Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Midoriya Inko had it rough, she was exhausted, in pain, emotional, and desperately craving katsudon. Luckily though, she had a wonderful partner who loved her very much. “Honey, could you make me some Katsudon please?” she yelled to her husband as she plopped down on the couch rubbing her stomach, “I’m starving.”

“Anything for you, my love! Is there anything else I can do for you?” He called back from the kitchen.

Inko thought about it for a minute… “You can get these damn babies out of me” she teased

Hisashi chuckled and continued to make his wife’s current craving, “You know I love you hun, but unfortunately I can’t do that.” He really wished he could. He hated seeing his wife suffer. “Why do you want katsudon anyway? You’ve had it every day this week, I would have thought you would be tired of it by now.” He knew he was getting sick of it, but no matter how much they ate, he could never deny his pregnant wife. She was eating for three after all.

“I don't know, but at least one of these babies is getting spoiled,” Inko sighed. Hisashi and Inko didn't know for sure how many babies they were having but considering how big Inko was, they figured it had to be at least three. When they went in for Inko’s ultrasound appointments, the machine was unable to get an image of the babies. They tried every angle with the probe but all it came up with was static. They tried everything to see these babies, even x-ray quirks came up with nothing. Eventually her doctor assumed one of the babies had already manifested a quirk. It was extremely rare, but at this point, it was the most logical explanation.

Eventually, Inko settled down for a quick power nap before dinner. As she was laying down on the couch, Hisashi took a moment from cooking to grab her favorite throw blanket to spread out on top of her. “I love you so much,” he whispered as he brushed a rogue strand of hair out of her face and laid a gentle kiss to the tip of her nose “you’ve been working so hard for us and I need you to know how much I appreciate you.”

Inko, never one to suppress her emotions, gazed lovingly up at her husband with tears building in the corners of her eyes, “I love you too,” she warbled as Hisashi made his way back to the kitchen to finish cooking.

Just then, Inko groaned as she felt her stomach twist. She was hot and dizzy. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't move. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong.

—----------------

“Everything ok, love?” Hisashi questioned, not particularly concerned as she often complained about how hard the babies kick.

Inko only answered with a pained whimper that was cut off by a loud clatter.

“Inko? What's wrong?” Hisashi turned off the stove and rushed back to the living room to find Inko curled up on the floor sweating and holding her stomach. “Fuck, what happened,” He put the back of his hand against Inko’s forehead just to yank his hand away with a hiss when he felt her skin burning up. “Fuck fuck fuck, this is not good, what do we do?!” He pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance and without a moment of hesitation grabbed Inko’s phone from where it lay on the couch to call Bakugo Mitsuki. He set Inko’s phone on the ground assuming Mitsuki would be able to somewhat understand the situation from his conversation with the 119 operator. He couldn't afford to be distracted right now with Mitsuki yelling in his ear. He just hoped like hell she would answer.

He put his phone on speaker and soon heard a click from his own phone indicating the call had been answered, “119, is this a fire or medical emergency?” the voice on the other end of the line spoke calmly.

“Medical, it's my wife, she needs an ambulance!” Hisashi cried.

“Alright sir, I understand. What is the location of your emergency”

Hisashi rattled off their home address as quickly and clearly as possible. “My wife, Inko, she’s only 25. She's pregnant, I don't know what happened! She was just laying down for a nap! She made a sound then just fell on the floor, she felt so hot, I touched her face and it practically burned my hand!" The longer Hisashi spoke, the more he panicked. This wasn’t supposed to happen, not to them. He loved Inko more than he loved himself, he didn't know what he would do if he lost her. He was an orphan. He had no family to fall back on. He spent all his free time with the love of his life, his soulmate. “Si-” The only other people in his life were the Bakugos but they were also about to have a baby. “-ir, —-se” They didn’t have the time to worry about him and his life falling apart. “Bre—-” They were Inko’s friends, her family, he didn’t know if they actually cared about him in the first place. He would have to die, he couldn't live without her. Oh god. He was going to die-

—------------------

Mitsuki was having a great day. She was feeling good, her baby was healthy and settled in her belly, and her husband was sitting on the floor in front of her, rubbing her legs and feet. Masaru was looking up at her with his kind eyes and telling her all about how much he loved her in his gentle, beautiful, wonderful, soothing voice. God, she loved him so much. She truly felt like she was being worshipped like she deserved. She couldn’t think of a single thing that would make this day better, and then her phone started ringing. She was just so happy, she couldn't even bother being annoyed at whatever dumb ass thought they were worth her time, until she looked over to see who was calling… Inko. She was wrong. Her day could get better, and it just did. Inko, her best friend, her platonic soulmate, the woman who meant more to her than anyone else in the world. Even her own husband who she loved dearly. Inko saved her ass more times than she could count, she even stuck with her despite her short temper and shitty attitude. Inko was an angel. She could gush for hours about her best friend… she never would, she wouldn’t ruin her reputation with that sappy shit. But she could.

So excited to talk to Inko on this already amazing day Mitsuki picked up her phone and placed it between her shoulder and her ear so she could have her hands free to make wild gestures as she spoke. “So… finally think I’m worth your time again, huh? Figured you could spare a few of your precious moments on little ol’ me?” She teased with a smirk as Masaru let out a soft chuckle and shook his head. Expecting a frantic, flustered denial, Mitsuki waited for her response, but it never came. Mitsuki’s smirk drew down into a small frown as her brows furrowed. “This better not be a butt dial or so help me-” she barked but then paused when she heard something.

“119, is this a fire or medical emergency?”

“... Inko?” She spoke cautiously “What-” she once again paused when she recognized a different voice from the other line. It was Hisashi.

“Medical, it's my wife, she needs an ambulance!”

“Alright sir, I understand. What is the location of your emergency”

“Fuck” she cried, “Masaru, get the keys now! Something’s wrong with Inko.”

Masaru didn’t wait a second before he shot up and ran out the front door, keys in hand, to get in the car with Mitsuki rushing close behind.

—-----------------

Hisashi’s panicked muttering was cut off by the door slamming open, “MIDORIYA HISASHI,” In walked Mitsuki in all her angry, pregnant glory, “you need to calm the fuck down and breathe.” Hisashi snapped back to himself as Mitsuki rushed over to Inko’s unconscious, steaming body- Fuck, when did she pass out? How did he not notice? When did she start steaming? Oh god, he’s so selfish. Only worried about- His panic was once again cut off, but this time, it was to a slap from Mitsuki’s soft but powerful hand. “Shut the fuck up and answer their damn questions. You can spiral about how much of an idiot you are later.”

“Right, I'm so sorry. What do you need to know” Hisashi took a deep breath, straightened up, and rubbed his hands over his face. Mitsuki was right. He could do this. He could break down later.

The operator asked Hisashi to explain more details about Inko and what happened before he made the call. Hisashi explained Inko’s current state, what happened that day, Inko’s medical history that she was about six months pregnant with what they assumed to be three babies, one of which likely already having a quirk.

“Alright, thank you. The ambulance is almost at your location. Please stay on the line until they arrive and notify me of any changes that occur.”

“Thank you so much," Hisashi sighed and listened as the operator hummed in agreement and stated the first responders eta. Hisashi took another deep breath in an attempt to prepare himself for what would come next.

Chapter Text

Hisashi could finally let out a sigh of relief as two paramedics arrived and loaded Inko into the ambulance. He jumped in the back along with her and looked down to Mitsuki and invited her to jump in with him.

“No, Masaru is still in the car. We’ll meet you guys there.” Mitsuki yelled, running back to her car.

Finally, they got moving and started towards the nearest hospital with the sirens blaring. Hisashi felt like they had been waiting for hours but in reality it had only been around ten minutes since he found Inko on the floor. He looked around the ambulance, just trying to hold it together when he noticed something. He leaned a little closer to Inko and yep, her stomach was moving. Hisashi reached his hand out, moving Inko’s shirt out of the way only to see weird lumps rippling across her stomach. “What the fuck is that?” He cursed looking at one of the paramedics for answers, “Oh my god, what-” Hisashi swore he saw some kind of dark appendage trying to reach out through her skin.

“Fuck,” one of the paramedics said right as they were pulling up to the hospital “that's not good”

Hisashi burst into tears as cabin doors swung open and Inko was rushed inside. They were moving so fast while he was held back by a nurse and moved to the waiting room. What If that was the last time I got to see her alive? He thought to himself as he sobbed, just waiting for something to happen. Anything.

—-----------

Hisashi hadn’t even realized he fell asleep until he woke up to a shove and someone calling out his name. He sat up, rubbing his eyes as he looked around, the Bakugo's sitting quietly right next to him “Wha-” He started before he heard his name called again. He looked up to see an older woman in a white coat standing a few yards away looking down at her clipboard. Hisashi quickly stood up walking over to her and raised his hand, “I- I’m right here, sorry.”

The woman gave a soft chuckle as she looked up at him “That's quite alright, dear” she looked down to the clipboard “You are Midoriya Hisashi here for Midoriya Inko, correct?”

“Yes, Ma’am”

“Wonderful, well, I am Dr. Nakamura. I have been taking care of Mrs. Midoriya today and can give you an update on her condition if you would like” She stated

“Yes, please,” He said, letting out a relieved sigh “but Inko’s close friends are here as well, is it alright if they come to hear this too?”

“Absolutely” she responded quickly.

Hisashi then went back over to his seat to speak with the Bakugo’s and invited them to hear the update from the doctor. They, of course, accepted and followed Hisashi back to Dr. Nakamura. “so, what can you tell us? Is she ok?” Hisashi asked.

“She is awake and doing well-” she started

“Oh thank god” ”I was so worried” Hisashi and Mitsuki spoke at the same time while Masaru simply let out a sigh of relief

“Excuse me, I wasn’t finished” Nakamura huffed “She is doing well, but she went into labor and we had to perform an emergency c-section”

”WHAT” all three of the visitors exclaimed at once.

“She’s only six months pregnant, she's not due until July!” Hisashi shouted.

“I understand your concern,” Dr. Nakamura started, “but your wife and child are currently alone and likely scared”

“Right,” Hisashi was about to ask the doctor to take them to see Inko before he paused… “wait, child? Like singular?”

“That is what I said. Child, just one. Now, follow me and I will take you to see them” she began walking, showing the three confused adults to Inko’s room.

After a short walk down the hall, they all stopped in front of a room, “well, this is it. I will be assisting other patients, but if you need anything feel free to hit the call button or find a nurse.” Dr. Nakamura said before she rushed away to the next patient.

The trio paused briefly outside the room before carefully opening the door and entering through the threshold. There was a curtain pulled closed hiding the mother and newborn baby but as they approached to enter, they heard a quiet sniffle and cooing. With one last glance back to the Bakugos, Hisashi gently pulled the curtain open to be met with Inko holding a large blanket burrito which was easily the size of her torso.

“Inko, my love, how are you feeling?” Hisashi whispered as he cautiously approached.

“Oh my baby,” Inko sniffles, “my beautiful baby. I love you so much, yes I do” she cooed.

“Honey?” Hisashi stood near the end of the bed, placing a gentle hand on her knee, “Can you hear me?”

Inko glanced up at her husband with a tired smile, “Yes, dear, and I’m fine. But our baby is here. Oh and he’s so beautiful. He’s perfect, he has your eyes.” she sniffled as she looked back and forth between her two boys. “I just love our Izuku so much.”

That last sentence gave Hisashi pause, they had a whole list of names that they both agreed on for if they had boys or girls. Hell, they even had gender neutral names, but Izuku? Izuku was not on that list. “Izuku? Where’d that come from?” Hisashi asked. He wasn’t mad though, far from it. He thought the name was beautiful. A perfect name for their perfect boy. But Inko was so specific about the names. She wanted them to have a deep meaning and some sort of history in her family. He had never met an Izuku before and he didn’t think Inko had either.

“I don’t know… it just came to me.” Inko, sighed wistfully. “I saw him and my first thought was ‘Izuku’. Just come look, dear. It fits him perfectly.”

While Hisashi was still confused about the name, not to mention the massive mound of blanket that their son was supposedly hiding in, he wasn’t going to miss the chance to join his wife in smothering their child in love and praise. He was so excited as he took another cautious step, his heart fluttering like a humming bird. He just knew the baby was going to be beautiful, it did come from Inko, after all. He took his final step and turned to see- nothing? There was nothing in the blanket? What was Inko looking at? His confusion must have been visible on his face because the next thing he knew Mitsuki marched up behind him, with her husband right on her tail, and smacked him on the back of his head.

“What are you? Dense? You can’t look at your baby like he’s some new species of deep sea creature. That makes people feel bad. Inko’s over here, so excited and here you are sh-” Her sentence was halted with a hand over her mouth.

“No, Mitsuki, just look.” Hisashi saw her eye twitch and at that moment he new, he fucked up. Mitsuki bit down. Hard. Honestly, Hisashi was surprised he still had his fingers, but he supposed even Mitsuki wouldn't be that violent in a hospital. “Fuck, ow- Listen, I’m sorry, but look.” He whispered low enough that only Mitsuki could hear and pointed to the empty pile of blankets.

After one last glare to the idiot, Mitsuki stepped up right next to Hisashi and turned towards Inko to look at the blankets, “Inko, you know I love you, right?” Mitsuki said with cautious concern before shooting a quick glance to Hisashi.

“Yes?” She stated, confused, before she was hit with a deep pit of anxiety, “Mitsuki, what’s wrong? Are you hurt? Sick? Dying? Oh no, you’re dying aren't you. Please don’t die.” Before Inko could spiral even farther or start sobbing, Mitsuki stopped her.

“No, Inko, I’m fine” She let out an exasperated sigh, “It’s just, uh- I don’t even know how to say this but um… there’s no baby in there, you’re just holding a rolled up blanket.”

With that, Inko let out a relieved giggle, “No, silly, he’s just sleeping. Hold on a second,” Inko then started poking at the empty space in the blanket. Hisashi looked almost sad when he walked up to her to suggest calling a nurse to take the ‘baby’ while she got some sleep, but before he could even open his mouth, the blankets moved. Hisashi, Mitsuki, and Masaru all leaned in closer just to feel a jolt of terror when the darkness of the blanket opened its eyes and yawned, exposing a full set of large teeth in a mouth almost the same size as his own. It was the last thing Hisashi saw before his eyes went dark and his body hit the floor. He just hopped whatever that thing was and didn't follow him into what was sure to be a nightmare.

And that was the beginning of Midoriya Izuku’s totally normal and in no way weird or supernatural life. :)

Chapter Text

Izuku was four years old when he realized he was different. Well, he always knew he was different, he was much bigger than Kacchan and the other kids at the park, his skin was a lot darker, and he could smell what people were feeling, which apparently isn't something everyone can do. He was great at climbing too, so he was really good at hide and seek! He was so good, in fact, that the other kids didn’t want him to play with them anymore because he always won. That was fine with Izuku, he didn’t want to make anyone upset, so he didn’t mind being left out of hide and seek… even if that meant being left out of other games too. His mama and papa never cared that he was different, though his papa was very jumpy, so he was easy to spook accidentally when Izuku decided he wanted to climb the walls and be close to the ceiling for ‘dark corner time’ as he liked to call it.

Kacchan didn’t care either! Kacchan was his best friend, he even liked to sit on Izuku’s shoulders so he could be big too! Anyway, he always knew he was different, but he was four when he learned that it mattered.

Izuku started pre-school with Kacchan when they were four, Izuku was so excited to meet new friends and start learning new things! Kacchan was less excited, only because he didn’t understand why he needed more friends. He already had Izuku, he didn’t want anyone else. Izuku tried to explain that if they wanted to be great heroes, then they had to be good with people but Kacchan didn’t seem to care. Izuku just knew he would change his mind once they got to their class.

As they were walking down the hall with Uncle Masaru, Kacchan stopped him, he reached up to grab Izuku’s wrist and pulled him down so they were eye to eye. “You stick with me, ‘zuku, got that?” the boy demanded.

“Yes Kacchan!” Izuku rasped with a sharp nod, still crouched down low for Kacchan.

“Good, now let’s go,” Kacchan said as he loosened his grip on Izuku to let him stand back up, but still kept a firm hand around his wrist. As they continued their trek to the classroom, Masaru followed close behind to make sure they didn’t get lost. As they got to the door Masaru crouched down to give his son a hug, “Be good, Katsuki.” He stood back up to do the same for Izuku, “You too, kiddo. Don’t cause too much trouble, ugh-” he grunted as Izuku gave him a big hug back. He couldn’t help it! He just loved his uncle so much!

The two boys waited a minute after Masaru had left to enter the room. “Ready Kacchan?!” Izuku asked excitedly, his scratchy voice rumbling in his chest.

“Whatever,” Kacchan scoffed in response.

Izuku opened the door and the second he did, all the sound and movement in the room stopped. Izuku took a look around before opening his mouth to speak and suddenly, “AAAHHHHHHHHHH IT’S A MONSTER! RUN!” someone screamed from the back of the room and then everybody panicked. The room was too loud and it was so bright and just like everyone else, Izuku was so scared. There was a monster somewhere and he had no idea what to do!

Izuku flinched hard before grabbing Kacchan's hand running to the first thing he could find to hide under. With tears in his eyes, he shoved Kacchan under a table and went to follow him when he felt something hit his back, “Let him go you freak!” an adult voice shouted from behind him, smelling of rage and terror, but that couldn’t be right. They aren't yelling at Izuku, they’re yelling at the monster! The monster must be close! He grabs his terrified best friend and wraps him in his long arms to keep him close and away from the monster. “I said let him go!” the voice called out one more time before something grabbed his leg and violently yanked him out from under the table, dragging Kacchan along with him. Izuku yelped in pain as he felt something slam into the back of his head.

“No, please,” Izuku sobbed. “Please stop, don’t hurt me.” he cried and cried, but they didn’t stop. If anything, they just hit harder. Whatever that monster was must’ve been pretty strong because they just kept pelting Izuku with heavy things while both he and Kacchan screamed for them to stop.

Izuku started feeling super tired, but he couldn’t let himself fall asleep yet. He can’t protect Kacchan from the monster, he can't be Kacchan’s hero, if he's asleep… but he was so tired and his head hurt so bad. Then, he heard Kacchan yelp in pain. Izuku suddenly couldn’t feel the pain in his head, he couldn’t feel the exhaustion that weighed him down. Something hit Kacchan. Something. Hit. HIS KACCHAN.

“KACCHAN!” Izuku screeched out a guttural roar and turned his head to bare his teeth at the monster.

All Izuku remembers after that is black tendrils, the same dark shade as his shadowy skin, shooting out of him to make a protective dome for his kacchan.

Then he woke up with his mama and papa… but this wasn't his room. Where was he? He took in a big gasp of air as his eyes went wild with panic … Where’s Kacchan?! Just as he finished the thought, there was a familiar pressure slamming against his chest and small arms wrapping around him. Kacchan.

“Izuku! They hit you so hard,” Kacchan cried, “I thought you weren't gonna wake up!”

“D- did,” Izuku croaked “Did they g- get the monster?” He looked up as his mama and papa with a desperate hope in his eyes but all he got in return was a choked off sob and twin looks of devastation and guilt shared between his parents.

“Oh baby,” Inko sobbed as she collapsed with her arms around the two now traumatized boys. “My poor baby.”

After that, Izuku and Kacchan never went back to that preschool, or any preschool for that matter. His mama and papa told him that the school gave them a lot of money because they were so sorry that he got hurt. Now his mama didn’t have to go to work anymore and she could stay home to hang out with Izuku and Kacchan instead! Izuku was kind of sad that he couldn’t meet any new friends because of that stupid monster, but he loved his mama so much that he didn’t really mind. At least they could dress up in their All Might costumes and play heroes all day!

—---------------------

Izuku and Kacchan ended up being home schooled until their parents decided to enroll them into Aldera Elementary after they turned nine. This time though, Izuku wasn’t all that excited to go back. He and Kacchan still only had each other, but that was ok because they were all that they needed anyway. Unlike when they started preschool, his mama, papa and auntie went with them to the principal to make sure there wouldn’t be any trouble like last time. The principal seemed really nice but he was sweating and he smelled nervous. Izuku could understand that because he was really nervous too. Izuku made sure to look him in his eyes and smile with all his teeth, just like All Might would to show that he wasn’t alone, but that just made the smell stronger. Maybe he didn’t want anyone else to notice? Now he feels bad, he didn’t want to make it worse for the poor principal. With that realization he looked away as his smile drew down into a neutral expression which seemed to help his new friend (he decided they were friends now) relax.

Eventually their parents left with the guarantee that the principal would walk them to their class and make sure the introduction went smoothly. Izuku and Kacchan made it to their class and waited while the principal opened the door to explain that there would be two new students joining them. Izuku heard excited cheering from the kids in the class and he was finally looking forward to meeting new people. The principal gestured for the two boys to enter the room, so they did. Izuku marched in with the biggest smile he could muster through his nerves. For the second time in his life all sound and movement stopped when he entered the room. He looked around the room, but everyone had the same expression and the same smell. They were scared. Izuku quickly looked behind himself to make sure there wasn't another monster somewhere but nope, they were all looking at him. His shoulders slumped as he looked to the floor. He hadn’t even introduced himself and they already didn’t like him. Kacchan, his best friend and favorite person, stepped in front of him to introduce them both. “I’m Bakugo Katsuki,” he spoke confidently. “This,” he said as he gestured to Izuku, “is Midoriya Izuku. This is my Deku, if you hurt him or make him cry, then you answer to me, got it?” Kacchan demanded as he waited for a response that never came. “I SAID, GOT IT?” he yelled impatiently.

“Got it!” Everyone in the class room, including the teacher and principal startled and yelled back.

“Good” Kacchan smirked as he led Izuku to the back corner of the class room to sit in their new assigned seats.

“Thanks Kacchan,” Izuku whispered.

“Yeah, whatever nerd” Kacchan whispered back and rolled his eyes, trying to hide the pride he felt at protecting the giant (both figurative and literal) nerd, but unfortunately for him, Izuku could smell it.

Chapter Text

After a few months at Aldera, Izuku decided he should learn sign language. He wasn't sure why, but his peers and teachers didn’t like to hear him speak. He started noticing his classmates cringing away as he spoke in class and his teachers stopped calling on him, even if he was the only one with his hand up. Izuku loved talking about heroes and quirks with Kacchan. Even when nobody but Kacchan should’ve been listening, he felt eyes on him as he rambled on about his favorite subjects. He could smell the disgust and discomfort in the air any time his voice could be heard. Izuku really didn’t want to make anyone upset but he just couldn’t understand why people didn’t like him. He hadn’t done anything to anyone, he hadn't even tried to speak to anyone after someone spit on his shoes and sneered at him when he tried to ask for a pencil. So, Izuku just decided he wouldn’t use his talk at school anymore.

When Izuku asked his mama about signing up for JSL classes she perked up. “You want to learn sign language, honey?” she asked excitedly,

“Yes please!” Izuku answered, giving a sharp nod of his head in confirmation.

“That's amazing, hun!” his mama exclaimed “I took JSL in college as an elective and I just so happen to be fluent! I can teach you!” Inko walked over to her son to give him a hug, she was just so excited to have a reason to spend more time with him. He was growing so fast and Inko didn’t want to miss a second of it. Even at nine years old, Izuku was already a few inches taller than she was! At least she didn’t have to worry about back pain from bending over to hug her baby.

Izuku started learning sign language the next day and when Kacchan found out, he wanted to join in too. Now he and Kacchan could talk at school without causing any problems! Maybe people would like him more if they didn’t have to hear him?

Unfortunately for Izuku, not speaking didn’t help him make any friends, but at least his peers seemed more comfortable around him. They seemed to at least tolerate his presence now! Or maybe they just forgot he was there… Oh well, at least he still had Kacchan by his side. He really only needed his family anyway.

—----------

Following the beginning of their middle school careers, Izuku and Katsuki were even closer than they were before, if that was even possible. They had decided that if they wanted to get into UA, they had to start training immediately. They spent most of their time outside of school either training, or studying. If it were up to them, they wouldn’t rest until they were satisfied, and even then they would find new goals to strive for, but their parents put a stop to that before it even started. After a long conversation about taking breaks to rest and spend time with family, the Midoriyas’ and Bakugos’ came together to make a training schedule which was reluctantly accepted by the two aspiring heroes.

Eventually, they outgrew the body weight exercises and the small weights they got when they started training. They had to come up with something else… Something better, and so, they went out looking for gyms and training centers that would allow unsupervised twelve year olds to register. Places that were cheap enough that they could buy a membership with their allowance and birthday money. Much to their chagrin, they were unable to find a space that met their needs. That was until they stumbled across a beach that was full of trash and unwanted appliances.

Izuku and Katsuki looked at each other for a moment and without a word spoken between them, decided that this would be their new project. They would clean the beach and return it to its original glory. Not only were they building strength and stamina, but they were also doing community service! They were already feeling like heroes.

—------------

As time passed and the two boys got closer and closer to their goals, things started to change for Izuku, but not for the better. Now, not only was he huge, his height reaching well over 213cm, but he was also getting more bulky as he and Kacchan worked on their project. For their second year of middle school, Katsuki and Izuku were separated. Izuku was used to being alienated from his peers at this point and thought he would be able to handle having his classes without Kacchan. He honestly didn’t think it would get any worse than them just ignoring him. He was wrong.

He was only thirteen when his classmates left a red spider lily on his desk. At first he didn’t understand what that meant, Izuku thought his classmates were finally coming around. They were giving him a peace offering! It wasn’t until he got home and looked up the care instructions that he found out the true meaning of the flower. “Oh.” Izuku sighed to himself as he hopelessly tried to hold back the black tears pooling in his eyes. He really should have known there were no good intentions behind the ‘gift’ but he was optimistic to a fault.

When Izuku got to school the next day, he kept his head down. Again, Izuku should’ve expected it, but he was still disappointed to see another red spider lily laying innocently on his desk, waiting for him. He really, really didn’t want to cry at school, but he couldn’t help it.

Even through the isolation and discomfort in his classes, Izuku had never cried at school, not since the incident with the monster in preschool. He just couldn’t hold it back this time. Izuku sat down on the floor in the back corner of the room near his too small desk with his knees tucked to his chest. He sobbed out a guttural keen as obsidian tears ran down his legs and collected at his feet. He was devastated, he knew his classmates didn’t like him, but he never imagined they would want him to die. He still held hope that the first time was a mistake, maybe they were trying to be nice but they got the wrong flower, or maybe they didn’t know the flower's usual purpose. He couldn’t even pretend it was an accident this time. They meant it.

Was he really so bad? Did he make their lives so miserable that they would rather he be dead than have to see him in class everyday? He just didn’t understand. He COULDN’T UNDERSTANT. He was quiet and always tried to make sure his classmates never felt uncomfortable around him. He had never done anything to any of these people. His only ‘crime’ was trying to express himself and make friends. If anything, his classmates were the ones in the wrong; suicide baiting is a crime. They may still be minors, but they should be old enough at this point to be able to tell right from wrong. To know when they’ve crossed the line and taken things too far.

The longer Izuku sat there, the more he thought and he finally realized, he wasn’t even sad anymore. He was frustrated and angry. He decided to break his unofficial vow of silence. “Why?” He screeched out, his voice low and dangerous, “Why would you do this to me? What have I ever done to deserve this?” Izuku slowly stood up and wiped his tears as he faced the class. “I have been nothing but kind to all of you. I learned sign language so you guys would be more comfortable around me. I sit all the way in the back so I don’t block anyone’s view of the board. I don’t even try to interact with you anymore and this is what I get in return?” He bared his teeth and hissed out his next words, “You all wanting me to kill myself?”

Nobody said a word. They all just stared back at him in shock and fear. Izuku didn’t realize it then, but the tears pooling at his feet began to thicken up like tar and writhe around him, rising with his emotions as he stood there with wide eyes, huffing from the exertion of his outburst. All of his energy dissipated at once and left him numb and exhausted as he ambled back to his seat and gently placed the lily in his bag so he could properly care for it. It didn’t matter to him how he got the flower, it was beautiful and would get the attention it deserved.

Unbeknownst to Izuku, he had just given his peers all the more reason to fear him. At least after that day, they went back to pretending he didn’t exist and he never got a red spider lily on his desk again.

Chapter Text

As time passed, Izuku accepted that things just didn’t go well for him and they probably never would. He was just born unlucky. He continued through his middle school years being ignored and left out but he was ok with that. He had to be. There was nothing he could do about it so why would he even try? At least he had Kacchan back in his class for their final year at Aldara. Izuku got to spend every day sitting next to his best friend, his brother in all but blood and that was all he could really hope for.

Izuku and Kacchan were almost finished with their project of cleaning the beach and it was getting easier with every day that passed. They had finally built the strength to start moving the heavy appliances! Well, Izuku had been strong enough from the start, but he decided to wait for Kacchan to start working on the bigger stuff so they could do them together. After all, Kacchan needed as much opportunity to grow as Izuku did!

On this fateful day, Kacchan got into another fight at lunch and was held up talking with the principal and their teacher after classes ended for the day. Kacchan told Izuku to start heading to the beach without him, so Izuku went on his way. He didn't really want to leave Kacchan behind but after a while, he learned to just do what he asked. He would probably just end up sitting there by himself anyway and it was a really nice day for a walk. It was warm but breezy and the sun was shining so bright, Izuku loved days like that. He was usually cold and it felt so nice to have the sun on his skin, but something about that walk felt off.

Izuku stopped for a second to think, he couldn't tell if it was because Kacchan wasn't there with him or if he was just being paranoid but he swore he could smell something different in the air. Something thick, almost viscous, like he was breathing in molasses. It started light, but the air only got thicker the longer he stood there and soon he felt a vibration rumble through the ground causing the leaves to rustle. Izuku looked around the alley he was walking through but couldn't see anything nearby that could be causing the vibrations. Izuku decided he wasn't going to wait around for something to happen and started walking again to continue his trek to the beach when suddenly the manhole cover a few feet from him blew off and landed by his feet, just narrowly missing him.

Izuku let out a surprised screech but before he could turn away to flee, he felt something encase his body and shove its way past his lips and down his throat, punching the air out of his lungs. It seemed to be some type of sludge coming up from the sewers.

“You're the perfect meat suit, I doubt even the heroes would want to look for me here.” The sludge gurgled snidely, “Don't worry, this will only hurt for a minute.”

Izuku didn’t know what to do besides stand there and be grateful that Kacchan wasn't with him. The sludge began coursing up through his nose and the tears pooling in his eyes spilled out and gushed down his cheeks, mixing with the slimy dregs that dripped off the main body.

As Izuku was trying to come up with a plan to escape, another figure popped up from the manhole and took the villain out with one punch. Izuku fell to his knees in relief and heaved in a deep breath. With his hands finally freed, Izuku reached up to his face, rubbing the tears and sludge from his eyes. He looked up at his savior and froze when he saw a face he recognised… “All Might,” he gasped out in a voice even more raspy than usual. Izuku had loved All Might all his life, but he never imagined he would get to meet him like this.

All Might was busy scooping the sludge into empty soda bottles while simultaneously trying to reassure Izuku that he would be alright, stating “I AM HERE!” in his booming voice. When All Might finally finished his task and looked over at Izuku, he froze. With all the sludge still clogging his nose, Izuku couldn’t get a read on what All Might was feeling but from the way his breath hitched and his brows furrowed, he could only assume it was nothing good. Izuku stood up as he began to panic, wondering what could possibly have that affect on the number one hero. Was the sludge toxic? Was Izuku still going to die? Reaching his full height, Izuku took a step closer to All Might and opened his mouth to state his concerns. Before Izuku could start, All Might dropped the two bottles he had in his grasp and turned to jump away. Izuku, distracted from his concern, quickly picked up the bottles and went to grab All Might's shoulder to stop him, “Wait!-” and with that, All Might jumped away with Izuku attached to him, still holding on to the two bottles. He tried to shake Izuku off of him mid flight but Izuku’s grip held firm so he was forced to land on the nearest roof top. Once his feet touched the ground, he threw Izuku off and stood facing him from a few feet away.

“STAY BACK VILLIAN!” All Might yelled with conviction, his ever present smile strained.

“W- What?” Izuku stuttered out, “what villain?” He questioned nervously as he turned to look around him, not seeing anyone else on the roof top.

“YOU OF COURSE!” All Might yelled, “DO NOT PLAY DUMB YOUNG MAN, NO NON-VILLIAN WOULD ATTEMPT TO ATTACK A HERO LIKE YOU JUST DID!” All Might finished, bracing himself in a defensive position.

“A-attack you?!” Izuku questioned, eyes wide as he waved his hands in front of himself and looked down at All Might, “I’m sorry sir but you dropped the bottles! I was only trying to stop you to give them back, I wasn't trying to attack you! I Promise!” With each word, Izuku’s frantic explanation got louder.

That seemed to settle All Might a bit as he relaxed his stance slightly, posture still a little tense. “OH! WELL I APOLOGIZE FOR THE MISUNDERSTANDING! NOW, IF YOU WILL KINDLY HAND OVER THE BOTTLES, I MUST BE ON MY WAY! HAHA!” All Might cautiously reached towards the bottles before snatching them away from Izuku.

“Wait! Before you go, can I ask a question?” Izuku rumbled out quickly. The hero seemed hesitant to stay but eventually gestured to Izuku to continue. Izuku nodded before asking, “Do you think someone without a useful quirk… someone like me can be a hero?” Despite what Izuku’s family would tell him, he just wasn’t sure if his quirk was suited for heroics. Sure he was big, and dark enough that he could hide in the shadows, but he didn’t have strength like All Might, explosions like Kacchan, or even fire breathing like his papa! He just felt useless sometimes, but maybe All Might could give him some hope. “I AM SORRY YOUNG MAN, BUT NO.” Oh, Izuku thought, nothing ever goes right for him. “IF EVEN I, AS THE NUMBER ONE HERO, CAN MISTAKE YOU FOR A VILLAIN, THEN YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO YOUR DUTY AND SERVE CIVILIANS!” All Might took one last look at Izuku before jumping away, leaving him alone on the roof.

Izuku sat there in shock. It could have been seconds, minutes, or even hours, he couldn’t tell and at this point, he didn’t care. He just had his dreams crushed by a hero, his hero. His hero who left him sitting there on a roof all alone. What was he supposed to do at this point? Should he even still try? He had to keep trying. Kacchan wouldn’t let him give up.

Wait… Kacchan! Izuku was supposed to be at the beach ages ago! There’s no way Kacchan is still held up at school, he probably thinks Izuku ditched him. With that thought, Izuku ran to the door. He reached out to turn the handle but much to Izuku’s frustration, it was locked. With a sigh, he reached into his pocket to grab his phone, hoping to call for help but it wasn't there. He checked his other pockets and rifled through his back pack but still, his phone was nowhere to be found. How was he supposed to get down now? He couldn’t call for help and he didn’t want to break down the door. After some thought and a failed attempt to pick the lock, Izuku decided he would just wait for someone to open the door. He could only hope it would be soon. His hope that his day could be salvaged died out when he heard screaming and explosions from a distance. Not just any explosions though, those were Kacchan’s.

All Izuku’s hair stood on end as he hissed out a breath and narrowed his eyes. Two minutes ago, Izuku had given up on getting down on his own, but now it was like something else had taken over. Izuku climbed over the edge of the building and scaled his way down to the street, something he never would have dreamed of trying in any other situation. He sprinted in the direction of the explosions but that wasn’t fast enough. He had to move faster. Faster, faster, FASTER. Without a second thought, Izuku transitioned to all fours as he picked up the pace and darted down the street, weaving through lines of cars and past shocked pedestrians. He needed to get to Kacchan.

Izuku quickly (not nearly quick enough in his opinion) reached the chaos of the attack. At that moment, he was so grateful for his height because even at the very back of the crowd, he could see what was happening. Kacchan was being attacked, smothered just like Izuku had been earlier that day by that same villain. Kacchan was looking around frantically for help. He was stuck in the sludge and he couldn’t breathe. He needed someone, ANYONE to help him but the heroes were doing nothing. Just standing by and watching it happen, watching Kacchan suffocate and die right in front of them. Then he met Izuku’s eyes- Izuku recognized that look, he’d seen it before. As long as Izuku lived, he would never, NEVER forget that look of terror, but this time there was no monster. Just a villain. A villain that had already been contained and that should’ve been taken care of.

Izuku had never felt more fury in his life. He had been there when the villain was captured the first time, but All Might had been careless. Izuku had to retrieve the villain the first time All Might dropped him, and now he would do it again. Izuku let out a guttural scream that shook the ground as he shoved his way through the crowd to get to Kacchan. Nobody even tried to stop him. They didn’t dare get in his way. When he reached the front of the horde, Izuku came head to head with hero Death Arms. “MovE” Izuku growled out, baring his teeth to the useless hero. He didn’t wait for the hero to get out of his way before he shot past him, heading straight for the villain.

Without a moment of hesitation, Izuku ripped Kacchan from the villain's grasp and unhinged his jaw before leaning forward and gnashing his teeth down right through the sludge. He bit clean through, taking a large chunk of the villain with him as he yanked his head back and swallowed with a gulp.

The villain let out a grating scream, “Wh- what the hell was that! Fuck, what are you?” The villain cried, looking up at Izuku from his puddle on the ground, “y-you’re a monster!” The villain continued to cower away seeking refuge from a still growling Izuku with the heroes that were left frozen on the sidelines. They just watched as Izuku panted and sneered in their direction.

Izuku was brought back to himself with a muffled sob from Kacchan and tears soaking into his shirt. He sat down on the ground and pulled a shaking Kacchan in his lap, letting him squeeze the breath out of him. “It’s going to be ok, Kacchan. I’ve got you,” Izuku whispered gently to the boy in his arms, rocking back and forth. As the minutes passed by, Kacchan's breathing evened out and his grip loosened around Izuku. “We need to get you to the paramedic, you could be hurt,” Izuku muttered as he pulled away from Kacchan to look him in the eyes, ignoring the gawking bystanders around them. Kacchan didn’t need much convincing as he stood up on shaky legs and started walking towards the ambulance, leaning against Izuku for support.

“Just get it over with,” Kacchan said to the closest paramedic as he sat down on the back of the ambulance. “I just want to go home.”

It wasn’t until Izuku repeated Kacchan’s request that a brave medical technician stepped forward and quickly but thoroughly looked him over.

“It looks like there is some irritation to your throat and mouth but you should be ok to go home. You will likely be sore for a few days but if the pain gets any worse or lasts longer than a week, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.” The paramedic stated, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” After getting a ‘no’ in response, she walked back over to her colleagues and left Izuku and Kacchan to head home.

For the first time since arriving at the scene, Izuku listened to the mob of people around them. He couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying, but a number of them mentioned the word that had been floating around in his head since the villain said it… ‘monster’.