...

Hot water ran down his back as he leaned against the wall. Warmth ate through the cold seeping into his bones. Eraser had given him cough and decongestant medicine in order to stave off any illnesses. The cough medicine and hot shower were making him drowsy.

With reluctance he turned off the water and grabbed the towel that was on the counter. It was surprisingly fluffy and warm. He would have thought that the hero would buy cheap towels. If only because he didn't care about material things.

Once he was dry he glanced at the wet clothes that were on the floor. That would not be pleasant. Unfortunately he didn't have any other options. He didn't have any other clothes with him.

Just as he reached for the clothes a knock came through the door and Eraser said, "Kid, there are some fresh clothes outside of the door for you. They might be a little big but they should be warm."

Then there was silence. Eraser was as silent as a shadow. He doubted that he would be able to hear the man even with a quirk that enhanced his senses. Would Eraser teach him? Something to ask later down the line.

Opening the door slightly he found that there were in fact clothes waiting for him. They were simple black sweats several sizes too large. He had to roll up the legs and sleeves in order not to trip.

With that done he hung up his towel and headed out of the bathroom. The hallway led to two bedrooms and at the end was a closed door. That door was where the kitchen and living room was. Slowly he made his way to it testing to floorboards learning where the creaks were. If he had to make a quick getaway he wanted to know every avenue.

Finally he entered the living room assured that if he needed to he could escape. The room was sparsely decorated with a small couch, a chair and a tv. In the kitchen was a small four person table with chairs. Eraser was standing at his kitchen counter frowning at the phone in his hand.

Cautiously he inquired, "What's wrong?"

Eraser answered thoughtfully, "I just got a message from Kage."

"The Underground Hero?"

Eraser nodded.

"I haven't heard news about him in awhile. Even for an undergrounder he is elusive. He used to leave food out for the Lost Children during the winter."

Eraser continued scrolling through the information, "Apparently he has been tracking the Hero Killer. Idiot. That is not something to do on your own."

"Because of his quirk?"

That got Izuku a sharp look and, "What do you know of his quirk?"

Truthfully Izuku said remembering when he had met Stain, "His quirk is blood based. All he needs is a drop of your blood and to ingest it. It will paralyze you and depending on your blood type will determine how long it lasts."

"How?"

Izuku brushed it off, "Came across him once. He was pretty badly injured after fighting villains. This was still when he was still a vigilante. It's too bad he went villain. He was a good guy when we knew him."

"Who don't you know?"

Izuku shrugged. It was part of being a vigilante who ran around the streets. He knew most of the protectors of Musutafu even if they didn't know it was him. Being forgettable was a perk.

Silently he went over and sat on the couch. Just like everything else it was surprisingly comfortable.

As if reading his mind Eraser said, "Just because I look like I'm homeless doesn't mean I act like I am."

Izuku snorted but laid out across the couch and stared up at the ceiling. Silence reigned between the two. Izuku didn't know what to say to Eraser. They only interacted a handful of times. Their quirks had synchronized with each other. As far as he knew it was something that only happened in fairy tales.

"Did Tsukauchi tell you about what happened that night?"

Izuku jumped surprised at the sudden question. Warily he answered, "No."

A sigh escaped Eraser and he came out of the kitchen and into the living room. He took a seat on the chair. His dark eyes were glazed with a far off look. Izuku's mouth went dry wondering what brought about that look. The hero did not leave him waiting for long.

"Synchronized abilities. It is a rare happening. The last time it was registered happening was a hundred years ago."

"Why? There are those who have similar or same quirks like we do."

Eraser if possible looked even more tired as he said, "You're right. However very few of them, less than 1% are soulmates."

It took a a few seconds for the words to register. Soulmates. They were soulmates? Almost without thought his hand went to his chest. The name written across it was Shouta Aizawa.

Eraser pulled down the collar of his shirt showing a name. Midoriya Izuku. Holy fuck. That explained why the man was following them around. That's when he remembered Er... Shouta had introduced himself at the bar the day he ran. In the excitement he had not put it together.

"We are soulmates," he breathed.

Carefully Shouta nodded, "We are."

"Is that why you were following me?"

Shouta's neutral expression changed to one of shock as he denied, "No! I was actually out there to watch over you and Bakugo. There is still the danger."

Silence permeated the room as Izuku stared at the man. The man who was his soulmate and someone Izuku never thought he would meet. He could see the honesty in the dark eyes. Shouta was many things but he was not a liar.

"What now?" Izuku felt exhausted both physically and mentally.

It was all too much. Too much had changed too soon. His hands came up to grip his curls trying to center himself. Warm hands gently encased his wrists and pulled them away.

Sighing Shouta said, "Don't do that. For now nothing will happen. You're welcome to stay here as long as you wish but you should talk to Naomasa. He really does want what's best for you."

"All I want is a family," he whispered so quiet Shouta had to lean closer to hear, "It's all any of us ever wanted."

The hands released his wrists and for a moment Izuku thought that he was going to be abandoned again. Tears pricked at his eyes. Alone again. Only for the man to pull him slowly into a hug. At first Izuku stiffened in surprise and uncertainty. When they didn't immediately push him away he cautiously brought his own hands up. They balled into fists in the man's sweatshirt. Tears began to fall and the one hand slowly began to rub his back in slow circles.

In a gravelly low voice Shouta continued, "We aren't perfect, kid. We will make mistakes but I promise we will own up to them. Give us a chance to prove that we can be the family you deserve."

Izuku wasn't certain. They could just end up hurting him again. But he was tired of watching from the sidelines. He wanted what the others had. So he nodded into the man's chest unable to say anything. The arms tightened in response. If nothing else his soulmate would do his best to protect him.