(A/N: Apologies for the wait. I was a little busy being a bridesmaid for my friend's wedding. :P Tiny bit preoccupied. But we're back with more fluff! ^_^
Warning for teasing. There's a very brief one at ["Please take care of him..."] to about [The blonde winked...] but it's really not that bad. To the point a warning is probably not necessary but I will just in case. There's also another one at ["Though I figure..."] but again very brief. )
...
The next morning Izuku woke up still cuddled up close to Shouto. It took him a moment to remember where he was exactly which led him to remembering why he was there. Shigaraki sent a mad dog after him and hurt his mother in the process. Now he was a ward of UA and didn't know if or when he would see his mother again. Didn't even know if she would pull through this horrible set of events. Despite all the crying he had done the day before, new tears trickled from his eyes.
Izuku tried to be quiet and not disturb his slumbering friend, but his sniffles still woke Shouto up. Instead of complaining though, after blinking a few times, those familiar heterochromatic eyes focused on him before cool and warm arms wrapped more firmly around him.
"You're okay, Izuku," Shouto mumbled into his hair. "I'm here with you."
The Quirkless teen felt calmed by his words even though he was still grieving for his mother's current state. He buried his face into his friend's shirt and quietly let the tears flow for a bit. As a Midoriya, he almost needed to cry to release his pent-up emotions or he would burst. Inko and he had always been quick to cry whether they were happy or sad. Hisashi wasn't but never seemed to mind their outbursts of tears. Not even when Izuku had first learned he was Quirkless did his dad shy away. Merely took him in his arms and comforted him in the best way he could at the time.
His father didn't know the full extent of what he had endured trying to be a Hero. He thought his mom didn't either as Izuku refused to tell her so she wouldn't worry as much. But it turned out that Inko had known all along as she had a whole box of evidence of what he had been through. He should have known with his mom's tendency to document everything about him. From his achievements to his tribulations. Only this time the latter had roped Inko into Izuku's woes herself. No matter what anyone said, Izuku would still blame himself even just a little for her landing in the hospital.
As if sensing his thoughts, Shouto shushed him as he ran cool fingers through green curls. The tingling sensation was quite soothing as Izuku settled into the touch. They stayed like that for a while until they couldn't resist the need to go to the bathroom anymore. They got up from the bed together and Shouto gave him one last lingering hug before leaving. As he opened the door, he was surprised by the sight of Aoyama standing there with his hand raised as if to knock. The sparkly blonde also seemed a bit surprised at seeing him leave Izuku's room before quickly reverting back to his usual smile.
"Please take care of him," Aoyama said as he gave a small bow of his head. "The poor petit chou."
The other boy's tone had a hint of sadness despite the smile on his face. Shouto blinked once before glancing back towards the sounds of Izuku moving about in his room. Not knowing if he was up for other company just yet, the bicolor teen quietly closed the door before responding.
"Of course," Shouto replied simply though he didn't know what those last two words he had said meant. "Always."
The blonde winked at him with a pleased hum before leaving. Shouto didn't know why he did that exactly and just brushed it off as he headed for his own room right next to Izuku's. He opened the door and started his now usual routine to get ready. One somewhat similar to what he had done back in the Todoroki household but now it was at his own discretion and terms.
The first night had been strange when he gave the western style room a chance. However, it had been a bit too different for him. No tatami mats, no shouji doors, no Japanese influence at all. A modern room that clashed with his traditional furniture. The curtains on the windows he guessed he could live with, but the slapping sounds of his bare feet on the synthetic floor, the lack of a pull string for the light, and just the general lack of anything traditionally Japanese was too much. He missed the feel of tatami under his feet and didn't think he could live with such a drastic contrast to before. Not even his hatred of his father had been enough to quell that feeling.
So Shouto had requested to potentially change it into the Japanese style he was accustomed to which they granted. He had been shown a warehouse full of furniture and other bulky things the school didn't have a current use for. With hard work and determination, he managed to transform his modern room to what it was today, tatami mats and all. Ever since then waking up every morning not under his father's roof yet a style he was familiar with was a breath of fresh air. And while he hated why Izuku was now in the dorms too, he still looked forward to spending time outside of school work with his close friend.
Izuku on the other hand was feeling awkward in this unknown place. His stuff was still mostly in boxes and he had to hunt for what he needed to get ready for the day. He would have to take time to fully set up his room but for now he gathered the bare essentials. Thankfully each room had their own small bathroom though he would have to go downstairs to shower and such. But this gave him a moment of privacy to ready himself before having to face people other than Shouto again.
The Quirkless teen dressed himself in a simple outfit of jean shorts and a plain pale green t-shirt instead of one of his punny ones. He wasn't really in the mood today for understandable reasons. Just as he finished getting dressed, there was a quiet knock on his door. Opening it revealed Shouto in dark pants, a white shirt, and a light blue overshirt.
"Hello, Izuku," Shouto said. "Are you ready to go downstairs?"
His friend offered his hand waiting for Izuku to take it or not. The Quirkless teen took a moment to prepare himself with a deep breath before gently taking the hand held out to him. Together they headed down to the first floor and were met with the delicious smells of breakfast. Aoyama was hard at work creating masterpieces of crepes while Kouda was feeding his rabbit some vegetables at the table. Izuku learned that those already living in the dorm had decided to trade off who cooked breakfast with at least two working together for the six of them. But with the others off on I-Island it had been just Aoyama and Kouda and it just so happened to be Aoyama's turn.
As he cooked, they were joined by a still tired Hitoshi and an already energetic Mei. The pinkette joined Shouto and Izuku at the table with Kouda as they waited for the sparkly blonde to finish. Aoyama insisted to do his task by himself despite offers to help. Hitoshi beelined to the coffee maker and grumbled about there not being any coffee ready. The brainwasher then grumpily worked on a batch as more crepes were being made. By the time the coffee was finished brewing breakfast was ready and they all sat down to eat.
Over the breakfast of crepes, Izuku learned more about what life was like in the dorms. Out of the six who already living there, it was agreed that Satou was the best cook especially with baking. A hobby he took up to help with his Quirk which the young analyst was already mentally adding to his notes on the sugar powered teen. He wondered what other hobbies his friends and classmates had that were related to their Quirks.
It was something Izuku figured he would learn soon enough as the dorms were going to be made mandatory come the start of next term. Then they would all be living under one roof which was a bit nerve-wracking co-existing with people other than his mother but also exciting at the same time. There would be an adjustment period but they should be able to live together fairly well. Though Izuku wondered how living with Bakugou would turn out. Guess he would have to wait and see.
As they were eating, Nezu came in with another man trailing behind. Izuku immediately was distracted by this newcomer he had never met before. He took in his appearance of a stoat middle aged man with a buffalo-like head with red fur. Was that his Quirk or a familial mutation like Ashido's horns? Because some people had genetic traits that were passed down through generations but had nothing to do with their Quirks.
Almost all of them were curious about this new person except for one. Tired purple eyes widened as Hitoshi let out, "Taikan?"
What was his caretaker from his old foster center doing here?
"Greetings, students," Nezu said with a wave of his paw. "Pardon the intrusion but I wanted to take the chance to introduce our newest addition to the UA staff. Taikan Gosei."
The buffalo man gave a bow of his head in greeting to all of them and then turned his attention to Hitoshi specifically.
"Hey, kid," Taikan said gruffly.
"What are you doing here?" Hitoshi asked. Not that it was bad that he was here but he had only ever seen the man at the foster center. So why was he here?
"As was pointed out to us teachers by a certain young analyst," Nezu answered, not so subtly hinting at Izuku who blushed. "Our students in the first year Hero Course should be provided with more counseling opportunities than has been in the past. As such it seemed appropriate to hire another person to share the work load so as not to overwhelm Hound Dog with the task. And it just so happened that Taikan-san was willing and available to take the position."
It explained why Nezu hired him but still didn't explain why Taikan was here.
"But what about the…?" Hitoshi asked only to trail off at the end. His close friends knew about his foster situation but none of his other classmates did. It just wasn't something he wanted to share right now.
"Ah, yes, his previous employment," Nezu said, picking up easily on what he was hinting at. "Unfortunately, he was…"
The chimera paused attempting to tell them what happened in a more…delicate manner but Taikan beat him to the quick.
"I was fired," the buffalo man answered flatly.
"You were what?!" the brainwasher all but growl, channeling his inner Aizawa.
Izuku and the others were surprised when Hitoshi stood up from the table in anger, but his analytical mind was quickly putting two and two together. To what possible connection these two had and came to a conclusion as he took out his phone. He quickly searched for one of the articles he had looked at on their flight back to Japan. Of a certain foster center being investigated along with a number of foster families.
The greenet was quick to stand up and show the seething purple haired teen the article. Purple eyes sped read through the text and he paled realizing that because of the investigation into his foster situation, one of the kindest men in his life before UA got fired. All because of him. Fuck.
"I…I'm sorry, Taikan," Hitoshi muttered as he looked down at the ground in shame. "I didn't mean for them to fire you."
"Nonsense," Taikan retorted with a firm tone. "It wasn't your fault."
With his empathic Quirk, he could feel the kid's guilt and sent a gentle wave of ease into the boy's mind to calm him. In fact, he sensed an overlay of unease from all the teenagers and carefully instilled a sense of calmness on them. Just enough to help them relax from whatever underlying tension was causing these emotions. Especially from the green haired one who had a strong feeling of loss obviously from the attack on his mother as Nezu had informed him of earlier.
Izuku took note of the foreign calm feeling that was smoothing out his still stormy thoughts. They weren't as bad as yesterday when the news of his mother was fresh. No longer a roaring tempest with searing sheets of rain and had become more of a rumbling thunderhead with lightning threatening to strike. But this new feeling was reducing it more to light grey rain clouds fluffy and unassuming with just enough water to sprinkle down. Not entirely making his sadness and grief disappear but calming it down significantly from what it was before.
Was that the man's Quirk? Something to do with manipulating emotions? Not that manipulation was the best word because that could have a bad connotation. More influencing the emotions of others? Seemingly for the better as he was helping them calm down. Green eyes studied the relaxed posture of his friends and classmates. He too felt more peaceful despite his life being a constant series of unfortunate events with his mother getting hurt the most recent.
A clearing of a throat startled Izuku out of his thoughts and he snapped his attention to the principal.
"Astute as always, Izuku-kun," Nezu praised in amusement for his blushing personal student. "If you have any questions about his Quirk, you may ask him yourself if he is willing. Though at another time as we have business today. We still have work to do to settle him into a new routine here at UA."
"I would be fine discussing my Quirk with you, Midoriya," Taikan said with a nod. "Shinsou has told me about your analysis and I'm intrigued to see what you think of mine. Should be interesting."
The Quirkless teen was a blushing mess but he still shot the buffalo man a beaming smile. A new Quirk to study and a willing subject for his analysis. He bowed in thanks and with that the principal and new counselor left them to their morning.
As they finished eating and helped to clean up, Aizawa showed up to take Mei and Hitoshi home. The pinkette gave Izuku a bear hug and left him with orders to text her if he needed anything, baby related or otherwise. Considerate but still hyper focused on her future goals as always. Hitoshi ruffled his hair with a similar offer to contact him if needed.
"Though I figure you'll be just fine with Peppermint Prince here," the brainwasher said with a teasing wink that earned him a smack to the arm. Though not too hard as he was probably right.
"Peppermint Prince?" Shouto questioned with a tilt of his head as this was his first-time hearing that.
"Oh, that's right!" Mei exclaimed, slinging an arm over their d'Artagnan's shoulders. "We've got nicknames for all the Freakateers. I'm Pink Gremlin, Izuku is Green Bean, Hitoshi is Purple Panda, and we decided you're Peppermint Prince! Isn't it awesome?!"
"Peppermint…Prince," Shouto said again, getting the first part but not really understanding the second.
"It's 'cause of your hair," Hitoshi explained. "And according to Izuku, you're prince-like."
The element wielder turned to the Quirkless teen as he asked, "You think I'm a prince?"
"I-in a way?" Izuku replied with a blush. "Sometimes you seem princely. Also, alliteration?"
Shouto hummed in thought considering the reasoning. He wasn't sure how exactly he was prince-like but if his friend thought so he was fine with it. Shouto was willing to be Izuku's prince. Yes, he thought with a nod silently agreeing to the nickname. Mei squealed in delight and gave Shouto a squeeze before letting go. Hitoshi and her waved goodbye before following Aizawa out the door. Leaving Izuku alone with Shouto as Aoyama and Kouda had returned to their rooms.
"What would you like to do now, Izuku?" Shouto asked from beside him.
"Well, I should probably start setting up my room," Izuku responded with a shrug. "It's going to have to happen sometime."
"I'll help you if you would like," his friend offered though he would understand if the other boy wanted to be alone. He wouldn't like it because he would worry about Izuku the whole time but he would make himself be understanding.
"That would be very helpful, Shouto," Izuku said, accepting his offer. "Thank you."
"Of course, Izuku," the bi-color teen replied with a nod and a relieved smile.
Together they headed back to Izuku's room and he had less trouble unlocking his door this time. The two were facing a mountain of boxes and bags. With a shared nod of determination, the two friends got to work. Sorting through clothing, books, and other odds and ends. They utilized the storage available filling the closet, dresser, and the drawers under the provided bed. Any school related things were placed into the desk.
As for decorations, Izuku put up pictures from his room at home. Happy memories of him growing up and a few with his friends as well. There was also the picture of him and his parents when he was about five or six. The same one that Shouto had seen and yet still believed his dad was not his dad and instead thought it was Aizawa. Even after talking to his dad Shouto had the audacity to say it was all CGI and still possibly faked. The ridiculous thought made Izuku chuckle as he hung the picture on his wall.
Izuku also took care to organize his Hero collection. Very much sparse comparted to how it was before the Sports Festival flooded with All Might's face. Wait…Yagi had gone to help collect his things which meant he had been in Izuku's room. But the Hero didn't know what his room looked like before so there was nothing to feel embarrassed about, right? Just an ordinary room of a grieving student to be packed up for the new ward of UA.
But then again Aizawa-sensei was there too…he wouldn't tell All Might. Right?
To be honest, Izuku wasn't sure. Aizawa wasn't much of someone to out another person's business unless necessary. But he was also vindictive and sometimes petty concerning things that pissed him off. And All Might definitely pissed him off especially when it came to Izuku. It wouldn't at all surprise him if his mentor took the opportunity to shower the Number One Hero with guilt of how much he fucked up with his former number one fan. Unfortunate and not wanted or necessary by Izuku but a possibility none the less.
The greenet let out a sigh at the thought as he adjusted his Eraserhead figurine. He was a great Underground Pro Hero but enjoyed messing with people a bit far too much. Especially with all his logical ruses. You never really know if he's serious or secretly gauging them against ridiculous odds.
They managed to get through everything and stored the empty collapsed boxes in the closet. All that was left were the blanket wrapped frames his mother had put together. Something Izuku had been putting off until he had no choice but to face what to do with them.
"Do you want to hang them up?" Shouto asked from beside him.
Honestly Izuku didn't know if he did or not. He loved that his mom was proud of him and put all that effort into acknowledging all he has accomplished so far. But it also hurt to even just think about them with the strong connection they have to Inko as well as himself. Could he stand to look at them every day knowing that his mother was in the hospital all because he fought to become a Hero and gained the attention of Villains along the way? With everything so fresh, he didn't think he could. At least, not right now.
"Not today," Izuku answered, carefully picking them up and storing them safely in the closet. "Maybe someday, but…"
He trailed off as he was trying to hold back a new wave of tears not helping his thoughts trailing back to his mom. Shouto understood and silently took his friend's hand in support of his decision. He could always change his mind at another time. Now just wasn't the time and that was okay.
"What would you like to do now?" Shouto offered as a change of subject.
Green eyes scanned his now finished room. His bed was made, his things put away, and room decorated with what he had. All in a room that still didn't feel like his despite the personal touches. The walls were same in color but everything else was different. The bed wasn't his bed and the other pieces of furniture were not the ones he had used every day for years. Even the sheets were the ones provided by the school and not the ones his mother had gotten for him. It was like he was at home but also not. His things in a foreign place.
Right now, he didn't want to be here. Reminded by every difference, no matter how subtle or insignificant, that this was not the apartment he had grown up in. That he was here and not with his mother who was hurt because of him. That he was the cause of all of her problems and he hated it.
"Could we go to your room for a bit?" Izuku asked, green eyes glancing up at his friend pleading for them to leave.
And who was Shouto to say no to that. To him.
"Sure."
The greenet smiled gratefully at him and gave his hand a squeeze in thanks. Izuku gathered some things like his summer homework and a spare notebook in case he had a random analysis moment. Things to keep his mind occupied if needed to keep him from thinking about where he was and specifically why he was there.
Though to be honest, as they arrived at Shouto's door, his room in and of itself is a distraction. It was still a shock to open up the door expecting a room somewhat similar to his own only to find such a drastically different one. He accepted that Shouto accomplished the task through 'hard work' as he simply gave in explanation. But seriously where the heck did he get the materials for this? The world may never know.
Entering the room, Izuku followed Shouto's example and took off his shoes and socks. He wasn't as used to the feel of tatami under his feet as his friend was but it was kind of nice. The bi-color teen pulled out a couple of cushions for them to sit on as he only had one low chair at his desk from home. They sat down in the middle of the floor and Izuku put his things aside. He didn't feel like starting on anything right away and instead basked in the serenity of the traditional Japanese room.
The two sat there in silence simply enjoying the other's company. Though Shouto predictably shifted closer so their shoulders touched as he also took Izuku's hand. The Quirkless teen made no fight as he had no fight to give. Not for this. The contact was always welcome and, in the moment, very grounding. A solid connection for him to focus on reminding him he wasn't alone.
Letting out a relaxed sigh, green eyes lazily looked around the room. It was quite homey even though he himself didn't have this style at home. The neutral colors were calming and the various plants brought a special touch to the atmosphere. Shouto himself stuck out with his head of white and red hair but he still managed to look at home in this space. Izuku smiled at his friend whose eyes were closed relaxing as if he was meditating.
Then Izuku was distracted as he spotted a box in the corner that kind of stuck out. Everything else was prim and proper and in its rightful place. But this box was just an ordinary cardboard box just sitting out in the open. And it was oddly labeled 'research material' though as for what wasn't obvious with the plain look of the box.
The young analyst, ever the curious one, couldn't help but want to know what it was for.
"Shouto," Izuku called out, earning a hum from the boy beside him. "What's that for?"
Grey and blue eyes opened to follow his friend's pointed finger to the box. He blinked a few times as if he himself was trying to remember what it was for. When in reality Shouto was trying to figure out how to answer without giving anything away. At least not so bluntly as he usually was.
For the box in question held the 'research material' his mother had suggested and whatever else he had branched out from on his own. It wasn't that he was ashamed of what he was reading or anything. It was just more private to him and he didn't want to tip off Izuku to what he was doing if he found his research references. It might taint his attempts to figure out what the fluttering feeling was and try to attain new experiences of being close with his warm friend. He hoped to possibly share that in the future but not right now.
"Personal project," Shouto answered as he closed his eyes again while running his thumb along his friend's skin. "Still in progress at the moment, but…"
The element wielder carefully interlaced their fingers before grey and blue eyes peeked over to look into green.
"…I'll let you know the results when I find what I'm looking for."
Izuku merely nodded as his freckled cheeks grew pink under his friend's gaze. The butterflies in his stomach were going crazy for some reason though he was feigning ignorance. He knew that his feelings addled brain was going nuts with scenarios and hopeful wishful thinking. But the Quirkless teen pushed them down not wanting to ruin what they have together over his selfish wanting for more. This was enough.
"I'd like that, Shouto," Izuku replied, giving his friend a warm smile and putting his curiosity over this 'personal project' aside.
They stayed sitting quietly for a little while longer until Izuku started to get antsy and needed to do something. So, they both pulled out their summer homework and decided to work on that for a while. It was better to not put that off for too long or else they would be scrambling to finish it all later. Besides, they both figured that with whatever Aizawa had planned for the training camp, there wouldn't be time to work on it then.
Together they sat there working and asking each other questions when they needed to. It was calming and domestic. Just what Izuku needed to keep his mind off things. After a while they decided to take a break for lunch. After a short time in the kitchen, they came back up with some onigiri and worked for a while longer. They eventually decided to call it a day satisfied with their progress and chose to watch something on Shouto's laptop instead.
"What should we watch?" Shouto asked as he laid out his futon next to the wall for them to sit on.
"Oh, um, do you remember that show I suggested?" Izuku replied, turning to his friend after adjusting the cushions for them to lean against. "The one that could give you ideas about how to use your Quirk?"
The element wielder thought about it for a moment before saying, "The one about the different elements and fighting styles?"
"Yeah, that one!" the greenet chirped, excited. "It's a great show and could also help inspire you too. Although…"
There was a particular character that Izuku found himself second guessing if it was actually a good idea or not.
"Although?" Shouto questioned.
"Well?" Izuku started, pausing a moment to steal himself. "There's a character you might highly identify with."
The greenet glanced hesitantly at his friend.
"Who?" Shouto asked, confused but curious. "How?"
"Zuko," Izuku replied, awkwardly casting his eyes away not sure how to look at his friend. "Shit father. Fire power. Scar on his face?"
Green eyes glanced up at grey and blue trying to assess his reaction.
"Ah," was all the bi-color teen replied, unsure how to feel.
Izuku could understand and was quick to assure, "I really think it would help you to watch for idea purposes for your Quirk, but I also don't want to trigger you with bad memories. It's up to you if we do watch it and if it gets too hard, we can stop at any time, okay?"
Shouto was silent for a moment thinking. He wasn't sure how he would reaction to someone who was supposed to be like him in those ways. But he also wanted to see what Izuku wanted him to watch. Because for all he knew it could help inspire him much like the other movie from the sleepover had for his ice. He'd like to at least give it a try.
"I trust you, Izuku," Shouto finally said after a few minutes. "But yeah, if it does, I'll let you know, okay?"
They stared at each other, one assessing while the other tried to reassure. Eventually Izuku relented and was willing to try as well. But he would for sure stop the second Shouto became uncomfortable.
"Okay," the Quirkless teen said as he loaded the first episode onto Shouto's laptop. This should be fun if there's no trauma brought up. He'd hate to trigger his friend. Once it was ready, he turned to his friend. "You ready?"
"Ready."
Izuku nodded and settled close to Shouto to cuddle with before he pressed play.
Shouto was in awe at the very start. Just seeing the brief displays of manipulating the elements was fascinating. It really was like another world of Quirks presented in a different way. A place of peace and balance only to be destroyed by fire much like a majority of his life had. Huh, no wonder Izuku was worried about him being affected by it. But Shouto would power through to see what exactly this show was about.
When the girl broke the ice, it showed her bending was inexperienced but powerful. Perhaps watching her could help him get more ideas of his ice as she herself would surely learn better control and techniques. It was also interesting that it was a world where not everyone had a special power and that instead those who could bend were considered strange. It reminded him of Izuku being in the opposite situation with no Quirk in today's world of superpowers.
Then he saw him. Barely any hair save for a black ponytail and his eyes were a golden color. But the scar…it was almost exactly like Shouto's.
"Whoa," Shouto gasped, his stance stiffening causing Izuku to quickly press pause.
"Are you okay, Shouto?" Izuku asked in concern.
"Yeah," the bi-color teen breathed, oddly fascinated by the character frozen on the screen. "His scar…it's on the same side as mine."
"Mhmm," the greenet hummed in reply. "You two don't exactly look alike but you're still quite similar."
Shouto simply nodded before cautiously asking, "Will we learn about his father?"
His tone was one of hesitation and apprehension. It made Izuku worry but Shouto had asked to watch this putting his trust in him. The least Izuku could do was to be honest with him.
"W-we will but over time," Izuku answered doing his best to reassure his friend. "And the original is only three seasons. And again, we can stop at any time."
The other boy thought for a moment before his slowly nodded.
"I should be okay," Shouto said softly, snaking an around Izuku's shoulders to pull him close. "If you're here with me."
Izuku blushed as his friend gently caressed his arm with his hand. He found himself leaning forward briefly on instinct which allowed Shouto to lower his arm to loop around his waist and pull him even closer. It also almost looked like Shouto was smirking in amusement at his embarrassment but honestly it was really hard to tell even for him.
Oh boy.
"O-okay," Izuku stuttered, face reddening even more. "Are you ready, Shouto?"
"Whenever you are," was his answer as he managed to snuggle even closer.
Izuku gulped due to nerves as he reached out to press play before settling more comfortably in his friend's embrace.
Of course, Shouto found himself following Zuko's every move though his personality didn't remind Shouto of himself at all. Guess he would have to see how exactly they were similar besides their matching scars. As the show continued, he learned more about the mysterious boy found in the ice. There was definitely something more to his character.
Izuku was also enjoying watching the show again. It had been a while and he couldn't help imagining how each type of bending would make for an intriguing Quirk to have. Especially the Avatar once he mastered all four elements. Seeing Aang with just airbending and having fun flying around made him wonder if that's how Hawks felt soaring through the air with his wings. It just looked like so much fun!
I wonder if I could make some kind of flying or gliding apparatus. Or would that be too impractical.
Guess he would have to pick Mei's and Maijima-sensei's minds on that. He certainly would have to practice a lot to not crash like the character on the screen did. Ouch. The first episode ended quickly so of course they continued to the second one. Who stops on a two-parter? Besides, Shouto really wanted to see what happened next.
The way this Zuko was using fire to intimidate was striking a little too close to home but he endured. As Izuku said, they apparently were very similar so there had to be more to his backstory and a reason why he used his fire that way. Especially with all the talk of his honor being on the line. He would just have to wait and see.
Seeing the young airbender's ability to fight even while restrained would be a good skill to know. You never know when you could find yourself incapacitated like that. Agility and evasive maneuvers appeared just as useful as raw power as air was used skillfully to fight against fire. He was also surprised at the powerful magic displayed that came from such a young-looking child. But then again, new and more powerful Quirks were manifesting every year in their world.
And it turned out he was right. The boy turned out to be the Avatar meant to save the world. No pressure. While Izuku said Shouto was a lot like Zuko, he couldn't help but identify with Aang as well. Born for a specific purpose he had never asked for with expectations he didn't want. But still, despite that the show was interesting to watch.
"So, what did you think?" Izuku asked, pausing it before the next episode.
"It's…intriguing," Shouto said after thinking a moment. "I don't know much of the world yet but I'm curious to see how he will eventually learn all of the elements. Especially when at war with one of them."
Kind of like how Shouto had been at war with his left side until Izuku finally got him to understand that it was his fire, not his fathers as he thought for so long. It was his Quirk to wield and his choice to use as he saw fit. That Shouto didn't have to be controlled or be anything like his father. Fuck Endeavor and his expectations. Shouto was going to be his own person and own kind of Hero.
"And how are you doing with, um, Zuko?" his warm friend asked carefully.
Again, Shouto paused a moment to think and then replied, "His scar is similar to mine. His use of fire…it's more based on power like my father."
"Yeah, I was kind of worried about that," Izuku said with a frown and his eyes downcast.
Shouto didn't like that. He reached out with his free right hand and gently cupped the shorter boy's face. Green eyes turned up to him as a faint blush dusted over those adorable freckled cheeks.
"I'm fine, Izuku," he insisted, still holding the other close. "I will let you know if I am ever uncomfortable."
"Okay," Izuku breathed out, pupils dilated in a way that made Shouto curious as to what that meant. Research for later as his friend asked him a question. "Do you want to watch more or do something else?"
The element wielder removed his right hand to then place it on his own chin in thought before saying, "We could watch a little more."
"Okay!" the greenet chirped, smiling happily as he pressed play once again before snuggling into Shouto's side to get comfortable. No way at all was he complaining as he did the same. Leaving them more half sitting half laying down as they continued from where they had stopped.
They watched a number of episodes before calling their current viewing session finished. They would have plenty of time to watch through the series at their leisure. Shouto already noticed some things he could try with his fire despite feeling a little awkward with how he somewhat resembled the banished prince. Even to the point his nickname in their friend group was Peppermint Prince.
"Is Zuko the reason you think I'm prince like?" Shouto couldn't help but ask.
"Wha? No, not at all!" Izuku insisted with his hands waving in protest. "You just…sometimes you seem so regal? Like if our friend group were in a fantasy world, I think you would be the prince character."
"Oh?" the bi-color teen let out in surprised curiosity. "And what about the others?"
The Quirkless teen brought a hand to his chin in thought as he muttered, "Hmm, good question. Well Mei would definitely be the mad inventor of the village. Like Belle's father in Beauty and the Beast. Definitely a movie you should see. As for Hitoshi, perhaps he would be some kind of siren or a ninja maybe? I could see Aizawa-sensei as a ninja and he's been teaching Hitoshi and me. Though I might be more of an adventurer than a ninja, at least half the time. But Hitoshi could so be a ninja and his Quirk translates well with a siren of lore. Yeah, that could work."
A chuckle beside him snapped him out of his brainstorming and he turned blushing to glare at his friend who was looking at him in amusement.
"You always give your all in everything you do," Shouto commented with a subtle fond smile on his face.
"Oh hush, you," Izuku retorted, sticking out his tongue before changing the subject. "Should we go down for dinner?"
"Sure, I believe it's my turn to cook," the bi-color teen said as they both stood up.
"What are you going to make?" Izuku asked, following him out the door.
"Cold soba," his friend replied simply causing the greenet to snort.
"You really live off that stuff, don't you, Shouto?" Izuku quipped.
Shouto simply shrugged as he said, "I like cold soba."
The Quirkless teen shook his head fondly as he took the taller boy's hand and led them out of the room. The pair headed for the stairs and went down to the first floor. The other boys weren't downstairs yet as Shouto started gathering the ingredients he needed. With Izuku's offered help, it didn't take long for dinner to be ready and the others to join them.
The dish was simple yet still delicious. Maybe it was because Shouto made it or that Izuku was eating it with his friends. But for the first time since he was told about his mother, he found he was able to laugh freely as they ate and talked. Aoyama's gushing rant about cheese was quite hilarious to watch especially when he shoved a piece into Kouda's mouth unexpectedly. The animal whisperer's eyes were wide with shock before he started to chew and gave the sparkly blonde an approving thumbs up.
Yeah, it was silly and random and juvenile, but Izuku was starting to feel like the kid that he was. A teenager spending time with other teenagers goofing around. It was nice and normal. A comfort after all that has happened. The reality of his situation was still there but in that moment at that table, the Quirkless teen could let reality exist in the background of his mind. His mother was hurt, yes, and he was a ward of UA now, but he still had to live his life to the fullest. For him, his mother, and everyone who cares for him.
One day at a time, he thought as he slurped another mouthful of noodles. One day at a time.
...
The bar was quiet as Tomura built a house of cards while Kurogiri watched over him. He imagined each card representing a Hero though the current social structure was more of an upside-down pyramid than this. A single Hero holding up the world on his shoulders making All Might their modern-day Atlas. Without him the world would surely topple down crashing to the ground.
Everything really was Ass Might's fault. His smile gave a false sense of hope and security to a world that was actually cruel. A Hero wasn't always going to come to the rescue and what can go wrong will go wrong. Blowing up in your face in spectacular fashion. Tomura knew that from personal experience along with many of the new recruits he now had.
He didn't know a whole lot about his underlings not really caring to do so. They were still low level in familiarity and trust when it came to their character stats. They would need to prove themselves to him for the young leader to actually care. Especially Muscular who had failed his last mission though to a point Tomura had to admit a part of it was the Heroes' fault. That and his impulsivity. But they would all soon have a perfect opportunity to do so with the newest mission coming up.
The only things holding them back now was knowing where the target would be most vulnerable and not having the necessary equipment for his pawns to make their moves. One of his recruits had a very useful gas Quirk that annoyingly affect himself as well as others. Tomura wanted the Heroes to suffer that Quirk's effects, not his party members. Ones who were dutifully standing by for the last pieces to his plan to fall into place.
The house of cards he had built collapsed as the door chimed and a cloud of smoke infiltrated the bar.
"Heard back from the union today," the voice of the broker called out through the door. "Delivery is expected tomorrow. Due to the rush order, it might not look like much, but the quality is guaranteed."
It was then that Giran entered the bar properly after his little speech.
"Apologies for making such an unreasonable request," Kurogiri said in place of Tomura, knowing his charge would never say such a thing. He's never had to apologize for anything since coming into his master's care.
Giran ignored the warper addressing the young leader instead.
"Tell me, Shigaraki," the broker said, letting out a puff of smoke. "Do you know the reason why the union was willing to accept this outlandish order of yours? Because of everyone's high expectations of you. The young leader of the League of Villains taking that first step into the light. The scum hiding in the shadows are sure to follow suit if you succeed."
The slimy man extended his arm out and had a wide grin on his face, missing tooth on full display.
"Which means brokers like me will be rolling in hungry new customers," Giran stated in delight, tilting his head to the young leader. "Crime pays."
Tomura chuckled darkly as he said, "Oh, yes. You may not be able to keep up with how busy you're gonna be."
The broker chuckled as well while taking another drag of his cigarette.
"I look forward to it," Giran said as he turned to leave. "Anyway, thanks."
The door closed behind the man, only the remaining smoke dissipating into the air. Tomura turned to the cards scattered on the bar imagining the destruction he was going to inspire. A chain effect that will spread through the underground and the dregs of society will make themselves known and show that they were still there. That no matter what the Heroes and those who were considered 'good' did, those that were 'evil' still remained.
"My pawns are ready, their prey is set, and all that's left is the final touches to the mission," Tomura said as he took a certain picture out of his pocket. Red eyes focused on a now familiar set of green as Midoriya Izuku's face smiled at him. "Soon it'll be time for the real game to begin."
Soon, admin. Very soon.
...
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