Chapter 1 - Provoked Parents
Tiny arms tightly clutched around his hero Deku plushie trying to fight the weariness evident in his drooping eyes. The stuffed toy fitted snugly on his chest serving as a companion while he watched his parents fuss around their house. He can hear one of them in the living room angrily haranguing someone on the phone swearing expletives every moment to get their point across.
The child could care less about the colorful words not meant for his innocent ears that escaped the adult's mouth. He was already used to it anyway but it was never directed at him. For now, he was focused on getting his sleep. After all, a future hero needs his sleep to grow big and strong. At least, that was what his papa said.
His tiny feet dangled above the floor before jumping to get down from the barstool situated at the kitchen island. The six-year-old dawdled as he rubbed his left eye in an attempt to chase away the drowsiness that still lingers. He went near the dining table where his other parent was, absorbed in stuffing clothes and other necessities in a duffel bag on top of the table. Head barely reaching the adult's hips, he tugged the hem of the adult's shirt to get his attention. "Papa, I'm sleepy. When can I go to my room?"
The male immediately stopped packing and turned to his side to look at the child. All of his attention directed towards his son. He bent down to his level and touched the side of the boy's head caressing his cheek. "I'm sorry, Kazuchan. But we have to leave. You can sleep later in the car and at the agency." The adult attentively watched his son's reaction who tilted his head in confusion.
"But we just got back from the amusement park. Why are we leaving again?" The boy's curiosity got the better of him chasing the sleepiness away. "I know but we have to. Why don't you help me pack your things? Then we'll eat your favorite pancakes for dinner." The little boy seemed to think about it for a while before nodding.
"Do you want me to help you get up?" He asked, ready to lift his son on the chair. But the boy shook his head. "'Tis fine. I don't need your help. I can get up on my own." He ruffled the boy's already messy and curly ash-blond hair before getting up. "You're too much like Kacchan sometimes." The six-year-old whined and slightly glared at him for messing his curls. Izuku chuckled softly at his son's antics, easily distinguishing the kid's attempt to imitate a certain blond's glare that turned into a childish pout.
He watched him settle the hero Deku stuffed toy on the table beside the Ground Zero plushie before pulling the chair and getting up on it without any problems. Izuku's eyes softened seeing the same smile of victory curling on the child's lips. The very same one he admired and fell in love with as the years go by. He handed him some folded clothes and let him do the packing while he left to get more clothes for them to wear.
Izuku went to the living room to check up on Katsuki who was still berating someone on the phone. When Katsuki saw him enter the living area, he ended the call saying, "Just make sure that the extras are present and everything is ready when we get there." He pocketed his phone and looked at Izuku fidgeting with his fingers. "How's the brat?"
"A little sleepy but fine." Izuku forced a small smile but his tone was tinged with worry. Katsuki trudged towards him and knocked him on the head. "And he will stay fine. Stop worrying, shitty nerd." He couldn't stop the building anxiety though. Izuku knew that despite his actions, Katsuki was putting up a front trying to make him feel less worried. After all, the situation required both of them to stay level-headed.
The villain organization, Yakeru, that they're up against was an underground arms-dealing group with a large network of connections, from huge villain groups down to a low-life thief. Their illegal activities persisted whilst taking down pro heroes who tried to bring them down. Even now, their leader remains nameless and faceless.
The elusive group may prove to be dangerous but it is no match for both of them. Especially now that they dared to threaten to kill their child just to get them to stay away from their illicit operations. "That fucking villain will get what they deserve once I track them down and kick their ass." Katsuki threatened. No, he promised, glaring at the box on the coffee table containing several pictures of Kazuki taken from a distance with a bunch of red oleander flowers which in flower language means 'beware.'
Izuku nodded. "We'll get them Kacchan." To which Katsuki scowled, "Of course we will." Then he smirked, eyes glinting with mischief. "But, not if I get to them first." Izuku rose to his challenge saying that he'll find them first only to be countered by the blond that the nerd will be too busy eating his dust. Their friendly competitive banter went on making it known to the house.
Hearing the commotion, Kazuki abandoned his task to join them in the living area. He witnessed his parents exchanging playful quips; a sight common in their household but one that he'll never get tired of. He tried sneaking up on Izuku which was quickly noticed by Katsuki. The little boy was given a knowing look which he immediately understood.
He jumped behind Izuku's back. "Gotcha Papa!" The boy giggled and grabbed on to the green head's shirt. "Kacchan hold Papa down!" Kazuki exclaimed as he climbed Izuku's back. The pro hero was suddenly ganged up on by the two blonds cornering him on the couch and attacking him on his sides with tickles.
The younger male tried to get away but Katsuki was keeping him down while giving their son more access to his ticklish sides. Trying to contain his laugh was no use. He could not even tell them to stop since he ended up stuttering in between his chortles. Kazuki relentlessly tickled his sides who was beaming with delight. Their playful moment lasted for minutes. Afterward, the One for All user was left ragged exhaling deeply to regain his breath from laughing too hard.
"Come on, bakuchiku (firecracker). Let's get those pancakes this idiot promised you." Kazuki's head jerked up at the invitation and followed him back to the kitchen. Izuku sagged on the couch watching the two disappear for food. The box sitting innocently on the table caught his attention once again. But this time, he did not fret its foreboding warning. Instead, he looked at it with determination, motivated to take down the person who dared to threaten this peace they built and cherished.
He stood up fixing his creased shirt and followed them to the kitchen watching Katsuki make Japanese pancakes, one that is made out of scratch, while Kazuki sat on the barstool again. This time the little boy was clutching the Ground Zero plushie on the side. "Kacchan, I want the fluffiest one with lots of syrup!" He happily kicked the air from his seat excited to eat his favorite food for dinner. "All of my pancakes are fluffy, cheeky brat. Here, mix this one gently while I cut you some fruits." He pinched his son's freckled cheek. Tiny fingers grabbed the rubber spatula and started mixing the ingredients in the bowl.
"Did you make some for me too?" Izuku decided to show up by taking a seat beside Kazuki who pulled the bowl closer to him. "No. These are mine, Papa. Go make your own." Izuku faked his shock and made a pained look attempting to earn the child's pity. Then he felt someone pinch his cheek making him wince.
"Yeah Deku. Make your own." Katsuki grinned as he put down a bowl filled with slices of bananas and strawberries. Izuku frowned at being teased again by the two but inwardly smiled watching the two of them get along even if he was the butt of the joke. The blond male took the bowl from Kazuki and mixed it with the bowl of mixed egg whites. Next, he placed the ring mold and proceeded to pour the finished batter.
After the pancakes were done, the little boy immediately placed the fruits on top of the pancake then grabbed the syrup. "Don't put too much of that shit. You still need to sleep." Katsuki got a pancake as well which he slid over to Izuku. The three of them ate their dinner heartily, relishing the moment before they leave.
"You sure you packed everything?" Katsuki put on his jacket then fished out the car keys in his pocket. "Yeah. Everything's in there. Even his gloves." Izuku sat down to tie his shoes. After Kazuki pulled up the zipper of his Ground Zero jacket, he yanked on the taller male's clothes. "Ne Kacchan why are we leaving again?" "It's an emergency, bakuchiku. We need to meet up with Shitty Hair and Half-n-half bastard at the agency." "Red Riot and Frostburn will be there?!" The six-year-old jumped in excitement as if it were the first time meeting his uncles just like how Izuku used to act around heroes when he was young. "Yeah so tie your shoes properly." He said, noticing the loose shoelaces.
Kazuki sat on the backseat holding the two plushies of his parents while Izuku loaded the bags on the car before going in. Katsuki was on the phone again informing the others. "We're just leaving. Make sure everything is secure when we get there." Izuku turned to look at their son who was playing and waving the plushies around. "You ok there, Kazuchan? You can sleep if you like." "I'm fine."
After ending the call, Katsuki entered the car and turned the engine on. "Shitty Hair just arrived and Half-n-half bastard said that he'll send someone instead." Katsuki adjusted the side-view mirror in case somebody tailed them. "Has Chikako-chan arrived?" "She was the first one I called and the first to arrive. Though knowing that idiot, I don't think she left the agency at all. That Timefreak said that everything is ready." "Ok. I hope everything will work out just fine." Izuku whispered as the nervousness started to show itself again.
Katsuki took the nerd's hand in his squeezing it gently. "Deku, he'll be alright." He glanced at their son who stopped playing and started nodding off trying to fight the drowsiness he felt. "We'll take that bastard down. Like we always do."
"Kacchan." Their eyes met and Izuku saw the determination and promise reflecting on Katsuki's eyes. Then the blond removed his hand from Izuku's so that he could flick him in the forehead with it slightly using his quirk to make it hurt. "Now stop your worrying or you'll end up muttering and wake the brat."
By the time they arrived at the agency, Kazuki was fast asleep embracing the plushies. They decided not to wake him so Izuku needed to pick him up while Katsuki took their bags out of the car. The child's hold on the plushies was tight so Izuku had no choice but to carry it along with the boy. He was careful not to shift the boy too much in his arm so that he would not wake.
Reaching the entrance of the agency was an easy task but dealing with the other heroes there was not. Some of the sidekicks were already leaving either to go home or conduct their scheduled night patrols. On their way out, they greeted the two top-ranking Pro Heroes regarding them with a nod, wave, or a chirpy good evening. Katsuki ignored them as always while Izuku smiled since his hands were occupied.
When Eijirou saw Katsuki enter, he immediately went towards him, almost yelling his name. "Ka-" Katsuki instantly shoved the bags in his face. "Shut your trap Shitty Hair. You'll wake him up." He eyed Izuku carrying a sleeping six-year-old who was quietly greeted by Hitoshi. "Sorry, man. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that what you and Izuku are doing is very manly. I mean to send Kazuki-" Katsuki cut him off, quickly approaching the elevator. "Yeah. Yeah. You already said that. Now, where's Timefreak?" "She and Kyoka are tracking them down through their recent online transactions. They're at Interval's lair." "Don't call it her lair." He groaned.
After talking to Hitoshi, Izuku went after Katsuki who was heading towards said room. "Kacchan, Hitoshi-kun said that they just captured their middleman before you called that's why he came instead of Shouto-kun. He just got back from interrogation. Apparently, they started shipping off a new batch of weapons to another place but the police have no idea where. I think that's what Chikako-chan and Kyoka-chan are tracing."
"Mindfucker? Can't he just order the middleman to tell them where it's headed?" Izuku shook his head running his hand through the sleeping boy's curls. "The middleman doesn't know anything. They're tight-lipped as they are. He doesn't even know who ordered him to do it. They value their anonymity so much that they always establish contact through what they call as 'envoys'. I think we'll know more once we reach the conference room. They might have found something"
Interval's lair is a multi-purpose room beside Ground Zero's office. It was a room dedicated to hacking and surveillance. Filled with the latest computers and a huge monitor protected by several high-end firewalls and other systems, it was a place for information gathering, making it the perfect lair for the Pro Hero Interval, Setsuna Chikako. She is the agency's resident hacker and performance analyst. And to Katsuki, she is his annoying yet capable secretary.
Interval and Earphone Jack were the only ones in the room. Normally, they would be assisted by a few sidekicks but the skill set required for this search was high. And, Chikako didn't want any nuisance inside her lair save for some co-workers and pro hero friends.
Currently, they were hacking into the account of the enemy's client. They thought that if they tracked where the money came from through the system, then they will be able to establish a location where the weapons might be dropped off.
"Update." Katsuki entered with the usual scowl on his face. Izuku and the others followed inside while the blond placed the bags on the table. They directed their eyes on the huge monitor showing the progress of the two female pro heroes.
"We're still trying to triangulate where the money came from. Right now, it's bouncing back and forth in different cities even outside the country. But once I pinpoint its location, we'll be able to establish the whereabouts of the buyer and possibly the weapon." Chikako deftly typed on her laptop to run her own search algorithm.
"We already asked for the coast guard's cooperation to see if there were any ships making unscheduled trips along with sudden departures of private planes. We suspect that the weapons may be transported within the freight containers or mixed with other cargos to prevent any suspicion." Kyoka explained as she analyzed the schedules provided by the authorities. "We're cross-referencing the time and date of the schedules to see if one coincides with the information given by Shinso-kun."
"Oi, Timefreak, when will you be able to give us a location?" "Give me a minute, boss then I'll get back to you with your proposition earlier. I just need to verify the location then we're all set." The female pro hero continued to bite her tongue, a mannerism she has when taking something seriously.
In exactly five minutes, her laptop sent out a notification. "Alright. I got it. I've narrowed the location down. The money came from somewhere in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines. Check if there are any ships or planes headed Southeast." She flashed the information she had to the huge screen.
Everyone present in the room, aside from Katsuki and Izuku, went to work. They started making calls to everyone they know patrolling near harbors and ports to check for any suspicious activity or departing modes of transportation. They even got the police to help with the search.
If those weapons made it outside their country and were distributed to people with malicious intent to use it, then who knows how much blood will be spilled. The location may not lead them to the one controlling behind the shadows but as heroes, they will be able to save lives and maintain the peace they are establishing by preventing the weapons falling on the wrong hands.
"Thank you, Chikako-chan." Izuku took a seat two chairs from her left, adjusting Kazuki on his arms. "Deku-san, don't thank me yet. Besides, we haven't caught Yakeru. Thank me later when we get them by taking the boss on a vacation for your 10th anniversary." Izuku's cheeks flushed red at her comment which Chikako failed to notice since she was still facing her laptop.
"You can give us all a break from the boss. Maybe even give Kazuki another sibling to dote on." If Izuku's cheeks were tinged red before, then this time his face blushed deeper in color with Chikako's bold suggestions. Katsuki wasted no time and decked her head, hiding his embarrassment with his annoyance. "Don't get smart on me, Timefreak just because you got the location. You haven't done shit yet." Chikako gave him a mock salute checking for any suspicious activity from the camera feeds.
It seemed that there was never a time where Izuku was always reminded how fearless Chikako is when it comes to baiting and taunting the blond pro hero. It was a good thing that Kazuki was still in his arms resting that he was able to hide a portion of his face to prevent anyone from seeing how red he is. Izuku was brought out of his stupor when Chikako's tone became serious.
"By the way, where's the box you received?" Katsuki took out the box from the bag and slid it across the table towards Chikako's direction. Then he sauntered down beside Izuku. "Thanks. You said that he took pictures right?" She started shaking the box. "Yeah with red oleander," Izuku answered.
"Beware huh." He watched Chikako take out the pictures and hand the box to Kyoka on her right. "We'll try to get any prints they left from these." Kyoka started applying fingerprint powder on the box.
"I'll scan the photos to try and see if I could get an idea where the photographer took the photos by measuring the focal distance. I designed a program before that can analyze which possible cameras and lenses to determine that distance. Start writing the dates you think the photos were taken. Then I'll check social media posts to see if somebody was able to capture our mysterious photographer." Chikako scanned the pictures one by one as Izuku and Katsuki wrote down the dates on the back of the picture by remembering when Kazuki wore the clothes in the picture.
"That's amazing Chikako-chan. If we find the photographer, then we'll be able to get more information. They might be a viable lead towards Yakeru's boss." "Lower your voice, Deku. You might wake the brat. You wanna rest and hand him over?" Katsuki was already extending his arms ready to carry his son. "No. I'm fine. I don't want to let him go yet." Katsuki retracted his arms and went on writing the dates. "Stupid nerd. Fine. I don't want him drooling on me anyway." The younger male tried to contain his chuckle earning a glare from Katsuki.
Chikako saw their interaction from her peripheral vision. She cleared her throat to break the possible building sexual tension in the room. Once again, Izuku flushed and hid his face on Kazuki's curly blond hair.
Then he remembered the flowers. "Kyoka-chan, try searching for recent oleander or red oleander transactions. There's a chance that they bought this flower since these looked well taken care of. Finding the buyer might give us information." He suggested. "Nice one, Deku-san. That might give us some lead."
Eijirou then approached them to inform them of the news he received from a call. "That was a call from Tsu with the coast guards. They found the weapons being transported on a fishing boat. Three villains were apprehended and brought in for questioning." "I just received word from my contact in the Philippines as well. The heroes there also apprehended the client. It was a local gang trying to give away the weapons for free." Hitoshi added who also got a call.
Katsuki crossed his arms and listened to their reports. "For free? Yakeru must have been testing the fucking weapons off the country and the local gang giving it for free allows them to recruit extras easily. Continue to relay any further information. We need every information we can get to lure the coward out of their hiding hole."
Kyoka presented the footage on the huge monitor and zoomed in on the man's face. "No luck from the box but we got a hit on the person who bought the flowers. They used a fake name but they forgot to hide their face from the surveillance camera."
Chikako did the same. She showed the photo of two girls taking a selfie in their apartment balcony where the very same man who bought the flowers was caught in the picture holding a camera on a different balcony. Several pictures were displayed with the man in the picture but in separate locations that are ideal for taking long-distance photographs.
She conducted a facial recognition program to verify if they were the same person. "Boss, I got a hit on the photographer. It looks like we're dealing with the same person. That's too much of a coincidence."
"Pull up more information about him. Inform the police to put a BOLO (be on the look-out) on him. He could be just a puppet or the envoy. If he is the envoy, then he can lead us straight to the bastard." Katsuki ordered.
Izuku glanced at the watch on his wrist taking note of the time. He decided that they'll have to continue the search tomorrow or else they'll end up being burnt out from the search. Beyond that, they already got any information they could find. All that's left is up to the police.
"That's it for now. Thank you, everyone. Let's continue this tomorrow. Let the police deal with the interrogation and the arrest. Call for a meeting if there is additional information or any type of update. And feel free to stay at the agency to get some rest." Katsuki turned his head at Izuku's sudden announcement. "Oi Deku, I didn't-"
"Kacchan, let the police do their work. There's no point in finding them this early if we're too tired from just flushing them out. And let them stay. That's the least we can do after calling them this late." Katsuki thought of what the green-haired male said. He reluctantly gruffed out a 'fine' as he found himself agreeing to Izuku's statement.
"I don't mind sleeping here! I wanna help you guys catch these villains as well!" Eijirou said.
"Same here though I have to get back in case they need me for the interrogation. Personally, it's best if you two actively participate in the operation. It will speed up the search. It's also still ideal if you go with your original plan. After all, it's not guaranteed that the photographer knows something." Hitoshi's explanation angered Katsuki.
He knew that. The explosive male already knew that. But Hitoshi had no right to butt into their family affairs despite having a point. And that's what triggered him.
"Hey, stay out of this fucker." The purple-haired male shrugged in reply, "Just saying." The explosive male's glare grew intense. He almost stood up to pick a fight with the underground pro hero but he was stopped by Izuku who grabbed his arm and looked at him sternly. "Kacchan."
He turned to face Hitoshi. "It's alright, Hitoshi-kun. You can leave. Give us a call when you find something. And thank you, everyone, again. We really appreciate you guys coming here." The pro heroes gave their piece saying that they're glad to help and wanting to get to the bottom of this. Katsuki grew sick of their schmaltz and decided to end it by sending everyone away. "All of you extras, get out."
They noted the seriousness in his words despite the tone of vexation. The pro heroes heeded his words. The underground pro hero went outside the room to go where the three villains are being held. On the other hand, Eijirou stayed and approached them. "I can look after Kazuki while you guys talk things out."
Izuku looked at Katsuki then at the six-year-old who was slightly drooling on his shoulder. He was reluctant to hand him over but he wanted the child to sleep more comfortably. Their discussion was long overdue and Kazuki might wake up in the middle of it. "Alright." He conceded standing up.
He lightly brushed the blond curls whispering good night before kissing the top of his son's head. Katsuki stood up too bringing his hand to softly pinch Kazuki's freckled right cheek. "Night, brat." He carefully took the plushies which earned a soft murmur from the six-year-old who was probably dreaming. Izuku's lips curled into a smile and adjusted Kazuki in his arms before handing him to Eijirou who also accepted the plushies. "Don't worry. I'll keep him safe." Then the redhead walked out of the room.
Chikako watched the entire exchange and kept silent. She waited for them to take a seat and signal the beginning of the discussion. "Alright. Let's get this shit done." The older male sat down followed by Izuku. The two parents swiveled the chairs so that they were facing Chikako.
Izuku looked apprehensive. Both of them were. But it had to be done. Katsuki would not verbally admit it but the underground pro hero was right. They weren't certain if the photographer had the necessary answers that would lead them to Yakeru's boss. And most certainly, they could not actively search for them or participate in any raids if they are always thinking about Kazuki's safety.
Sure, they have done it before when they are out on the field. Though this time, it's different. The anonymous villain was actively seeking to kill their son just so they will stop doing their jobs as heroes. They had taken photographs and boldly sent the box to their home.
Even if Kazuki stayed at the agency, he would not always be looked after despite having several sidekicks and interns. Not only because they are occupied doing hero work but Kazuki's adventurous and impulsive nature is a force to be reckoned with. Something he inherited from his parents.
They had to make the toughest yet best decision to keep him safe. They had to go through with the original plan. A plan where they have to use Chikako's quirk, which they only turn to when push comes to shove; a rare occurrence.
Izuku's mind started turning gears, thinking unnecessary thoughts. Katsuki was not a fan of public display of affection but when he saw Izuku overthinking things again he knew the right thing to do. Izuku stopped clenching his fist when he felt a familiar hand enveloped his. Katsuki's hands ran warm, scorching him in a different manner. He wanted that warmth to stay as it chased away his worries that started cluttering his mind.
The blond intertwined their hands as a promise to always be his symbol of victory. To be the one who keeps pushing and challenging him. To be the win to Izuku's 'save to win.' Izuku took everything he can get from his husband's support using it as the courage to say the next words that will fall from his lips.
"How long will you be able to keep him in the past, Chikako-chan?"