AN: I don't own My hero Academia

Dad's favourite

"So, what's it like to be dad's favourite?" Natsuo asked his youngest adopted brother.

The boy wondered into Izuku's room while the child was studying. He didn't know what a 5-year-old would be studying so hard for, but he didn't mind. He had some boredom to kill and Izuku's door was unlocked. So, he trolled in like he owned the place and planted himself on Izuku's bed. The green haired boy paid no mind and continued scribbling in his notebook. His older brother did this from time to time so he hardly cared. "What do you mean?"

Natsuo laid his whole body across Izuku bed and crossed his arms behind his neck to act as a pillow. He looked up at the ceiling mindlessly thinking. "It's not that I care. Dad never cared about me and I like mom more anyway…" Despite their mother's stability had been on and off in recent years she was still the same loving mother that he knew mostly. Just sadder. At least she was always there for him and his sister unlike their father. "Still can't help but wonder what it's like to be doted by the guy."

"Father doesn't dote on me, and of course he cares about you. You're his son." Izuku argued.

Natsuo waved the argument away, "You're way too innocent to understand, Izuku. Dad doesn't care about me. Not even Fuyumi. We're too weak. Neither of us can be his successor. So, we were left in the dust."

"But I'm weaker."

The child had a point. Since he was quirkless that automatically made him the prime subject for their father's neglect. They were born for only one reason anyway. To surpass All Might. They were proven to be completely uselessly since they couldn't do want their father dreamed of. The boy should have been ignored like they were yet it never happened. If anything, the hero did the complete opposite and just gave the boy unwanted smothering. It was funny and sad at the same time. They couldn't leave the house with Izuku without Endeavor's permission or supervision. This was of course that was limited due to his job eating up most of his time. "You know I was really worried at first when they said you were quirkless. I thought dad would throw you to the sharks but instead he became a scary papa bear. He pulled out of school when you were being bullied. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a word with those stupid teachers who let it happen. He even gave you our own private tutor. Sure, you're stuck home most of the time, but is it really so bad? You get to do whatever you want. I guess it's a good thing. Dad's favourite boy needs lot of protection," he teased with a grin.

Izuku puffed up his cheeks. "I don't get to do whatever I want." If anyone had the most freedom in the family, it was Fuyumi and Natsuo. They could truly do whatever they wanted, and Endeavour wouldn't bat an eye. They wanted to play ball. They play ball. They wanted to go the park their mother would happily take them. There's a movie they wanted to see the can go see it. No question asked. Izuku on the other hand needed Endeavour constant permission to do anything. Even playing with his older siblings. Sometimes he was even forced to were head gear and pads. A guy got smacked with a ball one time. The only moments he got a bit of leeway was when Arata was around. Convincing him to do things without his father's permission or knowledge. Or convincing Endeavour himself to let the boy do something other than sit in his room all day. When the teacher wasn't around Izuku would become complacent again. Even if his siblings tried to convince him. It was annoying but he knew his father knew best. He was such a bother he could never see himself being his father's favourite child. "I'm not the favourite," he pouted. "If anyone's the favourite. Touya is. He's father successor after all."

The grin on Natsuo faded to a frown. "You think Touya is dad's favourite."

"Of course! Dad chose Touya so that means he's the best. He's also really strong so I'm sure he can meet father's expectations one day." Then Izuku pouted once again and murmured the rest. "He even gets to train with dad. He's so lucky."

"Lucky?" Natsuo parroted lazily.

"Well yeah. I want to train with father too." The young child then sighed dropping the pen in his hand. He mindless ling rolled it across the desk with his fingertips allowing it ridged edges to patter along the wood. "Father won't ever allow me to train because I'm quirkless. He shouldn't waste his time on me anyway. I can't really do much." The boy then felt a hand brushed threw his curls. He looked up and spotted his older brother next to him with sad smile. The young boy couldn't understand why he looked so sad.

Playfully, Natsuo pinched his younger brother chubby freckle cheek. They whine in protest which made the mood lighter. "You're so innocent, Izuku. You truly are the lucky one out of all of us." Then the boy abruptly left leaving his younger brother in utter confusion.

Natsuo returned to his own room and found a concerningly familiar sight. His older brother was crouched down in a dark corner. His teeth were jittering mess while his had pulled at his hair. More precisely the white patch on his fringe. It seemed to be growing by the week. Ever since Izuku first pointed it out it just kept growing. They all hoped it would disappear but it never did. Natsuo says it's definitely stress. Not that his older brother listened.

Eventually, Touya noticed his younger brother. The older boy's face was painted in compete fear. "It's keeps growing, Natsuo. Father is questioning it more. I don't know what to say anymore. I can't make it stop. Why can't I make it stop!" He gipped on the white patch so hard it was a miracle it wasn't torn from his skull yet. "Go away. Go away."

Natsuo hushed towards his bother and hugged him tightly. He griped the hand the was pulling on the white hair pieces and pulled it back. "It's ok, Touya. Come down. You'll only make it worse. So just relax."

"I can't relax, Natsuo!" Touya yelled. He then pulled his arms away and held himself tightly. The bandages on his arm were growing too. At first it was only small parts of his arms that needed them. Now he had to cover them entirely and hope that the marks would disappear. If they didn't his father would question whether or not he was strong enough. He couldn't let that happen. He'd cover them in make-up if he had to. So long as he wouldn't be considered a failure to his father everything will be alright. His mother won't need to produce another child attempt. His siblings can live full unconcerned lives. He'll be the strongest hero in his generation. Everyone gets their happy ending. Even his father. He just needed to push himself more. That's it. He just needed to work even harder. It doesn't matter if his body couldn't keep up. He'll make it keep up. This had to be done for the sake of everyone. He couldn't afford to be a failure. "I just need to be stronger. That's all. I'll grow so strong even father can't beat me."

Sadly, Natsuo look away. He hated seeing his brother like this. It gotten worse lately. Honestly, it was scary how much he sounded like their father when he was in this state. Stronger he says but the question was if he could even get stronger. His flames are stronger than their father's, but his body paid such a hefty price. Some days he wondered if one day his brother would burn himself to the point of no return. Surely, their father would never take it that far. He's crazy but he's not crazy enough to endanger his own son's heath. After all he was doing a pretty good job taking care of Izuku all things consider. That does beg the question. "Hey, Touya. Are you ever jealous of Izuku?"

Touya head perked up at the unusual question. What was he supposed to say to that?

"It's just that dad treats him so well and he's not even his real son."

"Father treats him like a weak bird in a cage," Touya corrected spitefully. Then then pushed his brother way seemingly done with his panicked rambles. He knew that his father treated the quirkless boy differently. It was plain for anyone to see. The man was always kinder in a firm way. Providing for the child's every need. Constantly, looking out for him when he was home. Micromanaging his actions making sure he was given the best possible care. All for a good reason. "I can't say what father is doing to him is completely wrong. Izuku is quirkless and so needs a certain amount of protection. I can only hope when Izuku grows up he could find a good job and be like any normal adult."

Natsuo then stomped his foot. A tear threatened to roll down the concern of his eye as he yelled, "but what about you! Shouldn't he care about you too? If not the same way at least to the point you don't have to wear bandages constantly. Those marks might become permanent one day. Doesn't that bother you? You can't really believe you can still take this."

"I get to decide how much I can take. Not you!" Touya yelled back frightening Natsuo. The younger boy was forced to back away. Arms up to defend himself. The older boy did look like he was ready to fight him. It wouldn't be the first time if he did. This time Touya manged to calm his rage down. Exhaling a long breath. He turned away from his brother and matching off. "I don't care want it takes. I will surpass father then All Might. That way no one will worry about anything. Not even me." Once he reached the door, he placed a hand at the handle and turned around. His turquoise eyes were cold and sharp. "And by the way. I could never be jealousy of Izuku. No matter what he does he could never be father successor. That is my place. No one can take it."

The door then slammed shut leaving Natsuo alone with his thoughts.

Touya marched down the hallway. His flames flicking out form his palms. Good thing most of his clothes were fireproof. Otherwise, he'd be shirtless now.

"Izuku, are you still studying?" The boy halted at the sound of the voice. He then followed it down the hallway were Izuku's room was found. Peeking through the door's crack, he saw his father was staring down at Izuku. The child had an open notebook and a pen in his hand while staring up somewhat guiltily at their father. Like he was caught doing a crime. The man looked disappointed while he shook his head. "Didn't Arata warned you not to over work yourself," he said, taking the book away. "You'll burn yourself out at this rate."

Instantly, Izuku whined "But father!" His tiny arms tried to reach for his notebook but to not avail.

Endeavour wagged his finger and placed the book on the highest shelf. "No buts, now why don't you go play or something."

"I can go outside and play?" Izuku asked hopeful.

"Heavens no. The forecast called for a heatwave today. I wouldn't want you faint out there or get a sunburn." Endeavour denied like he usually does. "I believed Natsuo has a new video game delivered."

Huffing, Izuku crossed his arms with a pout. He was clearly displeased by the idea. "I read video games rot your brain. With the amount big brother Natsuo plays and his repost scores make it's true."

"Natsuo's scores aren't bad. They're perfectly fine. He's just having a little trouble in mathematics." Endeavour defended.

"They are compared to Touya and Fuyumi." The child then jumped out to his seat and rushed to his father. He then tugged on the man's pants as hard as he could using both his little arms. "Father took my book away and I have nothing to do. So, father should take responsibility!" He childishly demanded with pouty lips.

Endeavour was amused. He crouched down to his son's level and asked: "Is that so? Then what do you want me to do?"

Izuku wasn't prepared for that question. He had to think long and hard on what he wanted. It also has to be something his father would accept him to do. There wasn't a lot, so it soon came to him. He happily hopped around like an excited rabbit. "Tell me some stories about you being a hero."

"You want more of those. I've told you so many I'd thought you'd be bored of them."

"Father's stories can never bore me because he's the greatest." He raises his arms high to emphasises.

It made the hero smile. It was a gentle, dare say loving smile he has never shown to anyone. All except for Izuku. "Alright. If that's what you want." He hooked his arms under his son and lifted him up. They headed to the bed and conformable sat down together. Izuku on top of the man's lap. He reached his arm out to the side attempting to get Mini Endver who was lying by his pillow. Endeavour lent a hand quite literally as he took the plushie form its place and gave it to his son. The child happily cuddled in the man's embrace while hugging the plushie. The hero smiled back as he prepared to tell his story.

Touya couldn't bear to watch any longer. He turned away and walked off. A heavy feeling weighted down on his heart. He wondered why his father never looked at him like that. "It's fine," he whispered to himself coldly. "No matter what I am his only successor. I just need to be stronger." He turned back for only a moment. He could hear the innocent laugher of his youngest brother a long side of his father's amusement. He could vaguely see the image as if he were still there peeking into their little moment. Like an insignificant fly on the wall. A flame flicked over his wrist. "Stronger…then he'll have to look at me."

Izuku and Touya. Two of the children Endeavour invested the most in. Both treated in two very different ways. One caged for their own protection. The other branded with high expectations. Each had their own problems as well as pros that helped their lives along. One still couldn't help but wonder how it will all turn out in the end for them both.

AN: I'm going to be completely honesty I've been evilly laughing in the background of how much most of you have been afraid of Rei. Which is completely justified. I purposely made her to look like the biggest threat in the family when there was one other. A walking ticking time bomb in the form of Touya. If you paid attention to Touya you should have all seen this coming. The signs were there. Little lines of Touya's growing stress and shifts of attitudes becoming more obvious. They were all just hidden away by the fact he truly loved Izuku. He wants the best for him along with is other siblings. But if the Todoroki family is known for anything it's envy. It has always been there. This was just the event to bring it into the forefront.

Anyway this was an early one for 2 reasons: 1. it was short and simple. 2. I have a feeling I'll need to take a break from this for a bit since Exam season is right around the corner. I might need to take break for a week or so. I've been able to juggle well so far since these are much easier to manage than my usual but once it eventually hits I may have to forego my schedule. I should be able to keep too it till then but then next few events are...interesting. I rather not leave with too big of a cliff-hanger so this is an attempt to hopeful get to a good enough stopping point before I have to disappear for awhile.

A friendly dude – It's fine and I'll survive this week. May you survive as well.

fencer29 – I'm sure Endeavour would use those notes in team meetings. That way no one would know they were from. Plus, they could give their own opinions and bounce off each other that way. Maybe in personalised reports too. Either way they wouldn't know they were by Izuku. And I do have a cannon Shiketsu student in my sights to possibly do 'hey teach' moment with Arata. We'll see if I can fit it in with that future event.

Harleking31 – I'm not sure if Arata would consider himself as an Underground hero but he sure works like one. And there is a reason why his quirk mastery is so high. It not a very pleasant one. Anyway, A storm is coming in soon. Let's see if I can complete it before I'll need to disappear.

Liziliza – Izuku's analysis skill is something I believe is underused in the main story. More so used to figure out OFA now. But since he's quirkless I can play with is all I want. Endeavour maybe protective but he still want's Izuku to grow. Thank you Arata for showing the way. As for the notes on Touya… as promised he will not tell dad. So, he's going to hide those notes the best he can.

Yinasuka – thanks although I'm not sure if Touya would want the help.

Alpha Therapy – Pairings. Oh, you're entering some far-off planned stuff there, but yes, I have thought of them. I won't say who they are, but I'll throw a bone and say what they are. Two are set and stone in my mind. No one is changing my mind on it and if you don't like them. I'm sorry not sorry. One is a slow burn that both parties mutually learn to like each other. The other is what I can only describe as a background roller coaster ride. Mainly because this pair or rather this character is going to have a complicated love life. It's just not going to be in the forefront much since they're a secondary main character…you can probably give a good guess on who this is.

Now for the third one there are two paths I can go down. I'm just not completely convinced on which path to go for. Either of them I can do. Admittedly one is more fun than the other, but one might be better considering the story and one of the other pairs. If I'm still undecided I might ask you guys your opinion when I eventually need to get stared on this path. Still it's going to be a hell of a long time. I won't be staring the foundation of them until season 2. Again, if you all can't already tell this will be a long project.

Dreamer-Sara - (looks at the event list for season 2) You're going to have to wait awhile for that to happen. But it's on the list.