Izuku woke up to the familiar warmth of Nemuri's presence beside him. Ever since she began sleeping in the same bed with him, the relentless nightmares that once plagued his nights had ceased. The vivid images of Dr. Kuroki, the cold steel of the operating table, and the horrifying experiments seemed to fade into the background when he was wrapped in the comfort of Nemuri's arms. Her presence, however unorthodox, had become a source of solace that he had never known before.
His therapy sessions with both Aizawa and Nemuri had continued steadily. Aizawa's approach was more straightforward, challenging him to confront the darkness head-on, while Nemuri offered a softer, more empathetic ear. Izuku found that he could talk to her about things he hadn't been able to share with anyone else.
During one of their sessions, Izuku found himself opening up about his childhood-about the neglect from his parents, Hisashi and Inko, and the cruel treatment from his twin sister, Izumi. He hesitated at first, feeling the familiar weight of shame and fear pressing down on him. But Nemuri's patient silence, her unwavering gaze, urged him to continue.
Izuku:I... I was never good enough for them
Izuku began, his voice trembling.
Izuku:No matter what I did, how hard I tried, it was never enough. Hisashi barely looked at me, and Inko... she was always too busy with Izumi. My sister... she was everything they wanted-a prodigy, powerful, popular. I was just... there.
Nemuri listened intently, her heart aching for the boy sitting across from her. She could see the pain etched into every word, the way his hands trembled as he spoke. She wanted to reach out, to hold him, but she knew he needed to get this out on his own terms.
Izuku:And then... there was the Bakugo and Todoroki twins
Izuku continued, his voice growing more strained.
Izuku:Katsuki, katsumi Shoto, and shiori were my friends, or at least, I thought they were. But when it became clear I was quirkless... they turned on me. Katsumi, especially, she made my life a living hell. My... My sister told me to jump off a roof once, that maybe I'd get a quirk in my next life. And shiori... he was relentless. They pushed me so far that I... I ran away.
Izuku paused, his breath hitching as he tried to keep his composure. Nemuri's eyes widened slightly in shock, her mind reeling at the cruelty he had endured. She clenched her fists, feeling a surge of anger and protectiveness well up inside her.
Izuku:They were the reason I was kidnapped
Izuku said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Izuku:Because I ran away, I ended up in that facility, and... everything that happened there... it was all because of them.
Nemuri couldn't stay silent any longer. She leaned forward, her voice trembling with barely contained anger.
Nemuri:Izuku... those people-your family, your so-called friends-they didn't deserve you. What they did to you... it's unforgivable.
Izuku nodded, his eyes still downcast.
Izuku:I know, but... it's hard to not feel like it was somehow my fault. If I'd been stronger, if I had a quirk like them, maybe things would have been different.
Nemuri reached out, gently placing her hand over his.
Nemuri:you can't blame yourself for the cruelty of others. You were a child, Izuku. You deserved to be loved and supported, not treated like you were worthless.
Izuku finally looked up, meeting her gaze with tear-filled eyes.
Izuku:But I still can't stop thinking about it. About them. Every time I close my eyes, I see their faces, hear their voices... It never stops.
Nemuri's heart broke at his words. She wished she could take away his pain, to somehow make him forget all the horrors he had endured. But she knew that all she could do was be there for him, to help him through this one step at a time.
Nemuri:I'm here for you, Izuku
she said softly, squeezing his hand.
Nemuri:You don't have to go through this alone. We'll work through it together, okay?
Izuku nodded, though the weight of his trauma still hung heavily over him. "Okay," he whispered, feeling a small, fragile thread of hope.
Nemuri leaned in closer, her voice gentle yet firm.
Nemuri:And remember this, Izuku-what happened to you doesn't define who you are. You are strong, brave, and kind. You've survived things that would have broken most people. Don't let the past keep you trapped. You have a future, and it's not determined by those who hurt you.
Izuku's breath caught in his throat. For so long, he had been defined by his pain, by his failures. But Nemuri's words sparked something within him-an ember of determination that had long been buried beneath layers of self-doubt and fear.
"Thank you," he managed to say, his voice thick with emotion.
Izuku:Thank you for believing in me.
Nemuri smiled, her eyes warm and filled with a fierce protectiveness.
Nemuri:Always, Izuku. Always.
Aizawa:Izuku, but we need to be careful. If they push him too far... well, let's just say I won't hesitate to take action.
As izuku left nezu came in to check on their progress
Nemuri glanced at Aizawa, her concern for Izuku clear in her eyes.
Nemuri:He's fragile, Aizawa. I know he's strong, but emotionally, he's hanging on by a thread. If they push him... he might break.
Aizawa met her gaze, his voice firm.
Aizawa:I won't let that happen, Nemuri. I promise you, I'll do everything I can to protect him.
Nezu nodded in agreement, his sharp mind already working through the various scenarios that could unfold.
Nezu:We'll have to be strategic about this. Izuku's rehabilitation is our top priority. We can't afford to let anyone-especially those who have already hurt him-derail his progress.
Nemuri sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly at their reassurances.
Nemuri:Thank you
she said softly.
Nemuri:I just... I care about him. He's been through so much, and he deserves a chance to heal, to live without fear.
Nezu's sharp eyes flicked between Aizawa and Nemuri, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips.
Aizawa:It seems you two have gotten close
he remarked, his tone light but observant.
Nemuri felt her cheeks flush, a rare occurrence for someone known as the R-Rated Hero.
Nemuri:i... I don't know what you're talking about
she stammered slightly, trying to brush off the implication.
Nemuri;I've just been helping him.
"Riiight,"
Aizawa drawled, his voice tinged with skepticism. He'd seen Nemuri in various situations, but this side of her was new, even to him. It was enough to make him raise an eyebrow in surprise.
"Is she actually blushing?"
he thought, barely managing to suppress a smirk.
"I thought she only blushed when she was playing up her usual sadistic persona."
Aizawa quickly shook his head, dispelling the thought. He returned his focus to the matter at hand, his tone more serious now.
Aizawa:But it is good that you two have developed a strong relationship. I have to admit, whatever you're doing, it's working. Izuku's only known you for three days, and he's already opened up so much. I didn't think several months of therapy would be enough, let alone a few days.
Nemuri's blush deepened, but she nodded, understanding the gravity of Aizawa's words.
Nemuri:I'm just doing my job
She said, her voice softer now.
Nemuri:But... it hurts, knowing that there are kids like Izuku out there-kids we heroes have failed to protect. Sometimes, I wonder if we're really doing enough.
Nezu's small, furry hands folded neatly on his desk, his eyes reflecting the weight of Nemuri's words.
Nezu:You're doing more than enough, Nemuri
he said gently.
Nezu:The connection you've built with Izuku is remarkable, and it's helping him in ways we couldn't have imagined.
Aizawa nodded in agreement.
Aizawa:He's right, you know. Whatever you're doing, keep doing it. Izuku needs someone like you in his life right now.
Nemuri looked down, her thoughts drifting back to the sessions she'd had with Izuku. The things he'd revealed to her... they were more than she had expected, more than she was prepared for. But she wasn't about to back down. "I'm trying," she said quietly.
Nemuri;But sometimes, it's hard to know if it's enough
Before the conversation could go any further, Nezu redirected their attention.
Nezu:Nemuri, Aizawa, we need to discuss something important.
He paused, his tone becoming more serious.
Nezu:The new term at UA starts in a few days. How is Izuku's rehabilitation going?
Aizawa leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.
Aizawa:It's been going well. He's been responding positively to our sessions. He's still guarded, but he's making progress.
Nezu nodded thoughtfully.
Nezu:And what about you, Nemuri? How has Izuku been during your sessions?
Nemuri sighed deeply, the weight of her responsibility heavy on her shoulders. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking.
Nemuri:Izuku... he's been through so much. In our sessions, he's revealed things that... honestly, it makes me wonder how he's still standing.
She paused, her voice wavering slightly.
Nemuri:He told me about how he was neglected by his parents, Hisashi and Inko. How his twin sister, Izumi, and the Bakugo and Todoroki twins bullied him relentlessly. How they pushed him to run away, which eventually led to his kidnapping and... well, everything else that happened to him. They're the ones who made him into who he is now.
Nemuri's eyes reflected a deep, simmering anger as she spoke.
Nemuri:And then there's the way his old school treated him-how they treated him like trash because he was quirkless. It's sickening, Nezu. All of it.
Nezu's expression darkened slightly.
Nezu:That's troubling to hear, but I can't say I'm surprised. Izuku has endured unimaginable suffering, and it's clear that those responsible have much to answer for.
He leaned back in his chair, contemplating the implications.
Nezu:This is going to be a huge problem, especially with the new term starting soon. If Izuku sees those who tormented him-those who were directly responsible for his suffering-it could lead to him losing control. It could make all the progress we've made with his rehabilitation useless.
Aizawa's gaze hardened.
Aizawa:I get where you're coming from, Nezu. I tried to reject their enrollment, but the Public Safety Commission overruled me. They've agreed to certain restrictions, but I know how they operate. They'd love nothing more than for Izuku to snap, just so they can justify sending him to Tartarus.
Nemuri clenched her fists at the thought, her nails digging into her palms.
Nemuri:That's why we need to be careful. We can't let them push him over the edge.
Nezu nodded, his expression grave.
Nezu: I understand the risks, but we have to play the cards we're dealt. That's where you come in, Aizawa.
Aizawa tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "Me?"
Nezu allowed a small, calculating smile to form on his lips.
Nezu:Yes. Those students are going to be in your class. While I'm not saying you should expel them at the slightest provocation... well, you get the idea.
Aizawa couldn't help but smirk at that. His reputation for expelling students was well-known, and it wasn't something he took lightly. But in this case, the idea of keeping a close eye on those who had tormented Izuku was more than a little appealing. "I understand," he said, his tone firm.
Aizawa:I'll make sure they don't step out of line. And if they do... well, they won't last long.
Nezu's expression softened, his eyes filled with a rare warmth.
Nezu:Thank you, Aizawa. And thank you, Nemuri. You both have done more for Izuku than I could have hoped for. Let's make sure we continue to support him in every way we can.
Nemuri nodded, her resolve strengthening.
Nemuri:We will, Nezu. Izuku deserves that much.
Nezu's small, furry hand waved them off, signaling the end of their meeting.
Nezu:Good. Now, go. Take care of him.
As they left Nezu's office, Aizawa glanced over at Nemuri.
Aizawa:you've got your work cut out for you.
Nemuri smiled softly, though her eyes were still filled with that same determination.
Nemuri:So do you, Aizawa. But I think we're both up for the challenge.
Aizawa grunted in agreement.
Aizawa:Let's hope so."
--
Nemuri entered Izuku's room later that day, finding him lying on his bed with a book in his hands. The soft glow of the evening sun filtered through the window, casting a warm light across the room. Izuku looked up as she entered, his expression neutral, though Nemuri could sense the subtle shift in his demeanor-he was glad to see her.
"Hey, Izuku," she greeted him, her voice warm and inviting.
Izuku nodded slightly. "Hey, Midnight. You need anything?"
She shook her head, smiling. "No, not really. I was thinking... how about we go out, just the two of us?"
Izuku frowned in confusion. "I thought I wasn't allowed to go out. The rules say I need a supervisor."
Nemuri grinned mischievously. "Well, I am your supervisor, so I say we're going out."
Izuku blinked, processing her words. "Okay," he said simply, placing his book down on the nightstand.
She handed him a pass and a location which allowed him to leave the school
Izuku was wearing a red and black jacket, with black pants
As soon as he got the location he almost held the urge to have a nosebleed seeing the provocative outfit she wore even outside her hero life
"What in hell is she wearing"
Izuku held his nose tightly as he avoided her gaze especially what was staring right at him
Nemuri: so izuku you like my outfit
She said with a grin as she watched izuku trying his best to avoid her but for the rest of the men next to him
All eyes were on her which for some reason almost triggered izuku
Izuku: let's just go I don't have time for this
He looked away as he walked away as he held her hand moving away from their current location
Nemuri:Ara~ ara~ so dominant
She teased as she watched how izuku turned red
Izuku:...
He sighed not even knowing what to say.
"She's dangerous, she's really Dangerous"
Their first stop was a small café in the city. Nemuri ordered a couple of drinks and some pastries, and they sat down at a cozy table by the window. The café was bustling with activity, the chatter of customers and the clinking of dishes creating a lively atmosphere.
As they sipped their drinks, Nemuri noticed Izuku's eyes wandering, taking in the sights and sounds around him. It was clear he wasn't used to being out in public like this, and she could see the curiosity and apprehension in his gaze.
Nemuri:It's nice out here, isn't it?
Nemuri said, breaking the silence.
Izuku nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, it is."
They continued to talk casually, Nemuri guiding the conversation with light-hearted topics. She teased him gently, making small jokes and playful comments that earned her a few huffs of mock annoyance from Izuku. It was nice, seeing him relax, even if only a little.
After they left the café, they wandered through the city, stopping at various shops and attractions. Nemuri took Izuku to a bookstore where he spent a considerable amount of time browsing the shelves, and then to a small park where they sat on a bench, watching the world go by.
At one point, they visited a toy store. Nemuri picked up a plushie-a cute, round bear-and waved it in front of Izuku with a teasing grin.
Nemuri:This one would look great on your bed, don't you think?
Izuku's face turned red as he tried to ignore her, but Nemuri could see the faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I'm not a kid," he muttered, though there was nobite to his words.
Nemuri chuckled and placed the plushie back on the shelf, but not before giving it a little pat on the head.
Nemuri:I know, I know. Just having some fun.
They continued their walk through the city, Nemuri occasionally pointing out interesting sights or making playful comments that brought a bit more color to Izuku's usually neutral expression. The city was alive with the vibrant energy of people going about their day, and for a while, it was just the two of them, moving through it all, almost like they were in their own little world.
As the sun began to set, Nemuri guided Izuku to a quiet spot overlooking the city, where the view was breathtaking. The sky was painted in shades of orange, pink, and purple, the colors blending together in a way that made the whole scene look almost magical.
They stood there in silence for a few moments, taking it all in. Nemuri glanced over at Izuku, noticing how the soft light of the sunset highlighted the subtle changes in his expression. He seemed more at ease, more open, like the weight he usually carried was a little lighter now.
Nemuri:You know, Izuku
Nemuri began, her voice gentle,
Nemuri:sometimes it's good to just take a moment and breathe. Life can be overwhelming, but moments like this... they're important.
Izuku nodded, his gaze still fixed on the horizon.
Izuku:Yeah... I guess you're right.
His voice was quiet, contemplative.
Nemuri smiled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest at the progress he was making. Even if it was just a small step, it was still a step forward.
They stood there for a little while longer, watching as the sky gradually darkened and the city lights began to twinkle below them. The atmosphere was serene, almost as if time had slowed down just for them.
Eventually, Nemuri turned to Izuku, a playful glint in her eyes.
Nemuri:You know, we've been out for a while now. How about we grab something to eat before heading back?
Izuku hesitated for a moment before nodding.
Izuku:Sure, that sounds good.
Nemuri led him to a small, cozy restaurant not too far from where they were. The place had a warm, inviting atmosphere, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. They found a table near the back, away from the main crowd, and settled in.
The conversation over dinner was light and relaxed, with Nemuri doing most of the talking, telling stories and making jokes that occasionally brought a small smile to Izuku's face. She noticed how he seemed more at ease, how he responded a little more openly, even if it was just with a nod or a few words. It was progress, and she was grateful for it.
As they finished their meal and were about to leave, Nemuri suddenly had an idea. She leaned across the table, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Nemuri:Hey, Izuku, I want to show you something.
Izuku blinked, a little surprised.
Izuku:What is it?
Nemuri:You'll see
she said with a wink. "Come on."
She led him out of the restaurant and down a series of winding streets until they reached a secluded, quiet spot. It was a small, hidden park, surrounded by tall trees and filled with the soft glow of fireflies dancing in the evening air.
Izuku's eyes widened in surprise as he looked around.
Izuku:This place... it's beautiful.
Nemuri smiled, pleased with his reaction.
Nemuri:I thought you might like it. It's one of my favorite spots in the city.
They wandered through the park, the fireflies flickering around them like tiny stars. The atmosphere was calm, almost magical, and for a moment, it felt like the rest of the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them in this serene little corner of the city.
At some point, they found a bench near a small pond, and Nemuri sat down, motioning for Izuku to join her. He hesitated for a moment before sitting down next to her, his gaze fixed on the water.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the peace and quiet. Nemuri glanced over at Izuku, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. She could see the progress he was making, the small but significant changes in his demeanor. He was still guarded, still carrying the weight of everything he'd been through, but there was a lightness to him now, a sense of calm that hadn't been there before.
After a few minutes, Nemuri broke the silence, her voice soft.
Nemuri:izuku... I'm really glad we did this today.
Izuku turned to her, his expression thoughtful.
Izuku:Yeah... me too.
Nemuri smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest at his words. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
Nemuri:You're doing great, Izuku. I know it's not easy, but you're making progress, and that's what matters.
Izuku looked down, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.
Izuku:Thanks, Midnight.
Nemuri's heart skipped a beat at the sight of his blush, and before she knew what she was doing, she leaned in closer. Her hand gently cupped his cheek, and she tilted his face toward hers, their eyes locking for a brief moment.
Izuku's eyes widened in surprise, and for a split second, he froze. But before he could react, Nemuri closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his in a soft, gentle kiss.
The world seemed to stand still as their lips met. It was a brief, tender moment, but it was enough to send a jolt of electricity through both of them.
When Nemuri pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, her heart racing. She could see the surprise and confusion in Izuku's eyes, his own cheeks tinged with a deep blush.
Nemuri:I... I don't know why I did that
Nemuri stammered, her voice unsteady.
Nemuri:i'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Izuku.
Izuku blinked, still processing what had just happened. He opened his mouth to say something, but the words seemed to get caught in his throat. After a moment, he finally managed to speak.
Izuku:It's... it's okay. I'm just... surprised.
Nemuri felt a wave of relief wash over her, though her heart was still pounding in her chest.
Nemuri:I didn't mean to surprise you like that
she said softly.
Nemuri: I just... I guess I got caught up in the moment.
Izuku looked down, his blush deepening.
Izuku:It's okay, really. I just... wasn't expecting it.
They sat there in awkward silence for a moment, both of them still processing what had just happened. The air between them was thick with unspoken feelings, emotions that neither of them knew quite how to express.
Finally, Nemuri broke the silence, her voice soft and sincere.
Nemuri:Izuku... I care about you. A lot. You're an amazing person, and I'm really glad I've gotten to know you.
Izuku looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions.
Izuku:I care about you too, Midnight. You've... you've helped me a lot. More than I can say.
Nemuri smiled, her heart swelling with warmth at his words. "I'm glad," she said softly.
Nemuri:And... I'm here for you, Izuku. Whenever you need me.
Izuku nodded, a small, genuine smile finally breaking through his usually guarded expression.
Izuku:Thank you, Midnight.
They sat there for a little while longer, the awkwardness gradually fading away, replaced by a comfortable silence. The night air was cool, and the fireflies continued to dance around them, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the park.
Eventually, Nemuri stood up, offering Izuku her hand.
Nemuri:Come on, we should head back. It's getting late.
Izuku took her hand, allowing her to help him up.
Izuku:Yeah... let's go.
As they walked back to the school, Nemuri couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. The day had been full of surprises, but in the end, it had brought them closer together. She knew there was still a long road ahead for Izuku, but she was determined to be there for him every step of the way.
And as they made their way back, side by side, Nemuri couldn't help but smile, knowing that this was just the beginning of something special.