Disclaimer: I own nothing

A/N: Just trying my hand at a Professor Toshi and Student Izuku AU, but with a twist. Enjoy!

Summary: College student Izuku protects Professor Yagi from his creepy stalker classmate Shigaraki. DekuMight, AU College, Student Teacher Relationship, Attempted Sexual Assault

Warning

Unbeta

Attempted Sexual Assault


VIII. Saved

Cursing at his forgetfulness, Toshinori briskly walks back towards his office. He had forgotten to pack his notes after taking them out for class. It was a hectic day, and many students remained behind for additional help - not that he minded, but the shuffling through their questions and having to explain portions of his previous classes made him lose track of time. Glancing down at his watch, the blonde quickly fired a text to Izuku, apologising profusely why he wasn't at their agreed meeting place on time and asking the student to wait a couple more minutes till he returned.

The young man was already doing so much for him, and the least he could do was not inconvenience him any further. Immediately, he heard his phone chime with a new message; and he paused for a moment to read its contents.

::No worries! Just let me know when you are on your way back. So I can drive to front gate to meet you.::

Toshinori couldn't help but smile fondly at the relaxed and carefree tone of the message. He really did appreciate that Izuku took care not to use the modern texting jargon or those yellow face things. Being from the older generation made him a little slow on the uptake and the student picked on it fairly fast as their messaging moved from its known shorthand to its longer complete form. Toshinori let out an exasperated huff, he really couldn't understand why Izuku would go out of his way to help and make him feel comfortable. However, the confused expression soon melted into a mixture of shyness and delight. He would never admit it out aloud, but he took a deep pleasure at the amount of attention Izuku would send his way.

Their relationship formed completely by chance. Toshinori was aware that Midoriya Izuku was in his class when the semester began, but it was nothing more than the usual professor-student acquaintanceship. The young man was unnaturally bright, but remained reserved in his class – never standing out and always remaining out of Toshinori's radar. Being a professor for so long, he was used to these types of students. They were few and far between, but universally loved by all lecturers for their lack of maintenance. Some teachers revelled in the constant feedback and it was rewarding to have a hands-on approach. However, over time they begin to enjoy the quiet ones who did their work well and remained independent.

What brought them closer was a specific incident that took place during the first-year semester. Like the exuberant and quiet types, Toshinori rarely encountered students who would flirt with him. Even then it was the playful teasing. His physique wasn't the most wank worthy, as he pretty much described himself akin to a tall skeleton with a skin (not to mention being often mistaken as a drug addict by students who were craving for a fix – those were awkward moments, but it did give him insight into who was using). To be frank, throughout his entire career he had never experienced a student seriously 'come on to him'; rendering him completely inexperienced and at loss on how to handle Izuku's classmate Shigaraki.

From the orientation day, Toshinori was hyper aware of the white-haired student. First it was due to his appearance (he's seen his fair share of colourful hair in college, but white was rarely seen), but then it was the younger male's behaviour. For some reason, Shigaraki always made him feel uncomfortable. As a lecturer, Toshinori was used to being watched; but he could always pick out the suffocating nature of this particular student's gaze among the crowd. He even actively avoided meeting Shigaraki's eyes; for every time he did, it felt as if he was being stripped bare at the sheer intensity of that dark stare. It felt as if he was being preyed upon.

Despite his discomfort, Toshinori soldiered on and continued teaching as usual. However, as the weeks rolled by, the blonde began to notice the student appearing more and more in his surroundings. He would often find Shigaraki staying late with him at the library or in his field of vision during lunch time, even in the same train car as him; and the student was beginning to close the distance between them with each passing week. What really set off every alarm bell within Toshinori's mind was when he started to notice the sly touches whenever he handed Shigaraki anything; or how he would always wind up being pressed against him on the train. The way those touches lingered a second longer made his skin crawl.

Regardless, Toshinori knew he couldn't bring this up to his superiors or colleagues. Nothing obvious had happened, and given his appearance they would immediately dismiss his concerns as him seeing things. It was frustrating, but the truth. He also knew in this line of work, unless he had solid evidence that he was the victim and not the instigator; the fault would solely fall upon his shoulders due to the power balance in this relationship. Hence, Toshinori tried to put distance between Shigaraki and him as he had a feeling that confronting the student would not be a good idea.

It had worked for the most part, but it all came undone when Toshinori became stranded at work due to torrential downpour. Despite having a parking spot allocated to him on campus, he never came around to learning how to drive as living in the city hardly required a car and public transport met his needs. Waiting for the rain to cease into a drizzle his umbrella could withstand, every single hair on his body began to stand up as something triggered his flight or fight response. Immediately looking around, Toshinori spots the familiar head of white hair and his blood runs cold. His instincts screamed at him to run away, for if he stayed something terrible would happen.

Clutching his bag and umbrella tightly, he began to walk briskly towards the campus car park where he knew the on-duty security officer would be present. Although he'd never looked back, he could hear the encroaching footsteps and even if he increased his speed, Shigaraki's pace would still keep up with him. Clearly terrified and preoccupied by his stalker, Toshinori completely missed Izuku's presence as he crashed into the student when he took a sharp turn.

His expression and body language must have given him away, for the next thing Toshinori knew was Izuku standing in front of him and glaring at Shigaraki who stood a few feet away. The tension in the air was thick as both students sized each other up. Shigaraki was taller, but Izuku was far more built. Toshinori knew one wrong move and the students would spring at each other. Not that he cared for Shigaraki, but he abhorred the idea of Izuku being expelled because of him. After a couple of seconds of chilling silence, Toshinori lets out a shuddering breath of relief as he witnesses his potential attacker concede and retreat. Izuku remained in position until the white-haired student was completely out of sight before kneeling down and asking if he was alright.

Still frazzled at what just happened, Toshinori blurts out what had taken place. The stress of not having someone to confide in about his situation and today's incident, made him unload everything on Izuku. He was supposed to be the more experienced and reliable adult, yet here he was being comforted by a student of all people. Izuku simply listened and then explained he had brought his car today (he was using Toshinori's allotted parking), and offered to drive the professor home. Shaken by today's events, he graciously accepted the offer.

After that incident, Toshinori began to notice Izuku more. Especially now that the younger male actively made an effort to block Shigaraki at every chance. Although it was never discussed, Toshinori would often find Izuku sitting near Shigaraki, allowing Toshinori to pass material through Izuku to the stalker student. His late nights at the library now had the company of Izuku in addition to his would-be attacker and lunches were now comfortable since he noted Izuku too would be in the background. The younger male even began driving him home, when they learnt Toshinori lived quite close to Izuku's home.

Seeing Shigaraki retreat as Izuku began blocking his advances, made Toshinori breathe easier. For the first time in months, he felt safe. Something he was utterly grateful for; although he'd never stopped feeling guilty of dragging the student into his mess. The mere presence of Izuku in the room set him at ease, and knowing there was someone looking out for him allowed him to relax. Toshinori never had someone care for him in such a way and it felt… amazing. As the months passed and their relationship developed, he noticed his feeling for Izuku had matured from friendship to something deeper. He now understood why there were so many romance stories of gallant knights saving damsels in distress; it was flattering to be protected and cared for.

Entering his office and gathering the scattered lecture notes, Toshinori sighed out aloud. He knew nothing further would come from this relationship; they were already good friends – that alone was dangerous given their position as student and teacher. Izuku would complete his degree and move on with life, whilst Toshinori would continue to remain here. He'd made peace with his feelings and remained satisfied with what attention he did receive; and the young man probably felt personally responsible for his safety, which was why he continued to help him. It didn't make sense to talk about their feelings, and neither would it achieve anything. So, Toshinori resigned himself to the heartbreak of Izuku and his inevitable parting.

Saddened by his thoughts, Toshinori missed the sound of his door opening and closing behind him. Turning around, he felt his heart lurch to his throat in fright. Standing in front of him was Shigaraki, and that predatory smirk made his blood freeze. After a tense second, Toshinori made a mad dash for the door, but the younger male was faster. Capturing him, Shigaraki forced him chest first onto the teacher's desk. Toshinori knew calling for help would be useless as it was late and no one would be around to jump in. He tried to throw off the student; but despite his height, Shigaraki was stronger. The fear and dread his gut twist painfully.

Feeling his wrist pinned above him, and the buckle of his pants being undone – the professor squeezed his eyes shut trying to block away the tears, and what was happening to him. He'd never imagined that he would be a victim of sexual assault, and all he could do was pray for someone to save him. At that moment, his mind brought up Izuku and Toshinori's heart sank even further. The parking lot was too far away and the thought of his protector waiting for him whilst he was assaulted made the situation that much worse.

Suddenly he felt the oppressive weight and hands being ripped away from him. Blinking away the tears, Toshinori turns his attention towards the noise – trying to find the cause of his attacker disappearing. To which he was greeted with the sight of Izuku landing a clean and well-practiced blow onto Shigaraki's cheek – strong enough to break the student's nose (from the sound of it), but not enough to knock him out. Immediately the stalker turned attacker bolts out of the room, and Toshinori sobs out in relief.

Without a moment's hesitation, Izuku was beside him and gathered his dishevelled trembling frame into his arms. Embracing Toshinori tightly, the younger male begins to rub soothing circles on his back.

"I'm sorry for being late." He hears Izuku whisper remorsefully, Toshinori wanted to say it wasn't his fault; but his voice had yet to return. He then continues, "I promise I won't let this happen again, Toshi. Not for the rest of your life."

With that promise, Izuku presses a soft kiss on Toshinori's forehead as he tightens his embrace.

Only later did he realise, his feelings were not unrequited after all.


A/N: This was longer than anticipated and I found it extremely uncomfortable writing about the attempted assault. Also, another ficlet I am considering on expanding later.

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments about it. Would love to hear it! You even can reach out to me on Twitter(MiaVilmarix). I write and post small drabbles over there, which may turn into future fics.