She's the Man

Chapter 3: Unexpected Dinner Guest

Izumi peeled an apple as she sat next to Izuku's bed. He'd finally been okayed to leave the hospital, but was still on mandatory bed rest and physical therapy. Izumi was like a mother hen, cooking, cleaning, and seeing to all of Izuku's needs… but he knew her too well. Izumi was hiding something from him, and hiding it by spoiling him.

"What's on your mind, Zumi?" He offered a small smile when her hand paused. "You've been real anxious for the last few days. Is there something on your mind?"

"No, not really… I'm just waiting for you to get better is all."

"Well you'll be waiting for a while." Izuku frowned and looked down at his left hand. "Doctor says I did permanent damage to it."

"What?" She dropped the apple and set the knife down to get to her feet. "Grandpa didn't say anything about that to me when he brought you home."

"He didn't want to worry you. It's nothing majorly serious, it's just I've got to be careful not to exceed my limits. Taking on that villain instead of running for help was a stupid mistake, and one that's gonna show." He looked down at his hand flexing the fingers a little. "I'll be a little scarred and deformed, but I can still use my fist as a fist."

"That's good at least… when you go to school you'll still be able to fight normally." She smiled at him and flexed her own fist. "You'll be fully healed by the time the new school year starts up, then everyone in U.A. will see what an amazing person you are, Zuku."

Izuku sighed and lay back on his pillows.

"You're still insisting they'll let me take the test?"

"Not exactly…" she rubbed her nervous palms together. "I'm saying, you already took the test."

"Huh?" Izuku blinked in confusion. "No I didn't, I've been in the hospital the whole time remember?"

"And I…" She pulled off the bandana she'd been wearing to show off her short hair and had him gawking. "Went to U.A. and took the test for you. We'll get the results any day now."

"You did WHAT?!" Izuku shot up in bed, ignoring the pain in his side and arm.

At the sound of his Grandson's shouts Torino looked up at the ceiling of his home with a scowl. He wondered what those two were talking about that had Izuku all riled up. Either way he'd collect the mail and then go find out for himself. He picked up the pile of letters on the floor, and his brow lifted when he saw the thick envelope from U.A.

"What's this?"

Izumi fretted as Izuku climbed out of bed and started tossing clothes on.

"Izuku what are you doing? Get back in bed!"

"No! We're going down there so you can explain yourself to the principal."

"Izuku, the acceptance letters are already on the way out. I self checked the written exam afterwards and I got a near perfect score, and I did fairly well in the practical portion, I know you'll make it."

"I didn't make it, YOU DID!" Izuku shouted at her. "I know your intentions were good Izumi, and I know you were just trying to help me out, but going down there and faking all this is the stupidest thing you've ever done!"

Izumi's eyes widened and went watery.

"Izuku…"

"Even if they didn't find out, even if I got accepted, none of it would mean anything because I didn't do it myself." He put a hand to his chest. "The scores aren't mine, they're yours, and if you do get accepted than you should have signed up for the test yourself! I'd be much happier knowing you were going then taking your hard work and claiming it as my own!"

"Izuku…" tears fell now and she bat them away. "I'm sorry I just… I didn't want to see you give up."

"I wasn't giving up… yeah I was depressed, but I haven't given up on being a hero. There are plenty of other schools I could go to, and even then I could put in for a transfer to U.A. later."

"You don't want to go later, you want to go now. I could see it on your face. You were so angry and upset at yourself. I just wanted to make you happy." She wiped her tears. "I did it for you. I want you to go to U.A."

"You both are going…" Torino stood at the doorway holding the letter from U.A, the contents opened and Torino's eyes looking angry. "This is a letter from Principal Nezu at U.A. and he wants you both to go down to his office for a private meeting. Whatever it is you two have done, you'd best prepare yourselves for the consequences of it."

~U.A. High School, Nezu's office~

Principal Nezu was nothing like what Izumi had imagined him to be. The small mouse like dog sat behind a desk that was more catered to a man of gargantuan size… but somehow he still managed to look intimidating. The moment they'd walked in, and Nezu welcomed him in his squeaky voice, Izuku had confessed everything. He raised his good hand and forced his sister's head in a proper bow.

"That's the whole story, Principal Nezu. We're both sorry to have caused you trouble."

"Please," Izumi added on letting her head hang low. "Don't punish my brother for this, Principal Nezu. It was all my idea. He wanted to get into U.A. so badly, and I wanted to help him. Please forgive me for my naivety."

"This is troubling." He finally spoke tapping his pawed fingers together. "I thank you both for coming forward with the truth. However, I called you here because I was already aware of the situation. I knew it was not Izuku who truly took the test."

"Eh?" Izumi's head shot up and she went upright. "How?"

"Our sources told us of your brother's hospitalization, and the fact he had an identical twin sister. After reviewing the tapes, we came to the conclusion that you were not the brother, but the sister."

"I'm sorry," she bowed her head again ashamed. "I'm so sorry." She wanted to weep but held it in.

"What's more troubling is what am I to do with the student who not only passed, but scored the highest in both the written and practical exam?" Principal Nezu couldn't help but smile when shock registered on both twin's faces.

"Eh?" Izumi pointed to herself. "You're talking about me? That doesn't make any sense, I only scored like 30 or so villain points, and I know for a fact there was at least one student with a higher score than that."

"You're correct, you only scored 32 villain points, but adding your rescue points in-" he started and had Izumi mumbling in thought.

"Rescue points…" She thought about it then gasped. "That girl… you mean I scored points for saving that girl from the Zero robot?"

"Exactly," The principal stood up on his desk and walked to the edge to get a closer look at the twins. "You not only saved her, but you prioritized helping others over adding to your point value. That kind of selfless act is exactly the kind of thinking a hero should have, and deserves its own form of score. Each act is scored by a panel of judges, and your total rescue points came out to sixty, which makes your overall total of 92. It's one of the highest accumulated scores we've ever had here at U.A."

"Amazing…" Izuku's eyes glittered with pride and he pat Izumi's back smiling. "That's seriously amazing, Izumi!"

"Yeah," tears fell freely as the shock gave way to sadness and she rubbed them away. "I just… I wish it counted for something."

"As do I, Izumi...I hate to waste such a talent." Nezu continued and sat at the edge of his desk. "So tell me, something. Have either of you heard of the Discreet Hero, Anonymous?"

"Yes sir…" Izuku answered. "He was said to be an unknown hero, whose identity was so secret not even the police truly knew who he was. The only proof he even existed were the notes and symbols delivered with the villains."

"You sure know your hero facts, Izuku, I'm impressed." He smiled and rubbed his chin. Just as he thought, the brother reflected on the sister. Both were impressive young adults. "Because of his discretion he has accumulated one of the largest quantities of villain captures to date, even more so than All Might himself. It is discretion itself that is his weapon against crime, for if no one is aware of his true identity, than no one can use that against him."

"For a true hero isn't in it for the money, glory, or fame!" A boisterous voice spoke outside the door, and the twin doors opened to reveal All Might. He strut in, all grin and business with his glittering smile, and royal blue costume. Izuku was fanboying immediately, ignoring his wounds to turn around and ogle at the mighty super hero.

"ALL MIGHT! IT'S REALLY HIM!"

All Might came to stand next to Nezu and crossed his arms. He stared at the two twins, his heart swarming with emotion. They both looked so much like Inko.

"Principal Nezu and I are the only ones here at U.A aware of your situation, young Midoriyas. We wanted to keep it discreet until we could find out your true motives, particularly you, Izumi."

"My motives?" Izumi blinked, a little star struck herself.

"Yes, we've had many students with powerful drive and determination. Young Bakugo for instance had a powerful drive and while he performed well, he lacks the kindness and selflessness that you possess. You out scored him because of those qualities, which is what a true hero should possess. How can a school made for training heroes, not accept someone like that?"

Izumi's eyes filled again, joy, and guilt overwhelming her and she bowed her head in shame. "Thank you… but I can't accept. It's not right. It's true I want to be a hero, and I'd love to go to U.A but it's my brother who deserves this. This is what he's always wanted. He dreams of-."

"Do it, Izumi." Izuku interrupted her and gripped her shoulder with his good hand. She looked up at him, the tears spilling. "Go to U.A… for both of us."

"Zuku…" she sobbed and wiped her tears. "I can't… I can't go to U.A. without you."

"You won't have to… because I'm accepting you both." Principal Nezu clarified and picked up a cup of tea from his desk and sipped as the two gave him wide eyed stares again. "Granted I'm bending the rules to accommodate you, but as I said before I hate to waste such an amazing talent. So I'm going to propose a solution that is a bit unorthodox, but if we pull it off, both of you will be able to attend U.A. together… providing Izuku proves himself."

"Really?" Izumi smiled and gripped her brother's hand. "We can go together?"

"Yes… and here's how it's going to work. Izumi, since you're the one who actually took and passed the hero test you'll be put into the Hero Course, but you'll remain posing as your brother."

"EH!?" Both twins reacted with wild expression that had All Might stifling a laugh. They were too much alike, and it was no wonder Izumi was able to pull off looking like Izuku.

"Izuku is the one that registered to take the Hero course, so you will be taking the classes in his stead. In the meantime you'll be enlisted in our independent study program, which Izuku will be taking in your stead since he's unable to properly take hero classes in his current condition."

"So…" Izumi tried to wrap her brain around this. "Basically I just have to act like my brother until his wounds are fully healed?"

"In a sense, but remember what I said, he has to prove himself." Nezu sipped his tea again. "Two months after the first day of school, the U.A. Sports Festival will take place. It will be on that day the two of you will perform as yourselves and combat with the other students for the top prize. If you perform well Izuku, and keep up your grades in the independent study course, I will consider that performance as your true test, and you can then participate in the hero courses as yourself, rather than your sister. Izumi you in turn will have to remain diligent, if you perform well, I will make your transcripts official and have you transferred into the hero course with your brother."

"What happens if we perform badly?" Izumi wanted to know.

"In your case, Izuku, you will remain in independent study, or be transferred to a different course such as generals or business. In your case, Izumi, without a passing performance you'll be expelled."

Both of them went blue in the face. The Sports Festival would determine both of their fates. They'd have to give it their all so neither of them would get left behind.

"I have a few questions, if you don't mind. The first is, I know he's the number one hero and all, but why are you here All Might?"

"Ah, that's because starting this year I'll be the newest teacher at U.A. Academy… and as such I'll be in charge of Hero Basic Training… and-" he looked at Izuku. "Independent Study."

"Are you serious?" Izuku's eyes went brilliant again. "You're gonna teach me personally?"

"That's right," he gave a thumbs up. "Two months is more than enough time for your wounds to heal, whatever time we've left will be spent training you up for the Sports Festival. Since Izumi will be receiving proper training, it's only fair you get the same."

"Thank you so much!" Izuku bowed over and over, Izumi fretting as his bandages start to come undone. "It's a real honor!"

"The second question I have…" Izumi started as she rebandaged her brother while he geeked out. "...is as much as I appreciate what you're doing for us, is it really alright for you to be going to such lengths to accommodate my brother and I?"

"As I said before I hate wasting talent. You will be properly punished for breaking the rules. For starters you will both be under close surveillance. We're going to set you both up in the co-ed Dormitories right here on campus and you'll be under house arrest until the Sports Festival. Which means you cannot leave school grounds without permission or accompaniment with a teacher."

"Coed dorms? So we will be living with other students? Won't that make things a little weird and difficult considering our situation?" Izuku asked.

"Not as much as you think. The two of you will have adjoining rooms and since you're taking independent studies for your sister you won't have to leave there much. I must warn you Izumi you must keep your identity a secret until the Sports Festival. If you're found out by your classmates then the arrangement is off and you'll both be expelled."

Izumi paled but nodded. This wasn't how she expected her brother to get into U.A. bit if it meant her brother could fulfill his dream she didn't mind pretending to be a boy just a bit longer.

~Torino House~

They both received a long lecture from Grandpa Torino when they returned home. Izumi in particular was grounded from leaving the house until school started. She did her best to sweeten him up some by making him his favorite foods, but the old man held a grudge.

As they sat down to dinner Izumi took her place at the stove, adding seasoning to some curry, and glanced back when the doorbell rang.

"Now who could that be?"

"Don't know.. Maybe someone got lost." Izuku stood up and hobbled to the door. When it opened he was back in full geek mode.

"I AM HERE… with your school packets." All Might grinned and held out two boxes with their school papers, uniforms, and dorm room information.

"ALL MIGHT!"

"Toshinori?" Torino murmured, and thought things were slowly coming together in his mind why his two numbskull grandkids were welcomed to the school even after the stunt they pulled.

"Thank you for bringing them… would you like to come inside? We're about to have dinner, Izumi made lots." Izuku offered as All Might stepped in and set the boxes by the door.

"I'd love to, if it's no trouble, Gran Torino." He swallowed hard and rubbed his hands together nervously. He was in a suit now rather than his costume, looking professional but stiff.

"I have no problem with it. Izumi, set another place at the table!" He tapped his cane and Izumi quickly pulled up another chair and bowl for All Might. Though his massive body crowded it he sat down gingerly and eyed the splendor.

"It smells delicious, you must be quite the cook, young Izumi. Your talents continue to grow."

"Don't praise her, she's supposed to be in trouble." Torino scowled in Izumi's direction and had All Might tensing up.

"Of course what she did was wrong, but she had good intentions." He started to explain, then was quickly silenced by the glare from Torino. Clearing his throat he adjusted his tie nervously. "So, are you two looking forward to your first day of school?"

"I know I am," Izuku said immediately. "Even if it's just the independent study program, I've always wanted to go to U.A. It's the same High School you graduated from isn't it?"

"Yes, back then things weren't so flashy, but the basics have always remained the same. I only became a teacher this year so it may take some time for me to get used to it." He explained and sighed pleasantly when Izumi set curry and rice in front of him. "Thank you for the food."

"It was nice of you to deliver our boxes yourselves, All Might."

"Since the principal and I are the only ones aware of your situation it was a necessary precaution on our part. You have two uniforms in there by the way Izumi, one male one female, once you've finished the two months you'll be transformed into a young woman again."

"I'm only posing as a boy, All Might, I'm not actually turning into one." She said a bit grumpily.

"Izumi's always been a tomboy," Gran Torino said. "The day I met her I thought she was a quiet one, but boy was I mistaken." He laughed.

"Hey! I can be quiet." Izumi shoved a spoonful in her mouth and chewed thoroughly. "I just prefer to speak my mind."

"You've got a fiesty spirit, Izumi. I like that in a young hero. What about you Izuku?"

"Unfortunately Izuku's the quiet one." Izumi smirked at her brother watching him play with his food. "He was teased a lot when we were kids, and it made him a bit of a pacifist… but ever since we got our quirks he's been building confidence and spirit. He'll make you proud, All Might, just wait and see." Izumi boasted for her brother smiling brightly at him and making him flush.

"Thanks, Zumi."

"The bond you two have is wonderful." All Might dabbed a tear from his eyes. "It's truly beautiful to see. The day will come when you grow into fine young heroes, and you'll make your mark on the world. I cannot wait for that day."

Torino eyed All Might thoughtfully throughout the meal. Once it was finished All Might stood and said his goodbyes… but Torino followed him out, making sure to close the door so they weren't heard or followed.

"Toshinori…"

"It's been some time since I've gone by that name." All Might said with his back to Gran Torino.

"Fifteen years… to protect those that you loved you hid away your true self and became a full time hero. Inko understood your reasoning… but the children never got to know it."

"Ah…" he turned around eying his old teacher and friend. "You've taken good care of them over these years… but it is time I took personal interest. I can only protect them for so long. Would they have taken up normal careers I could have been content watching a far."

"When will you tell them the truth?"

"If both of them succeed in the Sports Festival, and begin to mold themselves into fulfledged heroes I will reward them by telling them everything. About their quirk, about their future… and about their father."

Torino nodded in approval and tapped his cane once.

"I'll look forward to that day."

~A few days later~

"Why do I get the feeling that this whole secret identity thing is the real test and not the Sports Festival?" Izumi sighed and lounged on the top of her brothers bed as he gathered his belongings. It was a week before school would start and their rooms were stripped down to the bare minimums.

"You remember what the principal said about using discretion as a weapon? I think he wants us to use the fact we're twins with the same quirk to our advantage. It's a good strategy."

"True… but I don't think he quite understands what posing as a boy will require. I'll have to use the same changing faculties, the same bathrooms, the same showers... " her face went green. " I already saw more of Bakugo than I was comfortable with."

Izuku's hand flinched and his face went blue. He hung his head as depression crept in some.

"Right… Kacchan's going to be there. Guess you'll see him everyday."

The way his voice sounded had her raising an eyebrow. She sat up and walked around to kneel in front of him.

"Why does it sound like you're disappointed?" She scowled when he averted her gaze. "You've idolized him since we were kids, and you continue to call him Kacchan. Why is that?"

"Eh? Huh? No reason, really." He fumbled with one of his All Might figurines and wrapped it in paper before setting it in a box. Izumi shoved the box away and scooted all the way so they were eye to eye.

"I don't get it, why are you even friends with him? All he ever does is criticize and belittle you. It's all he's ever done."

"That's not entirely true…" he clenched his bandaged fist. "You just don't see what I see in him."

"All I see is a stuck up jerk." Izumi eyed him suspiciously. His nervous expression and fidgeting fingers were a clear sign of his discomfort with the subject."Why are you always defending him? No matter how mean he is to you, the things he says and does to you, you always defend him, why?"

"You wouldn't understand." He muttered under his breath his eyes hiding under his long bangs as his head bowed forward.

"What wouldn't I understand? I'm your sister, your twin, what could it possibly be that you'd have to hide it from me?"

"I LOVE HIM, ALRIGHT!?" Izuku snapped it out and Izumi's eyes widened at the tearful confession. He completely slumped backward. His bandaged fingers curled in his hair and his legs drew up to his chest to curl up for comfort. "I told you, you wouldn't understand."

"You're right… I don't." She slumped back as well. "I don't understand what you see in him."

"His personality is twisted, I won't deny that. He's always angry, always abrasive but I can still see the good things. The same qualities that made me like him when we were kids." He laughed a bit and sniffled. "Determined, goal oriented, and he never gives up no matter what obstacles he faces." He looked up at his sister now, seeing a frowning thoughtful expression on her face. "He actually reminds me of you, sometimes."

"IN WHAT WAY!?" Izumi snapped and growled. Her eyebrow twitched, and her temple throbbed. Izuku wasn't sure whether to cower or to laugh at her expression.

"In the good ways. You both fight hard for what you believe in. You both look to better yourselves, but have a strong sense of pride. You can both be kind, but more often you like to lecture and show off your temper."

Izumi's brow continued to twitch in irritation.

"I'm not a bully like he is."

"You're right, Kacchan can be a bit of a bully… but pay close attention to his actions. They're not as black and white as you make them out to be." He smiled and dashed away his own tears. "I'm sure if you did that you'd see all the good qualities in him that I do."

"Tch, I doubt it." She huffed then sighed heavily. "Still I can't believe I've lived with you all this time and I didn't know you were gay."

Izuku went a bit green in the face.

"Just for Kacchan… if I imagine myself with any other guy I feel sick."

"Maybe you're just a masochist to match his sadistic personality. Either way, Zuku, this doesn't bode well for you." She started prepping another box and packing for him. She didn't notice her brother's smile go sad and a bit bitter.

"Yeah… I know." Especially since…. Izuku thought to himself… the twin Kacchan had feelings for, wasn't him.

~Ask Briry~

Briry: Not gonna waste anytime let's get right to the questions!

JocoRivera asks Izuku and Izumi:

"Do you guys have nicknames for each other?"

Izumi: Normally we just call each other by our full names, but I like calling my brother Zuku from time to time

Izuku: and in turn I call her Zumi.

Briry: So if you guys had a team name would it be called ZukuZumi… oooh Zuruzuru Zuruzuru! Don't mind me my brain is fried. I'll try and have the next updates for this and the Midori series up soon. Stay tuned!

Next Chapter: First Day