Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“A babysitter, huh?”

“Please! I know it’s short notice, but until I can start making money with this new job I can’t hire a real one!”

Inko Midoriya was in a real bind, that much Toshinori knew. She was a good, hard working woman and had been his friend for years. When Inko’s husband left her and their son Izuku, Toshinori promised he would help her whenever he could. She ended up being the reason he decided to move to this part of the city. Even if it wasn’t the ideal area where he would have liked to have bought his first house.

“Relax, Inko, it’s no trouble.” Toshinori said with a small laugh.

“Really?!” Inko said with relief. “You sure aren’t too busy?”

“I have a chapter to finish but I’m stuck anyway.” Toshinori said with a shrug. “I could use a little break.”

“Oh, thank you so much, Toshi!”

Toshinori smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s no problem, really.”

Peering out from behind his mother’s leg was a small boy with dark messy hair. He peered out at the man that to him, was a giant. Noticing little Izuku, Toshinori squatted down so that he could be more on the kid’s level. He offered a playful grin and a wave.

“Hey there, Izuku!” Toshinori greeted in a playful tone. “I’m uncle Toshi, it’s nice to meet you!”

Izuku was gently nudged forward by Inko. Toshinori could see the remembrance between mother and son instantly. They shared the same eyes and hair, though Izuku’s was a floofy mess. Toshinori noted the freckles, as he could recall, Hisashi, Inko’s ex-husband, had them too.

Regardless, he was absolutely charmed by the kid, Izuku was adorable. It was likely that was what Inko was counting on. It was never a secret that Toshinori was fond of kids, he was looking forward to being a father one day. It was a mystery to many why he hadn’t attempted to start a family yet. He was a handsome and strong young man, it wouldn’t be too hard for him to find a significant other. But according to Toshinori it wasn’t the right time just yet. His writing career was only starting to take off so he was uncertain about stability. Buying his first house was a good first step. Perhaps playing the role of babysitter would be a good second step. After all, he would need to build up such skills if he was going to be a good father.

“Ah, Toshi, I’m going to have to run to work.” Inko said after she had realized the time. “Can you do me a small favor?”

Toshinori looked up at her with a curious blink and a raised eyebrow. “Uh, sure? What is it?”

Inko gave a nervous laugh. “You’re going to have to hold onto him.”

“Say what?” Toshinori replied flatly. He quirked an eyebrow at the request.

Instead of explaining further, Inko began to walk away. Izuku spun around and saw her starting to leave and immediately tried to chase her. He didn’t get far, Toshinori grabbed and scooped him up into his strong arms. Izuku then went into full panic mode.

Inko cringed as she heard her son scream and yell. She looked over her shoulder and called out an apology to them both. Izuku was thrashing about in Toshinori’s arms. He screamed, hit him and yanked the poor man’s hair. Toshinori seemed to be taking it like a champ, after all he couldn’t blame the kid too much. After his father leaving them Izuku was likely afraid of losing his mother too.

Toshinori huffed out a sigh and carried the boy into his house. It was going to be a tough first babysitting job.

The first couple of hours together hadn’t been all that great for either of them. Izuku kept hiding from Toshinori and even tried to escape the house. The scary thing was that the kid almost succeeded once or twice. If it was one thing, you had to give Izuku a lot credit, he was a startlingly smart four year old.

Toshinori gave a tired sigh as he waited for Izuku to come out from his latest hiding place. He would have assumed the kid had somehow escaped had it not been the broom closet. Toshinori’s brow furrowed together as he tried to think of a way to get the kid out of there. The easiest way would have been to just open the door and grab him. But he kept that option off the table for the time being, he wasn’t willing to give the kid another scare.

No, he had to be a little more clever than that. That was when Toshinori’s stomach gave a loud growl. He blinked as he realized just how hungry he was. It then donned on him that if a grown man was hungry then Izuku certainly needed something to eat too. Toshinori snapped his fingers as the idea hit him. He walked away from the broom closet to make sure the windows, and the front and back doors were locked. When he felt confident Izuku couldn’t possibly escape he made his way to the kitchen.

Izuku cautiously opened the broom closet door and peaked outside. He when he didn’t see Toshinori standing there he stepped out from the closet. Izuku would have headed for the front door immediately if his ears didn’t pick up on familiar sounds. He sniffed at the air, something smelled good and it made his tummy growl. Izuku plodded along toward the kitchen. He peered into the room and caught the sight of his babysitter working at the stove.

Toshinori wasn’t sure what Izuku liked, he would have to ask Inko when she returned from work. Until then he would go with something simple that he was certain tasted pretty good. As Toshinori turned to go to the refrigerator to get some milk, he suddenly paused.

Sitting at the table and waiting patiently was little Izuku. Toshinori snorted and then broke out into a laugh. The kid jumped a little at the sudden noise but soon calmed again.

“Hey Izuku, ever had beef stroganoff before?” Toshinori asked. When Izuku shook his head ‘no’ his smile widened into a grin. “Then you’re in for a real treat!”

It didn’t take too long for Toshinori to finish cooking the meal. After dishing some out for the both of them he found himself watching for Izuku’s reaction. The boy poked curiously at the food as if not sure what to made of it. But hunger seemed to win out in the end as he took a spoonful and cautiously tried it.

“Is it good?” Toshinori asked, a little worried.

Izuku looked at him as he chewed, much less afraid. He finally swallowed the food and smiled back at him. “Yeah!”

Toshinori smiled and reached out to gently ruffle the boy’s hair. “That’s good, eat up, alright?”

Izuku was startled by the man’s hand on his head and moved away from it. Toshinori cringed slightly and pulled his hand back. He obviously must have crossed a boundary that he shouldn’t have. He half expected the kid to run off and hide again but instead he went back to eating.

Toshinori made a mental note to avoid ruffling Izuku’s hair. It was a little disappointing but he had to respect the kid’s boundaries.

“We could watch some movies when we’re done eating.” Toshinori suggested.

It then donned on him that might not have been the best idea. Being a movie lover, Toshinori had a good sized collection of films. But he wasn’t sure if he had much that was appropriate for a four year old. He had to think it over for a moment but was then hit by an idea.

“Hey, Izuku, do you like superheroes?”

Izuku canted his head to the side when he heard the question. “Kacchan and some of his friends do.”

“But do you like superheroes? Have you ever seen a superhero movie?”

Izuku frowned as he thought the question over, he finally shook his head 'no’.

“Alright, I guess we’ll get to see your first one together then!” Toshinori said with a smile. He almost reached out to ruffle the boy’s hair but stopped himself. “Right! So let’s finish up dinner.”

Toshinori always had a soft spot for superhero films, he had quite a few in his movie collection. To start Izuku off easy he picked out 'Superman’ that starred Christopher Reeve. It was fairly lighthearted and seemed like a safer bet.

At first, Toshinori was worried that the beginning of the film might have been too boring for Izuku. But to his surprise, the kid’s eyes were glued to the screen. He also began to ask questions which allowed Toshinori to show off his nerd knowledge. It was a relief that Izuku lowered his guard enough so that they could talk. He was so quiet during time together that Toshinori suspected the kid didn’t like him.

“WOW!” Izuku gasped as he saw young Clark racing a train. He then turned to Toshinori and pointed to the screen. “That’s so cool!”

The look of excitement on Izuku’s face made Toshinori smile. He was enjoying the kid’s reactions more then the movie itself.

They got to watch the first and second Superman movies before Izuku finally fell asleep. He was using Toshinori as an oversized pillow, snoring and clinging to the man’s shirt. Toshinori inattentively reached up and gently ruffled the boy’s hair. He froze when he realized what he was doing and moved his hand away. He wondered why Izuku was so reluctant to accept such a simple affectionate gesture.

Then a thought hit Toshinori, perhaps it was something Izuku’s father would do. It might not have been that he didn’t like it but that it was reserved only for his father.

Toshinori gave a tired sigh, his thoughts were interrupted when he phone buzzed. He picked it up and saw that he had just gotten a text from Inko. She would be coming to pick up Izuku very soon and asked if he behaved. While omitting some details Toshinori texted back to her that Izuku behaved perfectly. After sending that text, he hesitated before starting to type more.

“I wouldn’t mind being Izuku’s babysitter again.”

-End of Ficlet Chapter1-

Chapter Text

Toshinori relaxed on the couch in his office as he scribbled away in his notebook. It wasn’t much of an office as it was a room he set up for his computer, books and comics. His ‘office’ was decorated with posters of various places he wanted to see, movies, and superheroes. It wasn’t a room he’d often let guests in. It wasn’t 'professional’ and probably not the kind of workspace one would expect of a writer.

It didn’t matter, this was his personal space. Toshinori surrounded himself with things that inspired him. Besides, there was at least one guest that seemed to enjoy it as much as he did.

“Uncle Toshi, who is that?” Izuku asked. He pointed to one of the posters in Toshinori’s office. It depicted a muscular man in a red and gold superhero costume.  There was a lightening bolt on his chest and a flowing white and gold cape. Next to the hero was a young boy with a red and yellow shirt and jeans.

It was the fourth time that Inko requested Toshinori to babysit Izuku. It was steadily building into a regular routine. Toshinori didn’t mind it of course, he was the one that offered to do it in the first place. It helped that Izuku had become more comfortable around him. The kid was terribly shy, so suddenly leaving him with a new babysitter felt a little unfair. Plus, the fact that Toshinori did it for free was a big relief.

“That guy is one of my favorites, he’s called 'Captain Marvel’.” Toshinori explained.

Izuku smiled and then looked back at the poster, he then pointed at the boy next to the hero. “Who’s that?”

“That’s also Captain Marvel, that’s his true identity, Billy Batson.”

Izuku looked at Toshinori with a frown and canted his head to the side. He looked back at the poster, looked at Billy and then at Captain Marvel. “He turns into a kid?”

“Uh, not exactly.” Toshinori laughed. “Billy turns into Captain Marvel. All he has to do is call out the magic word, 'shazam’.”

“But why isn’t he Marvel all the time?” Izuku asked. He frowned as he tried to process the information.

“Because heroes need breaks too, they can’t be super all the time. It’s a dangerous job and probably tires them out.” Toshinori explained.

“Heroes get tired?”

“Yep, they’re super but they’re still people.” Toshinori said with a smile. He found it funny how conversation was slowly becoming more deep. He had spent his fair share of time debating superheroes and comics among friends and on the internet. It was an interesting challenge trying to simplify it for Izuku. “If Clark Kent was Superman all the time he couldn’t spend time with his family or friends. It’d be too dangerous. Billy can’t be Captain Marvel all the time because he can’t go back to school or play with his friends. He’d look too old even if he really is a kid.”

Izuku’s brow furrowed and he looked up at the poster again. Toshinori gave a small smile, he figured it’d be a little too much for a little kid to take in. The four year old’s attention left the poster quickly enough. Instead he became much more interested in what his 'uncle’ was drawing. He walked over and climbed up on the couch next to Toshinori.

“Uncle Toshi, what are you drawing?” Izuku asked as he tried to peek at the notebook. He could see various drawings and doodles, many were crossed out.

Toshinori gave a short sigh. “A new character but he seems to not want to be made.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, for some reason it’s hard to figure out what he would be like.” Toshinori frowned as he scribbled over another failed idea. “He’s supposed to be a hero, instead he’s just annoying me right now…”

He slumped back against the couch and tossed his notebook aside. Izuku crawled across Toshinori’s lap and picked it up. Despite all the scribbles he could still make out some of the drawings. One doodle that was scribbled over looked like it had rabbit ears.

“Bunny man!” Izuku laughed.

Toshinori gave a confused blink and looked at his notebook. “Bunny? Where?“

Izuku pointed at the drawing, it was a man drawn to look like a classic superhero. It was just a doodle Toshinori played with but it felt like something was missing. Looking at it again, he could see that his scribbling accidentally gave the character bunny ear like antennas. It gave an odd charm to the exaggerated design.

Izuku pointed at the 'bunny hero’ and smiled. “I like him!”

“Yeah?” Toshinori gently plucked his notebook from the boy’s hands and began a new sketch.

Izuku made himself comfortable next to his Uncle Toshi. He watched him draw and his smile grew wider when he saw him add the 'rabbit ears’. The ears were actually part of the character’s hair. Toshinori smiled at how silly it looked but it just worked for this character. He was starting to get a feel for what kind of personality he would have.

Toshinori’s eyes were drawn to his poster of Captain Marvel and Billy Batson. A hero with two very different forms. It wasn’t the most original idea but it felt like it could be a lot fun to work with.

-End of Ficlet 2-

Chapter Text

Toshinori was no stranger to publishing parties, he had been to a few of them before. They were fun and it felt good celebrating another writer’s success. It just never occurred to him that he would have one thrown in his honor one day. Yet here he was, celebrating with his publisher and friends on the success of his own book. It just felt weird being the center of attention at one of these parties.

Toshinori’s latest work, ‘All Might: All for One and One For All’, ended up becoming a surprise hit. It wasn’t his first successful story, Toshinori had a few short stories that were well liked. But this was his first actual novel, something that he created on a whim. All inspired by a silly conversation he had with a four (now soon to be six) year old kid. It was a story that was meant to just be for fun and to express his love for the idea of heroes and justice. To him it was weird that something like that ended up being such a hit. If anything, it felt like a fluke of stupid luck.

Perhaps that was why being at the party didn’t quite feel right. It wasn’t that Toshinori didn’t appreciate the thought. It just felt like he didn’t really deserve it. It wasn’t like he wrote anything ground breaking or life changing.

With that thought in mind, Toshinori felt a little more uncomfortable. Honestly he just wanted to be somewhere else. He would be soon enough though. Toshinori didn’t plan on staying much longer, as he had other plans for the evening. But for the time being he was going to have to grin and bare it a little longer.

Luckily, there was someone there that made the party a bit more bearable. Toshinori’s face lit up when he saw a familiar face approach him with a wave. With a feeling of relief he grinned and waved back to him. “Naomasa, my man!”

“Hey, hey, Toshi! What’s with that look? Did you think I wouldn’t show up?”

Naomasa Tsukauchi had a simple look about him, but was still handsome all the same. One look at him and the word 'boyscout’ might come to mind. Though, the man did have his more impish side as well. Naomasa was a fellow writer that specialized in crime articles and stories. He was also Toshinori’s closest friend since the days they were both kids. Naomasa was always able to keep Toshinori grounded, even in his more passionate moments. Yet he still encouraged him to follow his talents for writing.

Naomasa reached up and teasingly pinched his friend’s cheek. He then spoke the obnoxious baby voice that some parents used on their young children. “To think our widdle Toshinori has graduated from short stories to his first novel!”

Toshinori jumped at the pinch and his eyebrow gave an annoyed twitch. He lightly batted the offending hand away. “Knock it off, Masa!”

“Aw come on, don’t be like that, I’m just joking around with my man.” Naomasa said as he gave his friend a firm pat on the back. His arm then moved to wrap around his friend and he gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “You look so awkward! Try to smile more, would ya? Your work was a hit!”

Toshinori rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little embarrassed. But he couldn’t hide the smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. With Naomasa there Toshinori was able to relax better. The two of them stuck by the others side as the party went on. Naomasa provided plenty of jokes and embarrassing stories at his friend’s expense. Toshinori was finally able to enjoy himself but still kept a close eye on the time.

This little detail wasn’t lost on Naomasa as he caught his friend looking at his watch for the twelfth time. “You got some plans for tonight?” a sly smile then spread across his face. “Are you going on a date?”

Toshinori looked at him, reached over and caressed his friend’s cheek. “You know I only have eyes for you, honey bear.”

They stood like that for a good five seconds. Toshinori’s hand still affectionately placed on his friend’s face. The two of them gazing lovingly into each others eyes. Finally Naomasa snorted and the both of them burst out into laughs.

It took a little while before they could calm down. Each time they looked at each other, one or the other would start laughing all over again.

After finally starting to calm down, Toshinori wiped a tear from his eye before he spoke. “But, in all seriousness, I’m going to have to call it a night early. I really do have to be somewhere and I don’t want to keep them waiting.”

Naomasa looked surprised and quirked an eyebrow. A genuine smile spread across his face as he spoke. “Oh, ho, ho! So it is a date! Congrats Toshi! You’re finally getting over your shyness! You’ll be a family man in no time!”

Toshinori rolled his eyes, he was used to his friend’s teasing. Despite being dubbed 'an adorable blond with an unstoppable body’ by Naomasa (when they were both drunk), his love life was nonexistent. Dating had never been high on the priority list for Toshinori. He just was never in a hurry to be in a relationship. The irony of it all was that he really wanted to be a father one day. And as his friends would often joke, you needed two totango.

Toshinori had thought about dating but had plenty of excuses lined up on why he wasn’t. The most that he had done was constantly joke with Naomasa about being boyfriends. They had become so good at it that most people thought they really were in a romantic relationship. They would playfully flirt and had no qualms with touching or holding each other. But best part was the names. They would call each other the most obnoxious nicknames in public and among friends.

Though nowadays, Naomasa would often remind Toshinori that he had to start dating if he ever wanted to start a family.

“It’s not a da-”

“You should hurry along then!” Naomasa said as he plucked Toshinori’s drink out of his hand and downed it in one gulp. “No more drinking! Are you sure you’re good to drive? Maybe we should call you a cab.”

Toshinori gave a short sigh, words were useless now. Naomasa had gone into full 'mother hen mode’. He was obviously a little tipsy by that point. Naomasa fumbled a little as he tried to fix the collar of Toshinori’s shirt.

There was no point in trying to correct it now. Perhaps later Toshinori could just say it didn’t work out. Though, lying never felt good. No, he would just tell Naomasa the truth later. Preferably when they were both sober.

After a lot of reassuring Naomasa that he was good to drive, Toshinori was finally able to leave.

~o~o~o~

The sound of arcade games and the laughter of children filled the air. As did the smell of cheap pizza, plastic and the light whiff of cheap beer. After such a nice little celebratory party, a showbiz pizza place was a drastic change of scenery. Still, seeing the wide eyed look of glee on Izuku’s face when they arrived made it all worth it.

“You really didn’t have to do this, Toshi.” Inko said with a wary smile. “But I want to thank you, Izuku has always wanted to come to this place.”

Toshinori sat with Inko at their own little table as they watched Izuku play in the play place. The boy waved at them from one of the tubes that had windows.

“It’s not a problem, I wanted to treat the kid to something nice.” Toshinori said as he smiled at Inko. “Plus, I won’t lie, I was glad to duck out of the party early.”

Inko looked a little more relieved at hearing that, though Toshinori could still see faint signs of guilt.

Inko then spoke up. “So, I guess you’re going to be a big author now, huh?”

“No, probably not, one hit doesn’t mean anything like that. I just got lucky this time.” Toshinori said with a shrug.

“But to think, it was that 'All Might’ Izuku kept telling me about.” Inko said. “I thought it was a movie or a TV show.”

“Ah, I was reading some of my rough drafts to him.” Toshinori explained. He rubbed the back of his neck as he suddenly felt a little embarrassed. He remembered how he’d act out some of the scenes and All Might’s dialogue. Izuku was more than happy to listen to the story and would gladly play along with him.

“Oh wow, I was worried that all of that babysitting was being distracting. Since I’m making more money now I was starting to look for a new babysitter.”

Toshinori looked a little surprised and then gave a smile. Without thinking placed his hand on top of Inko’s. “It’s no trouble at all, if anything Izuku’s become my little writing buddy.”

Inko smiled, looking a little relieved. She looked over at the play place and spotted Izuku hurrying over to them.

“Mom! Mom! Kacchan’s here!” he said happily as he came to a stop and started hopping in place. “He was surprised that I’m here!”

“O-Oh, that’s…nice…?” Inko tried not to sound too worried.

She remembered 'Kacchan’, or rather, 'Katsuki Bakugao’, from their old neighborhood before the divorce. If she remembered right, Katsuki had always picked on her son. It getting even worse after her husband had left. Even if Izuku didn’t seem to mind it in the least, it worried Inko.

The worry in his mother’s voice was completely lost on Izuku. “Yeah! He said 'what areyou doing here, Deku? Isn’t your mom poor?'” Izuku’s impression of Katsuki was eerily accurate. “But I told him you got a new job and that Uncle Toshi is here!”

Toshinori’s brow furrowed as he spoke up. “Was he that spiky haired kid that shoved you into the ball pit?”

He left out the detail of said brat then proceeding to belly flop onto Izuku afterward. When he saw it happen Toshinori almost got up from his seat to go over and scold 'Kaachan’. With effort he stopped himself, he wasn’t a parent, he would certainly mess things up somehow. The last thing Toshinori wanted to do was to stir up trouble for Inko and Izuku with some brat’s parents.

“Yeah! He’s my best friend!” Izuku said excitedly.

Toshinori quirked an eyebrow at that statement and looked at Inko questioningly. All the mother could do was offer a wary smile and a shrug.

“Uh, how about you sit with us for a bit?” Toshinori suggested. “I got a gift for you.”

Izuku looked up at him surprised, then his face lit up with a smile. He couldn’t help but wonder if his Mom and Uncle Toshi thought it was his birthday. He climbed onto his chair and watched as his 'uncle’ placed a book on the table.

“I know you’re a little young, but I wanted you to have this.” Toshinori said as he showed the boy the cover.

Izuku blinked and stared at the book for a moment. Then a look of recognition dawned on his face and turned into an excited smile. He gasped and cried out: “It’s All Might!”

“That’s right, he’s in a book now.” Toshinori said as he pointed to the cover’s picture.

“Cool! Thank you! Thank you!” Izuku said as he took the book from him. He looked at the cover of the book and ran his little fingers over the picture. He then looked up at his 'uncle’ and asked: “Can we read it when I go to your house?”

Toshinori smiled, as a feeling of warmth welled up inside of him. Seeing Izuku so happy over his silly book made him feel a little proud. Not of just himself but the kid too. If Izuku hadn’t been there to listen to his nonsense and over the top ideas, he might have dropped the project all together.

“Of course we can.” Toshinori then reached out and gently ruffled Izuku’s hair.

He was surprised when the child suddenly slapped his hand away. It took a moment before Toshinori realized his mistake and pulled his hand back.

“Izuku! What’s gotten into you?” Inko said, her voice full of concern.

“Ah, sorry that was my fault. He doesn’t like it when I do that.” Toshinori rubbed the back of his neck. He then met Inko’s gaze. “I’m thinking that’s something that only a certain someone is allowed to do.”

It didn’t take long for Inko pick up on what Toshinori meant. She pursed her lips and gave a short nod. For a long moment there was an awkward silence at their table. Izuku hugged the book to his chest. He could feel the tension around them and began to rock slightly in his seat. Were Uncle Toshi and his Mom going to start arguing?

It was his fault. It had to be, he did something wrong and now Uncle Toshi was going to leave.   Izuku’s eyes ached as they began to fill with tears. He sniffled but tried to resist the urge to cry with every fiber of his being. His little body shook as he could feel his tears start to leak free and run down his face.

Izuku jumped when he felt a large hand gently rest itself on his back. He looked up only to be met by the concerned looks of his mom and 'uncle’. That shared look of worry was enough to make Izuku give in and cry.

Toshinori moved his hand up and down in an attempt to help calm the boy. “Whoa, buddy, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Izuku…?” Inko also reached out to her son and placed a hand on his back.

“Please don’t fight…” Izuku whimpered. He tried to wipe his tears away but more came. In frustration with himself he huffed out a sob. “I’m sorry!”

Inko was the first to realize what her son was so scared of. Without hesitation she moved closer and pulled him into a hug.

“No, no, sweetheart, we’re not fighting.” she said as soothingly as she could. “Shh, it’s not your fault.”

Upon hearing those words Toshinori could feel guilt bubbling up inside of him. He had made a horrible mistake. Who would have thought a simple pat on the head could cause such a mess?

Toshinori then noticed that Inko was looking at him and tensed slightly. To his relief it wasn’t a glare or a look of anger. Instead, she motioned for him to say something to help calm the boy. When Toshinori opened his mouth to speak, he found that his voice wouldn’t cooperate.

He tried once more, this time forcing out the first thing he could think of. “Wow, you really are the Little Prince of Nonsense, aren’t ya?”

Izuku looked up at Toshinori at the use of the nickname. It had been given to him during one of their talks about All Might. While he didn’t know what the word 'nonsense’ meant, at the time he decided he didn’t like it. But the more Toshinori used the nickname, the more it grew on him.

“I’m sorry that you got scared but trust me, I’m not going anywhere. I care about you and your mom very much.” Toshinori had to restrain the urge to ruffle Izuku’s hair again. “That’s a promise, alright?”

Izuku sniffled and wiped his eyes with one hand as he clutched his book tighter with the other. He couldn’t completely stop his crying but he had calmed down quite a bit. Toshinori hoped with everything he had that they were tears of relief. Seeing Izuku that upset hurt in ways he couldn’t fully explain.

This kid was not his son, they weren’t related in anyway. Toshinori was just his babysitter, as a favor to an old friend. They had their share of bumps as they got used to becoming a regular part of each others lives. Toshinori had make a lot of adjustments and do some growing up of his own. But it was worth it, he got to see Izuku grow and open up bit by bit. The kid was even able to inspire him. He made Toshinori get his ass in gear and finish what he thought was a ridiculous project.

They were not bound by blood. He was not this kid’s father. Despite these facts, Toshinori loved Izuku, they were family.

This realization hit Toshinori like a truck. It made everything he was feeling in that moment clear. He looked at Inko, his eyes full of uncertainty. He was met with a smile and a look of silent agreement. She let Izuku go and turned him around. With a small nudge he walked towards Toshinori. Izuku, still crying, gave him a one armed hug. He refused to let his book go, it was special, it was his treasure.

“I love you, Uncle Toshi…” Izuku sniffled.

“Ah, heh…” The words hit Toshinori like a punch, with a blink he found the start of tears in his own eyes. Once again he found that his voice had abandoned him. The words he wanted to say were on the tip of his tongue but he didn’t dare say them.

He was happy but also terrified at the same time. Toshinori looked at Inko as a wave of nervousness crashed upon him. He felt like he was trespassing into their family. But to his surprise Inko was still smiling fondly at them. Seeing that, Toshinori finally found courage and his voice.

“I love you too, Izuku.”

-End of Chapter-

Chapter Text

The idea of comic book conventions never appealed to Inko. She couldn't imagine being such a big fan of anything. Though, she would admit the idea of dressing up in costumes did seem a fun. But getting your pictures taken or just being in such a crowed place was unnerving. Yet, there she was, sitting front row at a panel for author, Noris Quirk. Little Izuku was sitting right next to Noris at the panel table. He was dressed in a little hoody that looked like All Might's costume. Complete with what looked like two blond bunny ears on the hood.

'Noris Quirk' was Toshinori's pen name. 'Noris' being a few letters of his name mixed together and 'Quirk' being an English word he liked. He was warned that it sounded too western but to Inko it fit Toshinori perfectly. In her opinion, he certainly looked the part, given his mixed heritage.

“You got a question?” Toshinori asked as he pointed to one of the raised hands in the crowd.

The person he pointed to stood up from their seat. “Has the release date for the All Might movie been decided yet?”

“Not just yet, but we're aiming for the Summer.” Toshinori answered.

It was amazing to Inko just how fast Toshinori's career was taking off. Just the year before he released his first novel and now it was being adapted into film. It had been a busy year but he would still do his best to make time for their 'unconventional family'. He would still babysit Izuku but he'd also take him and Inko out on trips if their schedules allowed it. Toshinori's book tour offered a lot of opportunities. Like inviting Inko and Izuku to join him at the comic convention. She did have her suspicions that it was out of need of support instead of just a simple outing.

Not that Inko minded, she remembered how nervous Toshinori looked under his excitement. He was smiling as he told her about the event but his hands were shaking slightly. There was also a look of worry in his eyes, as though he was afraid he was asking for too much. To Inko it was obvious that he needed the moral support. The fact was, that everything had been moving so fast for Toshinori that he admitted it was borderline terrifying. There was a lot of pressure that came with the success of his book. She could see it was starting to put a lot of strain on him.

“Another question?” Toshinori asked, a charming smile spread across his face. People that knew him well enough would have picked up on the slight twitch of his eyebrow.

“Is that your son? He's so cute!”

That question made Toshinori drop his act. He blushed a little, his smile morphed into a look of surprise. Toshinori then looked over at Izuku, who looked back at him with a smile. It was infectious, the author smiled more genuinely now.

“Mini-Might!” Toshinori said with mock surprise. “Is there something you haven't told me?!”

Izuku looked up at Toshinori and gave a confused blink. He then frowned a little and looked thoughtful for a moment. Toshinori held the microphone closer to him so he could answer.

“Uh, I like rabbits?”

The crowd erupted into a mix of laughter and 'aww's'. Inko herself was laughing only to stop when she saw Izuku pull his hood down to hide his face. She watched as Toshinori reached out and patted the boy's back reassuringly. Inko could just barely make out what he was saying to Izuku.

“It's alright, you didn't do anything wrong.” He explained with the microphone held away. “That was really cute!”

Izuku lifted his hood to peek up at Toshinori, the pout on his face almost made the man laugh. Holding the microphone closer to himself, Toshinori spoke up.

“Ah, but in all seriousness, this is my nephew, he's a bit shy.”

“Does that mean that you're still on the market?!” cried out a familiar voice. It was immediately swallowed up by the crowd as they chattered excitedly.

Toshinori look out at the crowd and searched for the source of the voice. An impish grin spread across his face as he caught sight of Naomasa standing in the back of the room. “Oh come now, you of all people should know the answer to that one, sugar-tits!”

The collective cries of 'oooooh' rose up from the audience as they caught on to the implications pretty quick.

“I ship it!” one audience member called out.

The crowd and the people on the panel all broke out into a mix of laughter and applause. All the while Inko noticed that Toshinori seemed a bit more relaxed. His smile and laughter were more genuine and natural. It took a while for the audience and the panel to finally calm down, when they did they allowed for some final questions.

It had all been going so well until one audience member decided to point something out.

“Hey, Quirk! Your nephew looks like he's got a question!”

Toshinori looked to his side and could see Izuku's little hand raised in the air. He gave a blink, wondering how he could have missed it.

“What's up, Mini-Might? You got something to say?” he asked as he held the mic a little closer.

Izuku's eyes were locked with Toshinori's, his face was surprisingly serious for a six year old. “What's 'sugar tits'?”

All amusement left Toshinori's face in an instant. He didn't even notice the howl of laughter that roared around the room. He simply looked at Inko, who was looking back at him as she struggled to glare and not laugh herself. Toshinori mouthed a quiet: “I am so sorry...”

After the panel had wrapped up, Inko, Toshinori, and Izuku decided to explore the rest of the convention for a while. They were joined by Naomasa, who was a part of a panel himself earlier that day. Inko had to admit that the convention was starting to grow on her. While it was still a bit crowded for her tastes, it was fun. She had to laugh whenever Toshinori and Izuku shared amazed looks at some of the costumes.

Of course, when Inko saw the artist's alley section it was her turn to get excited. She instantly fell in love with the hand made plushies, clothing and other crafts. She hopped from booth to booth marveling at the wares and asking the artists about how they made them. Toshinori and Naomasa both watched as she looked like a kid in a candy store, dragging Izuku along for the ride.

“Hoo boy, looks like we officially lost Inko.” Toshinori said as he crossed his arms over his chest. “It's good that she found something she likes here. I was getting worried that she wasn't having much fun.”

“She likes arts and crafts, huh?” Naomasa asked with an amused look.

“Oh yeah, Inko's always been great at that kind of stuff!” Toshinori explained as a smile spread across his face. “She was the one that made Izuku's Mini Might hoody!”

Naomasa looked at Toshinori with a quirked brow and then at little Izuku and gave an impressed whistle. He had honestly thought the hoody was some sort of merchandise for the upcoming film. Looking back at Toshinori, Naomasa noticed a detail that he had somehow missed. His blond friend was watching Inko and Izuku with a look of affection.

“Inko seems to be pretty awesome. She's talented, cute, down to Earth and seems to be a nice person overall.”

Toshinori laughed. “Yeah, she really is.”

“She's motherly...” Naomasa added.

Toshinori blinked and gave Naomasa an odd look. “Uh, well, yeah, because she is a mom. It doesn't take a detective to figure that one out, Masa.”

Naomasa gave an exasperated sigh and clapped his hand to his face. He took a deep breath and then spoke. “But it seems you need one to tell you: You should date her, you dumbass.”

Toshinori froze, one could almost see the wheels in his head turning as they tried to process what his friend had just said. His face then steadily turned a nice shade of red. “Ah, th-that's not funny, Masa...” 

“It's not a joke, you two make a nice pair!” Naomasa insisted as he surprised Toshinori with a clap to the back. “She's out a husband, she's got a kid that needs a dad. He loves you already and, if you ask me, I think she likes you. It's too perfe-!”

“Izuku knows me as his uncle.” Toshinori interrupted, his tone firm. He locked eyes with Naomasa with a startlingly stern look. “It's a pretty big jump to suddenly step in and become his father. He probably wouldn't like that at all, he still loves his real dad.”

Naomasa could pick up on a slight tone of hurt in his friend's voice. He frowned slightly as he searched his friend for more details. One by one he picked up on the small signs. From Toshinori's posture and how he was standing, he was being defensive. Naomasa must have stomped on a land mind. Did that mean…?

“Wait, a minute, have you two already talked about this?” he asked, his eyes widened with surprise.

Toshinori looked away from him and rubbed the back of his neck. His cheeks were till tinged a light shade of red, even deeper. No detail went unnoticed by Naomasa.

“So you have, huh?”

Toshinori frowned, still not meeting Naomasa's gaze. Instead his eyes moved to look at the ground as he leaned a little away from his friend. “Yeah, we've talked about it on a couple of occasions.”

Naomasa canted his head slightly and gave a curious look. “And…? Come on Toshi, you have to give me more details than that.”

“I don't have to give you anything, it's our business.” Toshinori shot back. While he wasn't looking directly at his friend, he could feel the man's expectant gaze burning into him. Toshinori huffed out a short, annoyed sigh and continued. “We've talked about it...but neither of us are ready.”

“What?” Naomasa said with a blink.

“Well, after everything Inko went through I don't blame her.” Toshinori said with a shrug. “She really loved Hisashi and Izuku will probably only ever accept him as his father.”

“So, where does that put you then?” Naomasa asked, sounding a little concerned.

“Me?” Toshinori pointed at himself. One look at Naomasa made it obvious that he couldn't play dumb at this point. “I'm not sure what my own feelings are. Right now, I'm fine being Izuku's uncle. I mean, it's not perfect but I care about him and Inko. We ended up making a family between the three of us. I'm not a dad but I'm still happy that we're a part of each others' lives.”

“Toshi...” Naomasa didn't want to ruin Toshinori's happiness. But as his best friend he felt it was his duty to help him face the facts. “What if Inko falls in love with someone else? Did you ever think of that? Do you really think that you'd still be allowed to be so close to Inko or Izuku?”

Toshinori opened his mouth to say something, no sound left him so he closed it. The fact was that he hadn't considered that possibility at all. He could feel his face burn with embarrassment as he felt quite stupid. Toshinori jumped slightly when he felt Naomasa place a hand on his shoulder.

“Look Toshi, I'm not trying to be an asshole.” Naomasa explained. “As your best friend I'm being honest with you because I care.”

Toshinori lightly brushed off Naomasa's hand. “Yeah, I know.”

“Then stop looking at me like some kicked puppy!”

Without warning, Toshinori reached out and firmly prodded Naomasa in the chest. “You kicked me in the heart, you asshole!”

Before either of them could go into any further banter, they heard a voice call out to them.

“Uncle Toshi! Mr. Nao! Look what I got!” Izuku called out excitedly. He held up a giant, green plush rabbit that sported a huge grin.

“Holy crap!” Toshinori said with a surprised look. “That thing's almost as big as you!”

“Mom made a lot of friends!” Izuku added. Inko was hurrying to catch up to him, lightly scolding Izuku for running off.

Toshinori couldn't help but smile fondly at them, a little detail that didn't go unnoticed. It was easy to see that he was standing just in the doorway of of his goal. All Toshinori needed was a good, firm nudge. Naomasa leaned a little closer to his friend and whispered to him.

“Toshi, an opportunity is staring you right in the face. You should to take it while to still can.”

A short, half laugh escaped Toshinori. “You make it sound so dire! We have more than enough time to think it through.”

“If you say so.” Naomasa said as he shook his head. “Just don't come crying to me when you have to watch her walk down the aisle with someone else.”

“I'm sure I can rely on you to comfort me, lovey yummers.” Toshinori said playfully. He then gave his friend a firm smack on the rear that made the man jump.

“Oh, you know I will, my sweet little slutty buddy.” Naomasa said as he pinched Toshinori's ass in return.

They spent another hour at the convention. Inko had a collection of business cards, website and email addresses, and a couple of bags stuffed with cute things. Izuku was proud of his large stuffed rabbit, he gave it his own nickname (given to him by Kacchan), 'Deku'. When they were getting ready to head home it had gotten dark out. A distant rumble of thunder signaled that a storm was approaching.

-o-o-o-o-

There was something blaring, something loud and close by. Inko's eyes slowly fluttered open, her vision blurred in and out of focus. One eye couldn't fully open. It felt like there was something wet and sticky on the left side of her face. Inko tried to raise her arm to wipe whatever it was away when a jolt of pain shot through her arm. She sucked in a gasp as she felt the pain travel from her arm, through her shoulder and the side of her head.

The pain dragged her from her dazed state. Her breathing became erratic as she found herself staring at a shattered windshield. It was pierced through by a pipe that had speared through the car and into the passenger seat where her head would have been. Inko then realized that she was sitting in an awkward angle. She could feel something gripping her shoulder, as if someone had pulled her out of the way.

It dawned on Inko that the blaring noise that she'd been hearing was a car's horn. It didn't belong to their car but one right next to them. It was hard to hear anything else over it but she could have sworn that she could hear sirens in the distance. The full weight of the situation finally hit Inko. They had been in a car accident.

That's right, they were just passing through an intersection behind a truck carrying equipment. They were laughing about something that happened at the convention. The last thing Inko remembered before a bright light flooded the car was looking up at the rear view mirror and seeing Izuku smiling. Her eyes widened with horror.

“I-Izu...ku…?” She had finally found her voice, she sucked in a breath called out again. “Izuku!?”

“H-He's alright...” came a hoarse voice from the back seat. “That...that rabbit cushioned him...”

It was Naomasa, Inko remembered that he offered to sit in the back seat with Izuku. She sighed with relief when she heard Izuku crying, she never thought she'd be so glad to hear such a thing. Inko then caught the sound of Naomasa grunting and breathing heavily.

“A-are you okay?!”

“I-I got...” Naomasa took a deep breath before he forced the words out. “a p-pipe...in m-my ffffffffucking thigh!” His voice then broke out into a mix of a gasp and a sob.

Inko, forcing her way through the pain, was just able to turn enough to get a look at Naomasa. The back seat was stained in his blood, she could see the pipe jammed through his leg. But then her eyes began to follow it. She noticed that the pipe had speared itself through the seat in front of Naomasa and blood was already traveling down its sides.

She shouldn't look. Inko didn't even want to look but she needed to know. Slowly her head turned; her eyes followed the path of the pipe but stopped when she saw the hand on her shoulder. Toshinori was the one that pulled her out of the way of death. Following his arm, Inko's sight finally landed on the man himself.

Blood dripped from Toshinori's mouth, his head back was lulled back against the seat. Inko began to tremble as she could see that his eyes, so dull and lifeless, were locked on her. The second pipe had impaled Toshinori through his torso. With a shaking hand, Inko reached out to him. She could feel hot tears welling up in her eyes. She froze when she thought she had seen his body twitch.

“T-Tosh-shi…?”

With a loud gurgle blood pooled into the man's mouth and poured out. Inko shrieked.

-End of Chapter 4-

Chapter Text

Izuku decided that he didn't like hospitals much. He didn't like the smell or the fact that it was so white and gray. It reminded him of the dentist's office, which he really didn't like. Izuku started to worry that when Mr. Naomasa said that they were going to see Uncle Toshi, that it was a trick. At this thought he squeezed the man's hand that held his own.

“It's okay, Izuku.” Naomasa tried to sound reassuring. “We're almost there.”

It wasn't long before they stopped before one of the hospital room doors. Naomasa knelt down so he could be on Izuku's level. This surprised the boy, causing him to step back. Ever since the car accident, Izuku had become far more skittish. A hand on the boy's shoulder stopped him from going any further.

“Calm down, nothing bad's happening.” Naomasa said. His eyes were locked with Izuku's with a hint of worry in them. “I just need to tell you something before we go in to see Uncle Toshi.”

Izuku's only reply was a confused blink and a curious look.

“Uncle Toshi's still recovering so you're going to have to take it easy on him, alright?” Naomasa explained. His look of worry grew though he was trying to hide it. “He's...a little sick, so if he gets too tired we'll have to leave, alright?”

Izuku gave a look far too serious for a six year old and then a hesitant nod.

“Okay, let's go surprise him!” Naomasa said with a smile. He was thankful to see Izuku's face light up. With a bit of effort he got himself to stand up again. His leg was mostly healed, luckily the pipe that speared it missed the bone. But that didn't mean he got out of it completely unscathed. Naomasa bit his bottom lip and tensed when he felt pain shoot through his leg. He took a deep breath and released it before turning to face the door and walking in. “Hey there, Hubby-Hotep!”

Toshinori's laugh rang throughout the room, only to be interrupted by a loud, hacking cough. “H-hey there...yourself, Snookie.”

Naomasa's smile faltered a little but he kept it up. “Hey, guess what? Someone special is here to see you!”

Izuku peeked out from behind Naomasa. Toshinori looked like he was part mummy, he had bandages on different parts of his body. Izuku remembered his mother's arm cast and Naomasa using crutches for a while. He hadn't seen Uncle Toshi for that entire time, seeing him now, he was beginning to understand why. It looked like they had tried to tape him back together, like when one of his action figures broke. It was terrifying, Uncle Toshi was broken.

Toshinori's face lit up upon seeing Izuku, he struggled a bit to move himself so that he was seated at the edge of his bed.

“Whoa, whoa, slow down, you're going to hurt yourself!” Naomasa said, all humor gone.

“I'm fine, I'm being careful.”

“Sure, you are.” Naomasa said as he rolled his eyes. “But no way are you going to try walking around.”

Izuku was still half hidden behind Naomasa as the two had their little back and forth. His eyes were locked on his Uncle, he jumped when the man met his gaze.

“What's wrong, Izuku? Why do you look so scared?” Toshinori asked.

“Well, you are doing a good mummy impersonation, Toshi.” Naomasa said with a smirk. It faded when he saw that Toshinori didn't find it funny. He could see a look of worry on his friend's face as he looked at Izuku. With no warning, Naomasa sidestepped away from the child. “Come on, why don't you go say hi? You really wanted to see him, right?”

Izuku looked up at Naomasa and then at Uncle Toshi. He could see a look of sadness in the man's blue eyes, the smile he had did little to hide it. Izuku huffed out a breath that sounded like a half sob. Without warning he hurried over to the bed.

“Whoa kid, take it easy!” Naomasa said with surprise. But before he knew it Izuku was on the bed hugging Toshinori. He bit his bottom lip as he saw the pained look on his friend's face.

“Shh, it's okay Izuku...” Toshinori said as he winced. He sucked in a breath and bit down a curse. Izuku buried his face into him and began to cry. Toshinori hugged him back and rubbed his tiny back. “It's going to be alright, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.”

“I...I thought I was...n-never going to see you again…!” Izuku managed to say between sobs.

Toshinori breathed out a sigh, the pain that came with the sudden hugged throbbed but he would endure it. He looked up at Naomasa and asked: “How's Inko? I'd say I'm surprised she's not here but...”

“Yeah, I know. I think it'll be easier for her to see you when you're in better shape.” Naomasa said with a hint of hope. “Inko's arm is healing up good though. She's getting her cast removed next week.”

“Ah, that's good...” Toshinori said as he gave a weary smile.

When Izuku heard his mother's name he remembered how sad she looked whenever he asked to see Uncle Toshi. He understood why now, it hurt to see him like this. Izuku sat and was leaned against his Uncle. He was quiet as the adults talked, one of his tiny hands was clenched firmly in his uncle's hospital clothing. Izuku didn't want to let him go.

“Izuku?” Toshinori looked down at the boy, he could see how tense he was. Izuku was gripping his shirt so hard he was certain it would tear. Toshinori was about to place a hand on the kid's back to try to help calm him. He froze when he noticed something. “Izuku, you're shaking, are you alright?”

Izuku looked up at Uncle Toshi, he sniffled. His eyes overflowed with tears and his body shook with a whimpering sob. Izuku tried not to think about that night but bits and pieces would flash in his head. It mostly happened in his dreams. The bright light filling the car, his mother's screaming piercing his ears. The red that was dripping from Uncle Toshi's car seat and how still he was.

Toshinori looked up at Naomasa, his face full of panic. He motioned at Izuku and all he got was a sympathetic look from his friend. Toshinori frowned and mouthed a quiet: 'Gee, thanks.'

He turned his attention back to Izuku. “Hey, hey, hey, what's this? Why are you crying?”

Izuku hiccuped. “You're...You're brok-” Before he could finish he was enveloped into a one armed hug.

“I'm here, so it's alright now.” Toshinori tried to reassure him. An idea then hit him and a smile spread across his face. “After I get out of here how about we see the All Might movie for your birthday? You, your mom and me can all go as a family.”

Izuku looked up at him, his eyes still leaking tears. Toshinori was now gently rubbing his back, it felt nice and helped him relax a little.

“Would you like that, my boy?”

Izuku huffed out a sigh that had a hint of a sob mixed with it. “Y-yes...”

“Then it's a promise.”

-o-o-o-o-o-

Regardless of how Naomasa tried to reason with himself, one fact always ate away at him. Toshinori should never have been driving the car on the night of the accident. It was Naomasa's car, he should have been the one driving. Instead he had gotten himself drunk while they at the convention. If he didn't, he would have been good to drive. Toshinori wouldn't have been in the driver's seat and he wouldn't have nearly died. He certainly wouldn't look as sickly as he did now.

It was July and Toshinori was still in the hospital. He had lost quite a bit of weight and was beginning to look constantly tired. If Naomasa had to guess, it probably from the procedures. He visited Toshinori as often as he could and watched his friend's gradual decline. Naomasa did his best to be a good friend but it only made the guilt he felt even worse. He was starting to crack under the pressure but hid it all behind a smile. A bad habit that he had picked up from Toshinori over the years. But that mask was crumbling for the both of them. Naomasa could see it in Toshinori each time he visited. Bit by bit that smiling facade was chipped away along with his health. Naomasa wondered what Toshinori saw, could he see the pain he was in?

“So, the movie's still going pretty strong.” Naomasa said as he sported a grin. “All Might's even more than ever popular now. So at least you won't be in the poor house once they're done with you here.”

Toshinori offered a weary smile of his own. His eyes were focused on a small stuffed rabbit that he was holding. His eyes didn't have their usual light, they looked tired and disturbingly dull. Naomasa had gotten to see that light gradually fade away with each visit. It hurt to see Toshinori sit there, holding a stuffed toy for comfort. It looked like mere the act of being alive was painful on its own. It made Naomasa's mind delve towards the unthinkable. He began to wonder if it would have been better if Toshinori hadn't survived the crash at all.

The corner of Naomasa's mouth twitched and his smile finally faltered. What a disgusting thought. He was disgusting for thinking it. Naomasa swallowed the lump in his throat and forced himself to continue their conversation. “I take it Izuku and Inko came to see you?”

Toshinori gave a nod. “I missed his birthday...”

“It's not like you had any say in the matter.” Naomasa pointed out. “I mean, you had to have part of your stomach removed, didn't you?”

“Yeah, they thought it would stop me from puking up blood.” Toshinori explained. “Didn't do much though.”

“Seriously? So all of that was for nothing?”

“No, my stomach was going to have to go either way. It was a miracle that they could save as much of it as they did. Heh, no more eating contests for me...” Toshinori tried to make a small joke of it to lighten the mood. He finally looked up from the rabbit and could see that Naomasa looked a little disturbed. Humor wasn't going to make the topic any better. “Let's talk about something else. Did you like the movie? They gave me a DVD but I'm going to save it so I can watch it with Izuku.”

“Ah, I didn't get a chance to see it yet. I've had a lot on my plate with work.” Naomasa admitted as he rubbed the back of his neck. He was then quiet for a moment, hesitant to continue. “There's this really nice offer for some work abroad.”

At that, Toshinori looked surprised. It was the most emotion he had shown during Naomasa's visit. “Really? Where to?”

“California.”

At hearing that Toshinori's face lit up with a genuine smile. “You're going to the U.S.?”

“Yep, there's a crime series that has a Japanese detective as the lead role. They're looking for a consultant and writer.”

“Masa, that's great! You're going to love it there! I have friends in Cali if you need a hand adjusting or if you wanna see the sights.” Toshinori then chattered on about some of his own experiences in California. He had spent a portion of his life in America and it was no secret that he loved it there.

It brought a feeling of relief to see Toshinori looking a little more like his old self again. Naomasa smiled as he listened to an old story of how Toshi and his American friends almost got arrested. He didn't want to break this good mood but he had more to say.

“I'm going to be out there for quite a while.” Naomasa spoke up, interrupting his friend's story. “If this show manages to get off the ground then I'm looking at a long term job.”

Toshinori frowned at Naomasa's rudeness but he listened to what he had said. It took a moment before it finally clicked. Naomasa was leaving him, this was his way of telling him goodbye. Toshinori's frown faded and slowly grew into a look of hurt. He and Naomasa stared at each other in silence for a moment. Neither knew what to say to the other.

“I'm...I'm happy for you, you should go for it.” Toshinori finally said. He smiled at Naomasa as he continued. “It's a great opportunity, my man. You shouldn't pass it up.”

Naomasa stared at Toshinori in disbelief. He had expected anger and accusations of betrayal, things that he deserved. Not this, he didn't deserve forgiveness. Didn't Toshinori get it? He was leaving him because he couldn't take the guilt anymore. Naomasa searched his friend's eyes and could see the tell tale signs tears. Toshinori did understand and he accepted it.

“Ah, I forgot to tell you! They're going to be releasing me pretty soon.” Toshinori said, changing the subject.

“O-Oh! That's great, Toshi...” The sudden change of topic threw Naomasa off a little. He then paused for a moment before saying more. “I-I could postpone my trip for a bit. I mean, you'll probably need some help, won't y-”

“I'll be fine, you need to focus on yourself.” Toshinori said as he offered a tired smile. “When you get back I expect to hear some hilarious stories from you.”

There was a long pause between them. Naomasa's smile had faded but was still just barely there. Toshinori's blue eyes were locked with his, still no trace of anger in them. Naomasa blinked away the beginnings of tears and wiped one of his eyes. He gazed at Toshinori, taking in his details and memorizing them. While he wanted to keep the memory of his friend in better health, it'd be a disservice to not remember this part of him too. Toshinori, who knew that sometimes the best thing you could do for a friend was being able to say 'goodbye'.

“It's a promise.” Naomasa said. He then turned and started to walk towards the door.

“I love you, Masa.”

Naomasa froze just before he could step out into the hall. He could turn back, it wasn't too late. He could stay with Toshi and help him through this. This man was his closest friend, could he really just leave him behind like this?

Naomasa looked over his shoulder and saw Toshinori giving him a small wave.

“I love you too, Toshi.”

With that, Naomasa finally walked out of the room. His vision began to as tears flooded his eyes. He was taken by surprised when he choked out a sob. Naomasa sucked in a deep breath, released it, and forced himself to keep walking. At first each step was a struggle, his feet felt like they were made of cement. But the most disturbing part of it was that the further Naomasa got the easier taking those steps became.

-o-o-o-o-o-

To Izuku, Uncle Toshi was like a superhero. He couldn't fly but he was fun and had a smile like Superman. Uncle Toshi was also really tall, like a giant. There was a lot of him, Izuku was sure his uncle could wrestle a bear if he wanted to. One time he got to see Uncle Toshi lift over two hundred pounds in the weight room.

But he couldn't do any that anymore.

Izuku couldn't help but think that Uncle Toshi looked a little scary sometimes. He didn't lose his height, he was still a giant but he still seemed to have shrunk. There wasn't as much of him as there used to be, something Izuku realized whenever he hugged him. Uncle Toshi couldn't lift heavy things anymore, he couldn't even lift Izuku up like he used to.

Still, even if the hospital couldn't fix Uncle Toshi, Izuku was just happy he was back. He was home and maybe things could eventually go back to how they were. Izuku loved him very much whether he was broken or not.

Today was special, it was the first time that he got to see his Uncle Toshi outside of the hospital. It was to make up for missing Izuku's birthday. Uncle Toshi cooked up his favorite food and had bought him a slice of very tasty cake. He even got to open a couple of presents, one of them being the All Might movie. It was wonderful 'late-birthday', Izuku never expected it. It would have been perfect if his mom was there too but she had work that day. Still, things were going back to normal they would all do things together again, he was sure of it.

“Okay, Nonsense Prince, let's go watch the movie.” Toshinori said with a smile. It grew with seeing how excited Izuku looked. Seeing the boy wildly bounce up and down and cheering made Toshinori laugh hard. But he suddenly stopped and clamped a hand over his own mouth.

Izuku froze and looked at Uncle Toshi and blinked, he could see a pained look on his face. “A-are you okay?”

Toshinori gave a nod, squeezed his eyes shut and seemed to have swallowed something. He cringed and slowly removed his hand. He let it hover for a moment, as though worried what just happened would hit him again. A moment passed and he seemed to be fine, Toshinori sighed and gave a weary smile.

“Sorry about that, I guess I ate too much...”

That was a lie and Izuku knew it, Uncle Toshi didn't eat that much at all. Something else was wrong, he could feel it. But that worry soon melted away as Uncle Toshi made his way to the living room. He followed after him and watched as he got the movie ready. Izuku began bouncing in place again, he had wanted to see the All Might movie so badly. He didn't get a chance to see it when it was in theaters, Kacchan made sure to tell him all about it. But that didn't matter, he was going to see it now and with his uncle like he promised.

Toshinori walked over to the couch and plopped down on it. Izuku climbed onto it and snuggled up to him. He resisted the urge to laugh with everything he had, he didn't want to risk coughing up blood in front of the kid. As the movie started Izuku calmed down immediately, his focus was glued to the screen. If it was one thing that impressed Toshinori, it was how Izuku not only watched things, he studied them. Whether it was movies, people, or an object, he'd study the details and pick up on things quickly.

Izuku's face lit up when he saw All Might make his first appearance. He bounced off the couch and cheered the hero on. Toshinori smiled as he watched Izuku recite some of All Might's lines and copied some of his poses. But it was getting difficult for him to keep his eyes open. Toshinori's brow knitted together as he tried to focus but his vision started to blur.

Izuku didn't notice the light 'thud' as Toshinori fell limp on the couch behind him.

It was well into the movie and Izuku was seated cross legged on the floor in front of the TV. It was getting to their favorite part, one of their favorite scenes he and Uncle Toshi would act out. Izuku looked back to the couch as he pointed at the screen. His smile fell in an instant when he saw Uncle Toshi had fallen asleep on the couch.

Izuku frowned when he saw this. He got up from his spot on the floor and walked over to him. He had to wake Uncle Toshi up, it was their favorite part. Izuku reached out and gently shook him, it did nothing, so tried again. All the while, there was a feeling of fear that bubbled up from within.

“Uncle Toshi? You fell asleep, you're missing the movie!” Izuku said. His eyes scanned over his Uncle, he noticed how pale he had become and the beads of sweat on the man's brow. Izuku stopped shaking him when it was clear that Uncle Toshi wasn't going to wake up. He stood there, rooted to that spot as he stared at the man.

Izuku's vision flashed between being in the living room and back in the car on the night of the accident. He tried to force the images away but they refused to be ignored. Izuku squeezed his eyes shut and whimpered, he didn't want to think about that night. He didn't want to think about Uncle Toshi in the hospital or how he was slowly vanishing bit by bit. Somehow, Izuku got his legs to move again. He left the living room, teetering a little as the flashbacks that hit left him a little disoriented. He came to a stop when he finally reached the house phone. With his hands shaking, Izuku managed to grab the phone and began to dial.

He waited, his eyes staring off into space as he heard the phone ring once, twice, then…

“Toshi?” It was the voice of Izuku's mom. “I'm still at work, is everything okay?”

Izuku tried to speak but his voice wasn't cooperating. His own breaths were coming in short gasps as the full weight of the situation hit him. Izuku's eyes stung as he blinked away tears.

“Hello?” His mother spoke again, sounding more concerned.

“M-Mama...” Izuku finally forced out.

“I-Izuku…? Izuku, are you alright? What's wrong?”

There was another long pause but finally Izuku managed to speak: “Uncle Toshi's not waking up...”

“O-Oh my god…I-Izuku, um, let Uncle Toshi rest by himself for bit. Mommy's going to call for help. Just stay away from him for now, okay?”

Izuku didn't answer but when he hear his mom hang up the phone he set the phone on the table. It was one of the few times that he didn't listen to his mother. Izuku walked back to the living room and stood next to the couch. He could hear a little of the final battle of the movie but everything sounded so distant.

Izuku reached out and took hold of Uncle Toshinori's hand. He held it in his own for a moment, trying to feel for any signs of movement. A sob escaped him then more came like a dam had been broken and all his tears and fears ran free. Izuku took Toshinori's hand, placed it on his own head and held it there.

“I'm sorry...” he managed to whimper out. “I'm sorry...Please, don't leave…I'm sorry...”

-End of Chapter 5-

Chapter Text

7 years later 

Toshinori did not want to get up that day, his body felt stiff, sore, and all too heavy. One of his hands touched the large scar that bloomed across his left side like a macabre flower. It ached, meaning the weather wasn't going to be great that day. Perhaps he could just let himself fall back asleep and let the day pass him by. It sounded a lot better than going out to see his doctor for an appointment. Toshinori let his eyes slip closed and waited for sleep to claim him again.

Unfortunately, someone else had other plans.

'Hey, hey, hey! It's time to get up!' a voice rang out from the back of his mind. It was boisterous and heroic in tone. The kind of voice Toshinori had always imagined All Might would speak with. 'You already missed your appointment once. You can't just run away from it, Toshi.'

Toshinori frowned and tried to ignore it. He didn't want to listen even if he knew the voice was right. Toshinori grabbed his pillow and covered his own head with it, hoping to drown it out.

'Come now, you know that never works.'

Toshinori gave an annoyed groan. “I swear to god, I will kill you off in my next book!”

'If that's what will get you writing again then I'll accept it.'

Toshinori sighed and forced himself to sit up. His muscles ached and his bones clicked and popped in protest making him wince in pain. Finally seated upright he took a moment to let his head clear from the fog of sleep.

Over the years Toshinori had become a hermit. He rarely left his home unless it was absolutely necessary. (Even then, it was still a struggle to get him to leave the house.) He didn't want to deal with the stares or the whispers of sympathy or mockery that followed him. Toshinori's body had withered into a husk of what he once was. He never lost his height which only made him look like a living caricature.

Toshinori took his time in getting ready for his appointment. All the while, that annoying voice in his head kept urging him to hurry.

Toshinori wasn't sure when he started hearing the voice of All Might. It just happened one day without warning. There had even been the rare occasion where he could have sworn he'd seen glimpses of him walking around his house. It was obvious that Toshinori was losing his mind, that much he was sure about. Yet despite his better judgment, he never told his doctor about it.

Perhaps he wasn't as comfortable with his isolation as he wanted to believe. His friendships and the love he had once felt was just a distant memory now. At first he tried to hold onto those feelings but slowly they slipped through his fingers like sand. It left him as an empty and bitter shell of himself.

To deal with the pain, Toshinori threw himself into his work. He continued to write books for All Might, there were five now. The hero's adventures had become a form of escapism for Toshinori. Where he was weak and bitter, All Might was strong and optimistic. As time went, Toshinori's pain and sadness managed to creep into his books. It often felt like he was the real villain of each story. He was the malevolent force that threw harsh realities and cold truths at his hero disguised as story conflict. Toshinori had been determined to kill All Might at least two times. Yet, he could never bring himself to do it. All Might always triumphed over the suffering his creator put him through with a smile by the end of each book. To the surprise of Toshinori and his publishers it ended up making the hero even more popular.

It had led to the demand for a sixth book, especially since the fifth's ending was more of a cliff hanger. The problem was Toshinori had no drive to continue, he was tired of both All Might and life in general. The series had been silent for three years but his publisher wouldn't stop pestering him for a new book.

'Please don't tell me you're going to go out looking like that.' The voice of All Might spoke up.

Toshinori blinked and looked down at himself. “What's wrong with what I got on?”

'You've been wearing those clothes for the past three days! Have a little more pride in yourself!' All Might chided.

Toshinori sucked in a breath and huffed it out as an annoyed sigh. “You're just a figment of my imagination! Why should I even listen to you?”

'Go. Change. Now.' All Might's voice boomed, seeming to have come from all over the room and startling his creator.

“Fine, fine! Whatever!” Toshinori said as he threw his hands up into the air. He then stalked off to find something else to wear.

It didn't take long for Toshinori to switch into a fresh change of clothes. He didn't dare admit that he actually felt a little better for it. He was all too painfully aware of his decline of personal care. He was a little surprised All Might didn't urge him to take a shower as well. Then again, there probably wasn't much time for that. Though, Toshinori had to admit that a hot bath did sound very good. The heat would probably ease some of the aches in his body. He would have to take one when he returned, a reward for all the effort he had to make for that day.

Just before he stepped outside, Toshinori grabbed up one of his hoodies and slipped it on. It was a few sizes too big for him but it kept him warm and hid his gaunt body from curious eyes. As he placed his hand on the handle of his front door he looked out the window. The bus stop was just across the street. He could see a small group of people waiting there. Toshinori then took a moment to pull his hood up hoping it would help keep him unnoticeable. Finally, he stepped out of his house and into the outside world.

As Toshinori walked towards the street he felt his heart start to pound in his chest. A rush of fear started to swell up within him making feel almost like he was going to puke. He decided to focus on his breathing as he walked towards the road. What was left of his stomach slowly began to calm down.

As Toshinori was about to take his first step to cross the street a car sped past and blared its horn at him. He screamed and tripped over himself as he scrambled to get out of the way. Toshinori over heard the sound of laughter and his eyes were brought to the people waiting at the bus stop. They were staring at him and he hated every second of it. He could turn around and just go back home, it wasn't too late. He could go back to bed and just forget this ever happened.

Instead, Toshinori forced himself to get up on his feet. After making sure no other cars were coming he ran across the street. His heart still fluttered in his ribcage like a frightened bird trying to escape. As he approached the bus stop he pulled his hood up more to try to hide his face as best he could. Toshinori tensed as he heard the bus approaching. He closed his eyes tight and didn't open them until he heard it come to a complete stop.

Toshinori's legs felt like jello as he forced himself to climb up the steps into the bus. He picked out a seat and sat next to the window. As the vehicle began to move he tried to focus on the scenery as it passed by.

' Don't worry, you'll have time to recompose yourself. This bus always runs a little late.'

-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Toshinori was thankful to be out and walking on the sidewalk. The bus dropped him off a bit away from his doctor's office. But that was fine since he always needed a little time to readjust. He kept at an easy going pace.

“Give it back Kacchan!”

Toshinori jumped with a start and stopped in his tracks. His attention was drawn to a group of boys in the alleyway next him. There were four of them, two were holding a smaller boy in place. There was something familiar about him. The kid's messy dark hair and freckled face tugged at a memory that was just out of reach.

The one Toshinori assumed was 'Kacchan' stood in front of the others. He was a bit taller than the kid with messy hair, obviously stronger too.Everything about Kacchan screamed 'toughness' and anger. From his spiky blonde hair to the harsh look of his red-brown eyes.

Kacchan held up a journal like it were some kind of trophy. He ignored the smaller boy's pleads, opened the book and flipped through it's pages. His eyes scanned over words, charts, and concept sketches for characters. Toshinori could see the smaller boy's face slowly turn a bright shade of red.

“So this is what you've been constantly scribbling, Deku?" Kacchan said as he snapped the book shut. "What a fucking nerd!”

“Kacchan! Come on, just give it back!” 'Deku' pleaded.

Kacchan looked at the journal and then at Deku as a wicked grin spread across his face. He then pulled a zippo lighter from one of his pockets and showed it off. Deku's face went pale as it was twisted with a look of horror. He desperately struggled against boys holding him back.

“Kacchan!” Deku shouted. His eyes went wide as Kacchan flicked the lighter open and held the journal above the flame. “Kacchan, STOP!”

It would be at this point that a hero would step in. Someone with a strong sense of what was right and wrong would have defended the boy. At least, that was how it worked in stories. But this wasn't a story and there was no hero coming to save the day.

Toshinori had opened his mouth to speak up but his voice refused to cooperate. Frustration began to boil deep within him as he attempted to find his ability to speak. But it never came, what good would his words do? It would have been different if he was healthy. What good was a man looking like he had one foot in the grave?

Toshinori closed his mouth and bit his bottom lip. He looked away as Deku's journal caught fire and tried to ignore the boy's scream as he walked away. There was nothing he could do. That was the lie he repeated to himself as he continued on his way. It didn't ease the guilt at all.

- o-o-o-o-

Perhaps this was karma.

That's all Toshinori could think as he cast a glare over his shoulder at three punks. They were different from the group he saw before. These kids were older, well into their high school years. They had been following him for a couple of blocks. From the way the boys were looking at him it was obvious they were aiming to cause him some trouble. Toshinori cursed under his breath as he tried to pick up the pace of his walking. He started to pant as he could feel his heart pounding in his chest from both growing fear and strain. His eyes darted about, looking for any opportunity to escape.

There was none. It wasn't a great part of town, though that wasn't always the case. At one time it was a bustling part of the city but those days were clearly gone now. Places Toshinori remembered as shops and businesses were now boarded up. And like Hell was he about to take his chances running through the street.

Toshinori was used to getting the occasional stare or look of discomfort from people. His appearance would spark revulsion, unwanted sympathy, or in this case, morbid curiosity. It got to the point where Toshinori rarely left his house. These days he would only leave his home if he had to, he had become a recluse.

It was then that Toshinori noticed the opening of an alleyway. He ducked into it, hoping he could shake them of his trail, instead it only led him to a dead end.

“Shit!” Toshinori cursed. He quickly turned around to leave only to be greeted by the three punks blocking his path.

“Get a load of this guy!” One of the boys said as they approached Toshinori.

“I didn't know the circus was in town!” said one of the others. A wicked smile slowly stretched across his lips. “Must be one of the freak show acts. Who are you supposed to be? The living scarecrow? The human jerky?”

“Do a trick for us, circus freak!”

“Yeah come on!”

Toshinori couldn't help but think of the boy he watched get bullied and how he did nothing. His head throbbed as his mind became jumbled as too many thoughts rushed at him all at once. Toshinori felt a dark mix of anger and guilt bubble up inside of him.

'Looks like we need a hero...'

But no one would come, heroes were for fiction. The stories that Toshinori weaved in his books were lies and wish fulfillment. When he had an opportunity to step up he turned and left like a coward. Toshinori felt truly pathetic, he didn't even try to help that kid. He deserved whatever these brats had in store for him.

“What are you doing?!” a shout rang out into the alley. “Leave that guy alone!”

Toshinori's eyes went wide when he heard that voice. He and the three thugs looked towards the entrance of the alley. They were greeted with the sight of 'Deku', in all his trembling glory. The irony of it all was almost enough to make Toshinori laugh.

“Fuck off, kid!” one of the punks called back. “This is none of your business, get outta here!”

“No!” Deku shouted defiantly. “Stop right now or I'll call the cops!”

“Fucking brat!”

One of the boys rushed after Deku, the poor kid tried to run away but was easily caught. He was dragged back into the alley, kicking and thrashing against the older boy.

“So you wanna play hero, huh?!”

Toshinori cringed as he saw Deku get punched across the face. The kid hit the ground hard and immediately received a kick to the gut. The beating continued, the other two teenagers goaded their friend on. Toshinori's muscles wouldn't budge, they were locked up, holding him in place. Was he going to ignore this kid again?

But what could he do?

Toshinori looked at one of his hands, it was boney with long, thin fingers. Like the rest of his body, it was a shadow of what he used to be. He was weak, withered husk of a man, he couldn't do anything.

'Stop thinking like that! You have to do something!' the voice of All Might spoke up.

'I can't!' Toshinori clenched his hand into a fist, even that felt weak. Even his strongest grip felt all too feeble. He could hear his own heartbeat starting pound his ears. Yet it wasn't enough to drown out the voice of All Might.

'That boy came to protect you!'

Toshinori's fists clenched tightly. 'He shouldn't have! It was stupid that he did so in the first place! I…! What can I do?!'

'Run and get help? If you didn't forget your phone at home you could call the police?' All Might suggested. 'Anything is better than nothing! Come on, Toshi! I know you're better than this!'

That's when it dawned on Toshinori that the teenagers were distracted by Deku. Perhaps he really could sneak away. He tested this theory by carefully and quietly side stepping. They didn't notice, so he moved again as stealthily as he could. It seemed like they had completely forgotten about him as they focused on Deku.

Toshinori took a silent breath and concentrated on sneaking away. He was getting closer to the opening of the alleyway. If he could just make it a little further he would be free of this mess.

But just as he reached it, the voice of All Might rung through his mind again. 'You are going to get help for that kid, aren't you?'

Toshinori froze, his legs suddenly felt like they were made of stone. That had been the furthest thing from his mind. He was going to run away. That was it. Just run, go home and not come out of his house.

Toshinori looked back at Deku, remorse painted across his face. He was greeted with the boy's tear filled eyes locked with his own. The look in them was clear, he was pleading for help.

“Cry some more you fucking brat!” The teen said as he pushed Deku onto his back with his foot. He then started to slowly press his shoe against the younger boy's throat. “You still wanna play the hero-”

He was interrupted when he felt something grab onto him and start to pull him away. He felt an arm wrapped around his chest and a hand firmly clenching his hair. The punk looked over his shoulder and got a scare when he was met with Toshinori's glare.

“Stop it! You're going to kill him!” Toshinori shouted. He tried with all his strength to pull the larger boy away from Deku.

The kid looked up at Toshinori with a mix of surprise and confusion.

“What the heck are you waiting for!?” Toshinori yelled to him. “Get out of he-!”

His words were cut off when the wind was suddenly knocked out of him followed by a surge of pain. The teenager he had been wrestling with punched him right in what remained of his stomach. A rush of copper and salt suddenly flooded Toshinori's mouth.

“Holy shit!!!” the teenager that punched him shouted as he scrambled to get away from Toshinori. The kid gawked at the dark stains all over his own clothes. His face twisted in a look of horror.

Toshinori choked and coughed up even more of his own blood. Right then his legs gave way and he collapsed to the ground. Pain racked through his abused and frail body. He gasped and struggled to breathe but his body didn't seem to be fully cooperating. Toshinori tried to focus on sucking in air and releasing it, his coughs interrupted his pace and made his throat sting. It felt like time around him was slowed down to a crawl. Even the voices sounded strange, somewhat distant and much like distorted recordings.

“Holy fuck...” One of the teenagers said as he stared at Toshinori with disbelief. “Dude! You killed him!”

“We gotta get out of here, I am not going to jail for this shit!”

Was he dying? Was this really the end? Toshinori's eyesight was starting to blur. From what he could make out, the three teens were making a run for it.

“Hey! You can't just leave him here!” he heard the distorted voice of Deku call out to them. “Come back!”

Toshinori could just make out the unfocused image of the boy struggling to get up.

'At least the kid's going to be alright…' He couldn't tell if that thought was his own or All Might's.

Toshinori let his eyes slide closed as he suddenly felt very tired and heavy. He could have sworn he felt someone place a hand on him. He could barely make out a voice trying to talk to him as his consciousness drifted away.

“Hey…! Are….alright?!…….hang on!…Hey you can't...Don't fall asleep!...Please!”

-End of Chapter 6-

Chapter Text

Ever since he was a child Izuku had a strange dislike for hospitals. If you asked him why, he wouldn't be able to tell you. It was just something deeply rooted in him. There was something about them that always made him feel uneasy and even a bit sad. The scent of disinfectant, the rhythm of beeping machines, and spotting of the occasional lonely looking patient all seemed to tug at a buried memory.

Sometimes visits to the hospital would result in Izuku having nightmares. They mostly consisted of him being brought to visit someone. He was always a child in the dream and could never properly see the face of the man he was visiting. But there was a feeling of happiness that radiated from the him when Izuku walked into the room. He'd reach out to the boy for a hug and Izuku would rush over to give him one. But the closer he would get the more he'd notice that cracks would start to form in the man. With each step the cracks would grow and the man would start to crumble right before his eyes. It always brought a rush of fear into Izuku. He'd always reach out to him and beg for him to stay. The dream always ended with the man shattering into pieces.

Izuku pushed the thought of the dream to the back of his mind, at the moment he needed to focus. After his injuries were treated he wanted to make sure the man from the alley was going to be alright. Izuku asked for directions and found himself trying to navigate through the hallways of the hospital. His eyes flitted about, reading the numbers of each room until he finally found the one he was looking for. Izuku approached the door, only to pause when he heard voices inside.

“Honestly Toshinori, just what were you thinking?” One voice was that of an elderly woman. She would have sounded pleasant if she wasn't scolding.

Izuku's brow furrowed at the name 'Toshinori'. While he was pretty sure he didn't know anyone by that name, something about it felt a little familiar.

“I wasn't.” replied the voice of 'Toshinori'. His was a deeper voice, strong but also tired.

“You're lucky that there doesn't seem to be any serious damage this time.” the old woman said with a tired sigh. “But I'm going to have to recommend that you stay here for a few days, just in case.”

“I'd rather go home.”

“Well, I'd rather you not have gotten punched in the stomach.” The elderly woman countered. “But things don't always go as we want them to, do they?”

“Touche.”

Izuku was a little too distracted by their banter; he didn't realize that the voice of the old woman was getting closer. She stepped out of the room and bumped right into him. Izuku jumped and backed away from her. Upon getting a good look at her he was surprised at how tiny she was. Izuku managed to glance at her name tag and saw 'Chiyo Shuuzenj’ written across it.

“Young man, are you lost?” Chiyo asked. She sounded pleasant but had a suspicious look in her eyes that pierced right through the boy.

“U-uh, I-I...Um…” Izuku took a step back but then stopped himself from going any further. He took a short breath and spoke up. “I was with a man that got attacked in an alley today, I was told he was staying in this room.”

Chiyo's brow furrowed as she looked the boy over for a moment. “Ah, I take it that you're the boy that helped Mr. Yagi?”

Izuku reached up and rubbed the back of his neck before he gave a nod. “I wanted to make sure he was alright.”

At hearing that Chiyo's smile became more genuine. “I see, well, it's rare Mr. Yagi gets visitors when he's in the hospital. I'm sure this will be a nice change of pace.”

A smile spread across Izuku's face when he heard that. He was about to walk into the room but stopped when he felt Chiyo grab his sleeve.

“Hold on a moment! So hasty! You didn't let me finish!” Chiyo said in a huff. “If he starts getting tired or asks you to leave then you leave, understand?”

“O-Oh! Yes, of course!” With that Chiyo let go of Izuku's sleeve. He gave her a small thank you before he walked into the room.

'Mr. Yagi' didn't notice Izuku right away, he was distracted watching out the window of his room. Izuku felt his stomach twist as he got a better look at the man. Without the baggy hoodie it was easy to see just how sickly Mr. Yagi was. Despite his lack of mass, it was easy to see that he was very tall. He was the most surreal looking man Izuku had ever laid eyes upon.

Mr. Yagi's head then turned and he set his eyes on Izuku, making the boy jump with a start. His eyes were sunken deep into his skull but seemed to have a strange glow to them. Their gaze was harsh at first but started to soften when Mr. Yagi recognized him.

“U-um, h-hi!” Izuku felt uneasy as he their eyes were locked. He broke eye contact and tried to focus on something else in the room. “I just wanted to make sure you were doing alr-”

“What you did was really stupid, kid.” Mr. Yagi said, cutting him off. “You got the crap beaten out of you. Shouldn't you be resting or something? You look like Hell.”

At hearing all this Izuku met Mr. Yagi's gaze again. His words were harsh, made even more so by his glare. But there was a sense of concern in them, more so than anger.

“You jumped in to help some stranger and look what you got to show for it.” Mr. Yagi continued, this time he was the one to look away. “This isn't the movies, kid. You were lucky but you could have gotten yourself killed.”

Izuku was quiet for a moment, he gave the words time to sink in. For him it had become a habit to analyze people. From the way they presented themselves to their body language and the way they talked. Izuku could hear more concern in Mr. Yagi's voice than anger. He was more worried about him than he wanted to show. The way Mr. Yagi looked away from him implied he had feelings of guilt.

Izuku sucked in a small breath and released it, an attempt at steeling himself before he spoke. “I don't regret helping you, not for one moment.”

Mr. Yagi still looked towards the window but instead of seeing the outside world he watched Izuku's reflection in the glass. “I was going to leave you there.”

“But you didn't.”

“Go away.” Mr. Yagi said as finally looked at Izuku, his eyes were set in a harsh glare. “Just leave me alone.”

Izuku winced a little at his words. He remembered promising Dr. Chiyo that he would leave if Mr. Yagi wanted him to. Izuku tried to get his feet to move but they didn't want to budge. In his gut something told him to stay.

“You deaf? I said go!” Mr. Yagi snapped. “Scram! Get moving!”

Izuku flinched at being yelled at but he still stood his ground. He opened his mouth to spreak. “I-I-”

“IZUKU!”

Both Mr. Yagi and Izuku jumped with a start at the shout. They both looked at the door and saw a short, chubby woman that shared Izuku's eyes and hair.

“M-Mom!?” Izuku said with a blink. “W-when did you get here?”

“I left work right when I got a call from the hospital!”

Mr. Yagi stared at Izuku's mom as she walked into the room and trapped her son in a hug. He watched as she chided him for getting himself hurt but relieved at seeing he was okay.

“I-Inko…?” Mr. Yagi said with caution. “Inko Midoriya?”

Inko looked up at him when she heard her name being called. She flinched when she saw the gaunt figure sitting up in bed. But then her brow furrowed and she narrowed her eyes, her head canted to the side. “Toshinori? Is that you? O-Oh my…!”

Toshnori noticed the look of discomfort on Inko's face when she saw him. It hurt a little but there was still something refreshing about seeing an old friend.

“I-it's been far too long!” Inko said with a smile. She then struggled to find the right words to say. “You...eh...you looooooooo-uh...”

“I look like hell chewed me up and spat me out.” Toshinori finished for her. A genuine smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. It wasn't long before a thought clicked in his mind. Toshinori looked at Izuku, then at Inko, and then at Izuku again. “Wait a minute, is that…?”

“That's right!” Inko beamed with pride as she rested a hand on her son's shoulder. “This is Izuku, he's grown up so much since you last saw him!”

Toshinori's jaw went a little slack. The crazy kid who got himself beat up trying to save his sorry ass, was Izuku? A storm of mixed emotions swelled up in Toshinori's chest. It was almost painful but oddly good at the same time. It was the most Toshinori had felt in a long time.

“Um, Mom?” Izuku asked. “You know this guy?”

Inko looked at Izuku, she suddenly seemed a little worried. “O-oh, right, I suppose you wouldn't remember. This is your 'Uncle Toshi'. When you were little he used babysit you.”

“Oh, okay...” Izuku said with a slight frown.

Toshinori would have been lying if he said he wasn't hoping to see a little more excitement out of the kid. But something didn't quite seem right, Izuku didn't show any signs of recollection. Perhaps it was simply because of how sickly Toshinori looked now. Then again, his name should have rung some bells too. Something was wrong.

It was then that a look of realization dawned on Inko. “Oh, Izuku, would you mind stepping outside of the room for a little bit? I need to have a word with Uncle Toshi.”

“Alright…” Izuku said as he headed toward the door. He cast a curious look at Inko and Toshinori before he finally stepped out of the room.

Inko watched him leave and then looked back at Toshinori. “I-It's nice to see you again, Toshi. I know we haven't talked in quiet some time.”

Toshinori sat in silence as Inko tried to pick what words to say. She was as cute as ever but the fact that she looked so anxious made him worry. He felt guilt start to nibble away at him. Toshinori didn't want to cause her or Izuku any trouble. Then there was the fact that he had shown his ugly bitterness to the kid before Inko walked in.

“There's something I should tell you about Izuku...” Inko said cautiously.

Toshinori blinked and canted his head slightly to the side. The tone in her voice caused concern to swell up in him. Even after years he still cared about the both of them. “Is the kid okay?”

“W-well, he is now but he...” Inko paused again and looked uncertain. She then sighed and forced herself to continue. “You remember what happened the last time you saw each other, right?”

“Kind of hard to forget when you almost died.” Toshinori noticed that his attempt at a joke failed miserably as Inko tried to hide her frown.

“Well, after that day Izuku just shut down.” Inko explained. “He stopped talking, he barely ate, he had to go to therapy for a long time. But in the end, Izuku managed to open up again.”

Toshinori sat silently and let the information sink in, he had no clue such a thing had happened. Inko just stopped talking to him after that day. It was no wonder why, he had broken her kid. Toshinori looked away from Inko as a surge of guilt washed over him. He closed his eyes and covered his mouth when he felt like he was about to be sick. It took a moment for the ill feeling to pass. When he felt it was safe Toshinori spoke up.

“Inko, I-I...I'm so sorry, I had no idea! I-”

Inko held up a hand and interrupted him. “I'll admit that I did blame you for a long time, Toshi.”

Toshinori's hands clasped themselves together and he stared down at them, unable to look her in the eye anymore. He could see that they were shaking ever so slightly.

“But I always knew you had no control over what happened.” Inko continued. She took a breath and gave a small sigh. “It took me far too long to come to terms with that.”

Toshinori opened his mouth to speak but his mind was blank and his voice refused to work.

“But, um, the reason why I'm telling you all of this...” Inko paused and hesitated to continue. “Izuku doesn't remember you.”

At that, Toshinori looked up at her and blinked. “What do you mean?”

“The doctors said that it was his mind's way of coping with the trauma. He suppressed the memory of the event and memories connected with it.”

“And that meant forgetting me entirely.” Toshinori finished for her. In the end it was probably for the best, it kept things less complicated. They could all go on with their lives without the awkwardness. He'd simply be the strange neighbor that lived down the street. It would be like the whole incident never happened in the first place. Toshinori wanted to believe that but knew it was a load of bullshit. It hurt like a bitch.

“You know, it's nice to see that you're in town.” Inko said, wanting to change the subject a bit. “I always figured you moved some place nicer with the success of your books. Izuku is a big fan of your work.”

Hearing that, Toshinori perked up slightly. “He reads my books?”

“Yes, they're his favorite. Oh! That reminds me! Izuku's taken up writing himself and he's really good!” Inko said as she beamed with pride. “You should see him with his notebooks, it's adorable!”

Toshinori gave a weary at that. His heart ached with a strange mix or warmth and heaviness. “A writer, huh?”

“How long are you staying in town?” Inko asked. “We could get together and catch up a bit sometime.”

“I never left.”

Inko blinked and looked at Toshinori in surprise. “What?”

“You heard me.”

At first, Inko was at a loss for words but she soon found her voice. “Toshi, you actually live in that run down house down the street?”

Toshinori gave a shrug. “It's a little beat up but it does it's job.”

“How come I've never seen you?” Inko asked.

“I don't go out unless I absolutely have to.” Toshinori explained as he rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't see why Inko seemed so concerned. Perhaps it was a little odd but he couldn't really tell anymore. “I deal with my publisher online or by phone.”

“Toshi, that's...” Inko had a hard time finding what she felt were the proper words. There was no way to fluff it up to sound less harsh. “That's a horrible way to live.”

“You can say it, I'm a recluse. I've heard it all already.” Toshinori said with a sigh. “If you looked like something that walked off the set of a Tim Burton film, you wouldn't go out either.”

“Toshinori...” Inko lightly bit her bottom lip. She wanted to say more but there was little she could say. Scolding him was out of the question, she pushed him out of her life and thus had little right. “It's getting late so I'll leave you to get some rest.”

“W-wait...!” The word left Toshinori before he could stop himself.

He was left staring at Inko as his mind went blank on what to say next. He turned away and rubbed the back of his neck. He was certain he looked like a damn idiot. Toshnori could feel his face burn from embarrassment, it happened so fast he felt dizzy.

“I, uh...” Toshinori wanted to ask Inko to stay, even if for just a little longer. He wanted to hear more about how they were doing. He wanted to ask Izuku about his writing. Most importantly he wanted to apologize to them for all the trouble he caused. But Toshinori knew didn't deserve it, not after how poorly he had behaved. “I-it was good seeing you and Izuku.”

Inko smiled a little. “We'll stop by to see you again.”

At that, Toshinori looked at her a little surprised. Had he made her feel guilty? That was the last thing he wanted. He opened his mouth to decline but his voice refused to cooperate. Of all the rotten luck. Perhaps it was something about the way that she smiled at him. Toshinori would have been lying if he said he hated the idea. A part of him wanted to reconnect with Inko and Izuku, maybe things could go back as they were…

No. Those days were dead and gone.

-o-o-o-o-o-

Toshinori checked himself out of the hospital the next day against Chiyo's wishes. He returned to his house and decided it was time to focus on the sixth All Might book. Work was usually his best excuse for shutting himself away from the world. But this time All Might was having none of it.

Toshinori glared at the word document on his computer screen, his finger lightly tapping on one of the keys. He had been sitting there for the past fifteen minutes and not a word was written.

“Shit...” Toshinori growled.

He then felt a presence behind him. A huge figure that towered over his chair, peering at his computer screen like some overgrown child.

The voice of All Might rose up from the depths of his mind but sounded as though he were standing in the room. 'Maybe it's a sign that you should have stayed in the hospital a little longer.'

Toshinori rolled his eyes. “Doc Chiyo says I'm fine.”

'She also wanted you to stay for a few more days.' All Might chided him. 'And don't forget that Inko wanted to see you again. She and Izuku were going to visit you! Toshi, this is a second chance and you should take it!'

"A second chance for what?" Toshinori asked as he glared at his computer screen, his finger still lightly tapped against a key on his keyboard.

'You know exactly what I mean, Toshinori. It's not too late, you can still go back.'

“Like Hell I will!” Toshinori snapped back loudly. His voice rang out through out the room and he felt the large presence behind him back away a little. “I have work to do.”

'Oh? Is that so?' All Might asked as he crossed his arms over his massive chest. 'You haven't touched this project in weeks and now it's that important?'

Toshinori's finger stopped tapping. His gaze drifted to the nearby window, he could see All Might's faint reflection in the glass staring back at him. Toshinori took a deep breath and released it in a sigh, he refocused on the computer screen and tried to think. All Might was silent but still there. Toshinori closed his eyes and tried to will the hallucination away.

'Do you really think that's going to work? I'm the only company you let yourself have.'

Toshinori ignored All Might's words and turned his attention back onto the computer. He opened up a new word document and began to type away.

'Oh! You onto something there?' All Might said as he leaned in.

Toshinori made no attempt to shoo the gargantuan hallucination away. He wanted him to see what he was working on.

As All Might read what was being written his signature grin faltered and began to fade. 'W-woah there buddy! Th-that's pretty harsh!'

It was a creative exercise Toshinori would use at times when he had gotten stuck. He would write rough drafts of All Might's death. In the beginning they were silly and nonsensical, even by his story's standards. But the further along he got in the sixth book the more serious they became. Toshinori used them as motivators to keep the story going until he got to part where he could finally kill All Might. Sometimes it was enough to quiet the hallucination for a while.

'You really are looking to kill me in this book, aren't you?' All Might asked, sounding a little hurt. 'You've made some pretty creative villains over the years but you are certainly the worst of all!'

Toshinori didn't respond, he was focused on the scene he was whipping up. But All Might's words weren't lost on him. Toshinori was actually enjoying tearing his hero apart both figuratively and literally in the scene. It was true, there were times where he wondered if he was the true villain of the series. It was an idea that would have appalled him a few years ago, back when he still truly believed in the idea of heroes. Toshinori stopped typing and looked over his handy work so far. He found an almost scary sense of satisfaction in it. Even if the life in his hands was fictional it was still something that he had control over. Toshinori would gladly accept his role as the nemesis of All Might. Even with a body that was battered and broken as his, only he could do what none of his creations could. He was going to succeed in killing the hero.

All Might leaned in a little closer, Toshinori could swear he could feel the man's breath against his ear. He spoke, his tone wasn't scolding, he sounded genuinely concerned.'What are you going to do after you kill me?'

At that, Toshinori's typing paused, his eyes still locked on the computer screen. It was a question he had thought about a few times before. Without his hero, what good was a villain? He would have no purpose. Perhaps, after finally ending All Might, Toshinori could work on an ending of his very own.

'H-hey, hey, hey! T-try to think this over a little more, would you?' All Might insisted. Undoubtedly he was aware of what Toshinori just thought. He paced around the room for a moment only to stop when something caught his attention. 'Was that the doorbell?'

Toshinori ignored All Might as he had the death scene in full swing. He was typing in a haste and only started to slow when he noticed the mention of doorbell. Toshinori paused from his writing and looked a little confused. Then he heard it, the ring of a bell sounding through out the old house. Someone was at the door.

“Huh, that's weird.” Toshinori said as he got up from his chair and walked out of his office. “I didn't order anything, did you?”

All Might stopped dead in his tracks with a dumbfounded look on his face. It took a moment for him to recover and speak. 'Toshinori Yagi, I am a figment of your imagination! If you're seriously asking me that question then it's time to go outside!'

It didn't take long for Toshinori to reach the front door. Upon opening it his eyes went wide and he froze up. Standing on his front porch was an all too familiar boy with dark, messy hair and freckles peppered about his face.

“Um, h-hi, Mr. Y-Yagi...” Izuku said. “My Mom asked me to come over to see if you needed any help.”

-End of Chapter 7-

Chapter Text

“You don't have to keep coming here if you don't want to.” Toshinori said as he set a cup of tea down on the kitchen table for Izuku. “I know I'm not great company.”

It was the third time the boy had come to visit. The first was the most awkward, the two of them couldn't say much to each other. It was obvious that Izuku was a walking ball of anxiety and was severely lacking in social skills. Toshinori could tell that the boy was uncomfortable in his presence, the face the house was a mess probably didn't help either. Certainly the kid must have wondered if he'd walked straight into something from a horror movie. But still, Izuku did his best to be polite, they managed to fill the awkward quiet with a little small talk. After that, Toshinori was sure that first visit was going to be the last.

But he was dead wrong.

Izuku returned a couple days later, less anxious and more productive. He seemed to be pretty good at adapting and blessed with a good memory. It amazed Toshinori as Izuku was able to navigate through the house just from what he remembered of his first visit. This time, Izuku had come over with the intent of helping clean his house. It made Toshinori a little uneasy but he let him do a couple small things here and there, wash the dishes, a little sweeping, and taking out the trash.

“It's not a problem, really!” Izuku insisted as he picked up the cup to take a sip. “Besides, you're still injured, right? It looks like you need help catching up on chores.”

“My house always looks like this.” Toshinori said bluntly.

“O-Oh! I...um, I didn't mean-!” Izuku's face twisted into a look of panic and went a little red from embarrassment.

“It's fine!” Toshinori said with a laugh. “I'll admit my housekeeping skills deteriorated a long time ago. But you shouldn't trouble yourself with me, I'm sure you got places to go and people to see.”

“Uh, well, no...not really.” Izuku said as he scratched the back of his head.

Toshinori gave a confused blink, his head canted slightly to the side. “Well, you're good kid, you have friends I'm sure. Maybe a girlfriend?”

Izuku broke eye contact with Toshinori and darted about the room, looking for something else to focus on. “Um, no, I don't really talk to girls. Or many people in general...”

Toshinori thought back on the day he saw Izuku's notebook getting burned. “Oh, so you're a lo-” he caught himself before he could finish the word. “Late bloomer.”

Izuku gave a weary smile. “It's okay, I know I'm a loser.”

“Woah, kid, I did not say that!” Toshinori said firmly.

“You're thinking it though.” Izuku said knowingly. “Everybody else does.”

“Kid, stop that, you're killing me.” Toshinori huffed.

It was then that an unwanted voice spoke up from the depths of the author's mind. “Way to go, this is going really smoothly!”

“SHH!” Toshinori shushed All Might a little too loudly. He noticed how Izuku jumped at the sudden noise and was giving him an odd look. “Ah, sorry! I think I'm feeling a headache coming on!”

“Ouch. Now that's just cold!” All Might said with mock hurt.

“Do you want me to leave then?” Izuku asked.

“If you let him go like that he might think that you don't want him coming back.” All Might said. “You should at least try to end this on a more positive note.”

“No, you don't have to.” Toshinori said as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I got to start getting used to company again anyway.”

There was an awkward silence between them, neither sure what they could talk about.

“Writing! Ask him about his writing!” All Might insisted.

“Oh yeah, your mom said something about you being a talented writer.” Toshinori said with a small smile.

Izuku looked a little surprised which then morphed into shyness. “Y-Yeah, I do! I, um, I write stories and I post them on the internet, it's nothing much but I enjoy it.”

Toshinori gave a small, impressed whistle. “You're posting your work in front of a potentially vast audience. That's pretty good, kid.”

“Well, a lot of other people do that, it's nothing impressive.” Izuku explained as he blushed a little. “Besides, I...I only really write fanfiction right now.”

“Fanfiction?” Toshinori said with a blink. He familiar with it, he wrote it himself when he was younger and read plenty of them after All Might became popular. Granted, he didn't always agree with the ships or views of his characters, he still enjoyed the creativity of the fans. There were even a few particular writers that he enjoyed following. “You make it sound like that's a bad thing.”

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck. “Um, well, it's not considered 'real' writing. My teacher once said it's like plagiarism since the ideas and characters aren't mine.”

“Ah, I've heard that before, I always thought it was a shit attitude to have.” Toshinori said as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Kid, I'll let you in on a little secret...”

Izuku blinked and looked at him a little surprised.

“I became interested in writing through fanfiction, it ended up how I got my start as an author.” Toshinori explained. Seeing Izuku's face light up made a smile tug at the corner of his mouth. “There are quite a few professional authors out there that continue writing fanfiction for fun. Don't get me started on how a lot of published and famous work out there are fanfiction at their core. So, your teacher's attitude is a load of shit, don't let it get to you.”

Izuku was quiet for a moment as Toshinori's words sank in. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders as he thought about it. Then without thinking a question escaped him. “You're an author?”

At that Toshinori blinked, his smile faded and his head canted slightly to the side. “Inko didn't tell you?”

“No, she didn't tell me much.” Izuku said as he shook his head. “Mom did say that we were all really close and that you helped out a lot after my Dad left.”

“Yeah, I did...” Toshinori awkwardly admitted. He noticed the expectant look on Izuku's face, it was obvious he was hoping for answers.

Part of Toshinori wanted to just tell him everything about that time. About how they were a family, how he grew to love him and Inko. The urge to tell him everything welled up in his chest and overflowed until it was at the tip of his tongue. Toshinori's mouth opened but no words came, he was drawing a blank on where he could even start. He wasn't ready.

“So, um, what do you write fics for? Movies? A series?” Toshinori asked instead. He mentally kicked himself for chickening out at the last moment.

“A few things, I love superheroes and sci-fi...” Izuku began to explain. He seemed to be a little more comfortable somehow. Perhaps because writing was a topic they both had an interest in. A smile spread across Izuku's face as he continued. “But my best work are fics for the 'All Might' series.”

Toshinori blinked, then broke eye contact with Izuku, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't flattered. It made him wonder if he had seen some of Izuku's work without knowing it. “All Might, huh? Your Mom said you really like that series.”

“Now you're just fishing for compliments.” All Might chided.

Toshinori resisted the urge to shush him, not wanting to startle the kid again.

“Yeah, I grew up with it! I even have a first edition copy of the first book!” Izuku lit up as he spoke about it. “It's a bit worn from all the times I've reread it but it's something I treasure.”

“A first edition copy?” Toshinori remembered the day he gave that book to Izuku.

“I think my Dad got it for me...” Izuku said with a hint of fondness. A small smile stretched across his face. “I can't really remember him that well but sometimes I remember things like him reading with me. I remember playing pretend and watching superhero movies together.”

“Your Dad…?” Toshinori asked, not sure how to feel. He had stepped in to help Inko not too long after Hisashi had left. In a way, the man was much like a ghost. There was always a hint of Hisashi's presence in the Midoriya family even without him there. It hurt, seeing how Izuku's memory had placed the man that left him behind in Toshinori's place.

“You could correct him, just tell him that it was you there.” All Might suggested.

He could, couldn't he? Why not? Shouldn't Izuku know the truth?

“About your Dad...I...” Toshinori began, his words froze when Izuku looked at him. He closed his mouth and swallowed a lump that formed in his throat. Izuku's expectant gaze urged him to continue. “I...um, I didn't know him that well.” Toshinori said as felt his resolve crumble away. “It's...great that you have memories of him.”

Izuku gave an odd look, canting his head slightly. “Um, thanks?”

“You're lucky, is what I'm saying, not everyone has that luxury.” Toshinori explained, he was a terrible liar but perhaps if he said a truth it would seem more believable.

Izuku said nothing, instead he frowned ever so slightly and looked at Toshinori with a searching gaze.

“This kid isn't stupid, he knows that's not what you were going to say.” All Might warned him.

Before either of them had a chance to say anything more, Toshinori's phone began to ring. Izuku watched as the man dug through his pockets and pulled out his phone.

“Shit, I gotta take this!” Toshinori said as he stood up from his chair. He walked out of the kitchen as he answered his phone in a high pitched voice. “You've reached the Crypt Keeper!”

Izuku got up from his chair and walked towards the living room. He stood at the entrance of the living room and peered in, watching as Toshinori spoke on the phone.

“Keep answering like that and you can look for a new agent.” said a deadpan voice, its owner not amused with Toshinori's antics.

“Learn a sense of humor, would ya, Aizawa?” Toshinori huffed with disappointment.

“It's not my job to entertain the 'boils n' ghouls'...” Aizawa said, he then went quiet.

“Ah, wait! There it is!” Toshinori laughed.

Aizawa gave an annoyed sigh. “Apparently, stupidity is contagious.”

“Now that's just rude!”

“How's book six coming along?” Aizawa said, getting straight to business.

“Oh, r-right the book. W-well, it's...getting there.” Toshinori said as he rubbed the back of his neck. He could feel eyes on him and looked towards the entrance of the living room. Toshinori spotted a red sneaker poking out from the hallway, a dead giveaway that Izuku was there listening. “I'm having some issues but I am working on it.”

“I don't want to hear excuses.” Aizawa said, making Toshinori cringe. “I'd rather let your work speak for itself.”

Toshinori's eyes began to scan the living room. He remembered working there at some point, his laptop had to be there. Toshinori began searching for it, he shifted papers around to see if his computer was hidden under them. When he had no luck there he searched sides of his couch and under the coffee table. Still no trace of his laptop, Toshinori was starting to feel a little nervous.

“Can't find it?” Aizawa asked, though his tone sounded like he already knew the answer.

“I-it's here somewhere!” Toshinori insisted as he checked his entertainment center.

“Perhaps you would know where your laptop was if your were actually working on the book.” Aizawa said with an annoyed sigh.

“I AM working on the book!” Toshinori snapped, equally annoyed with his agent. Catching himself, he tried to reign in his temper. “Just not in this room...” Toshinori walked out of the living room and into the hallway, startling Izuku. But he was so focused on finding his computer that he didn't seem to take notice. He walked into the kitchen and started to search all the usual places. Undoing a lot of the work Izuku had put into tidying up the place. “Or in the kitchen...”

“Quirk...” Aizawa said, his tone was like that of a parent that had begun the count to three.

“I'm going to find it!” Toshinori insisted. Without thinking or even looking at the boy he called out to his nephew. “Midorya, my boy, run up to my office and see if my laptop's on my desk!”

Izuku jumped slightly when he heard his name called. “U-Uh, where is-”

“Top of the stairs, last door to the right.” Toshinori said, still distracted by his own search as he walked past Izuku to search another room.

Aizawa gave a loud, exasperated sigh. “Just find it and send it my way. I hope you took my advice and reworked the story. What you sent me last time was a depressing mess.”

“What? Were you expecting a song and dance number?” Toshinori scoffed, a little offended. “The villain gets away and the damage done was basically All Might's fault. Sorry I couldn't color it up with unicorns and sparkles!”

“Did you ever think that maybe I and your fans would like something a little less bleak?” Aizawa asked. “That's one of All Might's best selling points, he's a positive force even when things get dark. It's like you've forgotten how to write your own work.”

At that, Toshinori stopped his search, Aizawa's words hit him like a slap to the face. He felt his cheeks burn from a cocktail of embarrassment and frustration that bubbled up inside him. Toshinori opened his mouth, about to fire back, but before he could-

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!!!!”

The shout had rung throughout the house, bouncing off the walls. Toshinori jumped and almost dropped his phone. He could have sworn he felt the poor old house quake for a second.

“What the hell was that?” Aizawa asked.

“I-I don't knooooOOOOHHH SHIT! The kid found my office!” Toshinori clapped a hand to his forehead.

“Quirk, you sent him there.” Aizawa reminded him.

Toshinori bit his bottom lip to hold back the string of curses that threatened to pour out from his mouth. He was beyond pissed but he couldn't blame Izuku for his own mistake. Even if he wanted to blame Aizawa it still came down to the fact that Tosninori should have known where his computer was. It was all his own damned fault.

“You have so much All Might merch!” Izuku called out from the top of the stairs. He sounded as excited as a child on Christmas morning. “How did you get this stuff?! Some of it was never released!”

“Well, I can see that you're busy...” Aizawa said, if one listened close enough they could catch the impish tone in his voice.

“NO.” Toshinori barked. “Don't you dare leave me like this!”

“Send the files tonight, no excuses.” And with that Aizawa disappeared with a small 'click'.

“YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Toshinori shouted in English.

Footsteps could be heard hurrying down the stairs and through the hall. Izuku skidded to a halt at he kitchen entrance, almost tripping over himself. His eyes were alight, practically glittering, he was even trembling.

“M-Midoriya, my boy, a-are you okay?” Toshinori asked. “You're shaking!”

Izuku looked almost like he was about to pass out. “I-I'm fine! J-just a little overwhelmed!”

“Could you imagine what he's going to be like when you tell him you are Noris Quirk?” All Might's baritone voice said, rising up from the depths of Toshinori's mind.

“Where the hell were you?!” Toshinori snapped, completely irritated with the way that day had gone. “You just disappeared and left me alone to deal with Aizawa!”

“I-I'm so sorry…!” Izuku said, he looked a little panicked at Toshinori's sudden shift in mood. “I was looking for your laptop!”

Toshinori blinked and looked at Izuku a little confused when he responded. It then dawned on him just how he must of looked talking to himself. “N-no! Kid, I didn't mean you-”

Izuku suddenly jumped with a start as he realized something. His eyes became misty as tears began to flood them. “Oh no! I forgot about your laptop! I'm so sorry!”

“You just made the kid cry, good job.”

“M-Midoriya, no, I...that wasn't meant for you.” Toshinori tried to explain. “I'm sorry, I…!” But how could he? He bit his bottom lip when Izuku looked at him. “How about we just find the laptop together?” Toshinori finally suggested. “Two heads are better than one, right?”

Toshinori hoped that they could salvage a little of the visit before Izuku went home. He felt he owed the kid that much for being such a horrible host.

“What about the files you have to send Aizawa?” All Might asked. “Are you really going to send him what you have?”

Toshinori frowned at that thought. He satisfied with his work, something about it just didn't feel right. It was true, it felt forced because he was being forced to write the book. But he was also a professional, he could do better. If this was going to be the last All Might book and Toshinori's last in general, he had an obligation as an entertainer to go out with a bang.

-End of Chapter 8-

Chapter Text

“I'm not accepting this.” Aizawa said, his voice firm. “You made improvements but this still isn't good enough.”

“You asked for what I had so-”

Aizawa cut Toshinori off. “No, I refuse to accept mediocre work from you of all people. You can do better, I've seen it so I don't want any excuses.”

“Mediocre…?!” Toshinori felt his face heat up from embarrassment and indignation. It took everything he had to not hang up on him. “Aizawa, I'm TIRED!” He snapped, unable to reign in his temper enough. Toshinori took a deep breath and released it in a sigh, breathing out a little of his frustrations. “I never even wanted to write this stupid book. But since they're rebooting the All Might movie they're forcing me to do it. So yeah, it's probably not going to be my best work!”

At that, Aizawa was silent for a moment. “If you're looking for someone to hold your hand and tell you it's okay then I'm afraid you got the wrong person. You're a professional, you need to start acting like one.”

“I'm not asking for pity!” Toshinori said, almost snapping out the words as he felt his blood boil. “I've never asked you for pity! I just...” There was so much that Toshinori could say. He had only one lung, part of his stomach, anemia, chronic pain and the list went on. He was tired of the doctor visits, the medical procedures and all the different medicines he had to take just to stay alive. Toshinori could tell him that but his pride would never allow it. “Just forget it.”

Again Aizawa was silent, this time a little longer than before. When he spoke up his voice was still firm but not as harsh. “If this is about your health then just say so.” He said, a small hint of concern could be heard if one listened close enough. “If this is getting too hard for you then we could look into setting you up with a ghost writer.”

Toshinori gave a short laugh. “What? You want to make me the next James Patterson?”

“James Patterson…?”

“Ah, right, you probably wouldn't know who that is.” Toshinori said with a short sigh.

There was a long pause from Aizawa.

“You're googling him, aren't you?” Toshinori asked as a smile spread across his face.

“No, why would I do that? Of course I know who James Patterson is...” Aizawa said, sounding a little distracted. “Ah, I see. No, I'm not trying to turn you into that guy. I'm just offering a realistic alternative to you, though I don't like it much either.”

“I'll finish the book.” Toshinori said firmly. “But I want it to be on my own terms.”

Aizawa gave an annoyed sigh. “Look, I'm not going to pretend I read your work out of enjoyment but I can understand why it's popular. People out there want hope, somehow All Might strikes a cord with them. But where you seem to want to take this book feels like it's going to stomp on all of that.”

“It's how I feel it should all end.” Toshinori said. “This is going to be my last book, period. I might as well be honest about it.”

“What…?” Aizawa sounded a little surprised. “You're retiring?”

Toshinori gave a small, weary laugh. “...Something like that, yeah.”

“Yagi, are you alright?” Aizawa said, concern was more evident in his voice.

Toshinori didn't say anything right away, it was simple question without a simple answer. “I'll be fine when this is all over.”

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Toshinori sat on the couch in his office as he typed away at his laptop. He still felt the sting of having his work being called mediocre. He spent most of the afternoon combing through everything, looking for errors, working on revisions and making improvements. Toshinori had to admit that Aizawa was right, his work was severely lacking.

Aizawa's words were still fresh in his mind and playing on repeat.

'It's like you've forgotten how to write your own work.'

Toshinori paused in his typing and began to read over his own writing. He nibbled on his bottom lip as he found that he didn't like it. They were his own words but they simply didn't sound right. Had he really forgotten how to write his own stories? Toshinori frowned as he could clearly see that what he wrote felt forced and halfhearted. Of course it was, he didn't even want to write Book Six to begin with. The only thing good that Toshinori saw out of it was finally killing All Might and ending the series.

But still, he had his pride as a writer and an entertainer. Even if he didn't want to write the book Toshinori never half assed anything. He took a short breath, released it in a sigh, and tried to focus. It was going to be his last book, he could do it. He had to be the one to do it.

'Did you ever think that maybe I and your fans would like something a little less bleak?'

Toshinori's finger lightly tapped against one of the keys of his laptop without pressing it. His gaze left his computer screen and landed on Izuku. It surprised him that the kid had come back so soon, only to be informed that it was the kid's summer break.

Toshinori knew that he should have turned Izuku away for that day since he needed to focus. But something about the kid smiling and looking happy to see him made his resolve crumble. Izuku managed to keep himself busy doing chores and tidy up some of the chaos that was Toshinori's home. Only stopping when Toshinori suggested that he take a break and share a late lunch.

That was how Izuku found ended up in his office, looking at the various things Toshinori kept there. Not only did he admire the All Might merchandise but other posters, figures, and books of movies and superheroes. The kid certainly had an eye for such things, though he looked a little confused to find many of the collectable figures out of their boxes.

Izuku had been quiet for most of the time he was in Toshinori's office. A drastic difference from the ball of energy he was just the day before. Izuku's presence brought a sense of comfort to that room despite the awkwardness between him and Toshinori. It was strange, years had passed and Izuku was no longer the child he'd look after years ago. Yet, something was there, be it Toshinori's own desire to bond or just the fact that they were both writers.

With the relative quiet it was easy to refocus on writing. Soon Toshinori began to type again, at first in uncertain spurts, then finally settling into a steady flow of words. Once he was on a roll it was hard to get his attention, unless perhaps one were to shut his laptop on him. Toshinori didn't notice the occasional, thoughtful look he was getting from Izuku. He didn't see just how the kid was examining the All Might stuff he owned.

Toshinori gave a loud, irritated sigh that startled Izuku, making the kid jump slightly. He watched as Toshinori hit the backspace in an agitated succession of taps. He sat back, rubbing one of his temples as he read over his own work. Izuku could see Toshinori's eyes dart about as he stared at the screen, his gaze focused. He waited until Toshinori was typing again before he spoke.

“Writer's block?”

“Hmm?” It took a moment for the question to register in Toshinori's brain. “Not exactly, I know what I want to happen, but...” He paused to backspace and retype. Toshinori squinted at the screen as he quietly mouthed the words as he read them to himself. He then finally continued. “But nothing I'm doing sounds right. At this rate I'll probably have to cut out the whole scene.”

Izuku spared one more glance to a nearby bookshelf. On it were first edition copies of the All Might series books two through five. He looked at Toshinori as he continued to type away, the man was certainly distracted. After giving a small nod to himself, Izuku asked: “I can't blame you for having a hard time. With how the last book ended I can't imagine how you would be able to continue the story.”

“That's not the problem I'm having.” Toshinori said, too distracted to realize he took the bait. “I didn't even want to write this one. But since they're rebooting the All Might movie they want this book to come out at roughly about the same time.”

At hearing that Izuku's eyes widened with surprise. There had been rumors going around on the internet that the All Might movie was going to have a reboot. Izuku bounced a little in place, he was excited but he had to keep himself calm. It felt a lot like he was trying to sneak up on a rabbit, something he would do as a little kid with his friends. One wrong move and the rabbit would dart off, he had to be subtle and seem like a natural part of the environment.

It was then that Izuku remembered reading up on a Q&A that involved Noris Quirk. When asked, Noris mentioned that he loved movies.

“They've been rebooting a lot of movies, haven't they?” Izuku asked.

“Tell me about it.” Toshinori said with a slight nod, his eyes never broke away from the computer screen. “It's one thing if a reboot is done well but there's too many out there that are cash grabs. It's like sequels. There are sequels that are done well and others that you wish didn't exist. A sequel has to find the right balance between paying respect to the original while still having its story stand on its own.” Toshinori paused a moment to focus on what he was typing. He then continued. “With a reboot that's even harder because it's expected to follow the original. Of course, you'll get a different interpretation from the people working with the material and sometimes politics get tossed into the mix. Things also get updated and tweaked to fit with the current age and appeal to a target demographic.”

Izuku blinked, a little surprised. It was the first time he heard Toshinori not sound distant or awkward. He spoke with confidence and a certain fondness for the subject of film. Izuku couldn't help but smile a little. “You really like movies, don't you?”

“Yeah, I do.” Toshinori smiled a little without looking at him. “I fell in love them during my time in America.”

“You like American films?” Izuku asked. “Is that why All Might books feel so theatrical?”

Toshinori smiled and gave a small laugh. “Yeah, I got a lot of inspiration from American films and comics. I love their style and it fit with the stories I wanted to tell.” He said fondly. “It's a little corny, but I love stories where heroes give people hope. I guess that's what happened with All...” Toshinori's eyes widened with horror, he then looked up at Izuku. “...Might...”

“Oh...Oh my god…!” Izuku said, barely able to contain his excitement anymore. “My Uncle is Noris Quirk!”

“N-no I'm not!” Toshinori said hastily.

“You just admitted it!”

Toshinori then took a moment to replay the conversation in his head. He bit his bottom lip when he realized Izuku had laid a trap for him and he fell right into it. “You sneaky little shit...”

“This is so cool!” Izuku said as he bounced in place. “I love the All Might books so much!”

“Kid...”

Izuku didn't seem to hear him as he continued to chatter off. “I can't believe you've been living in my neighborhood this whole time!”

“Please stop.” Toshinori said more firmly.

Izuku wasn't listening as he continued on and on about All Might. He didn't see that Toshinori was growing more frustrated. “It's got to be awesome to work with All Migh-!”

“Knock it off, kid!” Toshinori snapped, causing Izuku to jump, all his excitement quickly disappeared. A surge of anger overtook Toshinori as he continued. “For one, get it through your head that All Might's not real, he's just a fictional character! Secondly, I hate him! I don't want to talk about him or his books!”

He was instantly filled regret when he noticed the look Izuku was giving him. The kid looked as though Toshinori had just slapped him across the face. A mix of shock and fear that gradually dissolved into a look of hurt. With a blink Izuku's eyes grew watery and stepped towards the door like he were backing away from a dog that bit him.

“I...I have to go...” was all that Izuku said as he hurried out of the office.

Toshinori sat alone in the room as the full weight of what he had done finally crashed down on him. He reached up, held his head in his hands and gave a slow, shaky sigh. “...I fucked up.”

-o-o-o-o-o-

Inko watched as Izuku prodded his dinner with his fork, he barely ate any of it. He had been quiet ever since he came home. Inko could remember hearing Izuku rush into the house and run upstairs. It worried her of course, but she tried to tell her self it was probably nothing. Seeing the tired and almost despondent look on Izuku's face told her otherwise.

“Izuku, sweetheart...” Inko began. “Are you feeling alright?”

Izuku stopped poking at his food and looked up at his mother. He looked a little torn, debating what he should say. “Mom, why didn't you tell me Uncle Toshinori was Noris Quirk?”

Inko blinked, a little surprised at the question. “Well, it didn't really feel like it was my place to.” she explained. “Did something happen between the two of you?”

“I...” Izuku hesitated, the event was still fresh in his mind and painful. “I figured it out and he got mad at me.” He paused for a brief moment and looked down at the table, his face slowly turned red from embarrassment. “But I did freak out on him. I was just so excited! I love his books and I wanted to thank him for writing them. I just didn't think the man that made All Might could be...that bitter.”

Inko took a sip from her drink as she listened, her face full of concern. She set down her cup and for a brief moment debated what to say. “Uncle Toshi wasn't always like that, Izuku. He was kind and very playful, he cared about you so much.” Inko smiled a little as she thought back on that time.

Izuku gave a small sigh, he still couldn't remember any of that time with Uncle Toshinori. It was hard to image that skeletal man as jolly or playful. It was hard enough to picture a character like All Might coming from the mind of someone that hated him.

There had to be a reason behind that. Toshinori couldn't have always hated All Might, could he? For some reason it felt wrong and Izuku couldn't quite figure out why it felt that way.

He then blinked as a small memory popped up in his mind. It wasn't of his childhood but something he saw earlier that day that struck him as a little odd. Izuku frowned as he tried to recall what it was. He remembered it had something to do with one of Toshinori's bookshelves. Something was missing.

Izuku's eyes then widened and without warning shot up from his chair, startling his mother.

“I-Izuku? Are you alright?” Inko asked, full of worry. “You look pale!”

Izuku didn't answer, instead he turned, hurriedly left the kitchen and retreated to his bedroom. After shutting his door and locking it he marched over to his desk. It was his workspace, cluttered with sketch and notebooks, his computer, and some of his favorite books.

Izuku reached out and picked up his first edition copy of All Might: One for All and All for One. He tried to recall that memory of what he saw in Toshinori's office. Of what he saw on that bookshelf that felt a little odd. Toshinori had first edition copies of the All Might series, books two through five. The first book was missing.

Izuku stared down at his first edition copy of book one, his hands trembling as he held it. For years he was so certain his father gave it to him. Now, what was once a source of warmth and comfort suddenly felt like a stranger. Izuku opened his desk drawer, dropped the book in, and slammed it shut. He didn't want to look at it anymore.

-o-o-o-o-o-

It was late in the morning when Toshinori heard his doorbell ring. He was still half asleep in his bed and ignored it until the second ring. When it donned on him that it might have been Izuku, he scrambled to get out of bed only to flop onto the ground with a loud 'thud'. Toshinori coughed as the familiar flavor of copper and salt hit his mouth. His body tensed as a throb of pain shot through his body from the left side of his torso. At the third ring of the doorbell Toshinori forced himself to stand up and leave his bedroom. He absolutely had to apologize to Izuku for making an ass of himself yesterday.

It was a struggle to climb down the stairs, the movements making the old injury on his left side ache with pain. When he reached the bottom of the steps he paused a moment as another wave of pain coursed through his body. Looking at the front door he could see the silhouette in the window just leave. Toshinori bit his lip and forced himself to hurry to the door and open it.

“WAIT!” He called out desperately. When he heard the yelp of a feminine voice his heart skipped a beat. Toshinori didn't find Izuku on his doorstep, instead he found himself locking eyes with Inko. Toshinori felt his face heat up as he realized that he just yelled at her and must have given her a fright. “I'm so sorry! I...I was hurrying to the door and I just saw you leaving! I-I didn't mean to yell!”

“I-It's okay! You just startled me...” Inko said as she held a hand over her heart. “Um, Toshi, I was hoping to have a talk with you...”

Toshinori felt his heart sink to the bottom of his stomach and suddenly felt sick. “Ah, about yesterday, right?”

With a small weary smile, Inko gave a small nod.

“Right, um...” Toshinori rubbed the back of his neck and moved aside. “Uh, come in, I'll make some tea.”

Inko walked into the house, looking around as she stepped inside. It was much darker with shades drawn closed, it was also more cluttered, with stacks of boxes in the hallway. It seemed like Toshinori was in the process of packing away some of his belongings.

“Are you moving?” Inko asked.

“Huh?” Toshinori blinked, a little surprised by the question. “Oh, uh, no, I'm getting rid of some of it.” He admitted as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I kinda became a bit of a pack rat. I've been giving some of it away, selling others, and tossing out junk.”

“Really?” Inko asked. “Trying to simplify your life a bit?”

“I guess you could say that.” Toshinori said as he walked ahead and made his way towards the kitchen. “I hate to say it, but I'm a little limited on tea at the moment. All I got is regular tea and lavender tea.” he explained as he grabbed up the kettle from the stove to fill it with water. “I'll need to order more groceries today.”

“Oh, you like lavender tea?” Inko said with a smile as she remembered the time she introduced it to him. “I thought you found it weird.”

“I did.” Toshinori admitted. “I never said I didn't like it though. Sometimes weird is a good thing.”

“Then how about some lavender?”

“Lavender for two then...” Toshinori said as he opened on of the kitchen cabinets to get the teabags.

-End of Chapter 9-

Chapter Text

Even if he wished the circumstances were better, Toshinori had to admit that it was nice seeing Inko again. She had changed since the last time they had spent time together. She gained a bit of weight and always had the hint of weary and tiredness about her that worried him. It was still Inko though. She had a certain charm to her and a quiet strength that Toshinori always admired.

The two of them sat across from each other at the kitchen table, the air filled with awkward silence. Toshinori's first instinct was to apologize for what he had done but he couldn't bring himself to speak first.

“So...” Inko began. “About yesterday, what happened between you and Izuku?”

Toshinori visibly tensed at the question, he nibbled on his lip as he tried to sort out what to say in his head. “Ah, I, um...I lost my temper.” he said as he stared down at his cup of tea. “Izuku figured out that I'm the guy behind the All Might books and he started going on and on about All Might. I was already frustrated after talking with my agent earlier that day...and...I just...snapped.”

The memory of the way Izuku looked at him wasn't going to leave Toshinori anytime soon. The look of hurt on the kid's face still made his heart sink like stone.

“I'm sorry.” Toshinori said quietly.

“That's well and good but it's not me who you should be apologizing to, Toshi.” Inko said before she took a sip from her tea. “Izuku's pretty upset right now, but maybe after a little time to calm down the both of you should apologize.”

“Why would he have to apologize?” Toshinori asked as he quirked a brow. “I'm the one that blew up.”

“Izuku understands that he was wrong too, it's important that he knows that.” Inko explained. “He's always been really smart but he isn't the best in social situations. Sometimes he'll act inappropriately and he learns from it.”

“Hmm...” Toshinori did notice that Izuku seemed pretty awkward. He remembered how the kid even admitted to having no friends. “I can't say I'm all that sure how to even approach the kid to apologize.”

“I guess you're in need to relearn how to socialize.” Inko said as her eyes scanned the kitchen for the briefest moment. “I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried about you.”

Toshinori reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. Part of him wanted to tell Inko that she didn't have to, but he knew she'd see through that lie in a heartbeat.

“This might be a bit sudden but I was wondering...” Inko began as a small smile spread across her face. “Would you be up for joining me and Izuku for dinner tonight?”

The question took Toshinori a little off guard. He gave a confused blink as it took a moment for it to fully register. “Dinner? Tonight?”

“If you're busy I understand but I thought it might be a good way to help start patching things up.” Inko said, a little uncertainty laced her voice.

Toshinori opened his mouth to speak but couldn't bring himself to answer right away. His first instinct was to say 'no', having become far too used to his solitary lifestyle. But it was an opportunity to start mending his mistake from the other day. He caught on to what Inko was trying to do. It might be more easy to talk in a friendly setting. Her being there might make it a little less tense. Could Toshinori really turn that down?

“Um, s-sure, I'll, uh...I'll be there.” he finally said as he looked away from Inko and rubbed the back of his neck. “What time do you want me to come over?”

Inko looked thoughtful for a moment and then gave a small, cute smile. “How about at five thirty?”

Her smile was infectious, Toshinori couldn't help but smile back at her. Though maybe it was also because part of him felt genuine happiness from the offer. “That's perfect.”

“Alright, I'll head back home and tell Izuku.” Inko said before taking another sip of her tea and finishing it. “I'll see you at five thirty then.”

Toshinori saw Inko out of the house and waved goodbye to her as she left. After he shut the front door a thought suddenly hit him.

“Wait, do I dress up for this?” Toshinori asked no one in particular.

A familiar, unwanted voice spoke up seemingly from right behind him. But Toshinori knew it was only in his head. “You should probably take a shower first.” The voice of All Might suggested.

Toshinori frowned, he hadn't heard a peep from All Might for a couple of days. He sucked in a breath and released it in a tired sigh. “Why? Why now? I was doing just fine without you!”

“Don't act like you don't know the answer to that one.” All Might chided. “But really, you should shower. You haven't taken one in three days!”

“What?” Toshinori blinked. “...I haven't?”

“Lets put it this way, she probably could smell you the entire time she was here.”

At that, Toshinori's felt his face burn as it flashed red from embarrassment. It happened so fast that it left him feeling light headed. He hid his face in his hands and groaned. “Holy shit! She must think I'm disgusting!”

“Then get yourself together, take a shower, and make yourself more presentable!” All Might said. For some reason he felt a little different.“Don't forget, you're the one who let them into your life. You can't let yourself slip into these ruts so often anymore. You're going to have to start taking better care of yourself.”

Toshinori stood in silence, as much as he wanted to argue he couldn't. He didn't want to admit it but All Might was right. Toshinori lightly chewed on his lower lip as he mulled over that thought. He then turned around and walked towards the stairs to start getting ready.

-o-o-o-o-o-

Toshinori was thankful that he had so much time before needing to head to the Midoriya residence. He did laundry and took a hot shower that felt good for the pain he was in that day.

In his room Toshinori stood before a mirror, half dressed in a pair of baggy black jeans. He was picking out a shirt when own eyes were drawn to the large scar on his body. It looked like a macabre flower that bloomed from between his ribcage and stomach and spread out on the left side of his torso. The old wound looked angry with inflammation, it felt hot, itchy and sore. But it wasn't as bad as it could have been. On some days it didn't bother him at all, on others Toshinori could find himself immobilized by pain.

“Come on Yagi, you can't feel sorry for yourself right now.” Toshinori told himself as he slapped his hands to his boney cheeks. “Get it together! Focus!”

He then turned his attention to the fresh laundry he had tossed onto his bed earlier and shifted through it to pick out a shirt. He settled for a plain white shirt that a couple sizes too big. As he slipped it on his nose was assaulted by the scent of detergent and fabric softener. Toshinori then eyed a gray hoodie and debated if he should wear that as well. It was summer but the nights had been cooler that week. Though in all honesty, it was more out of self consciousness and wanting to hide his sickly thin form.

When he was finally dressed he took out the phone and checked the time. Toshinori saw that it was a little after five and felt a nervous twist in what was left of his stomach. With a little effort he got himself to leave his bedroom, head down stairs, and step out the front door.

Much like Toshinori himself, his house stuck out like a sore thumb in the neighborhood. It wasn't too big, but was a Western style and had seen better days. It was also awkwardly wedged between two apartment buildings, making the house look even more out of place.

Toshinori began walking down the street, the occasional memory of walking to their home flashed in his mind as he went. The Midoriyas lived a few buildings away in a complex with small but affordable apartments. It had to be, since Inko was the only one working and Izuku was still little at the time. He was bigger now but probably had to keep focused on school.

“Ugh! What a creeper!”

“Shh! He'll hear you!”

Toshinori's eyes were drawn to a pair of teenaged girls that were walking the opposite way. They kept a good distance from him as they whispered to each other and cast glances. Toshinori pulled up his hood in hopes to avoid any more unwanted attention. It wasn't long before he reached the apartment building; his footsteps came to a stop when he saw Izuku waiting outside.

He didn't notice Toshinori at first, he stared off into the distance as he rocked back and forth on his feet. Izuku must have felt that someone was watching him, he turned his head to look Toshinori's way and jumped with a start.

Toshinori raised both his hands in signal for the kid to calm down. “Hey, it's okay, it's just me...”

Izuku blinked, his eyes then scanned Toshinori up and down as though just to make sure. He then opened his mouth to say something but paused and slowly closed it again. Izuku broke his gaze from Toshinori and tried to focus on something else.

“Kid...” Toshinori began. He hesitated a short moment and shoved his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. It took some effort but he finally he forced out what had to be said. “I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have snapped on you like that.”

Izuku didn't look at him. At first it seemed like he hadn't heard what Toshinori said at all. But after a moment of quiet he finally spoke. “...I'm sorry too.”

Toshinori smiled at Izuku as a feeling of relief washed over him. But there was still a strange tension about the boy that worried him. Izuku still wouldn't look at him and seemed a bit tense in his presence. Toshinori's smile fell a little.

“Uncle Toshinori?” Izuku said suddenly, making the older man jump slightly. “This isn't a question about All Might, it's something else that I need to know.”

Toshinori gave a confused blink and canted his head slightly. “What is it, kid?”

“In your office you have first editions of each of your books, right?”

“Yeah, I'm usually given the first printed copy of them.” Toshinori explained, not seeing the point of the question. “Why?”

But before Izuku could continue someone called out to them.

“Sorry for the wait!” Inko called out as she hurried her way towards them.

Toshinori looked between her and Izuku a little confused. “Um, I thought we were going to have dinner?”

“Yes, we are, we're going to eat at the restaurant I work at.” Inko explained. “Izuku and I will eat there every now and then. The food is really good, so it's a nice little treat.”

“O-Oh, okay…?” Toshinori said, a little uncertain. “Are we walking there?”

“No, silly, we're taking my car.” Inko said with a smile.

Toshinori bit his lower lip as he almost protested. He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, he felt his body go into a cold sweat. He could simply tell her 'no'. It was easy, just one word was all he needed to say.

Too bad his pride wouldn't let him.

Toshinori's hands were clenched into fists in the pockets of his hoodie. He took a breath as deep as his single lung would allow and released in a sigh. He was thankful that neither Inko or Izuku noticed his unease as they were already walking on ahead of him. Toshinori's feet felt like a pair of lead weights but he managed to get them moving and he followed.

-o-o-o-o-o-

Izuku knew it was rude, but he couldn't stop himself from staring. His Uncle Toshinori looked ridiculous all scrunched up into his mother's car.

“I am so sorry, Toshi. I forgot how tall you are.” Inko apologized, it was obvious she was trying not to laugh.. “Next time we'll take the bus.”

“I just can't believe I managed to squeeze into this thing. It's like trying to fit into a clown car.” Toshinori said as he shifted slightly. He latched one of his hands onto the grip handle above the car door. “With all the twisting and contorting I had to do, I think I could make a decent living in the circus.”

Inko snorted and giggled.

Izuku smiled a little. He could tell Uncle Toshinori was trying to make things a little less awkward. However, it didn't go unnoticed that he had the grip handle in a death grip. One that only seemed to get tighter when large vehicles drove by them.

It was odd, but something about it all felt strangely familiar, natural even. Izuku sat back in rear seat, watching his parents-no, his Uncle and Mother in the front seats of the car. It would have been soothing if he hadn't noticed how tense Uncle Toshinori was. The was holding the grip handle so tight that his knuckles had gone white.

“Are you alright Uncl-” Before Izuku could finish his question there was a loud blare of a car horn. Their car screeched to halt as another car sped by and cut them off.

“Mother fiddler! It was my turn to go!” Inko snapped. She then leaned towards her window and shouted. “Learn to drive!”

“M-mom…!” Izuku said, a little shocked. It wasn't the first time he had seen his mother's contained road rage but it was always still a surprise.

“Oh shit...” Toshinori said quietly, causing both Midoriyas to look at him worriedly. He then held up the grip handle. “...I broke the 'oh shit' handle.”

Both Izuku and Inko snorted and broke out into laughter. They continued on their way but it didn't go unnoticed that Toshinori's hand was trembling as he still held the grip handle tightly.

“Ah, I'll fix it for you later.” Toshinori said with a sheepish smile.

“Uncle Toshinori, are you scared of cars?” Izuku finally asked.

Both Inko and Toshinori were silent for a moment.

“I'm...uneasy in them.”

“Were you in a car accident?” Izuku asked, not sure why he felt he already knew the answer was 'yes'. While there was comfort in them being all together, something about being in a car also stirred up a feeling of dread.

Toshinori didn't answer right away, he seemed to look to Inko before speaking. “Yeah, I was. That was a long time ago though, I can't let myself be afraid forever.”

Izuku could tell that last part was meant for his mother, a way to tell her that she did nothing wrong.

“So...” Toshnori spoke up again. “...'Mother fiddler'?” An impish smile spread across his face.

“Oh look, we're here!” Inko announced before he could say more.

“Mother...fiddler.”

“Toshinori Yagi, you shut up!”

-o-o-o-o-o-

“Isn't that Inko and Izuku?” One waitress asked another. The two of them stared at a table in one of the corners of the restaurant.

The Midoriyas were common enough sight, Inko worked there and would eat there with her son now and then. What wasn't such a common sight was the very tall fellow seated at their table with them. His back was faced to the waitresses, after some coaxing he removed his hood and revealed a head of wild blond hair.

“A foreigner?”

Whoever he was, the Midoriyas seemed pretty familiar with him. The blond stranger talked with them, making exaggerated hand gestures as he did and got a few laughs out of them.

Dinner was far more enjoyable than any of them expected. Toshinori talked some of more funny sides of being a writer. Inko in turn told a few stories of her and Izuku, a couple of sillier ones much to her son's embarrassment.

“Mom...No...” Izuku groaned as he hid his face in his hands. “Stop...”

He eventually peeked out from between his fingers and watched as the two of them laughed and chattered on. The whole evening had felt almost surreal. Despite the fact that Izuku couldn't remember much of when he was little, Uncle Toshinori's presence felt natural.

For a brief moment, a small memory flashed in Izuku's mind. It was of him and his Mom at a restaurant, something that had a play place. It was an odd memory, one Izuku couldn't quite place. It had to have been after his parents divorced. He had figured it had to have been for his birthday and his Mom and Dad got together again for the occasion. Izuku could remember that was the day he had gotten his first All Might book. As the memory played in his mind, the image of his father because less clear.

“Hey, Earth to Izuku!” Toshinori said as he reached over and snapped his fingers twice by the boy's head.

Izuku jumped at the sound and looked at his Uncle. “W-what?!”

“You were spacing out there.” Toshinori said with a smile. “Enjoy your trip to the Nonsense Planet?”

“N-nonsense?” Izuku said with a blink and a slight frown.

“Of course! You're the 'Prince of Nonsense'!” Toshinori said as if it were most natural answer in the world.

“Prince of…?” Izuku felt his heart skip a beat.

“Wow, you really are the Little Prince of Nonsense, aren't ya?” The words echoed from the old memory, the mental image of his Dad distorted even more.

Izuku chewed on his lower lip, his eyes cast onto the table. The man in that memory was not his father. He was bigger than his Dad, he looked like a superhero. He would make his Mom laugh and smile even after being so sad. It was his Uncle Toshinori.

“Izuku?” Inko said, sounding concerned. “Sweetie, are you alright?”

Izuku looked up at Inko and Toshinori, both looking back at him with worry. He offered them a weary smile and changed the subject.

“Um, so...I've been wanting to ask this for a while...” Izuku began. “How did you guys meet? I mean, it's obvious Uncle Toshinori's not really my uncle.”

Inko gave a confused blink she looked at Toshinori who smiled and gave her knowing look. She then looked at her son and asked: “What makes you say that?”

Izuku blinked and quirked an eyebrow at the question. He looked at Toshinori and then back at his mother. “Well, for one, he looks kinda white...?”

Toshinori suddenly snorted loudly and shook as he tried to contain his laughter.

“Izuku!” Inko said with surprise. “He's mixed race!”

“Mom, you completely missed the point...”

“No, I got the point but it's still rude!” Inko looked at Toshinori with an apologetic look. “I'm so sorry...”

“Inko, it's fine, it's fine! I get this kind of thing all the time!” Toshinori said, he motioned his hand as though he were shooing the issue away. “The reason I look the way I do is because I take after my Mother. She was from Texas and she came over to Japan to teach English. She was bronzed, blonde, really tall, and built like a lumber jack.” Toshinori smiled impishly when he saw the look Izuku made as he tried to get a mental picture of such a woman. It was obvious the kid was failing miserably. “My Dad was from Japan and taller than average himself but still shorter than Mom. Apparently, he had a thing for women who could fold him in half.”

Inko snorted and promptly covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing.

“W-what…?” Izuku said as he canted his head and gave Toshinori an odd look. “Why would he want something like that?”

Toshinori's face went a little red and he bit his lower lip. He then looked at Inko, the look he was giving her clearly said: 'Should I tell him?' Toshinori could see Inko was smiling behind her hand by the cute wrinkles around her eyes. She trying not to laugh as she shook her head 'no'.

Toshinori gave a short nod and looked at Izuku who just seemed even more confused by that point. “Maybe I'll explain it when you're a little older.”

“Is it like BDSM?” Izuku asked with a blink.

Inko gasped while Toshinori managed out a strangled 'oh', both their eyes went wide from shock.

“Izuku!” Inko said as her face quickly flushed red. “Just what have you been doing on the internet?!”

Izuku jumped slightly and blushed when he realized how it must have sounded. “M-Mom! It's not what you think! I watch crime shows!”

Toshinori then burst out into a fit of loud laughter. He abruptly stopped when a harsh twinge of pain hit him followed by the taste of copper and salt flooding his mouth. Toshinori quickly snatched up what napkins he could reach and held them to his mouth.

“Uncle Toshinori!?” Izuku said, a look of fear spread across his face.

Toshinori held up a finger, signaling the boy to wait a moment. He pulled the napkins awake just enough to take a breath while still hiding his bloodied mouth. He then wiped his mouth as best he could, crumpled up the napkin and stuffed it into the pocket of his hoodie to throw away later. Toshinori didn't want to scare either of the Midoriyas and ruin the fun evening they were all having.

“I'm fine, I just laughed a little too hard.” Toshinori said with a smile, careful not to show his teeth in case they were reddened from the blood. “So, Izuku my boy, how much summer break do you have left?”

“Oh...” Izuku's brow furrowed as he took a moment to think it over a little. “I think about four weeks? Why?”

“Ah, I was just wondering if were going to have some free time.” Toshinori said as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I know I snapped on you before, but I mean it when I say that I'm sorry. I guess you can say I need help in relearning how to socialize again. I'm going to need all the help I can get especially since Aizawa wants me to help promote the new book and movie when the time comes.”

“Uh, s-sure!” Izuku said, his eyes practically gleamed. But then his excitement faded as he remembered one crucial detail. “Um, but...I'm not good with socializing either...”

“I know, I was thinking about that.” Toshinori said thoughtfully. “Do you like MMORPGs?”

“Huh? Uh, sure, I guess, why?”

“There's this game that's just entered beta testing, it's called 'My Hero Academia'-”

Izuku gasped, his face lit up with excitement once again. “Oh wow!”

“Figures you heard of it already.” Toshinori said with a small laugh. “So All Might's going to be one of the surprise teacher characters featured in the game. Because of that they gave me a few beta keys for it. I'm not much of a gamer anymore but I'd be willing to play it with you. We can both practice with the 'social' part of 'MMO's.”

“That is so cool! That game's been in development for a long time!” Izuku was bouncing in seat and launched himself into a lecture. “Rumors say it's because it's a huge crossover! Like how DC has the Justice League and Marvel's got the Avengers! If that's the case the developers probably had to go through a lot to get so many characters, so they have to make this game really count...” And like that Izuku was lost to his own rambling.

“Kid, please calm down, you're shaking and it's scaring me...”

Inko smiled as she watched the two of them, glad to see that they were managing to patch things up.

-End of Chapter 10-

Chapter Text

- A Couple Weeks Later-

“Midoriya my boy, could you please stop running into mobs of villains?” Toshinori's voice said from the headset Izuku was wearing. He was speaking in English, his accent had the slight hint of a Texan twang. “You're a DPS class and very squishy, my heals can't keep up.”

Izuku groaned. “Uncle Toshinori, do we have to talk in English?”

“Hey, you're the one who asked for help with your studies, kid.” Toshinori explained. “It's either English practice or I could give you another pop quiz.”

“It's not really a 'pop quiz' if I know about it.” Izuku countered.

“It will be if you make me pop all of my cooldowns again...”

“Okay, okay!” Izuku said with a laugh.

For the past few days Toshinori and Izuku would take a little time out of their schedules to play My Hero Academia together. Izuku's summer vacation would be coming to an end soon, he had spent a good portion of it studying and going to cram school. It was obvious that the stress was getting the kid as he almost seemed afraid to spend time playing a game. Not that Toshinori could blame him, he too went through 'entrance exam hell' and knew the pressure that came with it. So they found a way to compromise.

While they played Toshinori would occasionally quiz Izuku with questions on different subjects and would practice English. It was surprisingly effective, it gave Izuku a way to unwind and have a little fun without feeling too guilty.

Somehow Izuku just managed to catch the sound of soft knocking on his bedroom door.

“Give me a sec I'll be right back!” he said as he slipped his headset off and left to answer the door. Izuku was greeted by the sight of his Mom. “Oh! Hi Mom, sorry I couldn't hear you...I'm...still speaking in English, aren't I?”

By the surprised look on his Mother's face Izuku could take that as a yes.

“I just wanted to tell you that dinner's ready and in the fridge.” Inko explained. “I'm going to be covering an evening shift so I'm going to get ready.”

“Okay, thanks Mom!” Izuku said with a smile. “Stay safe, okay?”

“I will!”

When Izuku closed the door Inko couldn't help but smile a little herself. It was good to see her son looking genuinely happy. It had been a tough week as school was soon approaching. Izuku had tried to hide his growing anxiety but Inko could still see it in his habits. She could hear Izuku from behind the door as he loudly groaned and complained over another 'pop quiz'.

-o-o-o-o-o-

It was busy that evening at the restaurant. Plenty of salary men and women had come in for an after work meal and drink. There were many regulars and couple new faces. It was easy for the night to start to blur on by. The monotony of it all sometimes allowed her to go on autopilot, she knew her duties well and had practiced them enough.

It wasn't that Inko hated her job, she got along well with her coworkers and boss. Not many people bothered her, not even drunk patrons who occasionally hit on some of the staff. It was money, which was always needed, the child support allowance given by the government wasn't nearly enough. Especially with Izuku's schooling. No, Inko couldn't complain, she had to be thankful that she had a job.

Still, there were times where she couldn't escape the feeling of being trapped. She couldn't help the small sudden bouts of anxiety that would hit her out of the blue. The haunting fear that she was a failure as wife and mother would gnaw away at her as she was trapped with her thoughts. It was those times where Inko felt the most alone.

“Inko? Hey, I'm talking to you!”

Inko blinked, broken from 'autopilot mode' she looked toward the voice that called her. Standing not too far away was one of her coworkers, a confident looking woman with an almost fox like look to her face.

“Oh, sorry Chisa!” Inko said with weary smile. “I couldn't hear you...”

“Yeah because you were spacing out, you're going to make some mistakes if you're not careful.” Chisa frowned a little. She was the assistant manager and had a habit of being protective of her coworkers. Chisa had the air of a 'big sister' about her, even if she was still fairly young. She looked at Inko with a hint of suspicion. “By the way, just between us, the girls were mentioning that you brought some strange foreigner guy here with you and Izuku a while back.”

Inko blinked and then it clicked in her mind that Chisa was talking about Toshinori. “Oh, that was an old friend of mine. We've been reconnecting.”

“That's good, but I hope that's all that's going on...” Chisa said with a small sigh.

“Excuse me?” Inko asked.

“I just worry about you is all.” Chisa explained. “Some of the girls have been talking, a couple of them think that you're going out with that guy.”

“What…?” Inko felt her face grow warm as she began to blush. “N-No, it's nothing like that!”

Chisa was quiet for a moment as she gave Inko a judging look. She crossed her arms and didn't look all that convinced. “I'm not trying to pick on you, I'm just telling you what I've heard. I'll be honest when I say that it doesn't sound all that far fetched. You're a nice person, Inko. Sometimes a little too nice.”

“Chisa, what are you trying to say?” Inko asked. She could feel her heart pound as she felt a cocktail of anxiety and anger churn in her chest. Inko didn't really want to hear it but she felt that she had to.

“I mean, I wouldn't put it past you to try to love someone out of guilt.” Chisa explained. “One of the girls thinks that you'd do it out of desperation. You do have Izuku and his schooling to think about. As a single mother, it's really hard to shoulder that responsibility and pay for his schooling by yourself.”

Inko went a little pale as she listened, she felt like she was going to be sick. “You think I would do something like that?”

“I don't but I'm telling you how it looks to the others.” Chisa retorted. “My worry for you is that you might be doing something foolish out of guilt. It would be a cruel thing to do to yourself.”

Inko felt like she was going to cry but managed to hold it back from outright sobbing in front of Chisa. She could feel her face burn from embarrassment, with a blink Inko noticed her eyes had started to tear up.

Chisa didn't seem to notice or at least acted like she didn't. “We'll be closing in a couple hours, you should take your break now since things are slowing down.”

Inko wiped her eyes and gave a nod. Lunch sounded good, even if she didn't have much of an appetite anymore. She could use a little time to unwind and calm down before she went home.

Inko had a favorite booth she liked to take her lunch in. It was in the corner of the restaurant and was comfortably secluded. She sat at her table with a book and her phone; during summer breaks Izuku would sometimes text with her on skype. It was pretty late but she checked her messages anyway just in case. Inko didn't see any new messages from Izuku, but she did notice that she got one from Toshinori. Her first instinct was to check and see what it was but she hesitated.

Her conversation with Chisa began to replay itself in her head. The smart thing would have been to turn off her phone and just read her book.

Toshinori: Izuku asked me to tell you that he went to bed early. -Edited.-

Toshinori: -Message removed.-

Toshinori: -Message removed.-

Inko gave a small sigh of relief as the message turned out to be harmless. Though she couldn't help but wonder what the deleted messages were about. Out of habit, Inko typed out 'thank you for telling me' and hit send. She then realized a bit too late that it was pretty late. She hoped Toshinori had his phone off.

A sudden, resounding 'ding' from Inko's phone made her jump slightly.

Toshinori: No problem.

Inko hesitated a moment before she started typing out a reply.

Inko: You're still up?

Toshinori: Tried to write, got stuck. Now I can't sleep.

Inko: You became a night owl?

Toshinori: Not by choice.

Inko's brow furrowed a little when she read that reply as it sounded a little odd. Perhaps it was work related, he was a writer after all, he probably got caught up in his work plenty of times. But then to her surprise the message was suddenly edited.

Toshinori: Yeah. -Edited.-

The smart thing would have been to ignore it, Inko knew that. But her instincts told her that something was a little off. She hesitated a moment but finally started to type out a reply.

Inko: Too late. I saw that.

Inko: Are you alright Toshi?

For a couple of minutes Inko watched as her phone showed that Toshinori was typing and erasing his text to her. If she had to take a guess, he was probably trying to think of a way to play off what he said as nothing serious.

Toshinori: It's a lot to explain in a text.

Inko: You can call me if you want. We're closing so I'll have a little time to talk before I head home.

Again Inko watched the little message at the bottom of her phone's screen that said Toshinori was typing and erasing his text. More than likely, he was conflicted on what to say. It was almost a minute before he finally sent his text.

Toshinori: You sure you want me to do that? You'll probably just get an earful of me bitching.

Inko: It's fine.

Inko: Want to call me? Or should I call you?

Toshinori: I'll call.

It was barely a moment later when Inko's ringtone blared to life, she accepted the call and held to phone up to her ear. “Hello?”

“Hey...” Toshinori's voice croaked over the phone, he sounded tired. “How goes the night shift?”

Inko smiled a little at hearing his voice. “Better now that it's pretty much over, I'll be heading home pretty soon. Now, as for you, you were going to tell me what was going on, remember?”

Toshinori laughed but it was short lived, having cut off abruptly. Inko could have sworn she heard him hiss in pain. “Ah, straight to the point I see...”

“I'm not going to let you weasel your way out of it, Toshi. Are you alright?”

Toshinori was quiet for a moment. Inko could hear his breaths make a steady, raspy rhythm. She started to wonder if he had fallen asleep on the phone when suddenly he finally spoke up.

“Long story short...” Toshinori began. “It's nerve damage.”

He was lying on the couch of his living room, the TV on and playing a movie in the background. It served to fill the quiet of his home with some noise. Something to take at least a little focus off the pain his was in. Toshinori took a deeper breath and released it in a ragged sigh. Another twinge of pain coursed its way through his flowering scar tissue. It felt like someone had taken a live electrical wire and pressed into his skin. Toshinori felt the muscles in his abdomen tense. The old injury and the area around it was an angry looking reddish pink and felt hot to the touch.

“From back when I got turned into a kabob in that car accident.” Toshinori gave a weak, half laugh at his own joke. The quiet on the other end of the phone told him that Inko probably didn't find it so funny. “It's not as bad as it could have been but it's enough to keep me awake.”

“Do you need to go to the hospital?” Inko asked worriedly.

“Nothing they can do about it.” Toshinori explained simply. “I just have to ride it out until it dies down. As long as I stay on the first floor of my house I'll be fine.”

“Does this happen all the time?”

“No, it's not as bad as it used to be.” Toshinori said as he thought back on that time. “Sometimes it just gets sore or it acts up when the weather's bad. Then there are times like this where it feels like life's just giving be a big ol' 'fuck you'.” At that Toshinori started to laugh, having no idea why he found it so funny.

“I...I had no idea...”

The serious tone in Inko's voice killed any strange humor Toshinori found in his situation. “That's not your fault. It's not like you could have known since we dropped out of touch.”

Inko was quiet for a moment. “I understand that, but that's also the problem too, isn't it? I left you alo-”

“Hey now, enough of that.” Toshinori interrupted her, his voice firm, if a little raspy from tiredness. “You were being a mother and Izuku needed you. It's over now, best to drop it.”

Inko huffed out a small sigh. She checked the time on her phone and saw that her break was almost over. “Hey Toshi, my break's over and I'll be heading home soon.” Inko paused a moment and mulled over a thought before she continued. “I was wondering, would you like anything from the restaurant? I can stop by your place on my way home.”

“Huh?” The offer took Toshinori by surprise, he hesitated before trying to give an answer. “Uh, well, I don't want to impose, especially if it costs you money.”

“Nope, it's free!” Inko chimed. “It's one of the perks I get for working here, I can bring home a free meal.”

“Hmm...” Toshinori chewed on his lower lip as he thought about it. There was a particular dish he liked when he and the Midoriyas ate there. Part of Toshinori felt it would have been selfish to accept the offer. While on the other hand, Inko seemed to really want to do this for him. “W-Well, that place does serve some good creamy chicken rice soup. If it's not too much troub-”

“Consider it done!” Inko said. “I'll stop by in a bit, see you then!”

With that Toshinori heard the call come to an end. He looked at his phone, hung up and checked the time and saw it was almost midnight. Toshinori set his cellphone on the coffee table and replayed their conversation in his head. He wondered if there were things he shouldn't have said or maybe said better. It didn't help that he was tired as hell, he probably said some stupid shit that he shouldn't have. Even accepting Inko's offer of free food felt like a stupid move. He could call her back and tell her to forget about it, couldn't he? But then again Inko might have gotten the food already. It'd cause more trouble than it was worth.

Toshinori huffed out a short sigh and let his eyes slide shut. He still felt sore but the pain seemed to ease up a little at least. He could get away with resting his eyes for a few minutes, couldn't he? Toshinori focused on the rhythm of his own breathing rather than the throbbing pain in his side, slowly he could feel himself to drift off.

The ringtone of his cellphone suddenly blared to life. Toshinori's eyes snapped open and he turned his head to look at it. It took him a moment too long to remember that it was probably Inko. He reached over and snatched the phone off the coffee table. Toshinori blinked when he saw that it was twelve forty. By some miracle he had fallen asleep for forty minutes.

With a tap on the screen he answered. “Hello?” Toshinori cringed a little at how his words sounded like a croak.

“Oh! Were you sleeping?” Inko asked. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you!”

“No, I'm fine, you said you were coming over anyway, remember?” Toshinori started to sit up, wincing as the old injury flared up in protest. He laid back on the couch to ease the pain. “Okay, plan B...So, uh, Inko, have you ever broke into a house through a window before?”

“What? No, of course not!”

Toshinori couldn't help but laugh at how offended Inko sounded. “Okay, okay, scratch plan B, on to plan C. On the ground next to my door there should be a rock, I hid a spare key under it.”

“Toshi, that's...that's really stupid!” Inko said with worry in her voice. “If someone found it they could break into your house!”

“Inko, never once in my life have I ever claimed to be a rocket scientist.” Toshinori retorted. He hung up when heard the door to his house unlock and open.

Inko walked into his house and made her way towards the living room. She could see that it was far less cluttered than the last time she was there. There were still boxes here and there, but it looked much more livable than before. “Toshinori Yagi, how in the world do you survive?”

“It's a mix of luck and life wanting to kick my ass some more.” Toshinori said as he gave her a lopsided smile.

Inko shook her head and laughed a little but it was hard to stay smiling as she took in the state he was in. Toshinori lied sprawled out on his couch, which couldn't even hold all of him since he was far too tall. Inko could see that he was pale and sweating, despite his smile he was clearly not well.

“You're a mess.” It was all Inko could really say to a sight like that. “How long have you been like this?”

“A while.” Toshinori answered bluntly.

Inko set the bag of food down on the coffee table, rested her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow. “And just how long is 'a while'?”

“Hours.”

“Toshinori...” Inko shook her head and gave a tired sigh. “For starters you shouldn't be lying like that.”

Toshinori gave a small shrug. “It's how I landed on the couch, nothing you can really do about it.”

Inko didn't look one bit amused. She grabbed up a couple of pillows and set them up against one of the arms of the couch. Toshinori turned his head and watched her with a confused look on his face. She looked at him, rolled up her sleeves, and moved to get a hold on him.

“Whoa! Now you just wait a minute! No! Stop! O-Ow, ow, ow! N-not that way! FUCK!”

Inko had to struggle with Toshinori, it was like wrestling with an injured animal. Despite being so thin he was surprisingly strong. Toshinori tried to pull away from Inko as she held onto him and dragged him into a better position on the couch. He might have been successful if his injury wasn't inflamed.

“Hol...Holy shit…!” Toshinori managed to say between breaths. His head and upper back were given better support the pillows but he winced when he felt his scar throb. He glared at her and snapped. “What the hell, Inko?!”

Inko wiped her brow, having exerted herself a bit in their struggle. “I'm sorry that hurt but you were just going to lie there and accept it.”

Toshinori shook his head and gave an angry huff. “I was just fine as I was!”

“Is that so?” Inko said as she crossed her arms. “Then tell me, how does your neck feel now?”

Toshinori opened his mouth to shoot off with a smart ass comment but the words died in his throat. He reached up and rubbed his neck when he noticed that it didn't ache as much anymore. Toshinori averted his eyes from Inko. “...Better.”

Inko nodded and picked up the bag of food from the coffee table. “If you're not in any shape to eat I'll put this in the refrigerator. Do you need anything from the kitchen while I'm here?”

Toshinori was quiet for a moment, his eyes shifted back and forth from looking at her to something else. He was still a little pissed but after feeling the difference a simple change of position made he felt like a damned idiot.

“Would something like an ice pack help?” Inko asked. “Do you even have anything like that?”

Toshinori looked at her and gave a small nod. “Y-yeah, I have a few in the freezer. Uh, I...” He froze a second as words decided that they were just not going to cooperate with him. Part of him wanted to apologize but he was still struggling with his own pride to simply do it. “I...have my pain meds in the kitchen too. Usually just in case I end up like this.”

“It didn't do you much good in this case.” Inko said with a small sigh. “I'll be right back.”

Toshinori didn't respond, he looked away from her as she walked out of the room. His anger had fizzled out and left a feeling of guilt for putting up such a fuss and yelling at Inko. He lightly shook his head and huffed out a tired sigh.

“Toshinori Yagi, you are a real horse's ass...” he grumbled to himself.

It wasn't too long before Inko returned to the living room with a cold pack, a bottle of medication, and a glass of water. She set the glass of water on the coffee table and gave the medication bottle one last look before showing it to Toshinori. “You had a few different medications there, this one's for pain but I hope it's the right one.”

Toshinori squinted a little as he read the name of the medication on the bottle. “Oh yeah, that's it, few of those and I'll be on the moon. Doc Chiyo gave me the good shit this time.”

Inko snorted and then bit her lower lip as she tried not to laugh. She was still upset with him, but a giggle almost escaped her when she saw Toshinori give a crooked smile. Inko knelt down next to the couch and set the medication bottle on the coffee table. She then moved to lift Toshinori's shirt to apply the cold pack.

Toshinori's hand quickly moved and held his shirt down. “W-wait, I-I can do that myself...” He looked up at her, his eyes had a pleading look. His voice grew quiet as he forced himself to continue. “I...I don't want you to see it...”

At that moment Inko's eyes were drawn to where she had lifted the shirt just enough to see a little of gnarled scar tissue peeking out. She felt her stomach twist at the glimpse of it and looked away as she handed him the cold pack. Toshinori took it, mumbling a quiet 'thank you', slipped it under his shirt and hissed a little as he pressed it to the scar tissue.

After a long moment of silence between them, Toshinori finally spoke up. “I'm sorry that I yelled at you.”

“I'm sorry that I hurt you.” Inko added. She looked at him and offered a weary smile. “You know that you're not alone, don't you?”

Toshinori didn't say anything, he looked uncertain, even a little sad. He blinked when he felt Inko take his free hand in hers. She felt warm, he felt drawn to that physical contact. It was such a simple gesture but it felt full of warmth and affection. Toshinori craved more of it but was also terribly afraid of it as well.

“This might be a bit much to ask...” Inko began. “But I'd like permission to be able to check up on you once in a while. In case if something like this happens again.”

“You really shouldn't...” Toshinori said quietly, sounding almost reluctant to say it. “You and Izuku shouldn't get too attached to me, you might regret it later.”

“It's a bit too late for that now.” Inko pointed out.

Toshinori hesitated before he reciprocated Inko's hold of his hand, appreciating her warmth and soft touch. “You can keep that spare key if you want, it would probably be safer with you than under a rock.”

Inko gave a small laugh. She had the spare key in her pocket, having forgotten about it until Toshinori mentioned it.

It was then that Inko's conversation with Chisa from earlier began to replay itself. People would talk, judge, and call her desperate. But in that moment, seeing Toshinori more at ease to the point that he was drifting into sleep, it didn't matter. 'Guilt'. The way Chisa said the word made it sound horribly dirty. Was she really doing this out of guilt? Or was there more to it than that?

-End of Chapter 11-

Chapter Text

-A Few Months Later, April-

Sardines. Smelly sardines packed tightly into a tin can that barreled off at stupid speeds. Izuku never liked sardines much so by extension he hated traveling by the morning metro. He stood there tightly snug between other passengers on the tightly packed carriage. A little luck seemed to be on Izuku’s side though he was able to get as spot standing next to the doors. He would have a quick escape and got to watch the world speed by. A welcome distraction from the claustrophobic atmosphere. His eyes focused on the grubby glass surface of the window. Izuku could see the tired faces of the commuters next to him their details blurred into nothingness the further back he looked. It was his own face that bothered him the most though. Izuku’s own face was pale and his eyes were filled with anxiety. He shook his head and turned his attention back to the window. There was nothing to worry about, he was just another kid on his way to his first day of school. No big deal.

The train slowed itself to a crawl as it approached the next station. Passengers pushed their way through the crowd and off the carriage. One stumbled into Izuku and broke his train of thought. On reflex he apologized even if it wasn’t his fault. He mentally kicked himself as he could imagine Uncle Toshinori tell him to quit it. It was a horrible habit that his uncle was trying to help Izuku break. With new people on board and the train started to move again. Izuku let his mind wander and found himself pondering about the other passengers.

They all traveled together but each passenger was on their own journey, they had their own lives and their own jobs. Some of them Izuku could recognize from his commutes to his old school but he never knew any of them. It was ironic how such a confined space filled with people could feel so lonely. As a writer (it felt odd calling himself one but Uncle Toshi insisted) Izuku couldn’t help but sometimes see himself as the protagonist in his own story. That would make those close to him, the few that were, supporting characters. People like the other passengers felt like extras, part of the scenery of his life but alive. In that same vein of thinking though it meant that everyone was the protagonist of their own story. At the end of the day Izuku himself was just an extra in the lives of others. It made him feel small and he gave a sigh; it was way too early to be thinking about this kind of stuff.

Locking eyes with his own reflection again, Izuku began to mentally go over how he would present himself. He had read up on the importance of first impressions and articles on the psychology of social situations. He would use the tricks and tips of what he had learned to practice for the past couple of weeks. Izuku would stand front of his bathroom mirror as he practiced greetings, small jokes, and just how to talk in general. This was a new chapter in his life and he was determined to make things different. It didn’t seem that life wanted to make it any easier for him though. As the train barreled to its next destination Izuku could feel all his careful practice and plans slowly leak from his head.

Izuku’s heart fluttered in his chest like a panicked humming bird and his throat went parched. Of course that would happen today of all days. He tried to shake off the nervousness, it was going to be fine. He practiced both by himself and with Uncle Toshinori in game. It was going to be fine as long as he just kept his cool and practiced.

Izuku locked eyes with his reflection and began to go over greetings he could say in his head. He set up different scenarios in his head and tried to think of different strategies and approaches for each of them. From the simplest ‘hello’ to small jokes to diffuse tension and mistakes.

“Mama, what’s the boy doing?”

“Shh! Don’t look at him.”

Izuku blinked when he heard that. It donned on him that he must have been mumbling what he was thinking again. His face felt hot as red crept into his cheeks from embarrassment.

A soft ‘bing’ chimed and the name of the next stop was announced. Izuku felt his heart skip a beat when he realized it was his stop coming up. It wasn’t long before the train slowed itself again as it approached the station. Izuku felt his blood run cold as the train finally screeched to a stop. The doors opened and he felt his legs lock up.

“Move, dumb ass!” someone from behind him snapped as they pushed past.

At that Izuku hurried off the train and out of the crowd’s way. He didn’t get too far though as he felt his foot catch the back of his other leg and tripped. It was over in the blink of an eye; Izuku found himself face down against the cool concrete of the station platform. It took a few seconds for his mind to catch up with what happened. He felt pain in his face and the floor felt wet with something slimy and warm against his skin.

“Oh my gosh, are you alright?!” a worried voice called out.

Izuku felt a hand press on his back and flinched. His face felt hot as a wave of humiliation hit him. If the ground were to open up and swallow him whole he wouldn’t have complained. After a moment and a bit of effort Izuku pushed himself up into a seated position on the floor. He felt his head rush and his nose was clogged, on instinct Izuku wiped his face with the back of his hand. His stomach twisted when he was met with the sight of crimson against his skin.

“Oh no, you’re bleeding! Hold on a sec!”

Barely a moment passed before Izuku’s hand was snatched and a bright pink handkerchief was placed in his palm. Upon looking up his eyes went wide when he saw a cute girl with shoulder length light brown hair with a look of worry on her face.

“You took a really bad fall, are you alright?” she asked with a look of worry. Her face was a little chubby that gave her a comforting charm. She didn’t give Izuku much chance to respond as she took his hand and pressed the handkerchief to his nose.

Not only had he made a complete fool of himself but right in front of a cute girl who troubled herself trying to help him. “I-I am so sorry!” Izuku managed to squeak.

“It’s okay!” she insisted. “Here, lets get you up...” The girl then took Izuku by the arm and began to help to his feet. Her strength surprised him; her figure was more solid than it seemed. It was obvious the girl was no stranger to hard work. When Izuku was standing they walked away from the platform together. “I saw the guy that pushed you. what a jerk!”

“I was pushed?” Izuku asked with a blink, his voice muffled by the handkerchief. He tried to think back but it all happened so fast that the whole thing was a blur.

“Yeah, you tripped first but then some guy shoved past you and down you went.” The girl explained with a small annoyed huff. Her eyes then scanned over Izuku for a short moment and her annoyance shifted into a smile.

Izuku removed the handkerchief and sniffed; his nose was no good for breathing yet so he breathed through his mouth instead. “Th-thank you for helping me...Um, s-sorry about your...” He held up the bloodied pink cloth.

“Hey it’s totally cool, it’s not like you meant it to happen.” The girl said as she gave a bright smile. It wasn’t long before it morphed into a look of realization. “Oh, heading to school? Looks like we’re going to the same place!” She said as she pointed to the school badge on her clothes.

Izuku blinked owlishly when he realized they wore the same kind of uniform. He jumped slightly when the girl suddenly held out a hand to him.

“My name’s Uraraka Ochako!” she as her beaming smile returned. “How about we walk to school together?”

“S-sure!” Izuku stuttered. He found himself staring at Ochako’s hand a moment too long before he took it and gave it a short shake. “I-I’m Izuku M-Midoriya!”

“Nice to meet you! Come on, let’s go! We don’t want to be late!” Ochako said as she walked a little ahead of Izuku and waited a moment for him to follow.

Izuku hurried after her and together the pair made their way out of the train station. They walked together in relative silence at first. Ochako was the first to try to break the ice; she made comments about how the weather was beautiful and that it must mean a good start for a good school year. Izuku muttered in agreement but the conversation fell flat after that. The two continued their walk in awkward silence for a while.

Izuku mentally kicked himself, he had to think of something to talk about. Ochako was nice and if they were going to be commuting together throughout the year being able to talk would make it easier. His attention was drawn to the a set of clattering charms on her bag. Izuku squinted a little as he noticed one of them was what looked like a little astronaut. Something in his gut told him that he had seen that character before. It was likely he was wrong but it was better to take the chance anyway.

“Hey Ochako, that astronaut...” Izuku began, he felt his stomach twist a little when she looked him in the eye. He broke eye contact before he continued. “Um, i-is that ‘Space Hero Thirteen’?”

Ochako blinked and looked a little surprised before she lit up as a smile spread across her face. “Wow, you have a good eye! I love Thirteen! I love space and science, I grew up on Thirteen’s cartoons and comics.”

“Thirteen is really cool, my favorite is All Might.”

“Oh! All Might’s really cool too!” Ochako said. “I’ve read his books but I loved that crossover where he worked with Thirteen!”

“Oh! Oh! Where they fought Nomu and Kurogiri?!” Izuku said with excitement. His eyes lit up and shined as he thought back on that story arc. “That was one of my favorites! All those heroes showed up to fight an army of villains! If I remember right, Thirteen’s creator actually got Noris Quirk to work with him on that project.”

“Yes!” Ochako pumped a fist into the air. “And it was soooooo awesome!”

On the rest of their walk to school Izuku slowly noticed just how nice the day was. The sun was shining, it wasn’t too warm or cold and the air was fresh. The weight that had been on his shoulders steadily began to lift as they carried on chattering about their favorite heroes. Izuku couldn’t help but think back on how Uncle Toshinori suggested trying to approach life like an rpg. Meeting Ochako felt like a tutorial level, it gave him a chance to learn the controls and get a feel for the game.

Of course Izuku was well aware that life wasn’t really a game; actions and choices had consequences and there were no redos. There was merit in the idea though, somehow it did help defuse some of the anxiety.

“We’re here!” Ochako announced. “Hey, Midoriya, since we take the same train to get here maybe we can meet after school and walk back together?”

“S-sure! I’d like that!” Izuku said with a short nod and crooked smile.

“Alright!” Ochako cheered as she pumped her fist into the air. As she continued there was a determined glint in her eyes. “First friend on the first day and right before school! It’s a good start so let’s both make today great!”

Izuku couldn’t help that his smile grew bigger and more genuine. There was something about Ochako’s determination that was infectious. As they both walked together towards the school’s main building Izuku could feel his heart flutter a little. A little of that anxiety had returned but nothing could possibly be that bad that day. This was a new chapter in his life and it was going to be a good one, all he had to do was step through those doors.

“Outta my fucking way, Deku!” someone snapped from behind.

In that moment Izuku felt his stomach twist and his blood run cold. He turned but before he could fully face who it was he saw a shock of sandy blond hair. His heart leapt in his chest and he quickly scrambled out of the blond’s way.

“K-K-Kacchan?” Izuku stuttered on reflex. He flinched when red-brown eyes locked with his own in a harsh glare.

Ochako frowned but waited until the rude blond was well out of earshot. “Woah, what crawled up his butt?”

“Y-you shouldn’t tease him.” Izuku insisted nervously. “That’s Katsuki Bakugou, we were friends when we were kids.”

“Really?” Ochako’s eyebrows drew together as grew more concerned. “What happened between you two?”

“I don’t really know. It kinda just happened...” Izuku said as he broke eye contact with her. He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck and gave a small sigh. “He was always a little rough with me when we were kids. It just escalated over time.”

Ochako canted her head slightly to the side. A small, worried spread across her face as she listened. “Wow. What’s the old saying? ‘With friends like that who needs enemies’, right?”

“Mm, w-well, Kaachan’s not all that bad!” Izuku insisted. He gave a nervous smile at the look of disbelief Ochako gave him. “He’s strong, smart and talented! He’s...um, just really tough.”

“It sounds a little like he’s overcompensating for something.”

“Um, c-can we not talk about this anymore?” Izuku asked as he fidgeted a bit. “We’ll be late if we keep standing here.”

“Oh, right!” Ochako hurried on ahead and went inside the school building.

Izuku didn’t follow, instead he took a moment to try to steel his nerves. He sucked in a long, deep breath and slowly released it.

“Okay...” Izuku muttered quietly to himself as his eyes locked onto the building’s front doors. “Level one, game start!”

-End of Chapter 12-

Chapter Text

The teakettle on the stove roared to life with a shrill shriek that pierced the heavy silence; it snapped Toshinori out of his stunned state. He reached over and with the flick of his wrist turned the stove off. The Teakettle’s screaming died into a soft hiss and he regarded it enviously. He never thought he’d be jealous of something’s ability to scream. The writer’s gaze moved to the cellphone that rested on the kitchen table. He was in a ‘meeting’ with Aizawa and the phone was set to speaker so his hands could be free to make lunch. With the way things were going, he had lost his appetite.

“If you want the book finished then just let me write the damn thing!” Toshinori snapped irritably. “You complain about deadlines and progress but then you just stand in my way!”

Aizawa’s tired sigh could be heard from the phone. “That’s not my problem, you’re the writer, it’s your job to figure it out.”

“I am doing my job, I’ve been writing and rewriting!”

“And they’re still shit.” Aizawa grumped back venomously, then added, “I’m not accepting any of these chapters.” His voice grew voice firm as he continued. “The more I read the more it pisses me off! I want you to go back and fix all of them.”

“Just a damn minute,” Toshinori said, his temper bubbling dangerously. It took everything he had to reign it in but his blood was still boiling. “I sent you three of those chapters ages ago and you said they were fine. Suddenly all five of the latest chapters I sent aren’t good enough?”

“Correct, they’re not.”

“Could you at least have the decency to explain why?” Toshinori asked, he tried to keep his voice in check but anger still seeped into his words. “I checked and double checked my formatting, grammar, and spelling. I comb through everything three times before I send anything to you. Can you just tell me what I’m doing wrong?”

“Do I really have to spell it out for you?” Aizawa gave a short, sigh before continuing. “the problem isn’t with your ability to write or tell a story, but I don’t like the direction that you’re taking the plot. The entire story feels rotten! I don’t like it and I refuse to accept it. I’d rather you to go back and start from scratch.”

“Wha…?” Toshinori’s jaw went slack as the words took their time to set in. His heart sank into the remains of his gut and left him feeling sick. “Back to the…?”

“Very beginning.” Aizawa finished for him monotonously, though an edge of agitation tainted his voice. “Is that clear enough for you?”

Months of work. Months of forcing himself to continue a story he wanted no part of, all of it completely thrown out the window. Toshinori stood and stared blankly at his kitchen wall; it was like a bomb went off in his head and vaporized all thought. Aizawa had always been difficult but the man had a knack for pushing him to give the best work he could. This however, was just cruel.

Toshinori’s breath came in a sharp, short wheeze. It was only the sound of his own breathing that made him notice how tight his throat felt. He swallowed in an attempt to loosen it but it was useless. His breath continued as a series of short spurts, it felt like something invisible was wrapped around his neck and slowly got tighter.

“...Yagi? You there?”

“Ai-Aizawa, you can’t be serious, I have a deadline!” Toshinori countered, the distress in his own voice made him wince. “I-I can’t just…!”

“Then you better get started instead of wasting your time talking to me.” Aizawa answered, coolly. “If you show me results I’ll get you more time.”

“God-fucking-damn it!!!” Toshinori’s temper finally exploded. His heart battered against his ribs like a caged animal. It was too much, it was all just too damn much, he couldn’t keep it in anymore. “All that work for nothing?!” he snapped. “It took me almost a year to write! You can’t just throw it all out, it’s my story damn it!”

“Then maybe you should have thought about that before making a hit series.” Aizawa said, sternly. “It’s not just your story or characters anymore. You have to think of your audience and the publishers too.”

“You smug son of a--” Toshinori growled out but bit his bottom lip before he could finish. He felt his chest start to ache, he took a moment to try to breathe. His temper died down a little and he closed his eyes and forced himself to take a slow, deep breath. With a clearer head Toshinori spoke again. “I thought the higher ups liked that All Might’s adventures were getting grittier? ‘Dark and realism is in!’ Remember?”

“Yeah but that’s not what made your work good!” Aizawa countered, his usual deadpan voice faltered slightly. He was never that good with expressing himself but anger and perhaps a hint of pleading leaked into his words. “Yagi, you made a name for yourself by going against that. Where’s that ‘I like to make heroes that give people hope’ nonsense you’d go on about? The publishers might want ‘realism’ but the readers want hope. This garbage that you’re sending me is a waste my time and your potential. It pisses me off! I’ve told you already, I refuse to accept anything mediocre from you!”

Toshinori stood in a stunned silence, Aizawa’s words swirled in his head as he tried to process them. It finally clicked, no matter what he did it was never going to be good enough. He was trapped, Aizawa had carefully backed him into a corner throughout his progress with this book. Only now, with the deadline just over the horizon, did he decide to pounce and go for the kill.

“Yagi…? You still there?”

“Huh?” Toshinori looked at the phone as he slowly came back to his senses. “Y-yeah...”

“Look, take a little time to think it over.” Aizawa insisted. “I know that you don’t want to be like that ‘James Patterson’ guy but if it’s too much for you to handle then we can hand the project to a ghost writer.”

The remains of his stomach twisted and Toshinori felt the urge to vomit. It all came down to the horrifying fact was that he had no control over his own work anymore. He needed it though, he was already powerless as it was to change anything happening in his own life. They couldn’t just take that away from him, it was pathetic but his writing was all he had left.

“You have to calm down...” the words echoed up from the back of Toshinori’s mind in an all too familiar voice. “You’re working yourself up too much.”

“Quiet…!” Toshinori hissed just louder than a whisper as clutched his head. Of all times for him to show up again it had to be now. “Go away…!”

“Yagi?” Aizawa’s voice wasn’t as blunt as usual, there was a hint of concern. “Are you alright?”

“I-I’ll think it over...” Toshinori stated as he snatched his phone from the table; before Aizawa could say another word he hung up on him. The tightness in his throat felt like some invisible force was trying to choke the life out of him. He tried to push himself to breath deeper but his concentration faded as fear washed over him.

“Toshinori…!” The voice of All Might sounded clearer, no longer in the back of his head but as though he were standing in the kitchen. “Toshi, you’re having a panic attack, you have to calm dow-”

“Why!? Why are you here?!” Toshinori shouted abruptly and took breath in another wheeze. He tried to swallow the lump in his throat before he spoke again. “I was doing just fine without you!”

“Breathe, come on, deep breaths, I’ll count with you.” All Might continued, ignoring the man’s harsh words. “Breathe in, one...two...three...”

Toshinori gritted his teeth at the pain in his chest, he did as All Might said and took a deep breath and counted mentally. As he slowly released it he could feel a little of the tension in his chest and throat start to ease up. He didn’t know when he had seated himself on the tiled floor of his kitchen but wasn’t about to complain. He tried to focus solely on his breathing and All Might’s counting.

The presence of the fictional hero felt as though he stood right behind his creator. Toshinori chanced a look over his shoulder and found no one there. “I haven’t heard from you in months, why did you come back?”

“You already know why.” All Might answered, his voice sounded as though he stood in the hallway next to the kitchen.

Toshinori looked to the kitchen entrance, he could feel that someone was standing there. Since the first time they spoke to each other he had never actually seen All Might. There was the occasional glimpse of something from the corner of his eye. Sometimes a shadowy reflection that stood behind him in reflective surfaces. Just what was he?

“Focus, you’re starting to scare yourself.” All Might called out from the hallway. “This is probably not the best time to think about how this stuff works.”

Toshinori wasn’t sure how much time had passed but after what seemed like forever he could breathe easier. He pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapped his arms around them and rested his forehead against them. “...I can’t do this anymore.”

“Don’t say stuff like that, you can’t just give up now.” All Might said, his voice was firm but not scolding.

“Like hell I can’t!” Toshinori snapped back. All Might’s words were like throwing gasoline on a fire and made his anger flare back to life. “Give me one reason! I dare you! Give me one damn reason I shouldn’t! I’m in so much pain and I’m going crazy talking to a god damn fictional character, my life is trash! I hate it!!!” Toshinori was left shaking from his sudden outburst; his throat stung and prickled from the force of his shouting. He sat there on his kitchen floor in silence as his anger started to die down again.

It was quiet for a while, all Toshinori could hear was his own rattling breathing. For a moment, he wondered if All Might had returned to the depths of his mind, to finally leave him to his own devices. It felt strange, the still silence felt heavy, almost crushing. Then without warning came a question that cut him like a knife.

“What about the Midoriyas?”

At that Toshinori’s breath hitched in his throat. An image of Inko and Izuku’s smiling faces flashed in his mind for a brief moment. “...W-what about ‘em?”

“Are you really going to act like they don’t matter?” All Might asked. “After everything they’ve done for you?”

“I never asked them to!” Toshinori snapped. “I told Inko not to get too attached to me! I warned her!”

“And what did she tell you? Wasn’t it: ‘it’s a bit too late for that’?” All Might countered. “You can’t tell people to turn their feelings for you on or off. They aren’t characters in a book, real people will do what they want.”

Toshinori sat in silence as those words sunk in, just when did things get like this? Why were they wasting their time on him? He felt his eyes ache and stubbornly scrubbed away the beginnings of hot tears.

“Hey, your phone’s ringing, you might want to answer that.”

It Toshinori a second to realize that his phone really was ringing, still clutched tightly in his hand. He took a deep breath before looking to see who it was, a little fearful that it was Aizawa again. Toshinori’s eyes blinked when he saw the name ‘Izuku Midoriya’ flash across the screen. He looked up at the clock in his kitchen, it was still early in the afternoon, it must have been the kid’s lunch break. Part of him really didn’t want to talk but Toshinori couldn’t stop himself from tapping the answer button. “Hello?”

“Uncle Toshi? It’s Izuku!”

A strange amount of relief washed over Toshinori when he heard the boy’s voice. He could feel one of the corners of his mouth twitch weakly in a vain attempt at a smile. “Hey Izuku, how’s your first day of school going?”

There were a short silence before Izuku spoke. “Mm! It’s a little hit or miss but so far it’s been pretty good! I talked to a girl today!”

“Oh? Did you actually say something or did you stare at her with your mouth open like a codfish?”

“I talked to her, for real!” Izuku insisted, one could hear the pout in his voice. “She takes the same train I do to get to school. She’s really nice and she’s a fan of Space Hero Thirteen! We were talking about that collaboration comic where All Might and Thirteen teamed up...”

Toshinori adjusted himself so that he was lying down on the floor, not willing to move any further than he absolutely had to. He switched the phone to speaker, set it aside and let Izuku chatter on about his day. The conversation was mostly one sided, Toshinori didn’t give much input but he didn’t really need to. He lied there and as he listened he could feel a little of the tension that had been crushing him start to lift.

“Uncle Toshinori, did I call at a bad time?”

Izuku’s abrupt question caught the writer off guard. “Huh?”

“You aren’t saying much, if you’re working or-”

“It’s been a shitty day…” Toshinori said abruptly, he then paused, a little surprised at himself for how easily it slipped out. “It’s not your fault.” he continued, stopping Izuku before he had the chance to try to apologize. Toshinori paused for a moment, he nibbled on his lower lip as he forced himself to say a little more. “Something bad happened with work...”

“Did you want to talk about it?” Izuku asked.

“No, it was hard enough saying that much.”

The moment Izuku heard Uncle Toshinori answer the phone it was obvious something was wrong. Something in the man’s voice was off, distressed perhaps. While he wanted to press his uncle for more answers the fact that he was told it was about his work was a huge step of its own.

“Uncle Toshi, would you mind if I came over after school?” Izuku asked.

“My boy, I don’t want to talk about i-”

“We don’t have to talk about what happened, we can talk about school, games, movies, or whatever you want. I could just even come over to help out around the house.” Izuku added, giving excuses that his uncle would be more comfortable with.

Toshinori was silent as he mentally picked through the excuses. His eyes were locked on the ceiling of his kitchen as though it held the answer. A small smile spread across his face as he couldn’t help but admire Izuku. It faded a little when he remembered All Might’s words and for a brief moment he considered saying ‘no’. He needed to put some distance between them, he would hurt them if things kept going like this.

“Uncle Toshi...?”

It was such a simple word yet it still ended up lodged in Toshinori’s throat. It had to be done, didn’t it? He swallowed and took a small breath before finally giving his answer.

“Midoriya my boy, I-I don’t...” Toshinori bit his lower lip, closed his eyes and tried to focus on what he truly wanted to say. A moment passed and finally he gave a short huff as he finally gave in to what he really desired. “...Sure, I’d like that.”

-End of Chapter 13-