Chapter 19
It's been two whole days, and that nerd has been acting strange. At that, why did I even care? Not like it matters to me. But still. I let out a deep sigh as I got ready for the day. Today was my birthday. Deku never ignores me on this day. Even though I shouldn't expect much, I somewhat am looking forward to whatever gift he got me this year.
That's the one thing that never changed over the years. Even when I tried to push Deku away, that nerd still got me something for my birthday. Sure, Kato and Saito gave me shit for accepting anything from that nobody. But I just couldn't resist. It's the only thing that made everything seem to be ok. And as I started out to school, I tried to keep my excitement down. All I hope is that Deku would at least not let the rest of the rest of the extras know about today.
When I got to class, I was not surprised to see the nerd already there. At the moment, it was just the two of us. It was hard to hold back a smile as I walked over to my desk. Maybe he'll give me my gift early this year. When I got to my desk, I was disappointed when Deku didn't even look up and acknowledge me. Not even a simple Kacchan. He wasn't even doing anything. He is just sitting at his desk, playing with his hands. What the fuck!
As the day went on, I was on edge. In between classes, that nerd was awfully quiet. It's nothing new since he has always been the quiet kid within school hours. Unless you got him started on talking about All Might or quirks. But something about this silence was pissing me off. And when lunch came around, I was not pleased to see him staying in class. A part of me wanted to stay as well, but that shitty hair started talking to me. This is not how I wanted to spend my birthday.
In the lunch room, these two idiots went on and on about English class. "I still can't understand when Present Mic talks about words that are spelled the same but sound different." Shitty hair and raccoon eyes were none stop with the chatting. But it was somewhat comforting compared to the silence from Deku. Why did I even care about that damn nerd not speaking? "Hey, man. Are you good?"
I looked up from my food and started to look around. There was no sign of the nerd. So, I let out a sigh before eating again. "I'm fine." And just like that, those two went back to talking among themselves. Even though they sat at the table at me and would talk to me, it felt so weird. Especially after what went down on Saturday. They're so weak and complained the whole time about how I was being too hard on them. When in fact, I was going easy.
But here I was, trying to eat my lunch in peace while dealing with two very chatty idiots. At least, whatever these two spoke about was nothing like Kato and Saito. In fact, I'm still shocked these extras even sit at the same table as me. I took one more look around the lunch room and couldn't stop myself from sucking my teeth. Where's Deku?
As we walked back to class, my shoulders felt heavy, and my body was somewhat shaking. Why was I shaking? At that, it wasn't the kind of shaking I get when I was frustrated. This felt different, and I don't get it. When I entered the class, I spotted the nerd still at his desk. Did he not eat lunch? That damn bastard! Thoughts of punching his stupid face ran through my head as I stormed my way over to him.
But I quickly stopped in place when All Might showed up for the training class. Maybe it was his fault that Deku was acting strange on my birthday. Just before I went to scream at All Might, he announced that we all had to suit up. Perhaps this was a good thing. I may get a chance to beat the shit out of Deku today for ignoring me.
As we got changed in the locker room, I couldn't help but take a few peeks over at the nerd. This time around, I spotted more scars than last time. Why was his back covered in them? Last I checked, mainly his arms were mostly injured during the entrance exam and training exercise. But the way these scars look, they seemed to be very old and didn't heal well. Especially the ones that lined up with his lower ribs.
I quickly shook my head as I realized I was staring for too long. Why did I care about how the nerd got scars that didn't make any sense? It's probably from all the dumpster diving he does. Or when he beat up our whole class last year. Either way, I shouldn't care about that stuff. That's when my mind wandered to the week I came back from my accident in 4th grade. Why was I thinking about that now?
Sure, Deku had bandages covering his face and arms. He looked like complete shit. Not to mention how he would keep holding his ribs whenever we walked past the middle school. And when I tried asking Kato about it, he always said something about how nothing happened. Not to mention how I always saw him cleaning his locker and desk after class. Nobody answered me on what that was about. Kato and Saito kept insisting I shouldn't worry about it.
Or the fact Deku didn't even talk to me when I came from my accident. Especially when I had been looking forward to seeing him again. And how I wanted to tell him about my mountain climbing trip over the spring break. But he didn't speak to me. At that, nobody gave me a chance to talk to him. Unless I confronted him alone. It was the only way we were able to speak to each other.
Once we reached Ground Beta, All Might informed us this was another test of skill. But how Deku had to stand out of this one. After I was done showing these extras who was number one, I was taken aback by the fact Deku didn't even look my way when I returned to the group. He was writing in his damn notebook and talking to round face. Was he really not going to comment at all to me? I worked my butt off, and I don't even get told how cool I was. How dare he!
As I walked over to where those two idiots stood, I suddenly felt something hook around my neck. "Chill, bro." I looked at shitty hair before I blasted him off me. Since he so desperately wanted to die, I might as well kill him.
So disappointing that I didn't get a single punch at shitty hair when All Might got in between us. And for the rest of the day, my anger just kept increasing. What is it with today? Then when it was time to go home, the nerd just got up and left. Where was my present? He never left classes this early on my birthday. Deku always waited till it was just us two and then went about giving me my birthday gift. What was wrong with him?
I quickly gathered my things and ran after Deku. I just had it with today. He was not going to continue with this bullshit! And when I reached him, just as he got to the sidewalk, I grabbed his shoulder. "What the fuck, nerd?"
The way he didn't even look at me was so annoying. "Leave me alone."
"NO!" That got him to look at me for a moment before he pulled away and faced me. But he kept his head down while just standing there. "Where is it?"
"Where's what?"
I couldn't believe my ears. I grabbed him by the collar and pulled him closer. "Where's my birthday present?"
The way Deku's eyes looked scared me. I couldn't read any emotions from them. It felt like I was staring at a person I didn't know. Almost like a complete stranger. "Why would you ever want a gift from a nobody like me?" I was just in shock as I stood there. My anger from the day just vanished as I stared at Deku while he walked away. Did I really hear that correctly?
It felt like time froze over as I just stood there. I couldn't tell if I was breathing or even alive. I was struggling to believe what I just heard. Deku didn't get me anything, and he called himself a nobody. Never did I think a day like this would ever happen. I wasn't even sure what I should feel.
On one hand, should I feel relieved that he finally accepted his place? That he finally got it through his head that he was a nobody. But on the other hand, there was a deep pain in my chest that felt like someone stabbed me in the heart. Did I finally break him? I wasn't sure anymore on what to think.
Not like Kato or Saito or anyone from our middle school were around. At that, what was I supposed to do? After all, I did always tell him to leave me alone or just to give up. I even said multiple times that I hated him. But what else was there for me to say? Everyone around me kept repeating how I shouldn't lower myself to even associate with a quirkless nobody.
I could finally feel the cold breeze blowing my hair. And when I looked around me, I was in disbelief I had yet left the spot in front of the school. With a very shaky and heavy breath, I finally started my way home. As I did, all I could think about was this not how I wanted my birthday to go. I didn't expect to feel like my whole world be crushed before my very eyes. All I was hoping for was to see that damn nerd smile like he always does on my birthday. And maybe something small, like a birthday card. Those were always my favorite because Deku made them himself.
When I got home, I was disappointed to see that my folks were there. After the day I had, I wanted to forget all about my birthday. I ran past my parents as I rushed up the stairs to my room. Once there, I locked my door and went over to my bed. I grabbed my All Might doll and buried myself under the covers. As I hugged my doll, I just started to cry. I'm such a fuck up.
…
This was strange. As we started getting ready to head to lunch, I couldn't help but notice the way Bakugo looked at Midoriya. For once, he didn't look the typical angry that he always had. Instead, this seems a bit sad. In fact, as we walked to the lunch room, Bakugo kept looking around. Even while eating, he would occasionally look up from his tray and do a quick look around. Was he trying to spot Midoriya? For someone who claims to hate the kid, he sure does give Midoriya his full attention.
In fact, the way Midoriya has been silent these past few days was odd. Compared to how he was last week, this was the complete opposite. Even Uraraka made a comment yesterday that she was scared for her life. Something about how Midoriya hadn't been eating, and she feared Bakugo was going to kill her. But something about today just seemed strange.
As we changed in the locker room, I noticed how Bakugo would look over at Midoriya. And if I tried to look, I was greeted with a growling sound at my side. Bakugo seemed more on edge than I thought. Then when I watched as he stomped over to Midoriya after his run, I feared what he was thinking. "Chill out, bro."
The way Bakugo unleashed his quirk in my face had me questioning how did Midoriya handle it. Those explosions of Bakugo's quirk were super-hot. It stung my face from how intense they were. Even when trying to train with him last weekend, I was surprised by the burning effect of his quirk. And yet, somehow, Midoriya is able to put up with this. What was that kid made of?
As me and Ashido were leaving the school entrance, we overheard something. We quickly ran to the sound and saw that Bakugo was yelling at Midoriya. Damn it! Just leave the kid alone, Bakugo. "Where's my birthday present?" It was Bakugo's birthday? Why didn't he tell anyone?
"Why would you ever want a gift from a nobody like me?"
OH! The way this played out made me feel bad for watching. Whatever history those two had was deep. Especially with how frozen in place Bakugo was after Midoriya walked away. Me and Ashido tried shaking his shoulder, but he didn't respond. In fact, he just kept mumbling something about how much he "fucked" up. I looked over to Ashido, and she nodded. With that, we stood nearby and just watched as Bakugo stood there.
After some time, Bakugo started to walk. I guess he finally snapped out of whatever it was. At that, he soon was running. "Where you think he's off to?"
I looked to Ashido. "I don't know."
That's when Ashido had a smile. "What if we did a small celebration for Bakugo tomorrow?"
"Why?"
"Well, it's his birthday today, but nobody knew. Maybe this would cheer him up."
…
After leaving school, I decided to head to the gym Sydney suggested. Maybe someone there could help me figure out how to train with my quirk. Since every time I asked All Might, he didn't have any helpful advice. In fact, it was mainly him telling me how I'd figure it out. Did he not know how his own quirk works? Then again, he automatically knew how to use his powers. Everyone was just so amazing.
Talking the bus the 20 minutes to the gym left me wondering about the look Kacchan had. Here I thought he would be happy I finally decided to leave him alone. Why did he look shocked that I didn't get him anything for his birthday? He had new friends now. He didn't need anything from me.
I was still confused by the time I got off the bus. But I gave my face a few slaps and tried to focus on the task at hand. It's then I took note of where I was. From the large, heavy-duty metal gates to the wire fence that surrounded the large complex. From my current view, I was able to see at least 2 warehouse-sized buildings.
Walking over to the guard station, I felt nervous the closer I got. Through the window, I saw a person in what seemed to be a military uniform. Based on the flag on his chest, he could be part of the Japanese army. Was I at a military base or a gym?
And when I knocked on the large window, the guy gave me a strange look. "What you want, kid?"
I grabbed my wallet and took out my ID. I handled it through the small opening. "Smith Sydney and Smith Micky suggested I went to their gym. Am I at the right place?"
As the guard looked at my ID, I saw the gates slowly open. "Take a right and head straight. Make your way to building 270. Can't miss it." He then handed me back my ID and a guess pass.
"Thank you." He just nodded, and I was off. As I walked, I was just taken aback by how large each building was. It made me question what I was getting into. But there was no turning back. I have known the twins since I was 12, and they haven't given me any bad advice yet. But this place was scary.
When I reached building 270, I was left awestruck. Compared to the other buildings, this one was the largest. I went over to the door and rang the doorbell. It didn't take long for the door to open. What stood before me was someone who looked similar to Micky. Just that this guy was much taller and had more muscle mass. Along with red hair instead of black. "Don't tell me you're the kid the Smiths spoke so highly about."
He sucked his teeth as he moved to the side, letting me in. When I stepped inside, I was instantly greeted by a massive course. There were people using the course, and some using the equipment that was in the center. This was nothing like a gym that I expected.
"Close your mouth." I instantly shut my mouth and looked up at the large male. "Follow me." He started to point out each part of the course as he led me to a small office. I watched as he sat behind a metal desk and motioned for me to take a seat. He then grabbed a clipboard, a few papers, and a pen. "Whatever you say in this room stays in this room. This is an informal introduction. But you have to come back for a proper one on Friday. So, answer honestly, or I can't help you. State your full name, date of birth, age, gender, and marital status."
"Why do I have to come back on Friday?"
The way he looked at me was frightening. He slammed the clipboard down. "Answer the questions or get out. I am not wasting my time with a scrawny brat. All because you were recommended doesn't mean I have to accept your application!" I shook in my seat as he picked up the clipboard again. "Don't make me repeat myself."
"Midoriya Izuku. July 15, 2153. Age 14. Male. What's marital status?"
The guy took a moment from writing to look back at me. "Have you ever been married?"
"Why would I be married? I just got into high school."
"So, no." I nodded my head. He then went back to writing. "Have you ever been hospitalized? Any surgeries? Do you take medication? Blood type? Stuff from any chronicle illness? Family medical history."
"Yes. Yes. No. Type O. No? Not that I know of."
The way he looked back up at me got me shaking again. "List every time you have been hospitalized and had surgery."
"2 times in 4th grade. One for broken ribs and another for a stab to my left kidney. 1 time in 5th grade for another broken rib. And recently 2 times. One for injuries during the entrance exam at UA. And then last week for the USJ attack." I watched as he wrote everything down and then looked up at me.
"On Friday, bring in the list of the hospital you went to and the exact dates." He then got up and walked over to a ruler that was attached to the wall. Why didn't I notice that before? "Get on the scale." I walked over to him and saw footmarks near the ruler. I stepped on them and heard a beeping noise for a moment before it just stopped. "Turned you back against the wall." I did so and watched as he placed his pen on my head before writing again. "You're underweight for your height."
"How so?"
"Did I say you can speak." I looked to the other wall as he kept writing. "Lift your left arm." I did so and watched him wrap one of the blood pressure bands around my arm. "Deep breaths." After all was said and done, he had me wait in the room while he went off to do something.
I wondered again what I was in for. Sydney never told me this would happen when I came to the gym. In fact, why was I being interviewed? And when the guy returned, I saw Sydney come in after him. She closed the door and sat in the other chair that was next to me. At that, she didn't even look at me the whole time.
As the guy sat down, I saw he had extra paperwork in his hands. "We need a parental signature for you to enter." At that, I couldn't help but start to panic. Are they going to call my mom? I didn't think that was a possibility. Let alone, my mom would never sign something like this. "Kid!" I blinked a few times. "God, Smith was right about you." He let out a sign. "Because of your situation, Ms. Smith will be signing off as your legal guardian." He placed the papers onto another clipboard before walking over and handing them to Sydney. "You know how I feel about recommendations in early spring."
Sydney took the clipboard and started to write across a few pages. "I know, Mr. Jones." She then had a smile when she looked over at me. "You better listen to everything he tells you. And text me when you decide to bring anyone with you."
"Why?"
Sydney folded her arms and seemed to relax in her chair. "I have to sign off on anyone you decide to bring. Especially if they plan to use the gym alongside you." She then looked serious again when addressing Mr. Jones. "The sports festival is next month. Are you looking forward to seeing about the other kid I mentioned?"
Mr. Jones shook his head as he picked up a folder and waved it in front of him. "You're always up to something. But yes. I look forward to filling out these forms if your intel is right."