"Eri!" Izuku said excitedly as he opened the hospital door.

Eri's face brightened at his appearance. Still no smile but Izuku could tell she was happy nonetheless. "Mr. Deku!"

Izuku went over to her bed and wrapped her in a tight hug which he held for a few seconds before releasing her. "I'm glad to see you're doing well. I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit you. School has kept me busy. There's a lot to catch up on" he apologized.

Eri nodded. "It's ok." She grabbed at his hand. "I'm glad you're ok." She finished softly.

Izuku smiled. "Yep doing just fine." He sat down on the bed next to her. "I have some people here who wanna meet you if that's ok?" Eri's brow furrowed in thought before she nodded. Izuku smiled wider. "You guys can come in now." He called to the door.

"Finally." Katsuki said as he opened the door. "Took you fu-" Uraraka elbowed him in the ribs to cut off the swear. Katsuki glared at her.

"Bakugou! Not in front of Eri." She warned.

Eri tilted her head curiously at them. Katsuki sucked in a breath. "Fine. Whatever." He said, crossing his arms and turning away from Uraraka.

Izuku sighed. "Don't mind him. He's always like that." Izuku had to admit that he was impressed that Uraraka managed to get Katsuki to stop. Not even he had managed to do that.

"Is your first impression to the kid really gonna be almost starting fights?" Shinsou asked as he slipped into the room. Todoroki followed him in and as soon as he spotted Izuku he joined him on the bed.

"Oh shut the f-" Katsuki cut himself off as Uraraka glared at him. "Shut up Eyebags." He said far more tamely.

Eri glanced around the room at them all. "You're… Mr. Deku's friends right? The heroes?" she asked quietly.

Shinsou nodded and smiled. "That's right. It's nice to finally meet you Eri. Izuku told us a lot about you."

Suddenly tears gathered in Eri's eyes and the whole room was caught off guard. "T-thank you. You all got hurt saving me. I'm sorry." She said through the few tears that fell.

Izuku pulled her into a hug. Had she been feeling guilty this whole time? Izuku suddenly felt even worse that he hadn't made the time to visit her sooner. "It's ok Eri. We're heroes. We sometimes get hurt doing that. But we're all fine now! And we're so happy you are too." Izuku said softly patting her head.

Todoroki nodded. "He's right. We're all glad you're alright."

"Yeah we'd all gladly kick his a- beat up that creep again if it meant saving you kid." Katsuki said, crossing his arms and smirking.

Uraraka gave him a sideways glance before giving Eri a smile. "Bakugou's right. We'd do it again if it meant saving you."

"I'm just surprised to hear Katsuki admit it out loud." Shinsou commented. Katsuki shot him a glare but said nothing. At this Uraraka giggled and Katsuki quickly turned his glare to her.

Eri sniffled and pulled away from Izuku to wipe her eyes. Shinsou came over to stand next to her and gently ruffled her hair. After she got her tears under control she gave them an almost-smile. "T-thank you." She said again.

Izuku used his thumb to wipe away a few of the tears still on her face. "It's no problem Eri." He paused. "We actually wanted to ask you something while we were here." Eri looked up at him curiously. "How do you feel about coming to our school to enjoy the festival in a few days?"

The day of the festival was finally upon them. Students who's events were later were rushing around getting last minute preparations done; while others were attending events or running booths.

Katsuki sat in a prep room along with Jirou, Momo, Kaminari, and Tokoyami. The four of them were getting a bit of last minute practice in before their performance. Katsuki could only assume the same was happening with the other groups. He was sure that Izuku would be making any last minute preparations for the special effects and Mina would be playing drill sergeant with the dance team. Katsuki chuckled quietly to himself at the reminder of what Shinsou had gone through with Mina. While he could admit Mina was a good teacher she was just as harsh, if not more so, than Katsuki himself.

"Are you extras ready for this?" Katsuki asked as they all took a small break.

Kaminari perked up and put the cap back on his water bottle. "Yeah man! This is gonna great!"

Tokoyami nodded. "So long as things fall in our favor we shall succeed."

"That's the spirit dude!" Kaminari clapped Tokoyami on the back excitedly.

Jirou and Momo both seemed far too focused on double checking their notes to really participate in the conversation. As Kaminari continued to chat at Tokoyami, Katsuki pulled out his phone to check the group chat.

Nothing Illegal Here

AllMightFanBoy: Do you think I could use the fire I control as some sort of armor if I kept it around my body?

InventorExtraordinaire: Oooo I bet I could make you a baby to help with that! Or better yet we could collab on one!

AllMightFanBoy: That might be kinda fun actually. Maybe we can even work in something that can help me make fire. Since I can't make it like Shoto can.

IcyHot: We could always work together.

AllMightFanBoy: True, but I need a way to make it anyway in case I'm on my own.

IcyHot: Point taken

InvertorExtraordinaire: I can already imagine all the amazing babies we'll come up with together for your quirk Midoriya!

InventorExtraordinaire: Also! Shinsou I see you online. I finished that baby you wanted me to work on. Feel free to swing by the support course section and pick it up when you can! I wanna see you test it!

What'sSleep?: Will do. Let's hope it doesn't explode in my face, literally. Though that might be the more preferable option than letting Mina see I'm on my phone. Here I thought Katsuki was a tough teacher. I was so young, so naive.

AllMightFanBoy: That's why I chose to help with the special effects. The look in her eyes scared me.

What'sSleep?: Oh please. We all know you decided to help with them cause it meant you got to hang out with your boyfriend more.

AllMightFanBoy: I- uh, no comment

What'sSleep?: Your comment on the matter is unneeded. Your motives are obvious

IcyHot: Izuku if you want to hang out more you can just say so

AllMightFanBoy: RIGHT! Uh anyway….

What'sSleep?: Smooth

InventorExtraordinaire: Like sandpaper

What'sSleep?: *gasp* Since when was Mei like this?

AllMightFanBoy: You're a bad influence on her

Katsuki chuckled slightly at the conversation. Kaminari looked over at him mischievously. "Oooo who you texting Bakugou? Is it a girlfriend? Maybe-" He glanced at the others in the room conspiritally even though they were paying him no attention "Uraraka?"

Katsuki sputtered. "What the hell Dunce Face? There's nothing fucking going on between me and Round Face." Him and Uraraka? No way. Sure she wasn't as bad as most of his class but there wasn't anything there. He could admit he respected her and her skills but that was completely different from what Kaminari was suggesting.

Kaminari wiggled his eyebrows at him. "Whatever you say dude." He turned back to look over the notes Jirou had made for him. With that settled Katsuki turned back to his phone.

Nothing Illegal Here

What'sSleep?: Me? A bad influence? Never

AllMightFanBoy: Mhm. I beg to differ.

IcyHot: If anything you're a bad influence on both of them

What'sSleep?: I- getting roasted by Todoroki is something else

IcyHot: But I didn't set you on fire? Why would I do that?

What'sSleep?: I see you need to learn things my friend and I would be happy to teach you

IcyHot: ?

AllMightFanBoy: Don't worry about it right now Sho

IcyHot: … alright

InventorExtraordinaire: For what it's worth Shinsou I don't think you're a bad influence!

What'sSleep?: Thanks

KingExplosionMurder: Don't you idiots have anything better to be doing than blowing up the chat?

What'sSleep?: I was wondering when you were gonna go mom on us

AllMightFanBoy: Kacchan! We're all ready to go so we're just waiting for things to start. How are things on your end?

KingExplosionMurder: It's fine I guess. The extras aren't half bad.

What'sSleep?: High praise coming from you. I'm shocked

AllMightFanBoy: That's great! I'm sure everyone will love the performance!

What'sSleep?: Oh shit. Mina spotted me. Gotta bail.

KingExplosionMurder: Ha! Good fucking luck Eyebags.

InventorExtraordinaire: No dying before you can test my new baby Shinsou!

IcyHot: Is no one else actually concerned for him?

AllMightFanBoy: Don't worry he'll be fine

IcyHot: If you say so

Finally it was time for the show. Shoto waited backstage with Izuku and the other members of the special effects team. When the light dimmed they knew it was showtime. Much to Shoto's surprise the auditorium they were performing in was packed. Shoto nodded at Izuku. Time to get to work. Shoto produced ice for Kirishima before making his way to one of the two catwalks above the audience. He kept an eye on Izuku who stood waiting with Sero near the stage. They'd have to catch Aoyama after all.

Finally the music started and Shoto tore his gaze away from Izuku to look at the crowd. He even managed to spot Aizawa along with Eri. Even though her face remained the same as it usually was, Shoto was pretty sure she was enjoying herself. Even his typically unreadable teacher seemed to be enjoying it. He turned his gaze back just in time to watch Aoyama dramatically jump in the air only to be caught by Sero's tape and held up by the combined strength of Sero and Izuku. He released his quirk in small bursts that harmlessly dispersed over the audience. After he was set back down he watched as Izuku rushed to stand across from Shoto on the opposite catwalk. Shoto enjoyed watching the audience as they got more into their performance.

As it got closer to the end the two nodded at each other. They were ready. Kirishima smiled at them and gave them a thumbs up from his spot over the stage. Shoto produced fire and Izuku got into position to bring it under his control. Kirishima lifted up the ice block Shoto had created for him before. As soon as the last chorus started Izuku took the fire under his control and used the light to make the ice Kirishima was now shaving off as he ran sparkle. Shoto created extra bridges of ice over the audience that some of the other students were starting to use.

Shoto watched as Izuku continued to make the fire dance. A smile made its way onto his face without him realising it. Before he'd hated fire because of its connection to his old man. Now? He knew his fire was his own and that not all fire was bad. The way Izuku made it move and twist was a sight to behold. He glanced around to watch Tsuyu swing Uraraka around as she made some members of the audience float. Aoyama was once again suspended in the air and using his quirk to add to the light show already occurring. Izuku caught his eye and gave him a wide smile. Shoto returned it with a much smaller one. It was nice to have everyone back together again.

The song ended to massive knew that they were all proud of what they'd managed to do and he once again found himself silently thanking Izuku for breaking through his walls.

Hitoshi warily put on the device that Hatsume had made for him. She smiled enthusiastically at him as he adjusted the mask to be comfortable on his face. The others stood a safe distance away in case anything went wrong. Eri looked down confused from Izuku's shoulders but didn't say anything.

After the performance Aizawa had found them and given them Eri to watch over for the rest of the festival. He'd said "You were the ones to invite her here in the first place so you're responsible for her." No one was gonna complain though. She'd been beaming when Aizawa had brought her to them. Izuku had burst into tears and hugged the girl tightly. He'd then taken to carrying her around on his shoulders as they explored the festival.

After several texts from Hatsume telling him to get over there Histoshi finally led the group over to the support course area. Hatsume had spotted them the second they set foot in the area and proceeded to drag Hitoshi over to her own section. The others followed, laughing.

Now he was here praying to any deity that would listen that the thing didn't explode like a lot of Hatsume's inventions did. Once he had it adjusted so it was comfortable Hatsume excitedly explained how it worked. Hitoshi nodded along with her explanation. It seemed simple enough. Well as simple as it could be when Hatsume was involved. He went to adjust the knob on the side of the mask. When he felt like he had it right he glanced at Katsuki and smirked even though the other boy wouldn't be able to see it. Katsuki narrowed his eyes at Hitoshi suspiciously.

Hitoshi cleared his throat before speaking in a perfect recreation of Katsuki's voice "My name's Bakugou Katsuki and I care about my friends even if I like to act like an asshole to them all the time. I also have a crush on Ura-" He was cut off by Katsuki tackling him to the ground.

Eri gasped worriedly. "Why are they fighting?"

Izuku managed to get the fit of laughter that had come on under control so he could answer her. "It's just harmless fun. Kacchan doesn't like that Hitoshi was saying the truth."

From where Katsuki had managed to pin Hitoshi to the floor he yelled "Keep that up and you're next Deku!"

Hitoshi chuckled from his spot on the floor and still in Katsuki's voice said "I would never hurt Deku no matter how much I may threaten him." He found himself being pushed more harshly into the ground but it was worth it.

"Hey! Don't you dare damage my baby Bakugou!" Hatsume said disapprovingly.

Katsuki looked up at her and sighed. He released Hitoshi and put his hands up as he stood. "Fucking fine. Only cause I don't want you to make all my gear intentionally explode when I try to use it."

Hitoshi got back up to his feet and brushed himself off. Todoroki looked at him, concerned. "Are you alright?"

Hitoshi nodded and gave him a two finger salute. He adjusted the knob so that his normal voice would come through. "Just fine. Katsuki wouldn't actually hurt me."

Both Todoroki and Eri looked concerned. "It looked like he was hurting you though… Is that normal?" Eri asked, frowning.

Hitoshi shrugged. "Different people show you they care in different ways. That's just how he does it."

Eri seemed to think deeply about that. Izuku pat at her leg. "Don't worry Eri not everyone is like that. Kacchan is just… Kacchan." He attempted to explain.

"Kacchan is strange." Eri decided, nodding her head once.

Katsuki sputtered and attempted to form a response to that but failed. Hitoshi outright laughed at him and chose to ignore the death glare that was being shot his way. "I love this kid." Hitoshi said once he'd calmed down enough.

The rest of the day went great. They managed to find out that Eri loved apples and proceeded to introduce her to candy apples. Their hearts melted when they saw her try it for the first time. They even took her to events that the other classes were putting on. Hitoshi was more than a little confused at the plot of the play class 1-b had put on but Eri seemed to enjoy it so no one said anything. At the end of the day Aizawa came to get Eri and told them they could go out that night. Eri waved goodbye to them and they all waved back with smiles on their faces; even Katsuki. As they headed back to the class 1-a dorms Hitoshi decided today had been a fantastic day.

The three hopped over rooftops as they made their way to their typical resting spot. They'd been at it for a couple hours before they decided to take a break. It had been a typical night. Ever since the takedown of both the League and the Hissaikai villains had been far less keen to actually commit crimes. The ones they'd run into recently had been those that felt safer about committing their crimes at night. They had been very wrong in their assumption.

Izuku was surprised to see Aizawa waiting on the roof for them as they approached. He waved lazily at them as they landed on the roof. Shinsou pulled down his mask and looked at him confused. "Thought you said you wouldn't be making it out tonight?"

Aizawa shrugged. "Since you all wore Eri out today I was able to leave early so I decided to come out and see if I could find you three. I assume you're taking a break?" he asked.

"Why else do we come to this roof? Of course we are." Katsuki said, rolling his eyes.

Izuku took a seat next to Aizawa. The four sat in silence for a moment just taking in the atmosphere of the city at night. Izuku and Katsuki had chosen this place as their official break spot on patrols for many reasons, but one of the biggest ones was the view. The glittering lights of the city spread out before them as they sat peacefully on the rooftop. "Oh. Rabbit, Sphinx these came in for you. I didn't give them to you earlier because you were busy." Aizawa said, handing Izuku and Shinsou envelopes.

Izuku noticed it was from UA. He opened it carefully and read over the letter that was inside. His eyes widened as he looked over it again. "This is…" He trailed off. Shinsou was similarly speechless.

Aizawa nodded. "Your transfer requests to the hero course have been approved. I look forward to seeing you two in class Monday."

Izuku felt tears come to his eyes. It was finally happening. He turned to Katsuki with a shaky smile on his face. "See Kacchan? I told you I wouldn't let you leave me behind."

Katsuki gave him a critical look before smiling softly; which seemed out of place on his face. "I never doubted you for a second nerd." Katsuki looked him over once more. "You get one but don't push it." He said, opening his arms.

Izuku took the offered hug immediately. He was finally on the right track to becoming a hero. Katsuki didn't let the hug last long but Izuku didn't mind. Katsuki was not a touchy feely type of person. Physical affection wasn't really his style. "This is cute and all but I did it too you know. Where's my ultra rare Katsuki hug?" Shinsou asked sarcastically. Izuku could tell how happy he was though; it was clear on his face.

Katsuki looked at him and threw his arms around Shinsou and squeezed tightly. It looked more like a grapple than a hug as Shinsou seemed to be trapped in his arms. Katsuki let go and Shinsou gasped for breath once there wasn't a vice grip around him anymore. "Remind me to never ask for a hug from Katsuki again. Whether it be serious or not. I value being able to breath far too much." Shinsou said panting.

The group lapsed into silence again. "Oh. One more thing." Aizawa said as he pulled out a folder from somewhere in his hero costume. He held out the folder and Katsuki grabbed it.

Katsuki looked over the folder's contents, eyes widening. A grin made its way onto his face as he let out a single, sharp laugh. "No fucking way." He murmured quietly as he handed the folder to Shinsou. Izuku watched the two of them confused as they exchanged looks. Finally Shinsou handed him the folder with a massive smug grin on his face.

Izuku peeked into the folder and began looking over its contents. The papers seemed somewhat familiar but he wasn't sure what they were at first. Then it clicked. He whipped around to face Aizawa with tears in his eyes. "R-really?"

Aizawa nodded. "So long as it's what you want. As much as I hate to admit it you've all been very effective at winning me over. This just seemed like the … logical next step."

Izuku threw himself at Aizawa and hugged him. Katsuki smirked at him. "So does this mean that we get to call you dad for real now or…?"

Aizawa sighed. "You don't have to, but I don't think I could stop you even if I wanted to."

They sat in silence for several minutes longer. Izuku was still clinging to Aizawa but his happy tears had long since stopped. The new family scooted closer together and enjoyed each other's silent company. Finally Izuku let go. "Kacchan, Hitoshi. There's one last thing we have to do." The two nodded at him. They each undid the simple voice changing masks that had been hanging around their necks. In sync the three threw them into the air and Katsuki leveled a small, precise explosion at them, destroying them completely.

Now that they were all where they needed to be the time of Rabbit, Wolf, and Sphinx was over. The four watched the ashes of the destroyed masks scatter in the slight breeze. Aizawa put a hand on Izuku and Katsuki's shoulders. With a decisive nod Izuku spoke. "We should head in before it gets too late." The others gave their agreement. Izuku took one last look at the view before smiling. "Race you all there?" He asked. He got a confident smirk from Katsuki and nods from both Shinsou and Aizawa. As they raced over the rooftops back towards UA Izuku couldn't help but think how wild of a journey he'd been on so far to become a hero, but he wouldn't change any of it for anything.