Teachers Are Heroes Too!
Doctor Izuku Midoriya is one of the world's brightest minds working for I-Island. At 22 years old, he was already the head researcher of quirk biotechnology and support engineering. He is the co-founding pioneer of Advanced Quirk Theory, a whole new branch of Science. He is also hailed by his colleagues as the "ultimate fanboy" for all things quirk-related, known for concocting inventive ways on how a quirk can be utilized and deconstructed. Ironically, he himself is quirkless, however, that doesn't stop him from being an essential part of a world where people are not created equal.
Episode 1: With a Heavy Heart, We Say Our Goodbyes
"Is there nothing I can do that can change your mind, Izuku?"
"We had this conversation a bunch of times before, sir. I am flattered that you still want me to stay…but-"
"I know, I know. It's been your dream to work at U.A. It's just that I-Island just wouldn't be the same without you here."
A tired sigh was the sound emanated between the pair, the older one was leaning on the metal doorway, while the younger is seen double-checking his luggage. Both were male, had messy hair, wore lab coats and glasses, and emotionally fatigued.
"We're going to miss you, Izuku."
With one final zip and inspection of locks, the green-haired man gulped, "I'm going to miss you as well, sir."
"You know I always treated you like the son I never had, right?"
"I'm still not staying, sir."
The elder brunette coughed, "Oh you damned brat, you're making me teary-eyed again! "
Izuku sniffed, "Then why are you guilt-tripping me again?"
"Oh come on! Ever since I found you crying near the gates of that hero academy, holding a pile of notebooks for dear life… I knew that you had the potential to become one of my best students ever!"
Both of theirs face morphed into a blubbering mess, "I-Island had been your home for years, Izuku! Your friends are here, your laboratory is here, I'm here, your mother lives here! I know you're already an adult but you're leaving your whole life here!"
"You're making me cry, David!"
Tissues where being used at an exponential rate as the salty waterworks began.
"Serves you, right! Oh god-" he huffed, wiping the offending liquid away for his cheek, "You made my daughter cry! Like any responsible father, I should have you hanged!" he tried but failed to make a decent joke.
Midoriya appreciated the pathetic attempt at lightening the mood, he really did, unfortunately, he has to ignore it, "I said I was sorry!"
"Sorry?! You broke your heart!"
"Oh stop using your daughter to blackmail me! I love Melissa more than any girl in the world, and you know that!"
Awkward silence enveloped the two scientists once more.
"But you don't love her enough to stay, right?"
"This- I - it's just - oh geez."
"I'm sorry, we just really wanted you to stay. You're part of our family for so long and… this kind of radical change is just…"
"Uncomfortable?"
"...Unpleasant to say the least."
"How is she coping…"
The Shield patriarch glared at Izuku, causing the quirk-loving researcher to flinch, "I admit, she could have better handled the situation. The last time I tried to talk to her, she screamed some… choice words."
"Well, she's getting better-"
"She called you a lot of peculiar words, Izuku. Words that I'd rather not say to save both of our dignities."
"Oh." Izuku immediately deflated.
David shook his head, "Just… please, talk things out with her. I'm not good at the romance of kids these days. But I want my daughter to at least have closure."
"Me neither, I still don't understand why she likes me." he digressed.
"She loves you, idiot. As her father, you've become my standard on how my beloved daughter should be treated. It's your fault, you've spoiled her too much."
"Hey, I-" he raised a finger before slowly putting it down, "Point taken." massaging his temples from the stress.
"You better not leave this Island with regrets, Izuku. I will give you my full support but... that's it. Tell All Might that he should visit more often, and always remember that you can return anytime. All you need is call."
Izuku nodded eagerly, fighting the pent-up saltwater from bursting like a dam.
"Thank you, David. For everything."
The most respected researcher in I-Island waved a solemn goodbye, leaving the troubled youth to his devices.
"No, thank you. You saved us in more ways than I can count. You're too good for U.A., Izuku." David thought somberly.
Three knocks and a button pressed on the intercom. A simple action that requires minimal effort and energy, but in the case of Izuku Midoriya, it proved to be harder than any of All Might's heroic labors.
He pressed the gray button, lowering his head slightly to level his lips with the high-tech microphone.
"Melissa?"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Melissa, it's me… Izuku."
No answer. Why did everything had to be complicated? First was the board of directors, then his snippy coworkers, then his mentor, and finally, Melissa.
"Melissa, I just want to talk."
No reply.
"I know my decision was out of the blue, but it's my dream. You of all people should understand."
Zero response.
"I don't deserve you, that we can both agree on."
"You fucking don't, asshole."
Yes, this is hell. He had been called many terrible names, he was the butt of many jokes because of his supposed "disability", and even suffered physical trauma. Yet none of those wretched things could ever compare to the harshness and cold brutality from the girl, no woman, he corrected, that stuck with him through thick and thin.
He wanted to cry.
"First of all, that really hurt."
"That better be."
He ignored the emotional jab, "Just… could you please open the door."
"Don't you have an early flight to catch?"
Again, pain, not a feeling he would want to feel often.
"Yes, but that's not important right now, Melissa. Just please open the door so I could talk to you properly."
"Really? I thought we've talked enough yesterday."
"Look, just please open the door! You're going to make me cry, Melissa."
"Good."
"You can't lock yourself in your room! Sooner or later you'd have to go outside."
"I have rations and toilet paper that can last me for a week. You'd be long gone before I'll start to get hungry."
"Melissa, please. I don't want to leave you like this!"
"Then don't leave at all! Then maybe, just maybe, I'll forgive you!"
"You're being immature about this."
"Says the man that thought to leave everyone that loved him just so he could go work at the same school that rejected him, would be a good idea."
"It's my dream. Shouldn't that be enough that-"
"For all your accomplishments, recognitions, and experiences, I am disappointed that you're still the naive, narrow-minded boy that first came here, still clinging on childish fantasies. I know you, Izuku. I know that your desire for being a teacher is selfish. You are still hoping that maybe if you entered the academy, by some convoluted miracle, you can become a hero. Well, tough luck asshole!"
Midoriya nearly choked, appalled from what he heard. However, against better judgment, he soldiered on.
"You didn't... mean that... "
"I'm done talking. Have a safe flight."
"When I get on that plane tomorrow, I won't be seeing you for a long time," he replied, a little forceful than before.
Silence.
"You won't be seeing me for a long time,"
Noticing the lack of answer, Izuku sighed for the umpteenth time, "I just want you to know, that even if I'm in Japan. I would always care for you." he paused.
"I'm sorry that-"
"Goodbye, Izuku."
"I'm going to miss you too. I'll be waiting on your call." Midoriya left, his back hunched and a heart filled with dejection.
The flight to Japan was a lonely one, the state-of-art jet he rode on was a parting courtesy from I-Island. His many coworkers, his superiors, and the parents that practically raised him, all gave their farewells. The plane itself was roomy, first-class cushions, and other accommodations that made the otherwise terrible flight bearable.
Not that it mattered, he had gotten used to many technological wonders that many of contemporaries could kill for, but never the gadgets that brought him luxuries. Izuku could never get used to foldable beds and high-quality meals that the island tried to spoil him with, he preferred his All Might futons and sheets and handmade cooking thank you very much.
At least his mother seemed supportive… oh, who was he kidding? Mom would flood the entire flood with her tears if David wouldn't console her. On second thought, best not to think about things that he had no business with. Izuku was elated on the fact that his mother finally had someone to care for her, romantically.
As for his own love life, oh dear, young Midoriya wouldn't want to soil the expensive carpets he's stepping on.
"I'm pathetic," Izuku slapped himself lightly, "I ruined it. I ruined everything."
He counted the many things he left to attain his childhood dream becoming a teacher at U.A.
First, his mom, which he figured would call him in two hours just to hear his voice again. Second, his beloved laboratory on I-Island, his co-workers that he spent many sleepless nights with to fulfill the Island's sadistic demands. Third, his admittedly high salary and a multitude of health benefits. Finally, a certain blonde woman that trusted, believed and cherished him despite everything.
He gave up a life that he didn't deserve.
His wistful stupor was disturbed when his smartphone buzzed, Midoriya jolted with anxiety as a text from an unfamiliar number was sent to him. After careful deliberation, he decided to open the mysterious message.
Young Midoriya! I heard that you'll be arriving in Tokyo tomorrow! I'll be waiting for you, my boy!
The young researcher chuckled, resting his tired head to the fluffy recliner, "Well at least there's someone that's actually happy with my actions." he thoughtfully mumbled to himself, burying the device near his chest.
Izuku wanted to become a hero that saves people with a smile, just like All Might. Unfortunately, life forced him to bitterly accept the fact that he can't. Teaching the next generation of heroes would be his salvation, the most heroic thing he could think of. Sure, he was undeniably brilliant, he could help the world in other ways. But as the Shield heiress put so eloquently, he was selfish and suffers from tunnel-vision.
Izuku Midoriya always wanted to become a hero.
He was selfish, he would always remind himself.
And teachers, no matter what school or department they're from, are heroes enough to him.
~End~
Author's Note:
Yay! Another story for the My Hero community I recently joined!
Yojimbra's "Nejire's Great Teacher Crush" idea was awesome and I loved reading it, be sure to read it if you haven't already. Well, I just hope my writing was palpable for you guys, leave a review if you have any complaints, I don't mind at all!
Have a Nice Day!