AN: I had some time before work so I decided to get another chapter up! Here's the next one!

Disclaimer: I don't own MHA and please don't put my work on other sights without authorization!

Chapter 8

Aizawa thought it would be peaceful when he woke up, but no. Not when Bakugou was slamming the door open to his bedroom at eight in the fucking morning. If the doorknob left a dent in his wall he was going to be pissed and Bakugou was going to learn how to fix his wall.

"What the hell teach? Your entire place is empty as shit!" Bakugou yelled.

"Why are you up?" Aizawa groaned as he ungracefully rolled out of bed to glare at his student.

"I don't sleep all day unlike your lazy ass. Plus if you're going to keep to your schedule that both you and Izuku need then breakfast is needed so we can get started!" Bakugou yelled before walking back out to the living room. "Can't cook if you don't have shit to make."

Aizawa just rolled his eyes before grabbing his phone. Hizashi would arrive in like an hour and he still had to make a couple phone calls to Nezu, Recovery Girl, and then possibly Hound Dog in that order. The call to the principal was simply to update him on everything and his health. Nezu sounded giddy to learn Izuku was in his care and said he impatiently waited for when he could finally meet the child. Yeah, never, if Aizawa had a say. Recovery Girl was next as she wanted an update on how his first night out of the hospital went. The night went well, from how Aizawa observed it. They had simply takeout from a healthier restaurant that allowed him to stick to the meal plan and as far as he knew Izuku didn't wake up. But he was also willing to bet that Bakugou took care of that. He was going to ask the boy later. Talking to Izuku didn't seem wise and Aizawa didn't think he would actually tell him. Recovery Girl seemed pleased with his progress and said to introduce the idea of talking to Hound Dog. From there they'd discuss if Izuku needed any medications. He needed to let Izuku see talking about it in a safe place with someone who could provide the tools he needed to live his life.

That was the issue. Izuku didn't want to live his life. Trapped in an endless loop of what ifs and scared out of him of something happening to the people who were trying to help him. Aizawa saw it at the hospital and saw it yesterday while they were driving home. Izuku looked like he wanted to bolt and Aizawa won't admit it, but he was grateful Bakugou was here because he made Izuku stay.

"Where's Izuku?" Aizawa asked, finally emerging from his room dressed in what Bakugou could say might be his hero costume. Does this man own other clothes besides those atrocious pink sweatpants he wore last night?

"In the shower. Told the nerd to take one."

"No argument?" Aizawa asked. He certainly didn't hear one and with Bakugou, he would have heard it.

"Nope." Bakugou said, popping the 'p' as he scrolled through the phone.

"How?" Aizawa asked. He was sure that if he had asked if Izuku wanted to do anything he would have said no.

"You just don't have the power I have." Bakugou snorted with a smirk.

"Bakugou."

"Fine. Just make him do it because you want it. That nerd right now doesn't want anything, but if I tell him to clean up because I'm not going to be seen with his raggedy ass in public he's certainly taking his happy ass right in there because it's gonna make fucking pleased."

Yeah that made sense actually. Izuku helped him get out because it benefited Aizawa and he took the kid along for the ride unable to just leave him there. All the choices Izuku made were because someone else asked. A little people pleaser and Aizawa was dead serious in telling him last night he wanted him in his class. Izuku belonged in that empty seat in his class regardless of his past or not. The kid was a hero, but just lost sight of being that person when one sees what being a hero can lead to. As far as he knows Izuku thinks everyone he's tried to help has died and hadn't realized that isn't the case.

"That won't always work." Aizawa said.

"Well, it's what fucking works right now so tough shit."

"You know you can't baby him." Aizawa responded. Bakugou wasn't always going to be there to hold Izuku's hand. He agreed to take in one child, not two, and Bakugou still had parents who would like him home and cared about him. Aizawa admitted that having the blond around would be beneficial to Izuku's recovery. There was no denying it, but if Izuku leaned too much on him, it might cause an issue. He'd be codependent and Bakugou would only enable it.

"Are we still going out?" Izuku asked a little nervous as he came back in. A towel wrapped around his shoulders and he wore what he had yesterday. Yes, they were definitely going shopping today. This kid needed clothes.

"Yes. You definitely need clothes and by the looks of it…a haircut." Aizawa said motioning to the mop of unruly, messy curls that were all over the place.

"It's in your eyes Izuku. You'll let someone do it or I'm giving you a buzz cut."

"No Kacchan." Izuku whined before he looked down. "But what it?"

Aizawa kneeled in front of him. "Izuku, no one is going to get you. They don't where you are unless they have a tracker on you which they don't. We checked. You need things like clothes. I know it's scary, but," Aizawa couldn't believe he was taking the advice from a child. "we want you to be comfortable and start healing."

Izuku looked at Aizawa then at Bakugou. His eyes dart between them rapidly thinking that Kacchan will come to his rescue and say it's too early to be doing this kind of stuff. Kacchan is a traitor. The blond only narrowed his, shook his head, and smirked. He wasn't going to get out of this.

At nine o'clock sharp a knock was at the door. Luckily having told Izuku prior calmed any reaction and he curiously looked as Aizawa opened the door to a blond man in glasses wearing a man bun. Izuku's eyes brightened a bit knowing who this was and finally being able to meet another hero he logged in his notes. He wanted to talk to Recovery Girl too. They were really were heroes just taking time out of their busy schedules to help someone like him.

"Heyo little listener! You probs know me as Present Mic, but you can call me Hizashi unless we're at school ya dig?"

Aizawa narrowed his eyes. As much as he thought his friend was a blond idiot, Hizashi wasn't dumb. He didn't give an option to call him something else and just use his given name. This would allow Izuku to see that interpersonal relationships were okay and help the kid open up to him showing his trust.

"O-okay." Izuku said nervously. He was just like he sounded back on his radio show. "N-nice to meet you."

"Coolio! Now, let's get going! We've got a lot to get through!" Hizashi said.

"Thanks again Hizashi." Aizawa said to him as the boys went out first.

"No problem man. I told you I'd be there for whatever you needed and if that's helping do a little 'shop til we drop' to make the little listener feel safer than I'm your guy! Hitoshi is going through his stuff to see what he doesn't want or need anymore and we'll drop it by while we're gone. I could tell he wanted to come too, but unlike someone else, he knows how to listen." Hizashi said as he looked toward Bakugou who only turned around to glare at the pro resisting the urge to flick him off.

Aizawa nodded in agreement. He asked Hizashi to come alone, but glad to know he wasn't the only one who thought it best. Hitoshi would get his chance to talk to Izuku one day. If Izuku agreed to join the class then they would see each other. Izuku would meet a lot of new people who Aizawa just knew would all be eager to be his friend and help him out.

They went to a nearby mall that had all they needed or at least in the surrounding area. Around the area held shops that had clothes, hairdressers, furniture, groceries, everything they needed. Izuku held tightly onto Bakugou's sleeve as they walked. It was so nerve wracking with all these people around. Izuku jumped in surprise as Bakugou was pulled away from him.

"Come on listener, we can split it up and get done faster." Hizashi said.

"What?!" Bakugou said as Hizashi started to pull him away. Bakugou tried to fight him off, but then Hizashi leaned over and whispered something in his ear that made him calm down. Bakugou gave a deadpanned look before giving Izuku a nod that it's be okay. Izuku assumingly watched as the two blonds, well one dragged off toward the part of the convenience store area where they would find the groceries needed to stock Aizawa's apartment.

Izuku could well the anxiety welling up. Kacchan was gone. It wasn't that he didn't trust Aizawa, but what if something happened again? He just got him back in his life.

"Don't worry you'll still be able to hangout with him. They'll be fine. We're getting you a haircut and it's better than them sitting around. I'm sure you know Bakugou would go stir crazy or try to control everything." Aizawa said as he pointed to the hair salon they were next to.

Oh, that made sense. Kacchan would have been terrible sitting still and would have drove everyone crazy trying to tell them what to do. Izuku could see him trying to grab the clippers.

Eventually Hizashi let go of Bakugou who reluctantly followed along. Bakugou didn't want to let Izuku out of his sight. Yes he would be with Aizawa who was competent enough to watch over him, but he just got him back. However, Loud Mouth had a point when he told him Aizawa and Izuku needed time to get used to each other. Yes they were going to be living together and although Izuku trusted Aizawa, there was a difference. Izuku needed to learn to talk to Aizawa not related to hero work or his case. They needed to bond and form a deeper level of trust than savior and victim.

"Let's just get this over with so we can get back. And don't put anything in there we don't need!" Bakugou yelled at him.

"It pleases me to see you happy, listener. You've certainly changed a bit since school started."

"No fucking shit and I ain't fucking happy." Bakugou said as he put high quality broths in the cart that are said to be full of proteins. If it was on his teachers' wallets then he wasn't settling for anything less than the best. Izuku needed to put weight as the little nerd looking like a twig.

"That little listener seems to have you wrapped around his finger." Hizashi teased.

"Shut the fuck up!" Bakugou said, popping his hand before turning so he didn't have to look at the stupid grin plastered to his English teacher's face. He was not giving that man the satisfaction of seeing his red flushed face. He was just pleased that now people would stop thinking he was batshit about Izuku's kidnapping. Izuku was finally safe and where he belonged. Next to him. Like he should have always been.

Izuku felt like a weight lifted off his head when they walked out about an hour and a half later. Literally. The nice lady had trimmed his curls so now they were manageable, but still remained the fluffiness he remembered as a child. She was super nice and didn't do anything he wasn't comfortable with. She always asked him questions about what he liked and with reassuring nods from Aizawa, Izuku found himself able to answer her although in a quiet voice. He even got to hear about her quirk! It was kind of embarrassing though as the lady also fawned over him calling him adorable and loving his natural curls. She also gave him hair products perfect for his hair while trying to coax Aizawa to do the same for long hair care. The man sarcastically said yeah right while paying.

"Looks good kid. Probably feels better?" Aizawa asked as they walked.

"Yes. Thank you." Izuku nodded.

"No problem. I figured we'd go someplace to get it done, because I don't trust either me or Hizashi with scissors."

"Is that why you both have long hair?" Izuku said. Both Hizashi and Aizawa had long hair and Izuku couldn't imagine the lengths to go through to take care of it. He just didn't see the point of keeping it long as a hero unless one had too. It'd just get in the way or be used against them.

"So there is a sassy child in there."

"No! I didn't mean it like that!" Izuku said frantically. "I'm sorry…"

Aizawa gave a slight snort as he opened the doors to the main area of the mall which directed them to the shops. He gave him a slight pat on the shoulder. "You're fine. You can make jokes like a kid should. Come on, we've still got places to go. Here you'll find a bunch of clothes and décor. Pick anything you like."

"It's fine. I don't need much." Izuku said as he barely looked at the stores. "Don't waste your money. You might need it for something important. You already gave me a room."

"Izuku, you are important. Money isn't a problem. I have a job as a teacher and as a pro hero. The school gave a little allowance to help you too. I literally don't spend it on anything. Please let me give you some belongings. You can't just use the same clothes all the time and I want the apartment to feel like your home too for however long." Aizawa explained. He's pretty sure the school allowance came out of Nezu's personal funds, but he wasn't going to mention to anyone.

"Will I eventually have to leave?" Izuku asked.

"That's up to you." Aizawa said. He wasn't going to tell the kid he wouldn't mind if he stayed. From what he knows, heard, and seen about Izuku he's a good kid who has been dealt a bad hand in life. The problem was he wasn't able to fold and get a new one until the game was finished. He had to stick it out. Izuku looked down at the ground and mumbled something Aizawa couldn't quite hear.

"You need to speak up, Izuku." Aizawa encouraged him. Giving him a small nudge to speak up hopefully will turn into confidence to do it without being prompted. It was important for him to learn, even if he didn't want to be a hero, that his voice was one of the most powerful tools a person can use.

"I don't know what I like."

That statement broke Aizawa's heart. Most of what he 'liked' had been when he was a child of ten, not a teenager of fifteen. He most likely didn't remember anything from those years ago. All Might was a staple through generations so that was a given and sadly enough that was it. In addition he didn't know anything about the new world he was dropped into. Six years didn't seem long to others, but to Izuku, it was a lifetime. His lifetime. The ages he was held captive were when children were developing their emotions, thoughts, ideas. It was truly when they started to grow up.

"That's okay. We can check out something and see what you think. Nothing bad about trying new things." Aizawa said as he grabbed a cart. Izuku nodded and wordlessly followed.

Aizawa took note of what Izuku's eyes would linger on the longest. Any spark of interest would lead Aizawa to silently place it in the cart. Izuku noticed a couple times, but of course didn't say anything. If he didn't like it he could always return it or donate it. If he never tried anything then he'd never learn.

"Do you want some new notebooks?" Aizawa asked while they were about to pass the stationary section.

"Can I?" Izuku asked and his eyes brightened.

"Yeah. You're going to need them. There are plenty of new heroes and students to analyze. You seemed to be interested in those."

"Okay!"

Aizawa couldn't help smiling at that. Now that Izuku looked more like a child instead of an under-groomed ragamuffin, he could see the expressiveness of his eyes. Big green eyes that shined like little emeralds. Slowly but surely that sparkle was returning and the blank look was becoming more colorful. For now baby steps.

They waited patiently for Yamada and Bakugou to return. Izuku looked at all the bags around him. He noticed that there were things in the bags he didn't pick out. Aizawa asked his opinion on clothes so he had various shorts, a few pairs of jeans, normal t-shirts, and a few fancier clothes. Aizawa said it would be logical to be prepared for anything. He also had new notebooks and pens that looked like his old ones. He couldn't wait to add to them. Alongside the notebooks he noticed a few other things he didn't pick out. There were some posters and books. From he saw the posters had various heroes on them and the books varied in fiction to what others would find boring, quirk theory. However, Aizawa said he had to use the restroom. While Izuku panicked for a moment, Aizawa assured him that there was too many people here for anyone to try anything and that'd be gone five minutes. If anything happened scream. Four minutes went by and Aizawa returned with a bag Izuku didn't recognize. He certainly didn't have when he left as he sat next to him, taunting him to look inside. If it was for himself he didn't want to intrude, but it looked like it was from a tech store he had seen on the way in.

"Go on." Aizawa encouraged him.

Izuku nervously looked inside and saw a cellphone, a game system he hadn't seen before, and a laptop.

"What?" Izuku gasped.

This was too clearly weren't for Aizawa. He had seen the man use a cellphone that didn't need repairs, he didn't look like someone who would play video games, and he used a working laptop yesterday as they browsed online. Everything was solid black, but Izuku could see some vouchers perhaps for casing and an online shop. These…were for him. It didn't take being a rocket scientist to know these items were expensive. He must have spent over a thousand dollars just on him today.

"No. You don't have to do this." Izuku said as he pushed the bag away.

Aizawa knew getting Izuku to accept anything was going to be difficult. He sort of took a page out of Bakugou's book and went ahead and did it without consent. He bought them yesterday after Izuku had gone to bed and set them to be picked up. These were items the boy needed and would probably like to use to destress after long days or to help acclimate. However, he knew Izuku would lock up if they entered the store so he'd just handle the after.

"Izuku, it's okay. Who bought these?"

"You."

"Whose money was used?"

"Yours."

Aizawa noted how his breath picked up a moment in panic.

"Who went into the store? Alone, might I add."

"You."

"So whose decision was it?"

"...Yours."

"Did you make me buy these? "

"I don't know."

"Did you ask me to?"

"No."

"Do you have a quirk that has the power of persuasion?"

"No."

"Did you make me buy these? "

"No."

"Then we can conclude this wasn't your fault and I did this because I wanted to. It's okay to feel the way you do, but it isn't good to bottle it up. You can talk to me and I promise to listen, but you're going to need these. The phone is so you can start having a life back when you're ready. You can talk to Bakugou when he's not around. I'm not going to or let you stay cooped up in the house. I thought the gaming system might be nice to feel a little more your age. The laptop is for when you start school again so we can get you caught up in case there's a lot you don't know or you can watch things. Okay?"

"Okay." Izuku nodded as he wiped his face of tears.

"Let's go already!" Bakugou's voice yelled as he came up holding back while Hizashi trailed behind carrying a lot more.

The drive home was quiet. Hizashi chatted about all the different meals that could be made and Aizawa made sure the man picked up some jelly pouches as long as he promised not to give Izuku any. Aizawa made no promises and the kid could have some if he wanted. Bakugou would resort then they better not stray from his diet plan. Izuku felt a comfort listening to them talk as he laid his head against the window.

He couldn't believe it. If something had told him a month ago that he'd escape his father's clutches, that Kacchan was alive, and there was finally some...normalcy in his life; he wouldn't have believed it. Yes, the league and his father were probably going to chase after him, but this time he wasn't a weak ten year old boy. He had his quirk and looking at the reflection in the window, he had all these people too. Izuku shook his head on the window. He didn't want to involve them in his problems, but they kept pushing themselves in without concern for their own lives. His didn't matter as much as theirs.

"Let's go! We don't have all day and night!" Bakugou yelled as they pulled up and were getting everything out. He refused to not take it all up in one trip loading each of his teachers heavily while keeping Izuku light.

"I can take more Kacchan. It is all for me anyway." Izuku said.

"No. Go." Bakugou said pointing to the door where Aizawa was waiting.

"Fine." Izuku said sighing as he realized he wasn't winning this one.

"Did you have fun today kid?" Aizawa asked when they walked in and found themselves alone.

"Yeah actually." Izuku said, grasping the bags tighter although a small smile graced his face.

"Good. I'm glad. Izuku, you might not want to, but I'd like for you to have a couple sessions with Hound Dog, UA's school counselor. Is that okay?" Aizawa asked.

"I guess so." Izuku agreed.

"Hurry up you slowpokes!" Hizashi yelled from the top of the steps. Aizawa rolled his eyes before motioning for Izuku to lead the way. "Alright, let's get these in. Hitoshi is expecting me home soon."

"Who's that?" Izuku asked.

"My kiddo." Hizashi said. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll meet later!"

Izuku didn't know Present Mic had any children. This must be a recent development or one the hero kept quiet about whenever he talked on the radio. Certainly understandable because they could use him against the hero. Regardless, the kid had to be old enough for Hizashi to trust him to drop things off or be out by himself. Maybe a little older or younger than him?

Unlocking the door, Aizawa stopped as he came face to face with someone who wasn't supposed to be here right now. Hitoshi's eyes said it all as 'crap'. It looked like he was about to leave, but there was going to be no avoiding it.

"That's eyebags junior." Bakugou deadpanned.

Izuku looked at the boy in front of him. He seemed so familiar to him. Izuku mainly interacted with adults, unless the man child Tomura counted. The doctor was smart as he was devious only going off people no one would think twice about missing or under the guise of help with unfortunate accidents easily swept under the rug. Looking in the boy's purple eyes he had seen them before. They looked different, older, stronger, but…those of someone filled with admiration and gratefulness and not full of fear.

Izuku had finally escaped. He hadn't tried for a while wanting them to fall into a false sense of security that he'd finally given up. It had worked too as the doctor took him out without the leash which was just a shock collar he used whenever he got out of line. He heard rumors of a healing quirk that could help his father after he got seriously injured about less than a year after his capture. Izuku admittedly said he didn't care, but that only brought more trouble. Izuku never got to see the quirk though. Izuku had it all planned out for the most part and it had worked. Izuku attacked the doctor using Kacchan's quirk and made a run for it. The doctor screamed at him to get back or else. However, as Izuku neared freedom he heard it.

"Let me go!"

Izuku didn't hear what the doctor said, but he remembered the look on the boy's face. He was frightened and Izuku knew the man who had his grubby, old hands clasped around his wrist wouldn't help him. Not in the way the boy would hope. He looked like he was someone needing help and Izuku knew he couldn't let him do what he did to all those other people.

"Stop it!" Izuku shouted, darting out, exploding the man's arm. His explosions weren't very strong because he wasn't allowed to work his quirk, but enough to make him falter and release the boy. He didn't expect to be backhanded and sent hurtling toward the ground where the doctor stepped on him keeping him place. "Run! Go to…"

Izuku remembered that day. He yelled the first address that came to mind where he knew the boy could possibly get some help. He remembered Present Mic saying people could send fan mail or if people inquired about advice to his radio station. Izuku planned to do so, but yeah, being kidnapped happened. The boy in front of him was an older, splitting image of the boy he…saved. Wild purple hair and eyes that looked tired.

"I remember you." Izuku said softly.

"What?" Everyone said.

Izuku nodded. "I remember that day…you got out after all. The doctor said because of what I did he sent someone out to kill you and that it was all my fault."

Hitoshi sucked in a breath before taking initiative. Midoriya…Izuku thought he died because he tried to save him and from what Hizashi and Bakugou told him the day before he thought everyone he's ever tried to save died. The people at the apartment complex. Bakugou. And now him.

"Nope." Hitoshi said with a lazy grin. "Sent me right to his radio station and well the rest is history. You saved me, he saved me. I wouldn't be here without you and I've wanted to talk to you for so long. The past four years I've had one thing on my mind besides being a hero who I could stand up and be proud of myself for saving someone else too. I'm getting there now because you saved my life. Izuku, my name is Shinsou Hitoshi, and I want to say thank you for saving me."

Izuku's eyes quickly rose to meet Hitoshi's that were locked with his. Izuku could see that boy who needed saving underneath this new boy that was appreciative and kept living. This boy wanted to be a hero because Izuku was one for him that day. He couldn't be one. He…maybe…possibly…wanted that dream. Instead of letting his thoughts run rampant he did what Midoriya's did best, cried. He was happy the boy, Shinsou Hitoshi, was alive and living a life. A life he just confirmed Izuku gave him.

"Well now that this sappy chick flick moment is over let's put this shit away so we make something! Izuku go sit down and the rest of you lazy bastards come help!" Bakugou yelled.

Izuku snorted. He wasn't about to tell Kacchan that they had a 'chick flick' moment the other day in the hospital. The blond would probably explode hearing that. The shared look between Hitoshi and Hizashi said it all as they both frowned and sort of pouted before reluctantly following the orders of a sixteen year old. Aizawa stuck around for a moment.

"Izuku. You may not want this new life you've been given, but everyone here won't give up on you and let this new start go to waste." Aizawa said simply before leaving to help.

"Let's get this party started yo!" Yamada's voice echoed out the kitchen.

Izuku stood there in the middle of the living room watching as all three people who had come in his life busied themselves. Shinsou and Aizawa had been banished to putting away the groceries while Bakugou took to cooking and delegated Yamada as his helper and could sit quietly to chop vegetables. It was all so domestic. He remembered the last time he witnessed such a familiar and comforting sight as he saw his mom prepare his birthday dinner, his favorite, Katsudon. She worked hard all day making sure every day was perfect for him. He wanted that.

"Alright, Mighty Man. Dinner's almost ready and our guest should be here soon!"

"Alright!"

"Izuku."

"Yeah mom?"

"Remember whatever happens in life I love you just how you are. You're my strong boy and will always make me smile if you just be yourself and keep going forward with a smile. Remember just like All Might!"

"Can I see my cake now?!"

"No silly! Go get the door!"

Izuku wasn't blind as he and his mom thought each of them thought. He knew she knew he was having trouble with school and didn't have any friends because he was supposedly quirkless. However, she always made it seem like he was special and the most important thing to her. He would miss his mom so much, but the life he knew and cherished with her died that night too. It was time for something new.

Although he still adored All Might, these were his new heroes and a new life...he just needed to start learning how to live. Aizawa made him get out of there even if he had accepted he was there until he just wasted away. Kacchan made him do things that, although made him uncomfortable, actually helped him along with next leaving his side. Present Mic…Yamada was just a sunshine to be around and made everything not so dark. Even though he just met Shinsou, the boy was living proof he had done something right and the purple haired teen swore he wasn't leaving him either.

"Izuku?" Aizawa asked, seeing the boy just staring off into space and crying.

"I…w-want to get b-better." Izuku cried. "I want to hangout with Kacchan without needing to worry if I'm safe. I want…to go to school with you."

Izuku cried over and over and all Aizawa could do was take him into his arms for a hug.

"I want that too." He whispered into his hair.

AN: Happy feels! Izuku wants the life that people fought so hard to make sure he has and Shinsou has made an appearance! Thanks for reading and see you next chapter!