Disclaimer: I own nothing
Eri didn't really know what to think of texas. She heard it was a really big place. She couldn't understand what the people here were saying and she couldn't understand what Izuku said when he talked with the people here either. She did like the food though. It was very good. It was a little warmer here than it was in Japan. Dabi and Izuku were gone most of the day yesterday. Actually Izuku was gone basically all day. At first Dabi was scary. He looked mean but he isn't. He doesn't really do much but Izuku likes him. Toga is weird. She always talks about things that nobody understands and that Izuku seems to dislike but still smiles at. Eri likes Izuku the most. He's super feels safe and he buys her apples and apple juice. He's the best thing that ever happened to her. Eri wishes Izuku was around more. He's always busy. He should spend more time at home.
Knock Knock Knock Knock.
"Hey Eri are you awake?" asks Izuku.
"Yeah." replies Eri.
"Can I come in?" asks Izuku.
"Mhm." responds Eri.
"Hi Eri." says Izuku as he comes in. Izuku always smiles when he sees her. Eri wishes she could smile like that, "I'm gonna stay home with you today, Dabi and Toga are gonna be working though. I hope you don't mind. Since they're both gone I'll be making breakfast. What do ya want?"
"Apples." says Eri.
"Apple juice to go with it?" asks Izuku.
"Mhm." hums Eri.
"Just apples? You don't want anything a little more substantial?" asks Izuku.
"Just apples." replies Eri.
"You know you really should have more than just apples." says Izuku.
"..."
He sighs, "How many apples do you want?" asks Izuku.
"Eight." says Eri.
"Eight, wow. I'm pretty sure we only have seven apples with us." says Izuku.
"Oh, that's okay too." says Eri.
She really wanted eight apples. She loves apples.
" I could do seven apples and some apple sauce." suggests Izuku.
Eri nods happily. Izuku notices that she never smiles. He'll fix that.
A little while later Eri is eating her breakfast and Izuku is sitting with her.
"So what do you think of Texas?" asks Izuku.
"People here talk weird." says Eri.
Izuku smiles, "They speak a different language. They have the same words as we do but they pronounce them differently. The language they speak is called english and is one of the most common languages on Earth." says Izuku, "But apart from that what do you think?"
"I haven't really seen much of it." says Eri.
"That's a pretty good point. If you'd like I could show you around and introduce you to some of the animals around here." says Izuku.
"Are they cute?" asks Eri.
"Most of them aren't cute. The cows are cute and pigs are kinda funny looking. The horses are kinda majestic. I think you'd like them." says Izuku.
"Do they have monkeys?" asks Eri.
"Not out here. I'll introduce you to a monkey sometime." says Izuku.
"Damn." says Eri.
Izuku laughs when she says that.
"Shit I really gotta start watching what I say." says Izuku, "When you're done eating get dressed and I'll show you the farm."
"Okay." says Eri as she goes to her temporary room to get out of her pajamas.
The two of them walk out to the chicken coop first.
"These guys are a little grumpy." says Izuku, "They're kinda cool though."
Eri looks scared… dumbass. Why'd you show her the birds? Seriously, what were you even thinking?
"On second thought I'd rather see the cows. Let's go see the cows. Ya wanna ride on my shoulder?" asks Izuku.
"Mhm." replies Eri.
Izuku and Eri spent the rest of the day looking at cows, pigs, sheeps, goats and horses.
"Hey Eri… I'm sorry I showed you those chickens." says Izuku.
"It's alright." says Eri.
"No it's not. I know you've got problems with birds. I wasn't thinking. I don't want to see you scared ever again. I'd gladly die to keep you safe, hell I'd gladly kill to keep you safe. You're a good kid and you deserve the best. Shit you deserve a whole lot better than I could get for you." says Izuku.
"I'm glad that you saved me. You feel safe to me. My dad always said that I deserved the best… can I… can I call you dad?" asks Eri.
Wow… uhm. Is it natural to get attached that fast. It probably isn't. Maybe she just needs someone to get attached too. Okay scratch that she definitely needs someone to be attached to and to look after her like a parent. Was he the guy for that job? Hell no he's an alcoholic and a pcp addict. He is possibly one of the worst people for that job. But how the hell is he gonna look at her and say, "No you can't call me dad." He clearly can't do that… shit.
Izuku isn't saying anything. Why isn't he saying anything. Does he not want her? Was Overhaul right? She knew it, she knew it. Overhaul was right. Nobody wants her, she's a monster.
Izuku puts his hand on her head and ruffles her hair. She lifts her head up to make eye contact. They both have tears in their eyes but for different had a smile on his face from ear to ear. Izuku takes a knee to be closer to her eye level.
"Of course you can. You've haven't even been my daughter for a minute and I'm already so proud of you." says Izuku as he pulls her in for a hug.
Moo.
Admittedly that cow was kind of a mood killer but it was no big deal.
Moooooooo.
Okay it's getting a little annoying.
Moooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
What the hell was that cow even doing?
The two of them broke off their hug. Holy shit. Did she just smile? No, it was probably just wishful thinking.
"Well Toga and Dabi are gonna be done soon. We should probably get home and cook something for em." says Izuku.
"Can I help?" asks Eri.
"Of course." says Izuku.
Walking home, cooking dinner, Izuku smiled the whole time. He honestly couldn't stop himself. The two workers came back and ate. After everyone ate, they sat on the couch. Eri was somewhere. Maybe looking for desert.
"You'll never guess what Eri asked me today." says Izuku with a smile.
"Prolly something nice. You seem happy." says Dabi.
"She asked you how to pronounce osteoporosis." says Toga.
"No. No she didn't." says Izuku, "She asked me if she could call me dad?" says Izuku, sounding extremely proud of himself.
Eri walks into the room.
"How did you answer?" asks Dabi.
"Hi Eri." says Izuku.
"Hi Dad." says Eri.
"That's adorable." says Toga, "But I thought I was the only one who called you daddy."
"Seriously. Just calm down. Like for five minutes just don't do shit like the shit you just did." says Izuku.
"My bad." says Toga, she didn't mean it though.
"Man I don't even feel like sitting here anymore. I'm going villain hunting." says Izuku.
"Have fun." says Toga.
"Be safe." says Dabi.
Izuku drove into town and walked to where he remembered Doc's camp being. There it was but where was Doc. Oh he was pissing in a bush. Izuku promptly turned around.
"Oh hey partner. You didn't see nothing did you?" asks Doc.
"Naw, I turned around quick enough." says Izuku.
"That's good. You wanna go villain huntin'? Asks Doc.
"Yup." replies Izuku.
"I'm done pissin' you can turn 'round now." says Doc, "Hey you killed a couple boys from the serpent right?"
"Yeah, 'bout three of em." says Izuku.
"You wanna pick on the American group?" asks Doc.
"I don't know, Serpent's huge. Soon we'll be dealing with the canadian group and the Mexican group. They could kill us if they really tried." says Izuku.
"I'm gonna die anyways." says Doc.
"Speaking of that. I know a doctor who could probably help you." says Izuku.
"Naw, It's alright." says Doc.
"You sure?" asks Izuku.
"Yeah, let's go hunt us some snakes." says Doc.
"Shit, alright. Let's go." says Izuku.
"Follow me." says Doc.
Izuku gets on Doc's horse and rides with him to a motel.
"They're selling weapons." says Doc.
"To who?" asks Izuku.
"Me. I set up a deal. I was gonna take 'em alone but you being here probably helps." says Doc
"How many are in there?" asks Izuku.
"Well in the room three. In cars outside about eleven. How do you wanna take this?" asks Doc.
"They're expecting you. You should walk up and distract 'em. I'll sneak over to the side and flip one of the cars they're in. You scramble for something to hide behind and start shooting. If you can avoid shooting to kill." says Izuku.
"It's an alright plan. Let's go for it." says Doc.
Just like Izuku said Doc strolls up and Izuku sneaks to the side. Doc knocks on the door.
"Hey there partners. I'm Mr. Holliday. I've got an appointment." says Doc.
"You got the money." calls someone in the room.
"Do I sound broke to you?" asks Doc cheerfully.
Izuku thinks this might be a pretty good time. He was feeling pretty strong because he drank blood last night. He darts forwards and pushes one of their cars. He keeps pushing until it hits the other car full of gunmen and he lifts upwards in an attempt to flip the cars. He succeeded in flipping the first car onto the second car. While Izuku was punching through windows and knocking out gunmen Doc kicked open the door to start his shootout. He used his quirk to slow his perception of time. He shot the guns out of the two villains' hands. He went into the room with them.
"I think it would be best for all of us if you were to comply with all of my demands. Hands behind your heads." says Doc.
At this point Izuku walked into the room, gun in hand, behind Doc.
"I thought you said there would be three of 'em." says Izuku.
"I thought there would be three of 'em" says Doc, "Just makes our job easier though."
The bathroom door bursts open behind doc but in front of Izuku. Before the man could shoot Doc. Izuku shot him twice in the chest.
"You sons of bitches." says Izuku, "you really thought you could play us like that."
Izuku wacks both of them over the head with his pistol, knocking them both out.
"Thanks for saving me kid." says Doc.
"It's nothing." says Izuku.
"Hell of a thing killing a man. Taking away all he's got and all he's ever gonna have." says Doc.
"He had it coming. He shouldn't have been working for the serpent." says Izuku.
"We all have it coming." says Doc.
"I guess." says Izuku.
"You alright?" asks Doc.
"It's not my first time." says Izuku.
"Let's get these guys to a police station." says Doc.
"Sure." replies Izuku
They loaded them into their cars and drove them and their guns to a police station. Izuku kept some of the guns. He picked up a beretta. It was a 92g brigadier volunteer. It was a pretty gun. He felt weird leaving the corpse outside the police station but he didn't know what to do with it.
"Taking away all he's got and all he's ever gonna have."
Why'd he say that. Why the hell did he say that? He didn't need to say that. Maybe Izuku needed to hear it. Izuku doesn't really remember the rest of his time with Doc. He doesn't remember coming home.
"Hey Izuku." says Toga.
"Hey babe. Where's Eri?" asks Izuku.
"Sleeping." says Toga.
"... What's your body count?" asks Izuku.
"Couple of guys. You of course. Maybe a girl or two." says Toga.
Izuku exhales through his nose.
"I meant murder." says Izuku.
"Oh uh. A little over a dozen. A little less than two dozen. I don't really know. It's around there somewhere." says Toga.
"What about you Dabi?" asks Izuku.
"What?" asks Dabi.
"What's yer body count?" asks Izuku.
"'Bout thirty." says Dabi.
"Damn." says Toga.
"Thirty?" asks Izuku, "Holy shit."
"My first time killing I was dragged into a back alley. I was getting robbed and shit, they were kicking my ass. A little over a dozen of 'em. Maybe fifteen, sixteen. I burnt em to ash in a second. I didn't mean to. It's just the way it is I guess." says Dabi, "What's gotcha asking?"
"Shit I guess I'm just catching up is all." says Izuku.
"Today?" asks Dabi.
" 'Bout an hour ago. Two bullets to chest. Died as soon as he hit the ground. He was gonna kill Texas Red, I figured I had to shoot first." says Izuku.
"You want a drink?" asks Dabi.
"I shouldn't Eri's calling me dad now." says Izuku.
"Come on take a drink" says Dabi.
"Shit… aight fine." says Izuku.
Short story: this takes place back in Japan
Izuku just finished patrolling he was gonna head home soon but he was having a couple of cigarettes first. He was trying to keep his smoking away from Eri. He was super bummed recently. He gets sad occasionally, it hits him in waves and he's fine most of the time but this one hit him pretty hard. Oh shit Aizawa was behind him. Fuck. Izuku pulls his mask up.
"Hey old man." says Izuku.
"Hey kid." says Aizawa.
"You gonna try to arrest me again?" asks Izuku.
"You alright? You seem sad about something." says Aizawa
"I'm fine." says Izuku
"You wanna talk? I'm not gonna try anything. I haven't slept in a day or two." says Aizawa.
"No." replies Izuku.
Aizawa sits next to him anyways. The bastard. He wasn't even saying anything. Why would he sit here just to not talk? Did he want Izuku to say something? Izuku doesn't wanna say anything. Fine he'll talk with him. Shit he's gonna regret this. He keeps doing this, he's gotta stop talking to people.
"You ever think, if you died nobody would miss you?" asks Izuku.
"I used too." says Aizawa.
Maybe they were more alike than Izuku game them credit for.
"You ever think about how if you died now somebody would be lost without you?" asks Izuku.
"Yeah, I know the feeling." says Aizawa.
"Is it worse?" asks Izuku.
"Without a doubt." says Aizawa.
"You get what you want outta this conversation?" asks Izuku.
"Not really." says Aizawa.
"Well eat shit, neither did I." says Izuku as he gets up to leave.
"Before you go. Why did you humor me. I know you didn't want to say any of that." says Aizawa.
"Can I let you in on a little secret?" asks Izuku.
"Of course." says Aizawa.
"And you won't tell anybody?" asks Izuku.
"I won't tell anybody." says Aizaw.
"Lick my balls Aizawa." says Izuku before jumping away and going back home.
Authors Note
I loved writing this chapter. Writing Eri is so fun and wholesome. I might be moving Eri along a little too fast but at the same time I feel like she'd be quick to latch onto a father figure. I love the idea of a messed up drug addict Izuku looking after Eri while struggling to pay bills and keep his vigilante family safe. I really like the idea of a ratty character being a really good parent.
I also enjoyed writing more about Doc. I really like Cowboy's they're cool as hell. Also props to everyone who recognized docs line from unforgiven. Clint Eastwood is honestly one of my favorite actors. He's just the coolest. If yall don't mind I'd like some suggestions for Westerns to watch.
I wanna talk about the future of the story and what I've got planned. I'm gonna introduce one more vigilante and I'm gonna hint at the existence of a bunch more. I'm gonna have the vigilantes go after the Saphire serpent for a while. Once they've made some good progress with the serpent Izuku is gonna get distracted by the vampire king. He's gonna try to stop the vampire king from killing people but he's also gonna do it for a little bit of revenge on ruby's behalf. I'm thinking about having him work with Gabriela Belmont. I'm not gonna say if they win or if the vampire king gets away. After that the syndicate is going to retaliate against the vigilantes. I know whats coming after that but I can't really go into that without spoiling a couple of things. At some point I'd like to dive deeper into both Dabi's and Eri's character.
I'm having a little trouble reaching my usual word quota for this chapter. I usually rely on comments to keep me going but I didn't get any on the last chapter. I'm gonna go back into the chapter and write a little bit. See if I can hit that word count. Well I went back and wrote about Izuku and Aizawa. I've got a note book where I keep ideas for the story. I pulled that one out of there.