Everything that Bleeds
Summary: It wasn't like Izuku didn't want to do his homework, it just… happened. He was then dealt with by a surprisingly stern Mic-sensei, and forced to reveal some truths along the way.
Or: The time Midoriya Izuku was doted upon by his three (3) dads.
This fic contains corporal punishment (i.e. spanking) of a minor, please do not read if it makes you uncomfortable!
Hi guys, happy Wednesday!
Here is another story, this time with our Precious Babey Broccoli and Dadmic! The idea was born in the shower, and I wrote a drabble on it before deciding to expand it into a whole fic.
This is a fic that is part of The_Conquering_Weirdo's Natural Consequences verse (on AO3) which is a world where Corporal Punishment is a normal thing in U.A., and they are conducted in these places appropriately dubbed 'Discipline Rooms', and it is just a safe, quiet space for teachers to dole out appropriate punishments. There is also a safe space called the 'Recovery Room' inside used for healing. This is all you need to know!
Again, this fic contains corporal punishment (i.e. spanking) of a minor. Please do not read if it isn't your cup of tea! Otherwise, enjoy.
It wasn't supposed to end up like this.
Then again, that was the norm for Izuku. He always had to fight hard in order to retain some semblance of control over his life, only to have it ultimately ripped away.
Mic-sensei was currently crouched in front of him, green eyes large and concerned behind his signature shades. One of his (very big, very painful) hands was resting on his knee, while the other hovered; as if reaching out for him. It took Izuku a lot to not push the man away.
"Little listener, can you let me see your hand?"
No, I don't want you to! was the immediate thought. Izuku whimpered, pulling the offending limb deeper into his side. The cursed appendage throbbed at the sudden jolt, causing him to wince and release his already forgotten pen. He shook his head, curling up tighter as Mic-sensei moved even closer. He studiously avoided his teacher's worried (judging?) gaze, instead concentrating on blinking away the falling tears.
"I-It's nothing, Mic-sensei. I'm okay."
God, was it even possible for someone to cry this much? Forget Aizawa-sensei's 'Problem Child', they should just call him 'Crybaby Deku' and be done with it. Izuku sniffled, irked at his own thoughts.
Unfortunately, Mic-sensei didn't seem to buy it, judging from the determined look on his face. Izuku wondered what the man thought of him now. "If that is what you believe, little listener. However, I would like to make sure of it myself; I take your welfare very seriously, kiddo."
A beat. The (false?) kindness and his own upset and frustration and everything just got too much, alike a boiling pot with the lid left on. And as with anything under immense pressure, Izuku… gave way.
"I said that I'm fine! Which part of that do you not understand?" He exclaimed angrily, slapping away Mic-sensei's hand.
Izuku saw his world turn and suddenly he was tucked under a very familiar arm, his world once again alight with stinging pain. He could only kick and cry as four swats were administered to his undercurve, before Mic-sensei mercifully set him down on both feet. Izuku could only sob at the pain in his throbbing bottom as Mic-sensei took hold of his chin, commandeering his attention.
"I'm asking only because I am concerned about you, Izuku-kun," Izuku could not help but cry harder at the stern, disappointed gaze, "And I do not appreciate your attitude, young man. You are so much better than this."
Better than this.
Adults…. Adults always expected so much from Izuku. Things that Izuku could not give even though he tried so hard, and then they get so mad when he didn't (couldn't) deliver. He cried even harder at the overwhelming sadness that befell him, because truth be told; he was completely exhausted.
How did Izuku even get into this pickle?
His day had started out great, all things considered – He had a very exciting conversation with Iida and Uraraka about some up-and-coming heroes, and did relatively well in All Might's training stimulation. Even Kacchan had not sneered in his direction the entire day, the blond's attention being completely occupied by the newly christened 'Bakusquad'. Lunch Rush even had his favourite Katsudon, which he dug into with relish.
And then English class came along.
It was one of Izuku's favourite classes, given that he was familiar with the language due to his fascination with All Might's early career in the States. And it was alright at the beginning; Mic-sensei went through the differences between regular and irregular verbs, Izuku having no issues until the dismissal bell.
"My dear listeners, please remember to submit your writing assignments before you leave for the day!" Izuku froze up, dread rising as his classmates automatically rifled through their bags. Even Kaminari had completed his essay, the boy vibrating with pride as he handed it in to an amused Mic-sensei. He could only watch uneasily as his teacher did a quick count, before his eyes narrowed at Izuku.
It wasn't like he believed that he could get away with not doing his homework, but that tiny, naïve part of him had hoped.
"That will be all, little listeners. Have a wonderful weekend ahead! Midoriya-kun, please stay behind after class." Crap.
He slowly made his way to the front of the classroom, ignoring the concerned glances from his friends. His teacher was packing up his things, putting the last of it into his work bag as Izuku spoke.
"Hello, Mic-sensei."
"Hey, little listener," Mic-sensei greeted, giving him an expectant look, "I noticed that you didn't submit your homework?"
"I-I didn't do it, I'm sorry." He mumbled.
Mic-sensei's smile turned slightly downwards as he tutted with disapproval, "Again, Midoriya-kun? It is already the third time this month, listener. What is going on, hmm?"
What was going on was that Izuku's hands hurt, the burning aches making them unbearable. He thought back to that conversion he had with the doctors after Kamino Ward, about what they said about his hands being severely damaged. Take some time and pressure off of them, he was cautioned, and Izuku tried. He really did; learning to utilise his legs in combat instead of aggravating the strain in his arms.
However, Izuku still needed to attend classes, and with classes came the need to write. He didn't count on his hands deteriorating that quickly; even the simplest tasks dredging up so much soreness that he didn't know how to deal on most days. He had tried wrapping them tightly; compressions helped to reduce the swelling, but the concerned looks from his friends put him off.
It was almost impossible to take proper notes in class nowadays, and Izuku could only thank his lucky stars that he had a good memory that allowed him to retain information concisely; enabling him to do up his lesson summaries using his laptop. This didn't change the fact that he still had to write out his assignments. Which took so long and caused so much pain that Izuku found himself simply giving up in frustration.
"-riya-kun. Young man, are you even listening to me?" Mic-sensei frowned. Izuku could cry at the sight of the unfamiliar frown.
"S-Sorry, Mic-sensei, I got lost… in thought."
He knew that he was in deep trouble when his English teacher sighed in exasperation, before the man reached out to take Izuku's hand, "Talking is not enough this time, huh? Seems like we will need to do a bit more to have this lesson stick. Let's go, little listener. DR-1 awaits us."
Izuku was led into the familiar Discipline Room, and to the comfortable settee. He wasn't surprised when Mic-sensei motioned for him to take a seat, knowing from past experiences that the teachers preferred to speak with the students before beginning their punishment.
"Right, Midoriya-kun," Mic-sensei said, gentle despite his stern visage, "The reason I am going to spank you is because of your tardiness in submitting your recent assignments. This is also to incentivise you to do your work properly; don't think I haven't noticed how messy your classwork has become."
Well, duh. It was hard writing in straight lines when your hands wouldn't stop trembling.
"But," He continued, squeezing Izuku's hands gently, "We will get past this and move on after this, okay?" Mic-sensei's soft, kind tone made Izuku guiltier, and he could only nod so as to avoid the sudden lump in his throat.
"Good boy. Please stand up and take your blazer off, little listener."
Izuku complied, because if nothing else, he would at least accept his punishment with dignity. As All Might's successor, a student of U.A. and that child that still crumbled at the slightest hint of disapproval.
Still, it did not stop his tearful whines when Mic-sensei skilfully unfastened and took down his trousers and underwear in one smooth motion, before he was guided over his teacher's knee.
"I-I would've done it myself, Mic-sensei…" He protested weakly. Mic-sensei had only hummed in mild amusement.
"Little listeners who aren't able to follow simple school rules do not deserve to take down their own clothing, Midoriya-kun." He scolded lightly. Izuku could finally appreciate the rumours surrounding Mic-sensei and his disciplinary tactics; it was absolutely mortifying being treated like a five-year old.
He didn't have more time to mourn about his unfortunate position before the first loud Smack! landed at the centre of his right cheek, the sheer sting of that one swat nearly causing him to catapult over Mic-sensei's knee. "A-Ah, Mic-sensei!"
"Settle down, young man," He scolded, tightening his hold around Izuku's waist. His English teacher resumed his punishment, not letting up on the swats at all. "We have a lot to go through today, little listener, so I will need you to lie tight and listen to me."
And how was he supposed to do that over the loud, cracking sounds that was ricocheting off of the walls? The heat on his bottom was also building up fast; Mic-sensei spanking each area repeatedly before moving on to the next untouched spot. It didn't take long before the lecturing started.
"You are a student, kiddo, which means that you have responsibilities to yourself and your teachers. One of which is to complete your homework in time," Mic-sensei chided, and Izuku clenched his teeth hard in order to remain silent.
Though, it was way easier said than done.
"I understand that the transition from home to dorm life can be very difficult, and I am willing to give exceptions if you would come and talk to me about it," Sensei laid another round of devastating swats on the fleshier parts of his bottom, "But you can't simply do nothing, Midoriya-kun! Once or twice is fine, but any more than that with no good reason is simply unacceptable, little listener. And your lack of commitment and work ethic would only hinder your progress as a good hero."
"Your recent behaviour had truly disappointed me, young man," That stung deep. Izuku whimpered, the first of many sobs coming to the forefront, "But I'll rectify it today, by spanking it out of your very naughty bottom," He said, as if the words didn't sound like a death toll. The next few smacks fell with extra enthusiasm, and Izuku wailed as he tried to get away from the pain.
His weak attempts at kicking were immediately curbed by a strong leg clamping over his knees, squealing as Mic-sensei swatted his thighs in warning. "And please do not think that I haven't noticed that you haven't been taking down notes in class. You need to stay focused in order to learn effectively, sweetie!"
"Y-Yes, Mic-sensei!" Izuku said wetly. While his pain tolerance was incredibly high, the fiery, rapidly building stinging on his thighs were absolutely brutal. "I'll do better in the future!"
"And how are you planning on doing that, little listener?" His teacher asked, mercifully slowing the spanks in order for Izuku to answer.
"D-Do my homework on time," He sobbed, "or…or let you know if I need more time!"
Izuku wished it was simple, that asking a teacher for assistance would not be like pulling teeth.
But it didn't matter; Mic-sensei just needed to hear the right answers in order for Izuku to get out of this hell, and then he could get a hug after and things would go back to normal.
"Correct, I am glad it is sinking in. If I have to put you over my knee for this again, I'll take out the paddle. Are we understood, little listener?"
"Uh-huh," Izuku cried, overcome by the hot, stinging burning in his bottom. He felt like a well-punished child, not unlike the times when he was pulled over Aizawa-sensei's and on one terrible occasion, All Might's lap. But that small, hurting part of him was still resigned and upset, and Izuku fought hard to quash those feelings.
"That's a good boy, Izuku-kun. Let's finish up, alright?"
He found himself being tipped forward, the skin connecting his bottom and lower thighs rendered taut. Izuku couldn't help but cry out and plead for Mic-sensei to stop as that sensitive area was doused with attention that it had never wanted.
"Waaaaah, Mic-sensei, please! I'm sorry, I'll be good!"
The brutal onslaught seemed to go on for hours, even though it was surely thirty seconds at most. He was then set on his feet like the spanking had never happened, and pulled into his teacher's chest.
"It's over now, Izuku-kun. Shhh, I know it hurts, just focus on calming down," Mic-sensei soothed, rocking Izuku as he caught his breath. When the worst of his tears stopped, he was guided onto both feet. Izuku sniffled, already hating what was coming next.
His teacher appeared to be the same, sounding apologetic as he led Izuku to the nearest corner. "Sorry, Izuku-kun, but the Handbook stipulates that you'll have to do some time-out. It will only be for five minutes, alright?"
Those five minutes felt like forever, as Izuku fought to not rub at the hot, irritated skin. He breathed a sigh of relief as the familiar 'ding' of the Discipline Room's alarm sounded, sagging in relief as his teacher turned him around.
"Come here, little listener, you're okay now. You took your discipline so well, Izuku-kun, and I am so proud of you." Mic-sensei praised, ruffling his hair before he quickly redressed Izuku, who couldn't help but whine when the rough fabric scraped over his bottom.
Mic-sensei's praise warmed him slightly, though.
Izuku was expecting to be brought to the Recovery Room for the routine soothing before he was dismissed to lick his wounds, but Mic-sensei had indicated for him to take a seat at the desk instead.
"S-Sensei?" He asked confusedly.
"There's just one more thing, little listener." Mic-sensei said sympathetically, pulling away to hold Izuku at arm's length, "I would like you to sit at the desk and write 'I will remember to do all of my homework' a hundred times in English. After that, we can make you feel better in the Recovery Room, alright sweetie?"
He could feel the press of tears at the back of his eyes as he gingerly sat down. Could this day get any worse?
Izuku found himself shifting on the hard, wooden chair, as he struggled to put ink down on the foolscap paper. He'd tried to control the shaking by holding on with his other hand, but all that did was to cause his writing to stall. However, removing it resumed the trembling, rendering his handwriting near unreadable.
This went on for about ten minutes, before his teacher came to check on his progress.
"Little listener, how's your progress, hmm?"
As he expected, Mic-sensei looked incredibly displeased as he caught side of Izuku's paper. "How is it that you have only written twenty lines all these time, Izuku-kun?"
"I-I… Sorry, Sensei," Izuku said, tearing up. But Mic-sensei wasn't finished.
"You literally just got spanked for not doing what you've been told to do, little listener," He exclaimed in disbelief, putting his hands on Izuku's shoulders, "What, exactly, is going on with you? Are you asking for more trouble, young man?
"N-No, I…" Izuku trailed off as Mic-sensei's gaze fell upon his hand with startling focus, and he knew then that things had fallen apart.
Which brought Izuku back to the present.
The embarrassment of being called out by Mic-sensei, being spanked, his teacher's disappointment, the terribleterribleterrible ache and now the swats and scolding… Things simply became too much, leading to Izuku having his worst breakdown since the start of the semester.
"'m sorry, 'm so sorry," He sobbed, trying to get away from those suddenly stifling hands, but Mic-sensei wouldn't budge. Calm down, calm down! Izuku tried desperately to regain his composure, but to no avail.
"Aw, sweetheart, you're okay. I'm not mad, just a little displeased with your choice of words, but you're alright now." He continued bawling, even as Mic-sensei wrapped his arms around him and picked him up.
"Sweetie, Izuku-kun. I'm taking you to the Recovery Room now," Mic-Sensei worriedly explained, stopping to pick up Izuku's discarded belongings, "We're going to get you calmed down, alright sweetheart? And get some water into you, you're going to get dehydrated at this rate… Then we will need to have a conversation about that hand of yours…"
The last part was said in a low mutter, but Izuku was too high strung to pay much heed. Instead, he leaned into Mic-sensei's chest, gripping his jacket tightly and allowing himself to be carried.
Hizashi had heard a lot about Midoriya Izuku from his husband, the boy one of Shouta's biggest headaches in this current batch of students. According to Shouta, the child had absolutely zero sense of self-preservation, and was incredibly reckless and cavalier with his health, leading to his husband having to heat up Izuku-kun's seat a couple of times.
But Shouta had also admitted that Izuku-kun was a very good boy with a genuine passion for helping people, which was actually pretty rare for a generation enthralled with the glamour of being in the spotlight. He was also quick-witted and smart, with a gift of coming up with strategies on the fly. This was something invaluable that could only be cultivated from years of study and experience, but Izuku-kun had somehow honed it to a T.
The sweet child was really good in his class, consistently amongst the top-ranked. Which was why Hizashi had been so unpleasantly surprised when Izuku-kun started slipping; complacency was not a good character trait in any situation. It was also very uncharacteristic of the boy, who normally tackled his studies with a vigour resembling a hero faced with villains.
And there were other troubling signs.
It's as if he is incapable of seeking help, Shouta had remarked pensively at the start of term. Peers aside, Izuku-kun seemed to be especially distrustful of teachers, in particular with matters pertaining to his welfare.
While not as close as Shouta was to his homeroom (as much as his husband would like to deny it), Hizashi kept his own watch, and found himself agreeing with his husband. It wasn't obvious as the boy was a quick study, but with the exception of Yagi-san, Izuku-kun was generally reluctant to ask Hizashi anything, not even simple clarifications.
He wasn't like Kouda-kun, who was shy and preferred to seek out Hizashi privately; Izuku-kun would wait till the last possible minute before roping another friend (Uraraka-chan, usually) in to accompany him.
And it could not be more telling in this situation.
Hizashi made his way around the Recovery Room, Izuku-kun held securely in his arms. He made sure to pick up some necessities – a sugary drink, light snacks and a soft blanket before making taking a seat on the plush couch.
Hizashi expertly maneuvered Izuku-kun so that the kid was resting against his chest, his bottom free from any surface. Luckily, his cries seemed to have tapered off; the kid was sniffling and wiping at his tears.
"Drink up, little listener. I would like you to catch your breath and rehydrate first; everything else can come after." Hizashi promised, running a hand through the sweaty green curls.
The child gave him a heartbreakingly worried look before picking up the drink, taking a few slow sips.
He watched with a frown at how badly the kid's hands were shaking just from holding the cup, readying himself to assist if needed. Izuku-kun somehow managed, though. Hizashi made sure that at least half the juice and a few fruits were consumed before he opened his mouth.
"Hey, little lister. Is it okay if I ask you a few questions?" The tiny boy tucked under Hizashi's chin froze before giving a small shrug, picking nervously at his nails. Hizashi had to prevent himself from stopping Izuku-kun, knowing that the kid was already skittish enough.
"Thank you, Izuku-kun. I just want to know, what is happening with your hands? And please don't try to hide it, honey," He added, seeing the kid shutter. "Even from here, it looks bad enough that I feel that Recovery Girl should take a look at it."
"I-I'm really okay, Sensei. It's no big deal, just some aching… They usually get better on their own," His sweet student mumbled, and the honesty in his voice hurt Hizashi's soul. What kind of things had this child gone through to be unable to ask for help, even when he was surrounded by people who are able and willing?
Unless Izuku-kun didn't see it that way.
A wariness of adults, teachers in particular…
Hizashi's mind flew through some explanations as to why there was the case, none of which was promising.
Empathy aside, Hizashi had a job to do. He reached out and captured Izuku-kun's hand in a gentle hand, looking at horror at the swelling and pinkness at the joints before applying the slightest pressure.
Izuku-kun yelped, the boy tearing up in pain from that light squeeze. He would have pulled away, if not for the fact that Hizashi was holding on firmly. This was bad. For a kid like Izuku-kun who was no doubt used to taking in pain (and wouldn't that be another necessary conversation) to react so extremely from little more than a touch…
"Sweetheart," He began carefully, "How long has your hands been this swollen? And please don't lie to me."
The child bit his lip but fortunately answered. "A… month?" He said unsurely, before backtracking at the horrified look that likely flashed on Hizashi's face upon hearing the dreadful answer.
"It only got very painful around last week though, Mic-sensei –"
"That's terrible, Izuku-kun! You should've said something so much earlier. I'm taking you to Recovery Girl." Hizashi proclaimed, straightening the child's clothes and shushing any protests. Hizashi felt anger, not towards his student but himself. What did it say about him that he didn't even notice that the kid was going through so much pain?
And you still spanked him, he groaned internally. No matter, there would be time later for him to waddle through his guilt; Izuku-kun was more important.
"I am honestly unhappy that you felt that you needed to keep this to yourself," He softened his tone upon catching Izuku-kun's recoiling, "But I think that there were a few reasons behind it, which we will be discussing later."
He then hefted the surprisingly heavy kid up, slipping an arm onto his backpack's shoulder straps. Izuku-kun mumbled something mean under his breath.
"What was that, little listener?" Hizashi asked mildly, patting the recently-spanked bottom in warning.
"N-Nothing, Sensei." Smart boy.
He left the room, his long, hurried strides fuelled by rising determination. No more. Hizashi was going to let Shouta know, to keep his partner abreast of this development. And then they would work it out… after entrusting Izuku-kun into Chiyo-san's safe hands.
"Ah, Shouta! And… Yagi-san?"
The surprised tone made Izuku look up. Aizawa-sensei and All Might were standing at the entrance, Mic-sensei conferring with them surprisingly softly. He could feel the prickle of stares from his three teachers, and tried to ignore them in favour of focusing on Recovery Girl.
Not that it helped much, given that she was already beckoning them over.
"Chiyo-san, Midoriya," Aizawa-sensei greeted. All Might barely even acknowledged Recovery Girl; his attention immediately captured by Izuku, who squeaked and averted his eyes.
"What is Toshinori doing here? Yamada mentioned you only, Aizawa." The medic questioned.
"I brought Yagi-san along as since it concerns the Problem Child, so I thought he would want to know about it," Aizawa-sensei explained, turning to Izuku with an even expression. Izuku might have felt intimidated if not for the fact that his homeroom teacher had bent down to eye-level.
It was interesting how something as insignificant as height could make Sensei appear more approachable, more human.
"What happened to you, kid?" Sensei asked, eyes narrowed at his hand. Izuku was about to deflect out of habit when Recovery Girl cut in.
"I've ran some diagnostic scans and it seems like Midoriya is showing some early signs of developing arthritis. It is likely due to the heavy damage done to his hands over this short period of time." She said grimly, and Izuku fought to not shiver at the chilly silence that befall the room.
"…And, you didn't think of telling anyone in U.A. about this because…?" Aizawa-sensei asked Izuku, sounding mad. His teacher no longer appeared harmless, reverting back to the fearsome man Izuku respected but was so wary of.
"I-I thought I could handle it, Sensei," Izuku mumbled, unable to look the man in the eye.
(He was honestly afraid of what he would see there; adults were always upset with Izuku.)
"You thought that you could handle a potentially severe joint condition that would only continue to get worse on your own with no medical assistance, and from the sounds of it, has been making it difficult for you to even hold a pen. Is that what you are trying to say, Midoriya?" The incredulity and anger in Sensei's voice made Izuku flinch, tears returning to the forefront.
"Shouta, you're being too harsh. Calm down!" Mic-sensei hissed. He could also hear All Might fretting in the background, trying to get everyone to take a few steps back. Aizawa-sensei took a deep breath, before trying again.
"Look at me, Midoriya."
He still sounded commanding but much calmer this time, and Izuku chanced a look up. Aizawa-sensei looked displeased, but Izuku had learnt over the months that the furrowing of his brows and the downturn of his lips meant concern.
"I… I didn't want to disappoint you," Izuku admitted, "I didn't want you to think that I was too weak to handle something this small, especially after you told me to be more careful. My hand just ended up being worse than I thought."
He felt a lot lighter when the words finally came out, like a massive burden was lifted. There was a pause, before Mic-sensei came closer.
"I'm sorry, Izuku-kun," His regretful apology made Izuku gape, "If I had known that you were injured… I never would've spanked you for not turning in work. That was very wrong of me."
Before Izuku could even begin waving off the apology, Aizawa-sensei cut in sharply, "What are you saying, Hizashi? This brat deserved every single swat he had gotten. For keeping silent on something that could had done so much harm to his health." Sensei continued balefully before turning back to Izuku.
"That would have earned you way more swats than not doing homework, Midoriya, so you can count yourself lucky that Mic had gotten to you first. I definitely wouldn't had let you off easy."
Despite the stern threat, Sensei still placed his arm around Izuku, guiding his head to rest on the familiar shoulder. Izuku could not help but relax under his teacher's touch. "You mentioned that you thought you could deal with things on your own. But wouldn't all these have been avoided if you had asked for help in the first place?" Aizawa-sensei asked softly.
The earnestness in Aizawa-sensei's tone felt like salve on his worn self, and Izuku found himself opening up.
"It's… hard, Sensei. My teachers… they didn't really like me, back in middle school."
There was a heavy quiet in the room as the occupants took in the meaning of his words.
"U.A. is different, young man," Mic-sensei began gently, patting Izuku's curls. His English teacher was smiling at him, in a way that could not be anything but kind. "I'm sorry that you have had bad experiences before, but your teachers here truly want the best for you. We want you to succeed and be happy as much as you do, Izuku-kun."
"I'm trying to believe it… But I just…" I can't help but remember all those times when I was judged by teachers for not being enough, for being quirkless, Izuku couldn't say. Not just because how vulnerable Izuku would feel, but it would also open up a huge can of worms.
"It is alright for you to go at your own pace, Izuku-kun," All Might said, speaking to Izuku for the first time since he'd entered the room. "What is more important is that you begin taking steps to trust us; to come to your teachers with your problems, so that you are well-cared for."
His piercing blue eyes were bright with understanding, and Izuku knew that it was because his mentor had gone through something similar. Yes, there were definitely more quirkless people in the older man's time, but the mockery and despair they'd experienced were just as devastating; especially coming from the people that were supposed to guide and protect them.
All Might took Izuku's free shoulder in his large hand, squeezing lightly, "You're my protégé and my kid, young man. That means that you are my responsibility, the one that I prioritise above all else," He spoke seriously, looking straight into Izuku's eyes, "I felt absolutely terrible when I heard about what happened from Aizawa-kun, because I should have been more vigilant when it came to your health."
"You have been doing wonderful and I am so proud of you, young man. All of us are, you are such an incredible kid," All Might paused, as if waiting for the words to sink in, "And the only thing that would make us prouder, is if you would prioritise your welfare as much we do."
"As Mic-kun said, we only want you to be happy and well, Izuku-kun. That is our fervent wish. Please let us in, young man."
"Okay… Okay," Izuku warbled, overwhelmed by the sincerity and care coming from the three adults that he respected the most, "I… I pledge to do better. I-I'll do my best to come to all of you."
"That's all we are asking, Problem Child," Aizawa-sensei praised, pulling Izuku into a tight embrace. Izuku found himself dissolving into tears for the nth time that day, but this time from sheer relief. He allowed himself to be lulled to the brink of sleep by the sound of Sensei's heartbeat, and the comforting touches by Mic-sensei and All Might.
"We will discuss with Principal Nezu on the ways U.A. can accommodate your injuries, such as allowing you to do your assignments on the computer. But that can wait, Midoriya. Just rest up for now." Izuku nodded sleepily.
"… Shouta. Let me have a turn, please?" Izuku heard Mic-sensei plead, Sensei's arms tightening minutely around his limp frame. "I want to hold the little listener too!"
"You literally just got out from the Recovery Room, Hizashi," Aizawa-sensei retorted, "You had your turn. Just keep quiet." His English teacher's screech of protest was cut off, presumably by Sensei's quirk.
"What about me, Aizawa-kun?" All Might ventured cautiously, and Izuku couldn't help but let out a light laugh. Though, a light pat on his bottom made him quieten down quick. "… You can have your turn soon," Sensei grimaced, sounding reluctant but resigned.
"Ehhh? That's so unfair, Shouta!"
"Thank you, Aizawa-kun. That is appreciated."
"…Tch. You both suck. With due respect, Yagi-san."
It was four p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon, and Izuku was sitting in Recovery Girl's office with aching hands. His face was pressed against his homeroom teacher's shoulder, streaked with sticky tears. His bottom throbbed unpleasantly on the hard, plastic stool, and he could register a mix of loud complaining, expressions of gratitude and threats in the background.
He was cradled protectively within sinewy arms, gloved fingers running through his hair. A bony hand also rested on his nape, rubbing it comfortably.
And Izuku… Izuku was safe.
Thank you for reading, and I hope that you've enjoyed it!
Reviews are beloved.
Have a wonderful week ahead!
With love,
Xenny