Chapter Text
It would be a lie to claim that Izuku slept easily but at least with U as his companion, he wasn’t alone. His soft fur against his cheek as he listens to it breathing, making soft noises as if in an attempt to soothe him. A constant companion that no matter what he says or does he is always at his side. His large body lying against him as Izuku wills away the nightmares into a dreamless night.
Slowly the sun begins to peek through the curtains as the sun finally begins to rise on Japan as if the incident at USJ never happened. Izuku refused to move from his spot pulling U a bit closer as noted he had moved just a bit. There was still time before his father would come to wake him acting like nothing happened yesterday to start the day. Especially since Izuku never did tell him he didn’t have school today so he would be questioning why he’s still in bed.
They might fight a bit, have a talk, and then his father might just try to make up for it in his usual way of holding and consoling him. This is the same song and dance they always had then yesterday’s fears would be lifted. His dad, for all his terrible flaws, still loved him enough even if fails to apologize he still tries to ease the burden.
Though Izuku nearly went back to sleep it seemed his rabbit was tired of being held like a stuffed animal. The black rabbit squirms out of Izuku’s arms earning a disgruntled noise from the teen as it jumps over him onto the floor. The rabbit was now at the door scratching it as it demanded to be freed from the room. Odd how it’s asking permission when apparently he is smart enough to cause terrible injuries. Izuku groans as he sits up from the bed with his hair a mess, guessing U was actually content in just pretending to be a normal animal.
“Ok ok, I’ll let you out.” He grumbles, a bit surprised that his dad closed his door as he got out of bed. Izuku realized his clothing had been changed also which didn’t surprise him as his father already fixed him up so of course would change his clothing. He isn’t keen on seeing the man as he gets up but he knows it better to do it now rather than later. Making sure to grab his phone off the charger guessing his dad did that too only to be surprised at the time.
It’s 9:00AM.
He freezes, his dad never woke him up. His eyes are wide as this was way past when school starts and he runs out of the room. There was a deathly silence permeating the whole apartment as U looked at him quietly. Wondering if this was why the rabbit was trying to get him up earlier as sensed there was no one there. It begins to hop toward the Kitchen looking at him as if saying to follow him and Izuku does so. To find a cold breakfast that had likely been there for who knows how long.
“Are you serious?” Izuku's voice cracked as he stared at the food laid out on the table but no man at the other end of it. His father wasn’t there waiting for him with some book, newspaper, or Ipad waiting for him to get up to eat. Just an empty table and a deep-seated feeling of being abandoned. Izuku slowly approaches the table to see a note, he tentatively reaches out to grab it as his emotions stir under the surface. Trying to understand why his father wasn’t here with him today.
I’m aware your school would likely, if they have any sense, be off today but unfortunately I’m quite busy but I made you your favorite breakfast. Just throw it in the microwave if it is cold by the time you wake up. If you leave make sure you’re careful and leave a note. We don’t need another attempted kidnapping so soon there is some money in an envelope next to the door to buy yourself something.
Dad.
It felt almost depersonalized as if the man was just writing some matter-of-fact statement. There was no apology besides the casual acknowledgment that school would be off. He looked at the breakfast and realized this would probably be the very first time he ever ate alone since was four. As that mansion was just too empty for a little boy who was still reeling from the loss of his mother, the idea of his father not being around horrified him.
Remembering how he cried whenever his dad tried to leave him after making him food. The mansion was so big and he was still adjusting so when his father tried to leave he wailed. He can recall his father being startled and seemed almost panicked at the fact his son was crying. He can remember him calling and canceling, something on the phone and the person on the other line sounded upset. Asking something about some deal, only for his father to sneer and say they will do it later and how better keep it open or else.
Izuku cried harder as his dad sounded scared so he thought he was mad. His father seemed even more distressed but he ended up keeping his dad that day and his father seemed to realize that if tried to leave him too early his son basically broke down. So he started cooking and seemed to try as well as being softer, Izuku didn’t realize until now but that was a weird tradition his father did for him. He remembered that moment so vividly but never considered it to be the reason his father would be there for every breakfast.
And yet today of all days he was just gone.
Izuku knows he shouldn’t let it bother him. He was already dreading the man trying to act like everything was normal. And yet him acknowledging it like this by just not being here somehow hurt so much more. His hands tremble holding the note as he grits his teeth before throwing the note in the trash because what is he supposed to do with these emotions now. Not even sorry, just be careful not to get caught! No mention of anything that happened last night as if it didn’t even register on this man’s radar. It made him feel-
Unimportant.
It took Izuku a moment to realize he was crying as his vision blurred as tears fell and his hands moved to wipe his tears. Wondering why he was crying he didn’t want him here, he was mad at him anyway… Yet he wished his dad was here so he could be properly angry with him to have the man deflect and be casual instead of this. That his father would hug him even if he was screaming or crying like a kid because that is still his dad. Instead, he is left all alone.
“Fine,” he whispers more to himself than anything as he can feel U pressed against his leg, those eyes staring up almost saddened as well. Despite himself, Izuku did end up reheating the breakfast as it was his favorite, a stuffed breakfast Taiyaki with eggs and pork cutlets bits inside. His dad said it was unhealthy as hell so seldom cooked it but it seemed he was willing to make an exception today. There were other things too, rice, fruits, grilled fish, and miso soup. This was more than usual so there was no way his father expected him to eat all of this.
He tried not to cry even harder at the fact his father remembered or that he honestly did wish he was here. As he had to reheat most of the breakfast, eating it begrudgingly as his mind threatened to race with all the thoughts he refused to think about. He felt anxious, and stressed, and while he could feel U next to his leg now it was hard for him to focus. All these unsaid words, these feelings felt like they were bubbling and he stopped eating.
“...U, you don’t think Dad is going to abandon me do you?” Izuku spoke softly, unable to eat anymore. The rabbit at his side was silent and he glanced down to look at the large creature as those green eyes looked back at him. Then it shakes its head. It was surprisingly confident on this but Izuku isn’t sure how assuring that was. He groans and pushes away from the table with the chair screeching against the floor. U was startled jumping away as Izuku got up to his feet as there was no way he could handle doing this all day.
“I’m going to Shouchan’s house and of course you’re coming with me,” Izuku made his choice, feeling like he would go insane if stays in this house. He knows he has other friends now but he was the most familiar. The most comfortable and loyal who has been a stable constant since he started this heroes academy. There is a chance that Endeavor was likely at work since this was a sudden day off so he wouldn’t have to worry about him. He doesn’t bother washing the dishes, just trashing anything he half ate and putting away only the fruits.
What a waste.
___________________Hero Public Safety Commission___________________
A building in plain sight to everyone was having a meeting after one of their agents had recovered from his injuries. It had certainly been a surprise as usually he was much more careful but it seemed they bit off more than they could chew. As the boy not only got away but it was clear he didn’t get away without inflicting harm on Hawk.
“Never could we have expected our best agent to fail.”
A large room with men and women seated surrounded this one agent as they tried to assess their situation.The incident had apparently made him lose some memories so now they were trying to assess their next move. As it was clear to anyone involved that it seemed All for One noticed they were trying to approach their kid. As there had been a letter left on the man’s person saying if tries this again, Japan will burn. A threat.
“The plan was simple: invite the kid and at worst, force a meeting so we can show him that his parentage is a threat that needs to be stopped. To think All for One could have noticed, it seems he watches the boy even more closely than we thought. What do you have to say for yourself? Did you hesitate because he’s a child? That’s unlike you.”
It was clear many were unsure about this method, but they were no strangers to recruiting children to the cause. This one was definitely quite a bit older compared to the agent when he became their agent. The problem is usually the parents of said children aren’t so attentive to their children. Especially since they would assume a monster like All for One would have no care for this child even if had any relation as he has shown his cruelty many times.
“As I informed you already I can’t recall what happened. Most likely if it was All for One then he has tampered with my memories,” Hawk points out as goes to tap his brain which they have been scanning and checking. As they were paranoid that he was brainwashed or had something implanted as All for One never lets anyone live. Which he suspects is only because of that boy not being a monster like his father, “If anything I’m sure it's only because of the boy that I’m alive. So there is still a chance to reason with him.”
It was a logical course to try and get the boy to come to them willingly. They can keep him protected, create lies and hide the boy's identity. It didn’t seem like they were convinced by this as they seemed to think letting him live was a warning. Rather than some kind gesture from the kid as they can’t imagine the man sparing a thought for others, even Hawk can admit it is a stretch. However…
“Considering the incident at UA that happened yesterday. It’s clear it won’t be as easy to get that meeting especially with the Sport festival,” the president sighs. She was clearly annoyed as it meant the boy was going to be known to most of Japan after that. Not caring about Hawk condition nor about the reasoning just that they failed before that event. “Instead of catching him before everyone sees it seems we are going to have to work within the system.”
Hawk can already guess what was going to happen. It hung in the air as it meant there wouldn’t be any chatting. “Has UA still denied us a chance to talk to him face to face?” Hawk questioned only to earn a glare from the president.
“Unfortunately, it seems they suspect something also and are being evasive to our inquiries. So unless we want to cause an incident we will have to go through a different plan. As we can’t have them knowing about All for One, especially with All Might there.” she notes as she leans back in her seat. They were trying to deal with this without the man getting involved as he would more interested in saving the boy. Which can lead to its own issues when he should focus on being their symbol.
“Remember, All Might is at the school teaching. We don’t need him knowing that one of the students is related to him and as he ages he needs a replacement,” the madam president muses. Her hand moving to pop up a screen showing the man’s record rescues but also the unsteadiness and decline. “It’s subtle, he’s still more than enough to keep everything down but it’s clear he’s getting up in years. If this boy is All for One’s son as well as has the same quirk, he could be a good replacement. And possibly a longer living one but we don’t need him inheriting some of that man's more reckless behavior.”
They show pictures of the boy running through the city clearly breaking the law only allowed to persist because they need him. This boy clearly lacked a lot of outside experience in the world being allowed to get away with it because of a few choice words. The Police have caught notice to him but are just as unaware as the public of his true origin, “He can be our greatest ally or our greatest threat and if he turns out to be the second option…”
Those words didn’t need to be said. They can’t suffer another one of that monster that hides in the underbelly of society. Just having one All for One is more than the world could handle being a parasite that drains others of society. Wishing to undercut everything people do just for his own selfish wishes, that boy can’t be allowed to become another one of him. Even if it means snuffing the life out of him before he can fully master his abilities and talent.
“Regardless, we can use the sports festival and the internships after. That will be on you even if he won't try to join your internship, try to entice someone close to the boy regardless of how he performs,” she informed as it was the only method since they don’t need All for One deciding to come out of hiding and make it personal. They had just gotten peace because of All might they aren’t interested in seeing how fragile it is when All for One is done playing house. As the threat was clear, if they tried to talk or force the meeting the man wouldn't hesitate to burn everything to the ground.
Hawk doesn’t say anything as knows the consequences of the boy turning out to be just as terrible of a villain as All for One. The history books have made it quite clear this man has caused all kinds of destruction. It was suppressed by All Might but with their symbol of peace being the only man around while his enemy seemed to have sired a successor. There were other concerns as well. As there was also suspicion on if that incident at USJ or assault on Hawk was also showing All for One was starting to be done playing.
Hawk isn’t about to let that man ruin this peace. He’s sure the boy will understand if they could talk to him without him trying to run to his father. As he’s seen how joyful and excited the boy genuinely seemed about being at UA. He just needs to understand if his father’s a villain it is probably best to cut him off for good and leave it all behind. This boy, if truly wants to be a hero, will denounce his father and come to them to learn the right ways to be a hero.
This is the only way… Hawk has to believe that.
___________________________________________________________
There was a chill up Izuku’s spine as he was walking towards Shoto’s house, unable to help but glance around. U was on a leash and harness they had many people looking over surprised to see him walking a rabbit. Izuku never really had a reason to use it before today as U seemed content at staying at home. But he can tell many were side-eyeing the large rabbit with curiosity, at the least if someone is trying to kidnap him they are the center of attention too.
Izuku still wonders about his near kidnapping, or well what seemed like it. As he didn’t know exactly what Hawk actually wanted from him. But the moment he began to resist and went to call home, that's when it got dangerous. Then again this was before he learned exactly who his father was, getting the feeling they didn’t want to alert All for One. Hence why got violent in the first place, with what he knows now he can understand why Hawk did it.
Izuku likely still wouldn’t agree to go with him as it was still shady but at least he can understand the fear.
Izuku looks at his text that he sent to Shoto, to make sure hadn’t changed his mind about him coming. It was only a blunt sure. No elaborating, no details if his family were there or anything really. Which isn’t surprising to some people but usually he added a bit more as a warning or heads up.
He got his answer when he arrived at the house to knock, and to his surprise Shoto was the one that answered.
“Oh! So none of your family is here today? I thought for a second you finally convinced Endeavor to stop being an ass,” Izuku questioned as glances inside. All he ever knew was that Endeavor was an abusive bastard that isolated Shoto. So he was surprised to see him just walking around the house as he admitted still stayed isolated. Shoto frowned at the questioning unsure of how to respond and Izuku knew that he didn’t want to talk about it.
Izuku knew he might have been a bit too crude, maybe his mood about his father abandoning him alone has soured him a bit. Izuku gives a sheepish smile, guessing maybe not at this moment. Still it was a subtle nudge that Shoto should try to step up to his father instead of passive aggressive spite. As Shoto still tries to rely more on his ice then fire even when he is supposed to be more comfortable with himself.
Izuku knows this isn’t his boundary to overstep; it wouldn't stop him from prodding knowing the other trusts him.
“Sorry, you know you're my best friend so I just worry,” Izuku picks his words more carefully as they move to what he assumes is the living room after removing his shoes. It seemed Shoto had taken advantage of the fact no one was home and Izuku unhooks the leash from the harness. “Behave U you’re a guest.”
The rabbit just moves his paws to clean his face, seeming unbothered by being in a new environment. Moving onto the Tatami Shoto sits down crossed legged but Izuku decided this once to sit a bit closer than normal. Waking up to an empty home as well as how yesterday had basically given him an emotional beating he needed some physical company. He barely noticed the way his best friend tensed at their knees touching.
“My dad basically ditched me today after our spat,” Izuku admitted. Watching Shoto’s eyes widen in shock since always complained about how his father is always all over him. Never letting him breath nor having any kind of independence or space. So this was likely very out of character for the man that seemed to constantly be a helicopter parent.
“Ditched you? The man that basically watches you 24/7 and is an evil mastermind at making you cooperate just left you alone to your own devices?” Shoto questioned. As if wanting to make sure he heard correctly and was assessing if it made sense. At the least it seemed as if his best friend really does listen to him, “What happened yesterday?”
Izuku took a sharp breath. Knowing he used to just vent everything about his dad to Shoto but this felt different. As always talked about how his father doted on him to the point of suffocation never respecting his independence. Dressing him up, hovering, and carefully planning all his extra tutoring and training. What happened yesterday seemed to fly in the face of all of that as in the end the man just walked away. As it basically contradicts everything Izuku had thought was their relationship prior.
“Well… He apparently knows that I know he’s a villain,” Izuku whispered as if afraid that someone else might hear. His eyes glanced around the room making sure there were no eavesdroppers, he won’t make that mistake again. After being sure that the coast was clear he continued, “And um… Let's just say he was pissed. Like I didn’t even recognize him for a moment. It was as if he was taller, bigger, and more terrifying. His eyes were different as well like they weren’t truly seeing me they were clouded.”
It was getting much harder to talk about what he experienced last night as it became more real. That there had been a moment that his father might have actually resented his existence, that he almost died because of this man. His mouth felt dry as Shoto watched him just listening to his every word. He was someone that lived stoically as it was the only way to survive under a man who beat any weakness out of him, compared to Izuku who was given everything but freedom. Izuku was allowed to cry, be meek and helpless because maybe that is the only way his father could tolerate him.
“I… I woke up today and he was gone. He left a note and I was alone,” he whispered then his vision blurred. It was becoming hard to breathe as he looked at his best friend, “But I wasn’t happy to be alone. I always complained and resented how he’s always hovering but the moment he isn’t I am crying. I missed him even though he’s such a terrible and horrible person. Shouchan is there something wrong with me? Is it bad that despite knowing that he’s a bad person I still wanted my dad to be there?”
Izuku can see his best friend’s eyes widened at his tears. The original tension of the other had melted away as he shakes his head.
“Even when they are bad people we still wish for our dads attention to truly see us even when we hate them. It isn’t bad at all,” Shoto spoke and it felt like it was from experience. And in that moment Izuku realized the line between love and hate truly is thin. Guessing in the end their feelings about their father really weren’t that different after all. And he laughs within his tears as he lays his head against the other's shoulder.
He no longer feels as alone anymore.
____________________________________________________________________________
After crying it out they just spent time together talking and enjoying themselves. Izuku had gone home expecting to see his father for dinner but food had apparently been made but his dad turned in for the day. Once again avoiding him much to Izuku’s frustration but he was too exhausted and just thankful that he spent the day with his friend. As well as the fact he still had U to keep him company as he went to bed for the night.
The next day at school, he had to bring U since apparently Principal Nezu said doesn’t trust him out of sight. Though as soon as he entered the class room his rabbit was somehow growling at Bakugou. The blond who apparently recovered from his injuries looked at the rabbit with caution. Not instantly recognizing it as the same monster that attacked him thankfully but clearly not friendly. The rest of the class didn’t seem to know how to react since the rabbit was quite an oddity.
Izuku made sure to hold the leash a bit shorter since it felt like U was moments from attacking the blond as they went to their seat. Moving his leg to push U back and away from Bakugou’s seat before the rabbit sneaks in a bit too close. He is pretty sure he would get in trouble if his rabbit did decide he was going to go for the Achilles heel.
“Behave yourself U,” he whispered as the rabbit fluffed up with rage somehow bigger than his already big size. Wondering where was this rage with his father but guessed it might be because of the things he had told U about Bakugou. He probably shouldn’t have recounted all the petty and childish things to U like that.
“Keep that rabbit away from me,” Bakugou finally hissed as he clearly noticed the thing trying to get closer. “I swear if that freakin thing bites me.”
“It’s just a rabbit Kacchan,” Izuku protested despite knowing it was anything but a normal rabbit. Before Aizawa finally came into the room. The man noticed the rabbit but likely was informed by the principal as to why the rabbit was here in class. So possibly also knew it was not a normal one either but he looked away.
“After all that chaos, it was decided that we will still be holding the Sports Festival,” Aizawa spoke and the class erupted with surprise. A completely mundane and normal event that every school has was not expected after the last ordeal. Izuku’s eyes widened as realized what exactly that meant as even his father watched the UA sports festival. This was the time to truly show everyone what he was capable of as he shook excitedly.
Unfortunately, he loosened the leash in his excitement and U took that chance to bite at Bakugou’s leg. The blond’s eyes widened in pain as he shot up, nearly blasting the table trying to hit the rabbit. U didn’t even flinch, having a vice grip with his teeth on Bakugou’s leg.
“YOU MOTHER f*ckING-”
“Midoriya! Control your rabbit, you problem child!”
“S-Sorry!” Izuku shouted as he now had to pry U away from Bakugou’s leg. Wondering how he is supposed to show off his worth if his rabbit keeps trying to maul Bakugou to death!
