*Smacks lips* I'm still freaking tired... if you aren't reading my other story (Learn to Breathe) then the sparknotes lesson from my Authors Notes is: Fuck two jobs, Story Reviews Save Lives.

Lol...

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What I've Done

Chapter 5

~Flashback (Izuku is 11 going on 12)~

"Get up, Deku… We're going out." Tomura states flatly, pulling me from the book I'd been reading.

I have to blink even as I move to obey, wondering what in the world 'going out' means. It's been eight years since I was rescued and in that time I've never been allowed more than ten feet away from the compound unless it was to go visit Master All For One in a separate hideout—and in that case, I was in a warp gate so it doesn't really count. Where would we even go?

I have very few memories of the outside world at all… everything is blurry or simply gone like it never existed in the first place. Still, despite the futility I struggle to recall something—anything—while Tomura slips his too-large hoodie over my head, covering up my more recognizable characteristics.

"Don't try anything stupid," Tomura warns darkly as he ushers me through the warp gate. I walk closer to him and keep my head down, taking comfort in the way he squeezes me to him protectively.

"I thought I told you last year that you could speak without being given permission as long as we were alone," Tomura hisses after a moment, apparently unhappy with my silent reassurance.

"You did, Tomura… I apologize and promise not to do anything that would disappoint you. Where are you taking me?" I respond, finally raising my head some to look around; Curiosity has always been a vice of mine.

"Hmph… You'll see soon enough." He huffs, but I barely hear it.

The moment my eyes adjust to the dimly lit path, my head starts to hurt as flashes of memories assault me. It takes me some time, but the longer we walk, the more my mind starts to piece together the fragmented shards of my past life. I feel my stomach twist and plummet… This is the street I used to live on.

I turn my gaze up just enough to get a glimpse of Tomura's face, finding that he's already scowling down at me. Though it's difficult, I drop my eyes back down to the sidewalk and keep quiet, fisting my jacket like it might somehow ground me against the dread building in my gut.

It only takes a few more minutes of walking before we make it to my old home and no matter how I try, I can't seem to fully suppress my shaken, agitated emotional state. Tomura wants me to be a perfect pet, but I know my distress is noticeable.

"Go on… look through that window." He urges me, using the dimness of the night to hide us as I do as instructed and skulk around the side of the house.

I step up to the large glass panel he'd gestured to, peering into my old living room. It's somewhat like I remembered it… only there's a man there that I don't recognize. My heart throbs in my chest when I see my mom scrunching her face up and laughing at something the stranger had said.

"T-Tomura?" I stutter out, giving in to my pitiful desire to cry.

"I know you've always wondered what she was doing… if she cared that you were gone. Look at her Deku. She's moved on from you." He states as he steps up beside me and points to the many pictures on the mantel.

My pictures are still there—my chubby baby face giggling as I played with Katsuki Bakugo. But I know Tomura is meaning the line of newer ones, like a wedding photo with my mother and whoever the man is that's currently kissing her head.

"N-No…" I futility try to argue. "M-mom w-wouldn't…"

"It's been eight years, kid," Tomura tells me matter-of-factly. "She might still miss you but she's happy now. Look at what's happened since you went missing. That woman loved you, of course, all mom's do, but did you ever see her that happy after the doctor said you didn't have a quirk?"

A whimper escapes my lips as my head falls low. "He's right… She does look happier now…"

Tomura grabs my trembling hand and starts pulling me away, rubbing his thumb over my skin soothingly. "That's right, Deku… Even a useless quirk would have given you more worth than what society says you deserve. I took you in because I knew what would happen to you if you stayed here, quirkless and alone."

I stop walking and thrust myself against Tomura, smashing my face into his chest to soak in the comfort only he can give me. "I know that, Tomura… Thank you…"

"Master cares about you too, but I'm all you've got now. I'm going to make sure you're strong and then when the time is right, we're going to crush these stupid heroes and rule the world together, just you, me, and Master. Got it?" He reaffirms, leaning down to kiss my head roughly.

"Yes, Tomura."

~End Flashback~

"Shouta—Sorry! Mr. Eraserhead, sir," Inko called breathlessly, running down the hospital hallway with her husband right on her heels. "Is it him? Did you find him? Is he alright? Where's my Izuku?"

It was WAY too late/early for that level of distressed parent to be shouting at him even if he was good friends with the couple, but Aizawa bit back the exhaustion induced frustration he felt and gently shushed the woman, leading her and Naomasa off to the side. "We do believe that it is your son, Inko… it will take some time to get a DNA match back, but his appearance is very similar to the pictures you provided us."

He took a calming breath as an unbelievable rush of relief and pure joy washed over the couple before him, both practically vibrating with hope for the first time since he'd heard about the case so many years ago.

"There is something you should be aware of," he started, having to pause as he thought about how to word it. "You'll have the understandable impulse to rush in and hug him, but I strongly advise against it…"

Aizawa wanted to wince from the drastic shift in their expressions. As a father, he couldn't imagine being in their positions; if Hitoshi received even one of the injuries Izuku had, he'd probably throw his morals to the curb and go after the sorry bastard that was stupid enough hurt his kid. "Perhaps it would be better for the attending physician to explain before you see him."

The Pro didn't wait for their response, almost frantically signaling to the doctor as she stepped out of another patient's room. "You must be the Midoriya's?"

"I'm Mrs. Tsukauchi now but, I was—what's wrong with my Izuku? Why can't I see him?"

The doctor gave her best sympathetic smile as Aizawa bailed to continue filling out the reports he'd been working on. "Why don't we go to my office, alright?"

It was probably the tensest walk she'd ever been on, but it gave her time to collect herself so that she could explain everything. "Now," she spoke as they sat down. "Izuku is not in critical condition and was awake when he was brought here."

"But?" Naomasa pushed, knowing there was a catch.

"But… he is seriously injured and from my preliminary examination, he's sustained considerable physical abuse for years—"

Inko gasped, practically doubling over as her worst fears were confirmed. Her husband was quick to hold her, rocking with her as she tried to catch her breath. His gaze flickered back up to the doctor, the pit in his stomach telling him that she wasn't through.

"Please, continue…"

The physician swallowed slightly; no matter how long you did a job like hers, you could never completely adjust to giving people some of the worst news of their lives. "With what he's been through, understanding and stability are imperative. Now, Izuku didn't show signs of violence nor was he abnormally fearful of his surroundings but he was extremely withdrawn… so much so that it's hard to tell how he will behave in the near future. There was also evidence that loud noises and overall excitement cause him stress, so it's important to stay calm around him."

"Can… Can I please see him?" Inko whimpered, forcing the words past the lump in her throat.

"I'll see if he is awake… If he is, then we can test the waters but otherwise, it's best to let him rest."

"It was nice meeting you, Midoriya," Shinso tells me as Aizawa reappears in the doorway. I guess as first impressions go, his wasn't terrible; he did save me from the 'circus' as his dad called it.

"It was nice meeting you, Shinso," I respond, mimicking the phrase since I'm not sure what other farewell would be appropriate in this setting. He smiles and starts to wave as he leaves but has to stop short as two more people show up and block the exit.

I recognize them both. One is my mother and the other is apparently my stepfather… An officer assigned to my missing persons' case, though I believe he's made detective now. I keep my face blank, not wanting to give away how much information I have.

"You were able to get him to speak? You didn't use your quirk—" I hear Aizawa whisper only to have his questions cut off by Hitoshi.

"Of course I didn't. I just didn't get in his face like your mall-cop coworkers."

My attention is pulled away from the hushed squabble by the slow encroachment of my 'parents'. They look frightened, actually, but they're approaching me like I'm the one that's scared. The doctor is watching us intently, no doubt analyzing my behavior to determine mental stability.

I narrow my eyes slightly at Inko and tilt my head, pretending that I'm trying to place her from somewhere deep in my memories. The room is so quiet while I do this; everyone holding their breath. "M-mom?"

She gasps out a sob, but it seems like it's indicative of happiness rather than sorrow… I don't quite understand how you feel both of those emotions at once. After a vigorous nod, she starts coming closer again, holding her arms out for what I assume is a hug.

I watch her carefully, but otherwise, stay very still and let her slowly wrap her arms around my shoulders. It's been so long since I had a hug from anyone other than Tomura that the sensation is completely foreign and painful due to the injuries I've yet to receive adequate pain medication for.

Her tears are dripping onto the nape of my neck while she clings to me, her hand petting the back of my head. I have to close my eyes as the urge to shove her away builds in my chest, but I do still raise my arms. They hover for just a moment before I force myself to return the affection.

"M-mom…" I repeat, this time without the questioning tone as I do my best to exude contentedness even though I'm not experiencing it; I haven't missed Inko in some time, nor do I feel anything now that I've been 'reunited' with her.

"That's right, baby, that's right!" she coos, gently rocking me back and forth.

Aizawa comes back two days later with Shinso in tow. It takes considerable effort to convince Inko to let go of my hand so that they can go speak in the hallway, but eventually Naomasa and Aizawa half drag her out while Shinso sits where she'd been.

"Well, you look less beat to hell today…" he drawls, still looking just as tired as he had at three in the morning when I'd first met him. "Dad says you'll probably be in here another week at least before your injuries are healed enough for you to leave."

I look down at my forearm when his eyes trail there, noting the still present discoloration from bruises on top of the variety of scars I'd gotten over the years. He doesn't seem particularly off-put from me still looking 'beat to hell' like Inko was when they finally got me clean, but with his dad being a Pro he probably sees a lot of injured people—civilian and not.

"We've already established that commotion isn't your forte, but what about me talking? You never directly answered about if it makes you uncomfortable."

"No," I respond, somewhat biting my lip. I've thought about what he and Aizawa were whispering to each other just before they left and I'm desperately curious to know what his quirk is since his father was worried he'd used it on me.

Generally, Tomura is fine with me talking without being asked a direct question as long as we're alone, but it's still a gamble… sometimes one that ends in punishment. Asking if I'm allowed to say what's on my mind in the same breath as a response tends to be the safest option as it doesn't directly break any rules. "I-is it alright if I speak freely for a moment?"

Shinso seems to have this odd mixture of surprise, sadness, and happiness on his face after I ask for permission to talk and I wonder momentarily if I should continue to only use that loophole with Tomura; he says he has a soft spot for me so I can get away with more.

"Of course you may," he eventually states, giving me his full attention.

"Why did Mr. Eraserhead think you'd used your quirk on me?"

Shinso's eyes widen slightly before they fall to the floor with what I'm certain is shame and annoyance, though I don't think the latter is directed at me. He rubs the back of his neck and lets out a sigh before shifting his gaze back up.

"My quirk is brainwashing… If I can get a person to respond to a question, sometimes even with just a sound, they're under my complete control. You hadn't spoken at all since you were brought in, so, when he came back and you were using full sentences I guess he thought I'd somehow managed to use my power on you."

"That's so cool…" I whisper, immediately biting my lip and hunching down; that wasn't supposed to have been audible. No matter how hard I've tried to suppress my awe of quirks other than Tomura's or how frequently he's tried to break it, the need to 'fanboy' just won't go away. Shinso, however, looks absolutely taken aback from what I can see in my peripheral, his mouth hanging open slightly.

"You mean you don't think it's a villains quirk?" he questions and I find I don't understand the question. "I mean," he continues, "you aren't worried about speaking to me even when you know how easy it would be for me to brainwash you?"

"Oh…" I think, realizing he must not get to talk to people very often if that's the first thing that comes into his mind when he reveals what his power is. Obviously, it would be really bad if he used his quirk on me and then ordered me to tell him about my time in 'captivity' as everyone keeps referring to it… but I can't explain it; I simply don't think he would do that.

"No," I respond, daring to 'fanboy' just a bit more. "I t-think it's an amazing quirk…"

Shinso almost appears flustered as he smiles at me and rubs the back of his neck. Am I the first person to have ever said that to him? I consider asking, but Inko comes back in with almost a scowl on her face before I can, Aizawa and Naomasa trailing in behind her.

"Izuku, sweetie," she coos, "your dad and Mr. Erasurehead have to ask you some questions now, but you don't have to answer a single one if you don't want to. I'll make them both leave if they upset you."

Inko emphasizes her words with the tone of her voice and gives some kind of look to the two that makes them glance between each other and almost fidget. Shinso apparently takes that as his cue to leave and gives me a wave, but I'm too on edge to return it.

Seeing as both Aizawa and Naomasa have been assigned to or worked on my disappearance case, they're likely needing to talk to me about what happened to see if they can find the people who took me. The former isn't too much of an issue, but my 'dad' is; his quirk allows him to tell if a person is being dishonest when they answer him.

"You have nothing to be afraid of, Izuku," Naomasa states as he and his interrogation partner take seats near me. "This is going to be quick and easy and then we'll let you rest some more. Now, could you describe the people who were holding you, prisoner?"

Shit. "Yes."

"Good, good. We'll have a sketch artist come in later so that we have an idea of who to look for. Do you know where you were being held?"

Okay, as long as Naomasa isn't here, I can lie to the sketch artist. "No."

The questions go on and on for what seems like forever, and there are close calls sprinkled throughout but ultimately he never asks me something that I would have to lie about to protect my mission… Until he gets to the last one.

"You're doing very well, Izuku. Just a few more, okay? Could you describe to us how you managed to escape?"

This one makes my heart skip a beat. I can't say 'oh, they dropped me in an alley so that I'd find my way back to you and Inko and work on getting into UA to spy for them,' but I also don't think it would be wise to refuse to answer even if Inko said I could. Maybe if I word it carefully it will be ambiguous enough to not raise suspicion.

"My Masters were beating me and I—"

"That's enough!" Inko interrupts, pulling my head directly into her chest. "Do not make him relive a moment of being in that terrible place with those terrible people anymore! It's okay, 'Zuku, you don't have to talk about that… we're just glad you were able to get free and come home. Shh, my baby, just breathe."

Her voice was harsh and final when she was speaking to Aizawa and her husband, but it switched to how you'd speak to a frightened child when she began talking to me. Actually, my heart rate had spiked some when I started trying to answer their question… Inko probably believes I was feeling stressed from recounting the beating rather than from fear of failing my mission.

Whatever her reasoning, Naomasa and Aizawa don't look suspicious and seem to be thinking the same thing she is, both conceding that I'd given them 'more than enough' information to find the men responsible. Ha. Sure…

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As always, thank you for your support and dedication to reading my stories :) I'd love to hear your thoughts!