Thanks for reading guys!
Enjoy the special chapter ❤️
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It was Deku's first day of school.
He didn't understand what that meant, only that Kacchan made it sound like it was going to be difficult and boring, and that it was important he excelled at everything he was tasked and be at the top of the class, whatever that meant. It sounded tiring, but he was promised a bowl full of romaine - a new favourite of his - so he was willing to give it a try.
Last night was very emotional, Kacchan had to hold him down as he slept to prevent him from jumping in dreams; not like he hated it, it was very warm and cosy. But just the thought of being reunited and living with Shouto, Tsu-chan and Kacchan together made him really happy.
He was excited about all the new adventures and things he would learn, the new people he would meet and the food he would eat.
It's the way he woke Kacchan up, with all his fidgeting and feet thumping on the blond's chest like a drummer.
"Damn it, Deku, if you're going to pee go outside" Grumbled the blond, sitting in bed and stretching his arms up in the air until a pop was heard. Deku grunted as the action made him roll over till he landed on the blond's lap. His whiskers twitched and he took the opportunity to stretch his own body in the warmth of the bed before jumping down and hopping around the room in search for something to nibble.
The downside of living in a room and not a garden was that it prevented him from snacking whenever he wanted. He needed to grunt and bite the blond to feed him when he wished, and although the boy did so while grumbling, it's a slow process of getting food. Last night, although the blond had surrendered and fed him some apple slices, his meal was cut short because Kacchan decided it was time for bed and as a punishment. For what? he wasn't sure.
But not eating enough last night made him really hungry and the blond was taking his time getting ready! It made him anxious and his feet scratched the door to let the blond know to hurry up.
"Hold on, crazy furball" Kacchan kicked him gently to the side as he opened the door and scooped him up before he could even dash out. He grumbled, but the blond merely flattened his ears back.
Kacchan was an early person. He knew because he always fell asleep before his parents did and woke up before the sun rose. It didn't surprise him when they found the hallway dark and empty as they made their way out of the room. And he was amazing; how he can walk in the dark while holding him in his arms instead of feeling the wall. He never once stumbled, not even when they descended down the stairs.
His ears batted the boy's face with excitement, at which the blond placated down again with a hand and a grumble.
Suddenly, lights illuminated the room and a huge kitchen made itself visible. He was placed over a flat surface and his whiskers twitched in waiting, as the blond rummaged the fridge in search for a quick snack. And he let a sad whine when the boy took his time serving himself a glass of juice instead of plating some greens for him first.
"Shush, you little shit"
Kacchan quickly washed a handful of coriander and fed it to him, his clucking and flattened ears were the only indications that he didn't wish to move until he was satisfied. So in a last-minute decision, he decided to stay inside while Kacchan left for his morning run. If he was going to be put through hell, he was allowed to have some more hours of peace with his food.
However, his healthy breakfast was disappearing fast and as he considered going exploring while everyone was still asleep, his plans were halted when the most tired-looking person appeared before him.
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Aizawa woke before dawn.
It was a mechanism that was engraved in his brain no matter how little sleep he got or how much he needed it. His inner clock was broken, and there was nothing he could do to fix it.
But he would never blame caffeine for that. The blessed bitter beverage was the only reason that made him function through the day. He kept a coffee machine in his room, and a cup was already consumed before he crossed the door to the hall. He had a kitchen installed too, but he didn't like the air stinking of oily food so he opted to grab something and brew another fresh cup of coffee from the communal kitchen he was forced to share with his students as Class-A representative.
He was an underground detective by night, trainer at UA faculties by day.
It is arduous work but at the end of it all, he thrived for it. To teach and help young minds become strong and confident in their dreams for a peaceful future was truly something he didn't know he would enjoy. But he did, and so, here he was.
Yawning widely, he walked towards the kitchen while running today's schedule in his groggy mind when suddenly, trained eyes spotted movements before him. He stopped dead in his tracks at the black blur jumping around the kitchen table.
His dry, tired eyes blinked to make sure he was seeing a living ball of hair sitting on the table, trembling with every breath it took as it nibbled coriander stems at a quick speed. It was too early to deal with rats, he thought grumpily. But as he got closer -silently, mind you-, two sharp long ears shot up and he was met with piercing emerald eyes.
His first thought was, how can a black rabbit have green eyes? His second one being, what the hell is a rabbit doing in the kitchen table?
Said rabbit remained still, his twitching nose being the only indicator it was still alive. Unblinking eyes assessed him and Aizawa could feel as if he was being scanned and analysed by a smart computer instead of a little furball. And apparently, the rabbit didn't consider him a threat at all, for he went back to nibble what was left of his breakfast.
It was a bit disturbing, he didn't know if he should feel offended or not.
Seeming as he was given the blessing to move around, he walked around the table to turn on the coffee machine and the stove to prepare himself some rice and tamagoyaki. He assumed this was the famous rabbit of his fierce, short-tempered student that made all the ruckus with his class last night. He didn't saw the culprit when he went to quiet them down, but even then he already knew it was going to be a problematic bunny.
He had recommended adopting an emotional support animal after Bakugou was rescued to help relieve any anxiety the kidnap incited might have created. He also suggested therapy but the prideful boy refused, claiming that he was alright. Aizawa didn't force him, but he did speak with his parents and he was surprised to know that the blond already had a pet companion.
One week later via the boy's mother weekly updates - he was a worried teacher, sue him - he was let known that the blond's pet was doing wonders in helping him. And it showed in class too. Bakugou's arrogant attitude decreased greatly, he didn't show any signs of PTSD and was actually more open with his classmates and worked well together, sometimes...
So when the blond requested to bring his pet to the dorms, he agreed.
But he was expecting a dog, not a rabbit.
As his thoughts wandered, he had swallowed his second cup of coffee before his breakfast was ready. He was considered drinking the third one but opted to do that on lunchtime to get the final pump for the day. He silently washed some veggies and whisked the batter in swift motions. He was concentrated on not dripping it away from the bowl when there was a noise behind him.
It was low and squeaky, but it made him turn around in alert. The moment he did, however, he was met with huge emerald eyes blinking back at him. Only that they weren't looking at him exactly, but the chopped carrots he was adding to his egg batter.
He was a cat person.
But he'd be damned if he refused those eyes.
Problematic bunny, indeed.
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When Katsuki returned from his morning run, he was baffled and annoyed to see his lazy teacher reading some notes at the kitchen table with his ball of laziness sprawled on the teacher's lap as if it were a fat housecat.
"You've trained him well. His senses are very acute, his nose especially. And the muscle on his legs will give him a burst of speed if continued to train correctly. You signed him up in the K9 department, right? I will allow him free-roaming in the dorms, so long as you don't let him get hurt just to prove something, understood?"
"Yes sir" He gruffed out.
"Good, don't be late for class" His teacher stood up and handed him the ball of fur on his way out without saying anything else. The blond frowned and turned to look down at the rabbit in his arms accusingly.
"What did you do now, you little shit?" Deku responded by nuzzling his nose as a greeting.
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They went back upstairs.
While the blond took a shower Deku was allowed to nap on the bed for some extra minutes. He was starting to dream with sunflowers on a summer day when a thud from the room next to theirs woke him. There were noises going around and soon, the dorms started to come to life as all the occupants started to wake up.
He stretched himself further into the warm covers and waited for the blond to return and pick him up so that they could start the day properly. But when Kacchan went to pick him up and cradle him in his chest and made his way out of the room, he couldn't help his instincts.
The moment the door opened, he jumped.
He ran through the hallway with newfound energy while Kacchan grumbled with the curses of 'damn it, Deku' as he dashed behind him. He was just so excited to see everyone. He already memorized the area thanks to Kacchan, so it was no trouble at all to make his way into the kitchen again.
"Ah! It's Deku-kun!" The sweet one said, her name was Chako something, he thought as he jumped around her feet.
"It's surprising how well groomed he is, despite reasons" Another girl approached him too, this one with a long ponytail and smelling of herbs. He will have to learn everyone's names properly to match their scents, he told himself as he accepted the scratchings in his ears.
And speaking of scents, his nose soon caught a familiar scent of peppermint and his whiskers twitched in excitement as he raced towards the kitchen entrance and circled around the legs of the person who came into view.
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Todoroki smiled, - it was easier to do that nowadays - and bend down to pick the rabbit up.
"Good morning, Midoriya" He rubbed his nose over the rabbit's head as he held him close to his chest, making the rabbit almost purr. He grew up so much, he couldn't stop thinking. His rabbit was so small, he fitted in his hands when he was a kid, but now the size and weight were a challenge well appreciated.
He went to prepare some green tea and breakfast to himself, all the while holding Midoriya - though it seems it was Deku now - with one arm. He would turn and mix things with one hand while the other played with the soft fur of the rabbit nuzzling on his chest and shoulder.
The girls could do nothing but to swoon at the image. It was precious seeing their pretty classmate being soft with the rabbit. He has been nothing but cold and indifferent since classes began, so seeing him relax and opening to them was truly amazing.
"Don't feed him, he already had breakfast" A gruff voice grunted as Todoroki was about to feed a cube of carrot to the rabbit.
"A snack won't hinder him" He fed him anyway and the rabbit happily munched the treat.
"He's getting fat! You can't mess with his diet!"
"You're like a divorced family arguing for custody of your child" Kaminari said, laughing at the idea.
"What the fuck?!" Kacchan exploded but Deku was comfortable where he was, so he didn't pay too much attention. The traitor!
"Bakugou! Don't curse in the morning!"
"Shut up, glasses! Don't order me!"
Iida was going to argue back, that due to his responsibility and position as class president, it was in all his right to keep his classmates on line, but he was interrupted before he could open his mouth by a wild Mina.
"Alright, listen here Bakugou! Here is the official schedule that everyone must follow! I took the liberty to put our names in colours to identify our turns for better organization. No fights or changes included. Everyone gets to spend the same amount of time with Midori-kun"
Bakugou had to give her a second of his time. The cardboard that was violently placed in front of him was well-made and organized, it even had glitter and stickers. It showed the dedication and time it took to investigate - and stalk - everyone's free time and organize it in a systematic schedule that would benefit everyone with no favouritism.
But it didn't change his train of thoughts, nor did it move his heart.
"Joke's on you, fuckers. He got classes to go"
"What?"
"Do you seriously think I brought him to be a house mascot? Fucking idiots" He grumbled while shaking his head "He's a police rabbit, not a pet"
"A what?"
"Like a police dog? A police rabbit?"
"You're overworking him" Todoroki frowned, hugging said rabbit closer to him as if to protect him.
"Don't start with me, you damn half&half bastard! You were his first human, it's your own damn fault the little shit has those weird quirks!"
"He's right, Todoroki-kun" Tsuyu pointed out as she walked closer to scratch the purring rabbit behind the ears "Midori-kun could already jump and fight cats, and his nose was already special when he lived with me. How did you teach him that?"
"Um, no. He could already track my scent when I first got him. He was very young"
"Hah!?"
"My mother adopted him, he had a previous owner before me. I believe he is the reason where his quirk originated" He had a theory that his bunny was owned by a special agent from the government but before he could investigate further, his beloved pet was snatched away. Maybe he can continue his investigation...
"Whatever. The little shit is going to be number one in class and beat all those flea-infested mutts" Bakugou exclaimed as he went to snatch his rabbit from Todoroki's arms.
"Should we code name him ARB?" Sero suggested "A-Ra-Bee? A rabbit? Anyone?"
"His code name is Deku, fuck you"
"Bakugou! Stop cursing in the common room!"
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They didn't have to walk much as they made their way to class.
Deku rode inside Kacchan's bag all the way. It was uncomfortable, but the blond refused to let him out as they walked inside the big building that was Kacchan's school. And now his school too. He could only peer from the zipper gap at the huge school structure and all the people in uniform walking around.
Kacchan was quiet as he let the loud one with red hair and the crazy one in yellow babble on and on at his side. Kacchan's patience was amazing, it was getting better and better under control, he noted.
Before he knew it, the bag was opened and he poked his head out to stare at the new room. It was filled with chairs that were being filled by everyone. Kacchan walked over to the side next to the window and set the bag down.
"Everyone, settle down" The tired-looking person said, making everyone shut up. Deku liked him although it sacred him a little. He was silent as a mouse and smelled of rich coffee, but he also carried a certain feline scent that made him be alert in his presence.
However, this 'class'; whatever it was, seemed boring. The tired man was talking while everyone else listened. Kacchan would play with his ears every now and then, but other than that, there was nothing exciting about this.
In his time of boredom, he examined the room better to spot anything that could entertain him. It was then that he saw a yellow bag, ready for someone to cuddle and fall asleep. He jumped out of the blond's bag with no difficulty and hopped towards the corner silently for a well-deserved nap.
He didn't know how much time passed, but one moment he was dreaming with wooden floors and frogs in the garden and the next he was rudely woken up by a loud bell that had his ears shot up in alarm.
No one seemed to share his distress because everyone else cheered as they got up and started to leave the room. His eyes blinked around to make something of the situation and his ears managed to catch a loud 'Deku' calling for him.
He didn't move though, he was really comfortable in the nest he made for himself so he merely scratched the yellow bag to grab the blond's attention.
"You little shit" Kacchan grumbled, spotting him right away. He was going to snatch him by the ears but Aizawa steered him towards the door.
"You can pick him up after lunch" Said the tired one, waving at the blond to get out of the room.
Kacchan was speechless, it was kinda funny, he didn't have time to shout before the door was being closed in his face. He was tempted to go run after him, but the tired-looking man was already offering him a slice of apple.
He could not refuse such generous offer.
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"Bro, I think your bunny got kidnapped"
"Shut up, you damn Pikachu!"
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It took even longer before Kacchan eventually snatched him up from his nest and marched towards an unknown location. The red-haired one was tagging along too. He really liked him. He was loud but friendly and ignored all of the blond's shouts and threats.
It was nice, Kacchan needed friends.
They soon stopped in front of a huge door.
The red-haired one moved so that he could open it, so he couldn't see right away what was inside as Kacchan walked behind his red friend. But just one step in and the smell of animals hit him full force. Kacchan was already holding him tightly before his ears raised in distress at the sight of many canines loitering around.
"Stop squirming, Deku" Kacchan rubbed his ears down, but despite the soft feeling, his body remained frigid. His wide eyes stared at everything, at the big dogs and the mini castles built around and the people staring at him strangely and the dogs and three cats and one eagle...
He turned to blink a betrayed look at the blond.
"Don't be a baby. If they bite, kick them back"
"Bro, are you sure about this?"
"He can take it"
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"Hello everyone! It's me! Your favourite Mr Principal, Nezu!"
A dog? A mouse? A bear? Katsuki didn't care. He was Deku's main and only rival in intellect and technique. The animal was porting a smart suit, he looked cheery and happy, but he had heard enough stories to be aware of the danger he harboured.
"And me, UA principal!" There was a short man standing behind the white rat, acting as a puppeteer with its marionette. Only that it seemed to work backwards. The rat with the suit seemed to be the one pulling the strings.
"Welcome to class K9-101! Please, gather your owners, we'll start shortly"
Katsuki only had time to lower the trembling rabbit to the floor before an annoying voice called out.
"What's this? The loud idiot brought a rabbit to a K9 department! Are you joking? Is he joking?! Has Class-A truly stopped so low as to send a bunny to its grave!?"
Monoma was a nasty piece of trash on the good days and a clever copy cat annoyance on the bad ones. Luckily for all parties involved, Katsuki had never crossed paths with the idiot. Well, until now. Seemed like luck had run out for the poor bastard.
The idiot had the gall to walk closer with his dog at his side; a feral looking mutt that was growling at Deku as if he was a piece of meat.
"That thing will never be able to defeat Class-B star, the perfect Doberman breed! He will snap that bunny in half, just you see! Class-A will fall!"
"Deku, full-cowling"
"Full what?"
There was a blur of green followed by a loud screech.
"Holy shit! Is he a ninja!?"
"Dude! Oh my god, that's the manliest thing I ever saw! What the hell!? He was quiet and trembling, then suddenly -whoosh! he kicked the life out of that Doberman and now look at him! He's the most adorable thing I have ever seen! I can't man. My heart can't take it. He's the best!"
Katsuki couldn't agree more.
Looking at Deku, sitting on his back legs and rubbing his paws over his twitching nose, grooming himself as if to wash away the unpleasant smell of that weak dog, not caring if said canine was knocked out on the floor and the other dogs were now being aware of the threat the little ball of fluff truly was.
Innocent but deadly; adorable. Deku.
He smirked.
"Alright my beloved students! and their owners…" Nezu called merrily "We're starting with a warm-up. Let's race and play around!" He opened his arms, showcasing the vast space of the training room and the built-up castle for the animals to climb.
Katsuki nudged the rabbit with his foot, at which he grunted and tried to swat. It made him laugh, Deku could grumble and gloom all he wanted, but it was impossible to take him seriously with his fluffy look. And that was his greatest weapon. And this was not animal abuse. Katsuki was perfectly aware of the strength and power the rabbit carried. He had been trying to hone those abilities but professional help was needed. He knew the rabbit has it in him, he just needs a little kickstart.
He watched as Deku started to hop around, sniffing the room and getting familiar with the scents of the dogs. It was funny how they were giving him a wide breadth after the weak Doberman was knocked down.
The rabbit wasn't the only none-canine in the room though. There were surprisingly birds and a few cats too. Some students had brought their own companions and were already doing some warming drills over the castle structure, but for the ones who didn't were facilitated by the school K9 department.
Kirishima was bonding with a Golden Retriever next to him, rubbing its belly and cooing with a stupid face. From class 1A, only he, shitty-hair, the silent one who talks with animals and Tokoyami signed up for this animal course.
And what was surprising, however -even though he wouldn't admit it out loud- was that the dark brooding boy was carrying a big black eagle-looking bird on his shoulder. The thing was ugly and huge and its yellow eyes were glued to the ball of fluff hopping around.
Katsuki glared at that chicken and nudged the rabbit away every time the yellow eyes dared to glance his way.
A few minutes of warming up and the class finally started.
It was boring, though. He watched his rabbit 'train' for two hours, running and following simple orders that he already knew. It made his intelligence shown, much to the interest of the mouse-looking teacher and the displeasure of the other students having trouble with their own orders.
Of course, Deku excelled at everything. Katsuki wouldn't expect less from him, he knew the rabbit would be the star of the class under his command. He just wished they could move into more action-packed training instead of puppy camp.
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On the other hand, Deku was having a field trip.
He was jumping and sniffing around, happy to be able to stretch his legs and explore a new environment. Once he was past his fear and weariness of the other animals, he had a lot of fun climbing the castle-like structure. He had to run and make big jumps to climb to the top, but that's what makes it exciting.
That is until he got stuck.
Deku didn't know how to climb down. It wasn't until a rottweiler approached him that he jumped over the edge in fright. Thankfully, he landed on the waiting arms of the blond, who forced him to jump again… and again.
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If you asked the blond, playing in the castle was the rabbit's favourite thing because he could look down at everyone like he was the fucking king.
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And then the cherry on top came.
"Last training of the day: Hide and seek!" Nezu exclaimed merrily. "This is the most important thing we should know and excel at. In every investigation, it is our noses that help us search for clues. We can track a person or discover the hidden treasure! So for today's game, you'll scent your humans and find them in record time"
While everyone was busy petting their companions and trying to rub their scent as quickly as possible, Katsuki leaned down to pick his rabbit and hoisted him up so that they could stare eye to eye.
"You got this, Deku. Beat all these idiots"
The rabbit's ears flattened back as he was held up. Although he was a spoiled little shit that demanded to be carried, he didn't like being suspended in the air like that. With the blond holding him from his ribs in a way that made his body curl inwards. It was uncomfortable and dangerous, the blond knew that and the grunt he got in response was proof of it.
But this position allowed him to have the rabbit's complete attention. It's not like he needed to force it, strangely enough, Deku was devoted to him from day one.
It must've been due to what the pet owner had said about rabbits dying from loneliness. After being abandoned by half&half and the frog girl, Deku must have been so lonely and about to give up on that day.
No one will ever know what pulled him to pick the mourning rabbit as a companion. Just as no one had to know that he didn't regret it. Every whisper spoken at night remained a secret between them both, that was all they needed.
Him and Deku.
"Find me"
Deku's whiskers twitched as he placed his paws over the blond's nose.
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The halls were huge!
He was given free liberty to roam around so suddenly, it was scary at first. He didn't know where he was or where to go. One moment he was in Kacchan's arms, the next he was sitting alone in an empty hallway.
Of course, he panicked. His frantic heart raced a mile as he dashed around, trying to find the blond. For just one second, the fear of being abandoned flashed across his thoughts. But no, he told himself, Kacchan would never do that. Even if he was loud and angry and refuses to feed him spinach more than once a day, his owner would always be there for him.
Once calm, he recognised what that white mouse said before. Those words, hide and seek. He remembered little Shouto speaking them once, but somehow in that vast empty house, they both lost themselves. - But they found each other again-
Tsu-chan had also happily exclaimed them when he was napping under a fennel shade and the girl would come and search for him. He liked that, hiding in places for the girl to discover him and play tag. It was fun. - And it gave him an opportunity to find other places to sleep-
Kacchan has never said those words exactly, but he knew that where the blond went he needed to go. He needs to find Kacchan.
Following the scent of burnt apples, he hopped around the long empty halls, his nose and ears twitching at every new turn he came to. There were so many unfamiliar scents, it was making him dizzy. And knowing Kacchan, he's probably somewhere so far ahead. But no matter, he will find him.
So busy he was sniffing for apples that he ignored all the other scents and tracks around him. Some people -especially girls- tried to pet him as he hopped by. But with a kick to the floor, he was able to dash and dodge any praying hands.
The smell of sugary apples was faded but clear. He had a path to follow, so long as he didn't lose track of it, everything would be fine. And it was, for a moment he could visualize Kacchan waiting not too far from him and when they reunited, maybe they could run in the gardens he saw through the big windows under the warm sun.
His dreaming and hopes made his legs kick faster in his search, that is until his nose twitched violently, as an itchy scent swept by and made him sneeze.
Loudly.
It rocked his whole body, so much he had to stop and rub his paws over his nose to get rid of the itch.
But as his whiskers twitched, his mind came to halt when he sniffed the scent that caused him to sneeze. And he was gobsmacked for a moment because it's been years since a scent in the air would cause such a reaction to his sensitive nose. The only scent that could make his whiskers twitch like that was… but that couldn't be.
His ears dropped as his body curled down on itself. With every breath and every sniff, he was able to put a name to the scent floating around the halls like ghosts hugging the air.
This building held a certain smell of dirt and dry powder, but it was greatly diluted by Kacchan's scent and everyone close to him. But now that he was alone and searching, his nose was able to pick up a familiar scent he used to live with once upon a time.
And it caused his body to tremble because to smell it and breathe it after so long, he didn't want to hope, he didn't want another heartbreak. But right here and now, he was sure.
If sunset had a scent, this would be it.
He could recognize that smell of sunflowers and dust anywhere.
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Toshinori hummed happily as he made his way to his office.
UA was kind enough to offer him a job as a teacher once his injuries had healed. The wounds his body sustained wouldn't allow him to go back to the field ever again, not with grave consequences. The scolding he received from Gran Torino and Chiyo were enough to bound him to these halls. Not to mention, the discussions - more like threats- with both his former partner, Sasaki and chief police, Naomasa.
But it's not like he unwillingly accepted.
One only needed to see the hopes and dreams of all these kids that were the future to accept wholeheartedly.
It was hard at the beginning, he was so used to a life of fighting crime and pursuit. He had no experience teaching youngsters in the field and he knew that one bad advice or suggestion could bring bad consequences. But with patience and a lot - a lot - of external help, he was able to become a good teacher.
This new generation was so promising, he was glad he got to know them all and was able to put a little grain of sand into the student's paths. It pleased him and filled his heart with ease, knowing that after a few years, he could take his retirement at peace knowing that the future was in good hands.
He smiled to himself and turned to see the setting sun behind the window. The sight was so familiar and nostalgic, it remained him of his little house in the rural area. He wasn't able to return, not with his daily trips to the hospital and rehabilitation sessions. And when he had healed up, his position as a teacher made him move to the city.
It was fine, he supposed. It was a new adventure and he has come to like it here, although a bit chaotic, it has its charm. Besides, like every cycle in life, he can always spend his retirement back into the quietness of the camp in the company of the sunflowers.
He was so busy thinking and reminiscing that he almost stepped over a black breathing form if it weren't for a squeak.
He halted immediately and stepped back, turning his head down to see what he almost stepped into. And he froze because he wasn't expecting black shivering fur and shimmering green eyes starting up at him.
"Could it be…"
He muttered, but he shook his head. It was impossible not to get his hopes up because statistically, it was a one in a million possibility. But as he carefully knelt down in front of the shivering rabbit, two long ears shot up and the quivering fur froze in one breath. He was afraid he had scared the poor little thing and his hands hovered over, not knowing what to do.
But he didn't need to think longer, because the rabbit let a tiny mewl that broke his heart and smashed it back together.
He could feel his eyes widen and water but he didn't make a sound as he carefully moved a hand to touch one of the fluffy long ears. It was so soft and comforting, so familiar and nostalgic, he could feel something inside of him reach out and connect with his long-lasting hope.
Because he could recognize those green, shimmering eyes anywhere.
"Izuku, my boy!" He exclaimed joyously, although his tears betrayed him.
In one swift motion, he had scooped the rabbit from the floor and hugged him to his chest, letting the rabbit rest his head on his shoulder and cradle his body in his arms. All the whimpers and mewls were muffled by his bony shoulder, so thin and sharp it only made Izuku cry louder.
And he hushed him gently, patting his back and rubbing soft circles through his well-groomed fur.
He was big, it was the first thing he noted. He was no longer a little ball of fluff, he no longer fit in one hand. He needed to hold him with both now, he was the perfect size to hug to his chest without fear of crushing him. And there were muscles in his legs and stomach, he had a few scars on his paws but he was well-fed and healthy; it only made his eyes water even more.
Because his beloved rabbit had lived a life of pain and struggle, but here he was. Breathing and crying like he used to do so many years ago, back when he was a little one, afraid of thunder and he would jump to his arms and hid in his neck, trembling until the storm had passed and the sun had raised again.
Who would have thought fate would reunite them once more. He never stopped believing that maybe one day it could happen, that they would cross paths again. And yet, when it finally happened, so unexpectedly and heartwarming as it was, his heart wasn't ready for it.
Because it was everything and more than he expected.
Izuku continued to cry softly, nuzzling against his beloved owner to imprint himself into his memory and Toshinori smiled.
"It's all right, my boy. I'm here"
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*BONUS*
"Let me get this straight"
Kirishima had waited like forever for the blond to arrive. After classes were over and Deku never returned to the blond's side, everyone panicked and organized a search party. Anything could have happened in the big school, worse with dogs loitering around. Even Aizawa had glared and sighed heavily when they informed him of the situation.
Bakugou wasn't panicking like the rest, he was mad; sure, but not worried. If anything he was adamant on finding the rabbit so that he could punish him for losing the last exercise. Luckily for everyone, if there was someone who could find the rabbit, it was the explosive blond.
One hour later, everyone was informed that Deku had been found safe and sound.
And when the blond finally returned to the dorms at night, Kirishima was gifted with the sight of a calm Bakugou holding a sleeping Deku in his chest.
Something had obviously happened, and as the self-proclaimed best friend he decided to be, he followed the blond into his room and waited for him to start talking. It didn't take long, Bakugou talked about finding Deku and the events that followed with surprisingly calm despite how shocking and unpredictable they were.
And here he was, sitting on the desk chair, mind trying to wrap over the origin of the fluff ball that was dozing on the blond's lap. He still couldn't believe it.
"Sweet, adorable Deku, who can drop a ninja kick, was raised by All Might. The number one FBI investigator in the whole world. The person who brought hope and peace to the streets by lowering the crime rate, the one who inspired every one of us to pursue this career and the bravest man who despite being sick, managed to take down All for One in one punch and brought hope to everyone watching? He's Deku's first owner?"
"Now you know why he's a fucking badass"
"Dude…"
Kirishima could almost cry by the stars in his eyes.
Katsuki was no better.
It was one thing seeing the pride and joy in his hero's eyes.
It was another thing seeing the light and warmth in his mentor's eyes just come to life.
And all because of Deku.
He wasn't mad he came in the last place at something Deku should have excelled. Although he bitched and grumbled, he couldn't really blame the rabbit. Deku went crazy when he was reunited with half&half and the frog girl. Dancing in happiness, as Mina put it. Yet when Katsuki finally found him, he was crying softly in All-Might's arms.
One cup of tea later, and Katsuki could see the bond that transcended time between his mentor and ball of fluff. He learned of their history, of their origins and abrupt separation.
He was half tempted to return the rabbit to the old man, but when it was time to retire, Deku chose to jump at his feet and demand to be carried. All-Might held no resentment at that, he laughed joyously at the bratty attitude of the rabbit and sent them on their way with a lighter spirit.
And it just made the future brighter, Katsuki could see it.
Him and Deku; the wonder duo.
Together with All-Might's guidance and support, they will become the number one heroes the world has ever seen.
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I wish 2021 to be a year full of love, hope and health to everyone! Cheers!
If you want little stories about Deku the rabbit let me know.