxury of dreaming. Him? Well, as Kacchan would say, what's a quirkless nobody like him doing having dreams?

He left the roof dejected and in mourning. A kind of bitterness bared its fangs in him and began gnawing on his heart. It would mock and sneer at him, call him names. The pain in his chest became unrelenting.

Then, he heard the sounds of gathering around a villain attack. People ran about, calling for a hero, shouting about the situation. He considered going toward it and he took the first step out of habit. He stopped himself, his sullen green eyes lowering to the floor. What would be the point?

Turning away from the commotion, he continued home.

After All Might's rebuke, Izuku spiraled deeper. He lost his appetite and seemed to crave solitude. His mother could sense his grief. Luckily, his father invited him to America so he could attend high school there. It was easier to forget his sadness when his life in Japan was so far away.

Despite his listlessness, a kind of awakening occurred after he saw the footage of All Might's final battle in Kamino ward. The light went out, the shining beacon of hope extinguished. The whole world seemed to go to shit after that. He saw the frantic nature of the news, a kind of desperation as crime began to rise.

Izuku watched it all, almost chuckling to himself at his cruel fate. Kacchan's voice in his head echoed, "What's a quirkless Deku like you going to do about it?"

He asked himself this question repeatedly. The desire to help tackled his bitterness and it eventually won out after a fierce battle all throughout his high school years. You gotta do what you gotta do, right? He'd officially decided to go into police work and it was an uphill battle from there.

Now, here he sits at his desk with his laptop screen illuminating much of his office. He stares at the bright screen before him; his email open to a message informing him of the hero who would be assigned to ensure his safety for a few months going forward. He hits the reply button and types out his response which boils down to, "Understood."

Considering the scope of the project, it's no surprise they would choose the number one hero in Japan to safeguard him. He sighs again, "This should be interesting."

He shuts his laptop and packs up his things for the night before heading out. Would Bakugou even remember him? A quirkless nobody like him?

Heads turn as he slaps himself harshly, he mutters to himself, "Don't you start talking to yourself like that again, Midoriya Izuku." Straightening his shirt with a scowl, he continues walking out of the bureau and heading home.

He notes the occasional hero out on patrol. Their information, like stats about their quirk and info regarding their personal lives, pop up in his head like a curse. He does have hero notes stored in a flash drive he keeps hidden away. The knowledge has become too vast and could be used to hurt hero society if leaked, but he uses it to suggest team ups on cases and in his planning of busts.

It's the only thing he ever lies about to the higher ups. They ask him where he keeps his notes on the heroes and he always assures them it's locked away in his brain.

It's a shame to lie about it, but he doesn't want to give more people reason to target him. He's got enough villains and corrupt officials at his back to keep him busy.

He's pulling into his driveway when he notes the figure at his doorstep. He doubts it's another attack on his life so he continues by shutting off his car and opening the door after collecting his things. He calls as he gets out, "If you're here to kill me or threaten me, I have to tell you, I've heard it all before, so you might as well go."

He walks up his steps toward the figure who he can see clearly now in the light. His heart skips a beat as he recognizes Bakugou in civilian getup. He frowns, "I thought the email said that you would start tomorrow?"

Bakugou also frowns at him, eyeing his appearance, "I just wanted to confirm with my own eyes that it was you I'm protecting."

Izuku blinks awkwardly, "Um, yes, this is my house where you can find me in the morning tomorrow. Did you need anything else?" Izuku is only slightly surprised at the coldness of his words. It figures he can't be as welcoming to this man, this bully from his childhood.

Bakugou raises a brow, "So, you're some hot shot detective now?" The wimpy kid grew an attitude it would seem.

Are they really going to do this? Izuku can't be bothered.

Izuku holds himself back from sighing again, "Listen, I just worked two straight days with no rest. I was looking forward to a quiet night with nobody else to deal with. If you want a better attitude from me, you can come back tomorrow at the agreed upon time, okay? I'm tired, I haven't showered, and I'd really like to not do this now." He's firm as he meets Bakugou's flaming ruby eyes.

Bakugou's brows deepen as he takes another look at Izuku's disheveled appearance, unkempt hair, and the dark bags under his eyes. His gaze softens suddenly as he realizes he's staring at a bonafide workaholic. He's been exhausted like this before too, and upon remembering his own attitude during those times, he steps aside to let the man pass him.

Izuku offers a grateful smile, "Thanks." He's glad some things have changed. The Bakugou from his youth wouldn't have held himself back from speaking his mind on whatever he felt he had to say that it couldn't wait until morning.

Bakugou tells him before he shuts the door, "We should talk."

"We will," Izuku shuts the door before heading about his night routine.

Izuku can't help the small wish they wouldn't talk. How long has it been now? He left when he was, what, fifteen? Yeah, it's been a little over ten years since they've seen each other… They're both twenty-five now.

Izuku chuckles to himself, albeit sullenly. He could've gone his whole life not needing to get back in touch with Bakugou Katsuki, and here they are, reunited. The weeks working this job will not pass quick enough.

Izuku wakes a little later than he means and rushes to get ready in the morning. He still makes it outside with Bakugou in his Jeep, waiting for him.

The hero calls, "Get in."

Izuku hops in, complying with professionalism.

They begin the drive to the safe house. Bakugou grumbles, "So, what's your job exactly?"

Izuku takes a deep breath, "Well, technically my job designation is as a detective, but my job has morphed into an advisor type role regarding villain take downs and recommending the heroes called for those jobs."

"Oh, and why do they call you for that?"

Izuku smiles to himself, "I pay attention to heroes and know the ins and outs for their quirks, so I'm good at recommending teams."

"Yeah, you always did that when we were young too…" Bakugou stares at the road ahead, lost in thought for a minute.

Izuku sits back, "So, what did you want to talk about last night?"

"Nothing," Bakugou lies. He wanted to see if it was really the same Midoriya Izuku from his childhood, and he has a lot of questions. Izuku practically disappeared from his life after middle school, and he wants to know what happened. It can wait, however. After all, they're going to be working together for a couple months at least. There should be plenty of time.

Bakugou asks, "So, have you had a hand in any cases I've worked?"

Izuku frowns, "Maybe one or two, but I don't recall specifics… I'm usually stuck in the office scouring evidence and photos of crime scenes. They don't like to let me do fieldwork because of all the attempts on my life and my being quirkless."

"Figures." A very small part of Bakugou is relieved Deku isn't in the thick of things. The world has only gotten crazier since they were kids. For the purpose of his job, he asks, "Who'd you piss off to need my protection?"

"Better question is: who haven't I pissed off?" Izuku laughs as Bakugou's brow furrows. Izuku clears his throat, continuing, "Well, the case they've requested you protect me over is regarding a high profile underground broker we believe is involved in child sex trafficking. They have some powerful affiliates that may or may not get wind I'm working the case. We can expect retaliation if they're implicated."

Bakugou nods, "Very well, any idea as to the scope of people I'm protecting you from?"

"If they're going to retaliate, it will be quick and quiet. One person or a team consisting of up to five people is probably what we can expect. I doubt we will face anything too difficult, the higher ups are really just being extra cautious." Izuku has yet to be attacked at the safe house, mostly because it's so off the books that no one really knows where he goes during these cases.

Bakugou hopes it's something like that. It would be nice to have a quick and quiet case after all the shit they've been dealing with regarding the League. He's lost to Shigaraki Tomura multiple times already. The heroes just don't have the kind of power behind their blows to take him down yet. It's been very humbling for Katsuki.

It's another hour before the duo reaches the safe house in a secluded forest. It's a mansion camouflaged with technology.

"They really pulled out all the stops to keep you safe." Bakugou finds he is having some trouble believing this is common for Izuku.

Izuku steps out of the car, "No, this is the usual place I stay when I work high profile cases? That's why I didn't pack any bags, it's kind of my second home." Bakugou follows him inside, carrying his own duffel bag and a suitcase with his hero uniform packed inside. Izuku shows him, "This is your room, and I usually sleep in the one down this hall. There's a panic button in every room." He hands him a rolled up paper, "These are the schematics of the house, make yourself at home. I'll be in my office."

Bakugou sets his stuff down and glances at the schematics before moving to explore the house on his own. There's an indoor pool and an entertainment room with games and a bookshelf. Bakugou marvels at the small gym and the sheer number of rooms in this mansion. The kitchen is fully stocked upon inspection, and Bakugou decides to start on food.

After looking around, he heads back to where he left Izuku only to find his room empty. He knocks lightly on the office door before entering at Izuku's muffled, "Come in."

There's papers scattered everywhere and stacks nailed to the wall. Izuku blinks at him, waiting a moment for him to ask something before, "Did you need something?"

Bakugou hums, "Protection details usually have eyes on the one they're protecting."

Izuku replies, "If something happens while you are in another section of the house, I'll hit the panic button. There's no need for us to stick together while in this place. You have full access to whatever's in the house so you can pass the time… I'll be in here mostly and you can check up whenever you'd like, just try not to disturb me, please. You don't have to knock."

Bakugou gives a curt nod, "Right, okay then." He moves to leave before stopping, "Oh, when you're in here, mind leaving the door open? I'll look in every so often."

Izuku agrees, "That's fair."

Bakugou lets the door go, keeping it open halfway, before he leaves. He can already tell this is going to be a boring job.

He reads and plays games to the pass the time later in the day. By nighttime, he realizes that Izuku doesn't seem to be leaving his office for food. When he peeks in the office, he finds Izuku with his laptop open in front of him while he jots in a notebook. Izuku seems enveloped by the work.

Bakugou nearly growls. Is he supposed to offer him food or something? He's his bodyguard not his nanny. The blond angrily prepares Izuku food before he stalks inside the office and sets it on the coffee table. Izuku doesn't even acknowledge it and Bakugou notices his earbuds in as he seems to be watching something on his screen.

He hears Izuku muttering, "Evidence he was in the area? Need…" Izuku glances up before jolting at Bakugou's presence in the room. He pinches the bridge of his nose, "Oh, you startled me, phew."

"I brought you food, it's here. Eat when you can tear yourself away."

Izuku frowns, "Thanks."

Bakugou doesn't reply, merely exits the room.

He gets ready for bed, checking on Izuku once more before going to sleep. When he wakes and gets his day started, opening his door, he watches Izuku blearily heading into his room for rest.

The routine and quiet is much of the same as the days pass by. His mornings consist of intense workouts in the gym followed by a swim to cool off. Izuku has an odd sleep schedule, as he mostly keeps himself shut in his office poring over documents and emails regarding developments in his case.

By the fourth day, Bakugou seemed to map out Izuku's general schedule. He would work late into the night and be up early enough to eat and workout in the gym before carrying out any other leisurely activity. If uninterrupted, he'd start work at ten o'clock in the morning and work till around four o'clock in the morning. If he received a phone call regarding the case, then he'd start work earlier and remain in his office until the same time.

It wasn't as unkempt and unhealthy as it first appeared to Bakugou, though still workaholism. The guy gets some sleep and some nutrients, just not exactly the recommended amount.

Izuku always gave a curt thanks when Bakugou would bring him dinner. Katsuki seemed to notice some emotion flash in his green eyes upon the hero's offering. He couldn't determine what it was, it was gone too quickly for him to inspect it.

The hero felt slightly deject at the situation. For some reason, he expected more interaction, more communication, but neither was occurring. Instead, the two individuals went about their days mostly separate, as if a wall of ice separated them.

On one occasion, Bakugou came to check on Izuku as the green-haired stretched and stood for a break. The blond wonders, "Taking a break?"

Izuku nods, yawning, "Yeah, the case is gonna be resolved soon. All the witnesses have made their statements and are ready to testify. We have photos, legal documents, and a video of the participants and mastermind. All that's left is to see which of the heroes I've requested will take the case, and we'll plan the operation afterward with them."

Bakugou follows Izuku out to the yard where the detective gazes tiredly on the dark woods before them. The hero is silent as he considers how to broach the topic that's been eating away at his mind. Izuku interjects his thoughts with, "It's a little ironic… this safe house, I mean. We're out here in the middle of nowhere for safety, yet every horror movie seems to start out this way."

Bakugou cracks a smirk, "Yeah, I guess."

Midoriya lowers his face to his hands, rubbing it before sighing, "Sorry, that was an ominous thing to say."

"No, you're right, it was just a little random."

Izuku moves to sit on a chair. Their back patio has a nice little setup with an propane fire pit. He leans forward to turn it on and rest back. Bakugou joins him, sitting in a chair diagonal to him. Izuku's eyes begin to droop closed and his breathing becomes more even.

Bakugou reclines as well, though more awake than his fellow. He smiles to himself, thinking, We're never gonna clear this up, are we?

He desperately wants to know what happened all those years ago. Why did Izuku leave for America? The twerp had the gall to apply to UA of all places and yet didn't stick around for the exams. It just doesn't track in Bakugou's mind. Why would Izuku give up?

The night grows longer and Bakugou fears it will be eaten away by the quiet. He stands with a stretch and eyes Izuku for a minute. Should he wake him? He decides against it for fear the man goes back to his desk instead of bed. Bakugou instead grabs a blanket from the living room and drapes it over Izuku before he heads inside.

Izuku's green eyes peek open as the first rays of light begin shining on the day. He yawns tiredly, his hand sneaks up from under the blanket to rub his face. His brows furrow as he considers the blanket. Did he fall asleep with it on? He swears he didn't. If he didn't, however, then the only other occupant of the house must have… He cringes internally, disgust riling at the act of kindness or consideration.

His brow sets deeper as a flash of anger washes over him. Why? Why is he suddenly playing the nice guy? What's the purpose? He grimaces at his musings. Is it because he said he advises on hero jobs? Is Bakugou trying to earn his favor? He doesn't seem the type although Izuku can't put it past him. Bakugou isn't a good person in his mind's eye.

"Midoriya?"

Before Izuku can hide it, he shoots Bakugou a glare, "Yes?" His emotions are chained back as soon as he realizes his rage is spilling out.

Katsuki raises a brow, "I made extra if you want some breakfast."

"Sure." Izuku offers a plastic smile.

This job cannot be over soon enough.

The end of their reunion draws nigh and Bakugou ruminates on their interactions. He thought he saw anger directed at him but decided to attribute it to a night spent outside. Maybe he should've woken Izuku up after all?

Overall, Bakugou isn't sure what he was expecting. There's no way they could grow a friendship after all these years.

Izuku enters the entertainment room and informs Katsuki, "I'm confirming you saw the email about your last day."

Katsuki confirms, "Yeah, Friday, I'm headed out… Did you want me to drop you off back at your home?"

Izuku nods, "That would be swell."

Katsuki hums in affirmation. Izuku leaves and Katsuki glances up at his retreating form. He deflates slightly. He should just forget their history and do his job, move on with his life.

He makes a plan to do so.

Izuku grimaces as he walks away from what he hopes is his and Bakugou's second-to-last interaction. The longer he has to look at him the angrier he gets.

Does the jerk really think he'll get to use Izuku after bullying him in their younger years? What a joke, it can't be the case.

Izuku desperately wants to give Bakugou the benefit of the doubt, but his mind keeps ascribing ulterior motives.

He laughs dryly before going over some more emails and pulling up details on a new case. The details describe a woman and child found murdered in the most gruesome of manners. There's blood at the scene not matching the victims? DNA results are negative for anyone in the databases. It might be an underground personnel case.

First things first, the unknowns and the questions about the case have to be posed. Who else bled at the site? How are they related to the victims? Anybody with motives?

Izuku writes a long list of the unknowns and adds some vague answers using his insight as a detective.

This'll be an interesting case, he can smell it.

The last of the week falls away as Izuku loses himself in the next case after wrapping up the last one. He's already packed and just tidying up his things before heading out to Bakugou's car. Bakugou trails after him, more sullen. He glances at Izuku's back before shifting his gaze back to the floor. The Jeep has already been packed. They're ready to go.

Katsuki revs up the engine and drives down the driveway to follow the dirt road out. He turns on some music so the two don't have to talk to each other. If he's honest with himself, they really don't have anything to talk about, do they?

Izuku is on his phone while he mentions, "You'll be compensated for driving me too." He feels like such a bother to Katsuki. He always followed him around when they were kids, like a dumb puppy. The guy obviously didn't want anything to do with him and Izuku doesn't want to push his luck.

Bakugou replies, "Ok." How does he extend the conversation? He can't just outright bring up the past. The past shouldn't matter, but it's eating away at him. Just ask him... How do people even start conversations like that?

The entire car ride is so fleeting. There are things to be said, but they won't be said. The air could be cleared. It's the perfect time to improve their relationship. Unfortunately, neither of them are ready. Izuku is perfectly fine with letting their relationship die. Katsuki has never been good at using his words.

Upon reaching his house, Izuku exits the car with a small thanks.

Katsuki waves, "Don't mention it."

Izuku hears the car drive off and he lets out a relieved sigh. His shoulders lift slightly as he makes his way up his porch. He has to brush the stress from the previous case aside. There's a new case after all.

He's all jitters as he opens his door, his mind moving to the list of things he has to do for the new case. He shuts the door and turns to his hallway when he hears someone rush him and slam him up against the door. His breath catches in his surprise and he feels a steel blade against his neck. He squints his eyes at a masked figure, sizing them up. A male voice growls at him, "You're dead, Midoriya Izuku."

Izuku portrays a frown, though he's amused. One, Two, Now!

With a quick shift, he gets ahold of the intruder's hand holding the knife then pushes back. The intruder is caught off guard and stumbles back, not quick enough to right himself. Izuku is quick to advance, however, keeping his hold of the knife wielding hand, and slamming his attacker to the floor. He beats the knife out of their hand as they're dazed. Izuku shifts position, gripping their head with both his hands, he repeatedly bangs their head on his floor, enough to render them unconscious but not enough to kill them.

He sits back with a long exhale and gets up to go find his cuffs and call a squad car to pick the guy up.

A uniformed officer arrives at his door and greets Izuku with a smile, "It was only a matter of time to get to see you again, sir."

"Officer Whittaker, how're you doing? How's the family?"

"They're all fine. I'm expecting my third."

"Oh, congrats, how far along is she?"

"Just a couple months, can't tell if it's a boy or girl yet."

"Well, at least you've got experience with both," Izuku smiles.

"That's true… Are you working in the office today?"

Izuku nods, "Yeah, I'll get the report into you later today."

The officer crouches to examine the features of the criminal. "I don't know him, but we'll see if we can pull up anything on the computer. You think this is for an old case or a new case?"

Izuku frowns, "I'm not sure, he only got one sentence out telling me he was going to kill me. No monologue this time around, I think this was a paid hit."

Izuku's colleague hums at the information, "Interesting, well it's a good thing you didn't give him time to use his quirk."

"Yeah, that was my thought too." Izuku rubs his neck where the knife was held, there's a small cut. "It must not be combat effective since he was using a knife."

"Well, hopefully we can get to the bottom of this. Let me know if you want to stop in for dinner, or I can have my wife drop off some food if you're working late today?"

Izuku smiles jovially, "Eh? That would be kind of you. I'll probably be there late."

"I'll let her know. I'll get this situation out of your hair and maybe I'll hear from you later?"

"Definitely, I have to go get on the computer for a bit, just do what you need to."

Whittaker tips his hat and begins moving the intruder into his squad car, taking and bagging evidence. Izuku leaves to get back on his computer. He's going to visit the crime scene, and go over some new reports.

Later at the station, Izuku leaves his statement on Whittaker's desk then he leaves to drop some other documents off with other officers.

"Midoriya-san! You're back!"

Izuku turns to greet the young man addressing him, his gaze trails down, "Kouta-kun, yeah, I just got back."

"I heard the big case was resolved, those were some heavy hitters you got." Kouta rests his hands in his lap.

Izuku grins, "All in a day's work, what're you up to?"

"Oh, just delivering some stuff around the office, then I have to input reports into the computer. If you need anything delivered, let me know." Kouta moves his hands back to the wheels, starting to roll himself back, "There's actually some time sensitive documents I have to deliver, see you!"

Izuku nods and watches him wheel away, his smile lowers into a small frown. He hears someone mutter, "Poor kid." Izuku shakes his head then walks on.

Kouta was involved in a League of Villains attack that crippled him. The kid was caught away from his Pro Hero ward when a serial killer associated with the League found him and decided to play with him. The heroes thought he was dead when they found him, but he lived. Unfortunately, he lost feeling in his legs and one of his eyes burst. As far as Izuku knows, all his fractures have healed completely, but he has some major scarring on his face and arms. He doesn't know how extensive the rest is.

It was a few years ago when Izuku first met him, he was a completely different person. Izuku had some business with the Pussycats and met with them to brief them on a case at their compound. Kouta was angry and depressed, allowed to throw tantrums with no fear of reprimand. Well, Izuku happens to not be very good with open disrespect.

"Another do-nothing cop telling the actual enforcers how to do their job. How do you people still have jobs?" Kouta chuckles slightly, mockingly.

Izuku's brow twitches and he halts. Mandalay holds up her hands, "Oh, Midoriya-san, forgive him, he's been through a lot."

Izuku ignores her and replies, "That's rich criticism coming from a do-nothing spoiled kid moping in a corner. You gonna mope forever or actually get a life?"

"M-Midoriya-san!"

To her surprise, however, Kouta laughs, "Have you seen me? How am I supposed to do that?"

Izuku considers him as he turns himself around. He's never seen the scars and damage so close, only glimpsed it. Izuku grins, "I can probably find you a job at the station, why not start there?"

Kouta frowns, "Be gawked at? I'll pass."

Izuku shrugs, "Then as you were, mopey brat." He holds up his hands as the Pussycats offer various forms of reprimand. He replies to them as he walks out, "The kid needs to learn some respect. Not having use of his legs or missing one eye doesn't mean he can't live his life."

The kid has come a long way. Izuku still wants to believe he has potential, but it's only if Kouta has the desire to push himself. There must be a quirk somewhere that can heal him. Even if there's not, the kid can still be a valued member of society with or without the use of his legs.

The green-haired detective runs his errands around the station before making his way to the crime scene. It's a dinghy house in a bad part of town. He exits his car, examining the surroundings.

According to the report, a neighbor heard the screams and called it in, but when police arrived, it was too late. The blood was fresh and both mother and child had left the world not long before. Upon trying to find the neighbor who called, no one owned up to it, either already taken care of or threatened into silence.

Izuku enters the house, the crime scene photos flashing in his mind's eye. The bodies lay in the living room, but blood was smeared in the kitchen and hallway leading away from the front door.

Izuku's intuition tells him that it must've been a hit. Somebody was sending a message by killing these two.

The blood at the scene couldn't be traced to anyone. It could be another victim, which Izuku is leaning toward, but it also could be the attacker. There weren't any weapons, but depending on their quirks, they may have gotten some licks in.

Izuku sighs as he looks around. There was blood everywhere. These two fought desperately for their lives. They deserve justice.

After getting a feel for the scene and surroundings, he decides to head back to the office.

He's driving calmly, with his mind meandering through thoughts on his case. After being stopped at a red light, it turns green and he hits the gas, just as he's passing the middle of the street, a car speeds into his for a t-bone.

It's a quick crunch and broken glass as the cars collide. Izuku passes out momentarily before screaming stirs him awake. He blinks, his vision fuzzy as he sees the city block from where the car was escaping now crumbling into decay.

The decay stops before reaching Izuku's location, a breadth away. Izuku groans, wiping blood out of his eye when he feels buzzing. He picks up his vibrating phone, "Detective! What's your location!? You're not in your office!"

Izuku growls, "What's the situation? Where do you need me?"

"I want you to direct the hero response team. The League of Villains is attacking. I need you on the roof of the Lotor Hotel. It's a little close for comfort but the heroes need your eyes."

Izuku begins crawling out of the wreckage of his car. He tells his superior, "I'm requesting my firepower be there too."

"Deal, whatever means, get there as quick as you can!"

Izuku ends the call as massive bursts of blue fire tower in the distance. He hears explosions as well. He begins running to the location, it's out of the decayed region but overlooking it. Most of the civilians are heading away from the chaos but Izuku seems to be running along it. A hero capable of flying yells, "Hey, you're going the wrong way!"

Izuku turns to glare and pulls out his badge, "I'm Detective Midoriya, and I need to get to Lotor, can you help me?"

The hero dressed in black flashes a look of surprise, "Midoriya? Right, I can take you there!" He swoops down, "Dark Shadow, let's take him up there!"

Izuku hears the entity reply shakily, "Okay…" The entity is weakened by the sun.

He grabs Tsukuyomi's extended forearm as the hero takes him for a ride. Along the way, the jet-black hero grabs a kit from his pack, "Here, for your wounds."

"Thanks." Izuku takes it as they set down at their destination.

Another detective runs up to them, "Midoriya! What happened?"

Izuku waves her off, "Doesn't matter, give me the comms, where's Shigaraki?"

She leads him to one side of the roof, "We should have a clear view of the battleground. Ground Zero is leading the heroes for now. Creati is backing him up from another location with drones. We've ordered all flying heroes to move to the site. Here," she gives him an earpiece with a microphone and receiver.

He takes binoculars from her and finds the scene. He speaks into the microphone, "Mic test, this is Detective Midoriya, do all heroes on this frequency hear me, over."

Katsuki growls, "Loud and clear." The other heroes offer similar replies.

Midoriya orders, "Situation report, who's on site? I know Ground Zero and Creati are active, and Tsukuyomi is enroute. Who else?"

"Ice Burn reporting in," Izuku nods as he sees the wall of ice responding to Dabi's flames.

"Uravity on site!"

"Gale Force, present!"

"Cellophane on site!"

Izuku replies, "Noted, now, how many hostiles?" Their profiles fill up the space around him as he considers what he's working with.

Ground Zero replies, "Five, consisting of Dabi and Shigaraki, and three lesser known villains. Don't know their quirks, only Dabi has been engaging while Shigaraki said hello earlier."

"Their objective?"

"What it always is, to fuck with us. Kill and destroy as much as possible… Fuck!" Another large explosion goes off.

Izuku commands, "Zero, your smoke reduces visibility, we can't have that… Or? ... Uravity and Cellophane get some projectiles ready, we're going to divide and conquer. Zero, you're going to engage those standing by. Ice Burn, draw Dabi away, Tsukuyomi and Gale Force will assist." Izuku watches as multiple smaller explosions go off. He sees debris start to rise. Ice and fire go off a ways away. He sees Tsukuyomi get some hits on Dabi with his claws.

Izuku tells his colleague, "Get a helicopter here, and did you bring my things?"

She remarks, "It's by the door… Shouldn't you focus on the heroes' fight?"

He tells the heroes, "Update me when you see the other three's quirks." He moves the mic out of his face and goes to get his duffel, a heavy black duffel. He dons his black police vest and pulls out a long case from within. He begins putting pieces together.

"Is that necessary? The heroes are there."

He replies, "Sometimes heroes fall." He finishes setting up and puts his mic back, looking into his scope with both eyes. He sees clearer, his breathing evens out. He's ready.

"The chopper will be here in fifteen, Creati will be joining us soon."

Izuku watches as Shigaraki and Zero trade blows. It's crazy that with a little bit of tinkering Tomura could become such a powerful foe. Izuku eyes the other three running from large mounds of debris falling at them. They're not using their quirks? Why? "Creati, focus your drones on the three unknowns, make them sweat."

"Right."

He sees missiles rain on them. One of them, a female in shorts and a bikini top steps forward, taking a big breath before she blows at them. A powerful burst of air is blown at them, knocking the drones and missiles off course. Two explosions go off from a missile colliding with a drone and another missile flinging into a crumbled building. Izuku watches the villain collapse, almost drained.

Izuku tells the heroes, "Those three are trainees, exercising their quirks. Shigaraki must've given them some that he stole. Cellophane, apprehend the downed villain, now! We're taking her off the board…" The other two villains step forward. One powers up, growing larger and brawny. Izuku smiles, "Gale Force, your focus is now on those three, take them away."

"Roger!"

Izuku sees the three swept up in a powerful wind. Shigaraki and Dabi scramble to help them but the heroes block them. Zero yells, "He's gonna say hello again, get off the ground!"

Izuku focuses his aim on Shigaraki, "Oh no you don't." He breathes out as the decay begins. Then he pulls the trigger, feels the recoil on his shoulder, and hears the powerful burst from the weapon. The attack halts and Izuku asks, "Is he hit?"

Zero calls, "He's hit! He's still mobile, but he's looking for the shooter."

The helicopter is within range to be seen and heard. Izuku grabs the phone from the other detective, "Circle around, I don't want his attention just yet, keep his eyes off here."

His hand hovers over his earpiece as Gale Force yells, "The three have surrendered, I took them a couple clicks over. They're in custody."

Izuku allows a smile, "Good work, three down, two to go. We're doing a trade up. Ground Zero will stay on Shigaraki, with Gale Force and Ice Burn as back up. Tsukuyomi will also engage. Uravity, Cellophane and Creati, make Dabi use his quirks." Intel says Dabi doesn't do well in extended fights, and the heroes are here for the long haul. A predatory glint shines over Izuku's eyes. He wants Dabi too.

With the new team ups, Izuku sees wonderful cohesion of the new groups. Dabi can't keep up with the projectiles, he can't maintain that kind of firepower. Shigaraki also struggles as Zero gets a speed increase thanks to Gale Force's wind carrying him and pulling him away, while simultaneously slowing Shigaraki down. Tsukuyomi gets to fight toe-to-toe, similar assistance by Gale Force with his own Dark Shadow to protect him. Ice Burn assists from afar by blocking Shigaraki's attacks with either ice or fire.

Izuku then informs them, "Do not affirm my next order… Ice Burn, I've got two objectives, you're going to make a wall and cut them off from each other. I want you on the side with Dabi with another big ice attack. Get him to respond in kind with his fire. Gale, you're going to make it bigger than he can control and take him away like you did with the others. Take him northeast and meet Lemillion who is enroute. I trust our number two can take him down."

Izuku takes a short pause watching Shigaraki, "The rest of you don't expect Shigaraki to sit still, make this happen when ready."

Ice Burn moves accordingly, positioning himself between the two before unleashing a wall of ice before he quickly shoots a pillar toward Dabi, who responds with great flames that get caught by Gale's wind as he twists them around Dabi. The villain gets trapped in his own attack and gets carried off by powerful winds.

Shigaraki slams through the ice wall, trying to keep pace with Dabi. Debris flies at him, halting his pursuit and Zero and Tsukuyomi maintain their onslaught.

Izuku grins suddenly, muttering to himself, "I have you right where I want you. Your move, Shigaraki."

The helicopter lands so Izuku and his companion can board it. He hangs off the side as they take off, keeping his eyes on Shigaraki through binoculars. He hears more heroes joining the fight in subduing the League of Villains leader. Creati smiles, joining him in watching, "We just might get him this time."

Izuku can't help some feeling that they won't. He hears Lemillion, "Dabi is apprehended, on my way to the main battle."

"Copy," he replies. They fly over the battle as Shigaraki appears to be laughing, "What's he saying?"

Creati hands him another earpiece so he can hear the villain, "Such masterful teamwork… Or should I say there's a puppet master pulling the strings? Where's your Player One?"

Izuku grins, "He's definitely gotten a boost in intelligence over the years. Seamless teamwork doesn't come together without lots of practice or a person in command."

Shigaraki peers at those surrounding him, utilizing his quirk Search. Izuku orders, "The first responders need a break, we're changing the game. Zero, Gale, Creati, and Tsukuyomi will move to support when appropriate. Ice Burn, Uravity, and Cellophane are to move to the back. A rejuvenation quirk user is due south at an evacuation center, and there are healing quirk users on standby as well. Until Shigaraki is down, prepare to return to battle. If any of the now support heroes are unable to support, you should also head south. Lemillion will lead the second wave."

Izuku watches Shigaraki's gaze fall on him, and he hears, "An unknown? What a strange place to find a quirkless person, unless?"

Izuku mutters, "Shit," as Shigaraki appears before him grabbing him by the throat and taking him from the spiraling helicopter.

"Detective!"

Izuku grabs onto Shigaraki's wrist. He can't breathe but he's not dead yet.

"Quirkless? Are you? Just like…" Shigaraki frowns before grinning wide, "Let's talk."

Ground Zero rushes to Izuku slamming where Shigaraki was standing before they vanish.

"No!" He pounds the ground with an explosion bursting from his hit, "Damn it!"

Lemillion also just barely missed them, though he aimed to take Izuku back instead of engaging Tomura. The loss shows for a moment before he addresses the surrounding heroes, "Put the word out, Detective Midoriya has been captured by the League of Villains. We're gonna get him back, this is all hands on deck. People still need rescuing. Move!" Lemillion turns to Katsuki braced on the floor, "Come on Ground Zero, let's move."

Bakugou grits, "Stupid Deku," before rising.

A/N: So yeah, I've been writing in my spare time, which isn't very substantial. I kinda wanted to explore Izuku as a detective, rather than villain, still gritty though. I do have some other bnha fics, including one Villain!Deku, that I'm not ready to start publishing yet. I don't consider this fic fully fleshed out either, so we'll see where it goes. I don't really have an ending in mind, so I'm not sure where this is going. We'll see.

I'd say this is mostly a T rating, but rated M as a precaution.

This is also going to be Cross posted on Ao3, same title, under my account: luffysenpai237. So if you prefer Ao3, then you can go there and read.

I thank anybody who comes to give this fic a peek. Let me know what y'all think and I do hope y'all enjoyed :)