jujutsukgojo

[jujutsukgojo]

The Baby Project Chapter 7

Summary: All because your back was turned. tw: angst, lost kid, brief assault, panic, idk what else

Yona leads you back to her office after your cry fest. You don’t dare look anyone in the eye. It’s embarrassing enough that Sakura saw you freak out and to face these random people who saw you cry in the foyer would be too much right now. Inside, you inform her of what’s going on. 

“We figured it was because of his past.”

 You shake your head no. “Not just that. It was everything. I broke the scholarship’s rules.”

“And they brought up Kenji.”

 “Kaibara brought that up. How does he even know that?” Yona stretches and rubs her ear. “The brat gave Noa to him. That is the only time they interacted.”

 You shake your head. “No, no. He dug deep into Ken and used it against me. Kaibara would’ve had to at least know his name. I never talked about you guys!” Did you? It was months ago and so much has happened in that short time frame. 

 Yona sucks on her teeth. “Do you think he may have been watching? I don’t know what he looks like. He could’ve come in and heard Ken’s name in passing. He’s a hero,” She sighs and sits on the corner of her desk. “They’re smart. It wouldn’t take him long to figure it out.”

 You are silent and take that possibility in. It’s strange and frightening to think he had been watching you all because of twenty bucks. Yona clears her throat. “Pretty, we understand what happened and welcome you back to work but I think you should talk to Ken.”

“Is he mad?”

“Not at you. I think you might be mad at him.” 

 You straighten up. You didn’t reflect on what you felt towards Ken individually. You knew you would miss him and Yona terribly, but not if you were mad at Kenji. Now that you think about it, only one answer comes to mind. “I’m not mad at Ken.”

Her eyes soften and her ladybug wings settle against her back. “Then go tell him that. He’s been walking around here like a kicked dog.” -

“Ken?” He turns his head a little to see you. Never have you been afraid of Ken. You didn’t judge him for his past since it’s none of your business. Besides, he doesn’t do it anymore. So, why bother him about it? Despite what Kaibara and U.A. say, you don’t let that darkness that festered inside him stop you from loving him. Especially since he hasn’t done it since he paid his dues. To you, he's Ken.

 He looks the same since last you saw him. His hair is still in need of a haircut. You run into his arms and squeeze him tight. 

“How’ve you been, bub?” As you squeeze him, his back cracks. Ken groans and answers, “I’ve been better, sugar.”

You have so much to catch up on with him and Yona, the customers, the latest gossip on the streets. You want to brag about your grades and Noa, about Izuku even though he’s in the dog house. First, you need to reassure the cook so he doesn’t poison you.

 You separate from him and look down. Even though you didn’t have anything to do with U.A.’s decision, you can’t help but feel guilty and complicit. “Ken, I’m sorry.”

“For what?” 

You suck on your lips and put your hands behind your back. “I didn’t fight hard enough for you. I should’ve defended you more and at least called after I quit.”

 He rubs your head. “No apologies needed, kid. It’s not your fault, it’s theirs.”

His pardon puts a big smile on your face. You bounce up and down. “I’m working here again!”

Ken raises his brow. “Yeah? What’d you do, blow up the school and make them cave?”

“No! As long as I’m listed as a volunteer, I’m good.”

“Guess we’ll just have to make people tip.” He swats a towel on your head. “Now shut up and get over here. Cut the onions, I hate doing it.”

-----------

Now that the stress of your finances has been slightly lightened, there is another problem that needs attention. It’s hard to ignore that Noa is starting to have a hitting problem. Recently, he smacked Hana across the face with his toy truck resulting in a scar. You couldn’t apologize enough for it. Ema got over it and understood because Hana's going through the same thing. Kirishima, on the other hand, is still pretty pissed. Since he is Ema’s problem, you’ll leave that to her even though their relationship is still on the rocks. 

 You don’t really know what to do other than scold Noa for it and put him in time out which isn’t really working. Yona’s advice to have him channel it into something productive is a fine suggestion, but what? He colors already and plays with everyone he comes in contact with, what else? You already make crafts with him, read, and even have him study with you. Noa is two years old. All of this stuff should be gaining his attention.

 You write this in your report. The thick pamphlet that is soon to be filled out seems to have more negatives than positives. You sigh and look at his little shelf of books. Lately, all the kids’ books you have aren’t working. He seems more partial to the things you’re reading than anything. Especially The Great Love Story. Although it is a good read, it’s getting tiring. Is it possible that the daring fight with the dragon is affecting him? 

Noa pops up from the bed and walks over to you. “Hey, mini man. Did I wake you?” He nods and has a deep frown. You pick him up and place his head on your shoulder, slightly rocking back and forth. “What do I do with you? What should we do to make you stop hitting and getting into stuff? C’mon, what do you like?”

 His eyes light up and says with a groggy voice, “Food.” 

“Like the cake for Papa?” It still stings mentioning him but he is Noa’s dad and is a part of his life. 

Noa nods enthusiastically. Now that you have a spark of relief and happiness, you list foods that the two of you can cook. You take out a notebook and put on the lists he agrees with. Right now, money is a little tight, so you’ll just have to hold him over with smaller and cheaper recipes until you can work your way up with your new chef.

It's strange. You hug Noa with genuine happiness when you see how excited he is.

----------------

Ema rubs her eyes when you enter the classroom with Noa who is wearing his Deku hoodie. He was adamant about matching his Papa. With his hand in yours, you gain the attention of others. “What?”

“He’s tall!” Riko puts her hands on her hips. “I saw you last night and he wasn’t this tall.”

You shrug your shoulders. “He grew?”

The door opens behind you. Snipe looks down at Noa. “I heard you from the outside. I have to say, I think you’re right.” He squats and asks, “Can I see your tummy?” Noa shakes your hand and points. You hum and lift his hoodie. On it is a new number. 

“Three years old!” You exclaim. It isn’t that you didn’t notice his growth or care. It’s just news because how in the hell were you able to pull that off? It can’t be something as small as cooking. 

“Congratulations to (Y/n) and Noa. The first to reach three years old.” Snipe claps and laughs. You beat Ema of all people? She’s like the golden standard of this project. How in the hell did you beat her?

Noa cheers his own name, making you roll your eyes. This kid has yet to call you mom.

Snipe walks to the podium. The class is silent and waits for him to start the session. Everyone has their kids today and most of them are well behaved. Snipe rubs his face under his mask. “Now, about the caregiver situation-”

“What about-” You start to say. Snipe smacks the podium lightly. “(Y/n)! Enough.”

You raise your hand. He sighs and calls your name. “The caregiver? And-”

“One question at a time for you. The caregiver is one of the students in the support course who,” He looks around and sees all of the kids’ faces. “Um, help Mei Hatsume with the assignment. She’ll take care of them during class.”

You raise your hand again. Snipe groans. “Anyone besides her?” 

“The gall…” You mutter. Riko looks at you and then raises her hand. “Now that general studies are starting to be taken seriously, does the class get the same benefits they do?”

   Attagirl. 

Snipe puts his hand on his hips and stares at you. “I didn’t say it!” 

“No, but you put her up to it. Riko, the differences in the curriculum between you and the third year hero course are drastic. So what is allowed with them is strictly because of that. Nothing else.” 

How in the hell did he come to the conclusion that you made her do it? You can't control her mind. You may tell people what to do but you don't control them.

You raise your hand again. He glances at you and simply says, “No. Now let’s start class.”

He did nothing but create excuses for them. Of course, he did. 

-

Right as you are writing down important notes, in the corner of your eye, you see Noa raise his hand. This should've been expected since he is creating this habit. Alas, you and everyone else didn't realize how far it would go until Noa screams and hits everything. You try to calm him down with things he normally likes. Drawing, his ‘homework’, books and toys, all of it. You grab his offending arm before it swings again, “Listen, boy, you’re young so you don't have survival instincts yet,” He blows a raspberry in your face then stops as quick as he started. “Trust, I will tear your ass up in the middle of this class.”

Snipe begins to scold you. “Hush!” You point to Snipe then turn back to Noa who’s pouting. “Noa, this behavior is over, ‘kay? We’re not doing this. My sous chef can't act like a fool. I will not have a fool for a cook. Act right, wait, and color Mommy a pretty picture so I can put it on the wall over there.”

Snipe puts his hand on his hip. “You cannot pin something on the wall-” Snipe begins to growl at your disregard.

“Bet. Noa, you will behave. If you want to sit on my lap and help, that’s fine. If you want to dance and mind your business, go ahead since it won't hurt anyone.”

He looks like he understands for a second until he looks up defiantly and throws what he believes is a trump card. “I’ll tell Papa-”

“And I will beat his ass too. Papa is victim number one. With a switch and everything because I don’t give a damn. You are going to say sorry, and you will behave."

Everyone remains silent as he apologizes to Akane, his victim. Akane coos over how polite he is and how clear he speaks. Kobeni calls Noa’s name and he wanders to the back of the class to play. Snipe points to you and says, “That is what you don’t do. Threatening is not allowed.”

“Neither is abandoning kids to villains yet here we are.” 

“Child-”

“Man.”

Noa bounces up and down, excited that he's running around. Snipe points to the door. “Hallway.” 

The hero's foolery must stop.

You get Noa and head to the hallway. “This wouldn’t happen if we had a caregiver.”

In the hallway, Noa tries to do a cartwheel and lands on his face. You suck in your lips so you don’t cackle. Even though you don’t mind what he’s doing right now, you still have to talk to him. 

“Noa, I’m going to need you to calm down when we’re in class.”

“Your class!” He makes a point. “I’m bored!”

It’s understandable. You even struggle with it. Unfortunately, it’s something you have to sit through. As a three year old, it must be harder. “I understand Noa, believe me, I do. But baby,” You sit down. “When we’re in class, I need you to be as calm as you can.”

“I’m trying.” He nuzzles in your hand that is gently cupping his chubby cheek. 

You give him a kiss. “I know, baby. I also know that you won’t hit anymore, so thank you for that.”

“Trying!” He groans and stomps his foot. You rub his arms and sigh. You know he is. And you also know that the hitting is over. It will be nearly impossible to get him to calm down, though. And everyone else’s kids are active in class, just not as disruptive as he is. It's gotten worse over time.

“I was like you, too. So, I get it! I’m trying as well.” You kiss his forehead. “How about we try together, partner? I’ll bring more of your things and ask to be moved to the back, eh?”

“You’re out here again?” You jump when a voice interrupts you and Noa’s moment. It’s him. Shouto Todoroki walks into the hallway. His dual colored eyes observe both you and Noa. Around the start of this, you felt an intense anger towards him and his whole family. Since then, it’s calmed down due to you being busy with life. Now that he’s in front of you, that anger starts to spark like little embers on wood. 

Through gritted teeth, you ask, “What’re you doing here?”

Seriously, how the hell does he know you come out here a lot?

“Looking for my partner.” Then, you notice the infant in his arms. He isn’t wearing his hero costume or gym clothes. He isn’t disheveled or bothered at all. “Why?”

“To give her the baby.” Noa hops over to him. “Lemme see!” He stands on his tippy toes and sees the baby that looks like that one girl. You don’t really know her other than her reaction at the Sports Festival. The only thing that baby has of him is the eye color and pink hair.

“Why?”

“That’s personal.”

“So are us being out here yet you believe you should point it out. Now why are you passing on your responsibility again?”

His face remains the same. Indifferent and a little awkward. “Couldn’t the same be said for you with Midoriya?”

Bitch.

“What’d you mean?” You take steps to him. He shrugs. “You make him the father when Noa has one right next to you. How can you judge me when you pass Noa to someone who isn’t even doing the project?”

“Izuku wants to. I'm not making him!” You hang onto that since he is helping. To others, it must look like you've pushed Noa onto him if they weren't paying attention. It’s embarrassing because you’re aware of how it looks.

“He pities you-” The raise of your hand was quick and harsh. The slap made him gasp and your hand tingly. “I may be a lot of things, but a pitiful creature I am not. It’s you and your family's fault that we’re suffering 24/7. If you would disappear and stop reminding everyone of your father and fine ass brother, I wouldn’t be in this mess!” 

His baby sucks on their thumb, totally oblivious. The rage, the hatred, you’ve felt towards him during these last few months come up to the surface. You can’t find it in you to feel bad about slapping him or for anything else. You don’t have sympathy for him. What you care about is you and yours. He and his family, fuck them. Why should you and anyone else feel bad for them? Does anyone doing the project have the energy to?

Fuck the Todorokis. Dabi was fine as hell but his looks can’t save him. 

“So, why don’t you just drop out and off the face of the earth?” His face drops. The sick satisfaction of his pain makes you smile from joy.

"Oooh! You smack! I'm telling Papa, ooohh!" Noa points at you accusingly with a smug look on his face. 

--------

The plan for a caregiver is brilliant. Everyone in class takes a turn watching the children. Today, it’s Riko’s turn. Tomorrow will be Sakura’s. This plan won’t work during school hours which sucks but hopefully, everyone can come up with something. 

Akane shifts her weight on her feet.  “You sure you’re okay?”

Riko rolls her eyes. “Yes. Now go study! The kids and I will turn on a show and paint something. Trust me, this isn’t my first time babysitting.”

 Another idea pops in your head. “What if during school hours, the caregiver works in the back and we’ll take notes for them? Maybe we’ll do each other’s homework?”

Riko shrugs. “Nah. That won’t work during tests and shit,” She waves her hands around. “We won’t think of that right now. Now is the time to practice so you can kick butt.” You smile at her, grateful that she’s enthusiastic about it and understanding. Lately, U.A. is working on Mineta’s investigation. No one knew that it was a thing until Riko was approached by Mic. Apparently, the questions were checking to see her status. She had told you that they hinted, or implied, that depending on how she is, he may come back. She isn’t sure and hasn’t told you what the questions were exactly. You want to respect her privacy and not jeopardize anything.

 “Let us know if you need us,” She nods and sighs. You point at Noa. “Boy, you’ll come up missing if you act up, capisce?”

“Capisce!” He gives you a thumbs up. You wave him goodbye so he can hang out with his friends and Auntie Riko. 

In the commons next to the kitchen, you lick your lips and try not to laugh at Hansuke's Hawks’s impersonation. You clear your throat. “Mr. Hawks-”

“Yes?” 

You loudly cackle and squat. Hansuke's impression of Hawks is exaggerated. “Why’re you laughing chickadee? Hurry up so I can go get some chicken with Endeavor.”

“Ugh!”

Tears slide down your temples as you laugh on your back. Today, you’re practicing going in front of Hawks with the notes you made. Undeniably, there’s still a lot to do and study for but practice makes perfect as long as Hansuke stops making you laugh. 

“That’s another thing we have to work on: your emotions. You tend to get very hot-headed when challenged, (Y/n).” Benio takes a drink in an attempt to collect himself. 

“Whew, okay, okay.” You get up and smack your cheeks. “Okay, let’s go.”

Hansuke bounces up and down a little. “So, (Y/n), you say U.A. wrongfully put the baby project onto your course as a way to duck-”

“Ha!” You snort. Hansuke has one hand on his mouth and the other on his hip. His body is shaking from him trying to keep in his laughter. He wears red construction paper taped to his back like wings. On his face are glasses that resemble Hawks’s old costume along with a puffer jacket. He looks ridiculous and his suggestion of putting on Hawks’s eyebrows is too much. 

“(Y/n)!” You turn to look at Riko who has her hands on her hips. You perk up. “Is Noa okay?”

“Yes, he’s fine. I’m talking about you! You need to take this seriously.” Before you can retort, she claps her hands. “Chop, chop! Get to work!” 

You stick your tongue out at her. In the distance is a creak. You frown and crane your neck to look behind Riko. “Mm, probably nothing.”

“What’d you mean?” She cocks her head to the left. You point behind her. “I thought I heard something. Eh, it’s nothing.”

Riko decides to watch the class study and scold you when you laugh at the bootleg Hawks. Minus the way he’s acting and looking, you’re actually pretty good. There are still some valid arguments he makes but you are getting better. Way farther than when you started. 

“I’m gonna go check the kids.” Riko walks off to the corner. 

Suddenly, as you are laughing and chewing on your chips, Riko calls out Noa’s and Kobeni’s names. You frown and yell, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah! Those two are probably hiding!” You can hear her footsteps walking around. You lick the red seasoning off your fingers and clap your hands. “Okay, there’s a possibility that Hawks decides that our wellbeing is expendable since there is no for sure evidence of anything physically wrong,” Jule scoffs at your statement. Out of everyone, Jule has gone through physical ailments the most. Kaminari is completely pathetic. 

“What I mean is, anytime we have the slightest thing wrong, we need to go to Recovery Girl. When she asks why or how be honest. Tell her what’s going on and that afterward, you want a copy of her report. If she says no, tell her it is your right.”

Benio scratches his head. “Is that written somewhere?” You nod and point to Akane’s text. “Right here.” 

You hear Riko scream. Everyone pops up and runs to her. Each parent goes to their child first, except you and Benio. Neither Kobeni nor Noa is in sight. 

“What’s going on?” 

“I can’t find them! The door-the door is open!” It’s as if time stopped. Your heart doesn’t even beat because it feels like it is filled with lead. “Is…is he upstairs?”

“No, no I looked everywhere. The door, the fucking door is open!” The lead in your heart sinks to your feet. Your instincts tell you to run outside and look for him but you are cemented to the carpet. Your eyes are wide and your face is as frozen as your body. Nothing is registering other than his disappearance. Still, you cannot move. 

Benio’s the first to run outside. Sakura is on the phone calling someone. Mira holds onto her leg and looks around. It’s chaotic. Everyone is scaring her. Yet, you still can’t move. 

Run outside! Call for him! Call Deku! If anyone can find Noa, it’s his dad. Your feet can’t move, though. Your legs have the heaviest weights in the world on them. 

With a quiet voice, you ask, “Did you check everything? My room?”

“The doors automatically lock! Your door is shut.” She apologizes repeatedly. Her eyes are misty. Your voice remains a whisper. “The crawlspace?”

“What crawlspace?” Bit by bit your heart starts to lighten. Riko must not have paid attention to the random chair by that window. That’s where the crawlspace is. You run up the stairs.

“Noa! Noa! Kobeni?! Babies please, please answer Mommy!” You scream as you check every corner. “Do you want to talk to Papa?” Deku’s supposed to come over today anyway. Whenever he doesn’t do his internship or work study, whatever the hell it is, he’s with you and Noa. There’s no doubt in the world that Noa doesn’t know his Papa will be home tonight. Maybe he wants to talk to him right now? Sometimes Noa wants that. Even though you haven’t forgiven Papa, you are still very civil in front of Noa. Izuku is also ‘disappointed’ in you, as well. 

For Noa, you’ll cave. Your pride and feelings mean nothing. Your cry goes unanswered. There is only a lonely echo desperately searching for an ear that matches his Papa’s. 

You look beside the window with a stray chair next to it. In the small crawl space, there is nothing but a cobweb. You take off to your room to find the door shut and locked. The key fumbles in your hand.

“Noa? Kobeni!” You swing the door open and find no one in the open space. There isn’t anyone in here, you can tell, but your desperation searches anyway. Involuntarily, your body starts to shake. Tucked in your back pocket is your phone. Trembling fingers dial the one person who can find him. 

“(Y/n)!” His voice sounds light, surprised, delighted, that you called. “Deku…”

Even though you can’t see him physically, you can tell his smile dropped. “Noa’s missing.”

----------

“Where’s the last time you saw them?” Embarrassingly enough, Sakura called Kacchan who is searching outside the gates. Along with him came the rest of the class. Izuku sticks close to you without a word since he was on the phone. “I’m going to go look. Stay here.”

"I have to go!" Your class is spread around looking for them. You feel safer with him; more secure that he's with you in this. There's no way you can't search with him.

  "Shouldn't I be looking for him, too?"

Izuku whips his head to stare into your eyes. They don't look normal. Where there is light, it is becoming tainted with a darkness that makes you tense. 

"You were supposed to be looking after him in the first place. Stay here." You press yourself against the wall, wanting to shrink from his gaze. "Stay here, (Y/n)." His nose is flared, and steam is practically coming out of his ears. He runs out of the dorm's commons to go on a mad hunt.

-

You quickly call the restaurant. At the same time, Snipe is yelling at you in the same room fucking Deku left you in with some of your classmates.

“Yona, Noa and Kobeni are missing. Can you look out for him? He knows his way there so he could be headed to you.”

“Of course, baby. What are he and Kobeni wearing?” Your heart is pounding in your ears so loud you can barely understand her. “Um, he’s wearing a red shirt with khaki pants. I didn’t choose that, I swear and Kobeni is wearing a blue sweatsuit, I think.”

“Why is Noa dressed like Jake from State Farm?”

“I don’t know, Yona. He chose it! He took his Deku hoodie off, so he now looks like that.” 

Right next to you is Snipe, whose hands are clenched in tight fists. “How can you be so irresponsible?!” Snipe’s mask is off so he can yell at you. Your legs are shaking from the images of Noa in various states. You go to move past him. 

“Yona, I need you guys to help me, please! I turned around for two seconds, I swear-”

“I’ve given you a lot of leniencies. Way too much so it seems. This situation and your utter disregard for authority and correction have gone too far. You were irresponsible! Take responsibility now!” He snatches the phone from you and hangs up. 

Before you can retort, he continues to growl. “What were you even doing?” Akane tenses up. Her sparkly lips open to answer but you subtly lift your hand to stop her. If Snipe found out what was going on, everything would be for nothing. It hurts that you’re getting the sole blame for it, though.

“You’re judging me? You? Someone who lost an entire teenager?” Snipe growls. “Docked. I’m putting Noa back to two years old.”

“What?!” You can hear Akane gasp. Your face feels warm from all of the negative feelings you feel. From hurt to embarrassment, fear, and anger. All of these are whirling in your body at once like a twister.

“You want him younger? I can do that! We’ll put him back as a newborn so you can start fresh.”

Your shoulders slump. Noa’s come so far and to have that ripped away is cruel. Almost like an artist finally putting the finishing touches on their painting just to have someone come and splatter on it. “Don’t do that…”

“Maybe just scrap Noa altogether?”

“Snipe, stop.” Noa’s former body, the lifeless doll, is something you dread to see again. You should be jumping for joy and relief, but you can’t. He leans into your space. “Two years old and detention.”

“My volunteering-” You can’t afford to lose the income again. He’s turned three and is growing like a weed. You don’t want to be a burden or have Izuku think of him that way. Lord forbid if Kaibara helps with anything. 

“Indefinite. Maybe now you’ll get the fucking hint, (Y/n). However long that takes.” His yellow eyes don’t look right. The pupils are dilated too much and the glare is too hard. 

You flinch. He has never cussed at you even though you’ve been a mess at times. The remainder of your classmates watch Snipe lose his cool. The heat from your body is too hot. He’s staring at you. Everyone is staring at you. You step back and turn away in shame, hurrying to leave him and this hallway. You enter the dorm’s yard, relishing the fresh air that was taken from you. You’re going all around and immediately stop. 

Kaibara stomps towards you. “How could you?!” 

You can’t deal with him or Snipe right now. They need to get out of your face and preferably die. Why is he angry? He's never cared about Noa. You run past him until you are grabbed by your arm. “Get off-”

“You had one job. One fucking job and that was to watch him!” He’s squeezing too tight. He, Izuku, and Snipe all have the same eyes. Noa is out there somewhere, and they are busy judging you, hating you. Noa is adventurous. He always walks around, and you always catch him until now. You turned away and are dealing with this.  “I-I couldn’t-”

Kaibara shakes you by your arm. “You were supposed to do it!” The sun casts a shadow on him that is all too fitting for his true colors. “Why can’t you do something right? God, I should go to the heroes and ask for a better mother.”

Mother.

You are a bad mom. You’re an awful person, mother, daughter, and student. Noa doesn’t even call you ‘mom’ and now you know why. This look on Kaibara’s face is the same one Izuku and Snipe have. They’re all making this face and saying the same thing. Even Shouto drew to the same conclusion. 

You should be a good mother and stop this crusade against heroes. How long will you hold this anger, this pain, that resulted into a fight for a grudge? Kaibara’s angry eyes disappear from your sight. It’s replaced with the vision of Noa’s back facing you and his little feet carrying him away into a fog. As the fog lifts, at your feet is a lifeless Noa with Kobeni’s hand in his. All around are the bodies of the kids you watch grow up. 

  If it weren’t for you, Benio and the kids wouldn’t be hurt and missing. Your anger and hate have led to Benio’s sorrow and Riko’s guilt. If you weren’t occupied, they all wouldn’t have had to witness your humiliation. They wouldn’t have had to look at you! All because you are a bad mom, Noa and Kobeni are gone. 

You whimper as the thoughts run rampant. You close your eyes. The sound of a forceful hit opens your eyes. Kaibara is on the ground with a bloody nose. Above him is Shouto Todoroki who has flared nostrils and a killer glare that isn’t directed toward you.  

“I-I need to find him.” You don’t look into his eyes from shame. This whole time you’ve preached about their irresponsibility, and you have fallen into the same trap of stupidity. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll find him.” His hand touches your face. “I’m gonna take you to Recovery Girl, now.”

He wraps his arm around your shoulders. Even though you fall into him, you hate his touch. 

"I want to find him, Shouto. I can't leave." He shakes his head no. "You're shaking. I'm not taking any chances."

At least no one is looking at you.

---------

You wait on Recovery Girl’s bed with Shouto. He doesn’t need to stand here with you. “You don’t have to be here.”

“I know.” He answers. Recovery Girl comes up and pats your knee. “Here’s water and a snack.”

What is water and a snack going to do? How’s that going to find Noa?

As if she read your mind, she says in a bedside manner fit for a doctor, “It’s not going to help your predicament with Noa but it will help you. There’s no reason to worry yourself sick. If there is one thing I learned, is that this generation of heroes won't quit.”

There is a reason to worry. Noa is out there in God knows what shape. Worst of all, you are losing touch with reality. Noa's not real, he's fixable. There is a feeling that has eclipsed your anger. Your sense of self is dwindling the more you are affected by this whole thing. Being attached to a doll, letting these people get the best of you, is wearing you down. You aren't this shrinking person. You aren't one to doubt your cause and here you are trying to push it away. The baby project feels like Shigaraki's touch, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet, you decay.

-

“How many times has this happened?”  

You say nothing. Recovery Girl sighs. “I knew this project was a bad idea.” 

Riko comes in with her hand rubbing her arm. She isn’t looking at you. Hesitantly, she asks, “Are you okay?”

The old hero answers for you. “She’s fine, physically. But I do suggest she rests for the rest of the day. Okay?” The old woman turns to you. “Noa will be fine. There are fully equipped people on the case.”

Recovery Girl pets your head soothingly. Her wrinkled lips move subtly. “This project has gone too far…”

“(Y/n),” Riko’s voice shakes. Right before she can continue, Snipe comes into the room. You sit up and wipe your face. Shouto hasn’t left your side the whole time. 

“We have some things we need to talk about now.” Snipe points his finger at you. “First off, what the hell were you doing to let him wander off like that?” He’s already yelled at you. What else does he want? 

Riko speaks up, “Snipe-” You wave your fingers. She immediately shuts up. Snipe looks between you two. “What, Riko? What were you about to say?”

She stares into your eyes. If you let her run her mouth, it will reflect negatively on her. With this investigation or whatever on Mineta, what happened will most likely be used against her. What if they let him back in? What if they don’t take anyone else seriously because she isn’t perfect? The heroes already have an opinion of you. They drew to the conclusion that you were at fault before anything was even looked into. 

You can’t let the truth be known. If they knew what you were doing during that time, it’d all be for nothing. You could always bring your grade up somehow and protect yourself from failure. But is your grade and vengeance worth what Benio, Kobeni and Noa are going through? If Riko is found out, what would happen to her and the class? To Noa? Even though what they are saying is hurting, you'll keep your mouth shut for your friends and your son.

Aizawa and Nezu come in after Snipe. Riko stands against the wall. Her left eye lets a single tear flow as you are berated for something you didn’t do. The sin you committed was leaving him in Riko’s care. Nineteen children were under her watch. You should’ve known better and not have her watch him. As Nezu scolds you for your actions, you can’t help but harbor resentment towards her and Noa. It's awful, you are an awful person for passing the blame. 

Mei comes in with Noa on her hip. Noa smiles wide and waves at everyone. Mei sets him down when he wiggles towards you. She walks quickly to Nezu and hands him a remote. She says nothing to you, nor does she acknowledge you. Something says that it isn’t from disappointment or anger, but dread. 

Noa excitedly begins to tell you about his day. “Mm! Kobeni-” He still won’t say ‘mom’. From the corner of your eye, you spot Snipe crossing his arms. You flinch at first. Noa, already three years old and aware of his surroundings, stops mid step. 

Nezu gestures. “Now is the time to explain what’s wrong.” They want you to scold him right now. He may not even know what he did wrong. In class, he knows he’s supposed to be calm. However, you never discouraged him from hanging out with his friends. To him, if you punish him, it may shock him immensely. You don't know what to do.

Noa’s slowly coming toward you, very aware of your expression. With a gentle and loving voice, you ask, “Noa, why did you run away? You weren’t supposed to go so far-”

“They are not allowed to leave unsupervised, (L/n).” Nezu is firm with his tone. Your lip wobbles when you look back at Noa, who is looking nervous. “Baby boy, next time you want to walk around, make sure I’m with you. Leaving like that could’ve gotten you hurt.”

He stomps his feet in protest. Eyes study the scene in front of them. Their judgment leaves an unwanted chill along your body that tenses from it. To your dismay, Noa notices. He stops his pouting, confused on why you are acting unusual.

“It’ll be okay, little love. But please, don’t do that again.” You rub his arms. 

“Mmm! It’s fun!” You understand. It’s hard for a toddler to sit still. His intentions were good, no doubt. There's a difference with his behavior in this situation than in class. He doesn't know what he's done exactly. He hasn't been taught this yet. 

“(L/n),” Snipe calls in a low voice. “Tell Noa to stand still.” Nezu holds the remote with Mei’s chibi face on it. He’s doing it. 

“Is this really necessary?” Shouto places his hand on yours. You begin to shake. “Stop, please.” You whisper. Noa has his hands out. “Don’t cry!”

Nezu presses the button on the left. “Please, wait! Please!"

It’s too late. He who was once the tallest has lost inches of his height. His clothes are baggier too. Izuku just got him those Ingenium sneakers and now he’s flooding them.

Recovery Girl shakes her head. Her cold hands press on your body. Your gaze is set on Noa. She scolds the heroes. “You people really are cruel.” 

They say nothing. Instead, they just look at you. You can feel them study you. Shouto hasn't used his quirk, yet you are somehow frozen stiff.

Izuku comes in. His eyes find you first then Noa. “What?”

“Papa!” His voice is different, too. It sounds like how it was before. Izuku clearly notices. You can't bear to look him.

Nezu straightens up and separates his eyes from you. “Midoriya, we were just in the middle of talking with (L/n). If you want to talk to her, you must wait.”

His eyes dart around. He spies Shouto, his dear friend next to the bed with his arm around you. The vibrant greens then go to Riko who is plastered against the wall. Her state is worse than yours, maybe. The teachers speak in things you’re not understanding right now. 

“Is she in trouble?” He asks quietly. Nezu sighs but will not address you. He has lost his harsh tone. His small arms are behind his back. “This can’t be ignored. Her irresponsibility can’t go on.”

“No. If you are going to yell at her, you have to do it to me, too.”

“You weren’t there, Midoriya. I commend you for your initiative to find Noa and Kobeni today, but (L/n)’s responsible for her own actions. You can’t keep taking the blame for her.”

Ah. So he did get in trouble when Noa peed on Eraserhead. 

“I’m his dad. I’m just as responsible as she is.” He stands in front of you. “Midoriya, with all due respect, you aren’t his father.”

Snipes adds something stupid, “Which brings me to the other problem. Why is he answering to Noa Midoriya?”

Finally, you mutter with a voice that became raspy from your scream. “Because that’s his name.”

Aizawa cuts in. “No, he’s Kaibara’s son, (Y/n). I know what happened between you is upsetting, but that is his son. I completely understand distancing yourself from him. But the least you can do is include him in the report. The other mistake is putting Noa onto Midoriya.” His voice has lost its aggression. His head is lowered when he addresses you.

Izuku clenches his fists. “How much sense does that make? And she hasn’t kept Kaibara from him. He stays away.” Izuku interrupts them. “And I am Noa’s dad. That’s why he called me Papa. If Kaibara is upset about it, tell him to come to me and not run behind you.”

“Midoriya!” Eraserhead scolds. It doesn’t stop the god child. “My name may not be on the paper but that is my kid. I’m the one who raises him with (Y/n). Not Kaibara. If she’s in trouble, extend that to me. Us being treated the same is only fair."

“Her length of detention is indefinite. That’d get in the way of your work study.” Nezu points out. Izuku scoffs and rolls his eyes. “Look at Noa.” Reluctantly they look at the toddler. “What more can you do to her? What the hell is detention compared to that?”

With a gesture in your direction, he asks the nurse, “Is she alright?” Recovery Girl straightens up. Clearly, she’s not used to his authoritative voice. “Yes, she’s fine. I am suggesting she rests. And you,” She pokes you. “Tomorrow, I want you back here so I can check on you. If this isn’t the first time this has happened, I need to report it.”

  Your eyes are still focused on nothing but the distance. "All of us. Check all of us."

“What do you mean?” Snipe uncrosses his arms and takes a step forward. His mask is on and not a hint of his face is shown. You feel warm as everyone's eyes are on you. Last month you felt like your world was crumbling and today is the same. When this project started, you thought you’d be able to separate yourself enough to not get affected like this. Alas, it was a fool’s dream.

You get off the bed with Noa. Riko still stands there against the wall. Her eyes are glossy as she watches. She sucks in her lips then tries to confess. She’s losing it. She opens her mouth. “Wait, it was-”

With the simplest wave by your leg to stop her. Izuku’s eyes go from the movement next to your thigh to Riko’s expression. You walk out with Noa on your hip. He goes on about his day with Kobeni. Apparently, he was trying to find and introduce Yona and Ken but found an actual ladybug that looked like Yona and got distracted. You figured his intentions were pure.

In your room, you set Noa down. Your eyes have remained lowered, and you are silent. Izuku comes into the room after you and encourages Noa to play. 

“(Y/n).” You hum. “What really happened?” He questions. You shake your head and shrug. “I messed up. You heard everyone.” 

It hurts. What they say about you feels like hundreds of cuts. Seeing Noa regress in his age tore your heart.

“(Y/n), please.” You ignore him and sit down on your desk chair. Noa’s back is facing you, he’s completely oblivious to his parents and the year he lost. Deku stands in front of you and runs his hand through his green curls. Izuku gets on his knees. He slides you over to him and wraps his arms around your midsection. His face is against your stomach. “I’m sorry.”

You say nothing. He talks instead. “I blamed you and wrongly took my anger out on you. I’m so sorry, my dear.” Again, you don’t even give a whisper. He presses kisses on your stomach and works his way up. His hand cups your face to his wet cheek. “Forgive me. I’m so, so, sorry. It’ll never happen again.”

Sweet words from someone who doesn’t know the meaning. His other hand goes to your other cheek to pull you to his lips. Your eyes get big for a second until his lips are gently on your forehead. The pressure behind your eyes is appearing once again. “I’m a villain and a bad mom.”

His tears match yours. “Never. You are amazing. He would have never made it this far if it wasn’t for you. Do you understand? They are wrong. I was wrong.”

“He ran away, Izuku. He could’ve gotten hurt.” Your voice wobbles. He kisses your chin. “It was an accident. One that you didn’t do.”

Your breath hitches. “No, no, it was me.”

“Honey, I’m not blind. I saw you and Riko.” He rubs circles on your waist. You make contact with his eyes again. “Please, don’t say anything. If anyone asks, it was me.”

“Why?”

“There were some questions about Mineta or something. I don't know much about it.” You grab his arm. “She isn’t a perfect victim. What if they don’t take it seriously and let him back in? This could hurt her.”

Before he says anything, you interrupt him. “It was an accident. We came up with a system for a caregiver. One of us would watch the tots while the others study. We’d rotate the job and help each other with school! She came into the room and Noa and Kobeni snuck out. Izuku, please don’t tell. It was an innocent mistake. Noa’s learned to open doors, she didn’t expect it.”

He kisses your cheek. Since he started, he's been peppering kisses on you and avoiding your lips. Given the situation, you're grateful. 

“You are the kindest person I’ve ever met.” He sighs. “This is not happening again, understand?” Izuku wipes away the dampness on your face with his thumbs. He’s gotten very bold with you. Despite your usual snark towards him and the world, you can’t find it in you to push him away. Instead, you nestle into his comfort after this long day. Hopefully, this pain will subside, and you’ll never see those eyes again. You hope that rather than remembering what happened with Noa, you'll remember how you didn't kiss him then dream of what could've been. 

“You okay?” Noa comes from behind Izuku. Immediately, you straighten up and put a smile on your face for Noa. He frowns and raises his eyebrow. “You know what we should do?” Izuku leans into Noa’s ear. You don’t know what he’s said, but he pulls you down to the ground.

“What-oh no.” Him and Noa poke and tickle you. You laugh from the sensation but not from joy. At least Noa’s smiling and not scared anymore. 

--------

You lay down next to Noa who has reverted back to sleeping with you rather than his little bed. It’s terrible because of the lack of space in both the bed and the room. At least he’s still potty trained and isn’t having an accident in the bed.

The only light in the room is from Noa’s nightlight. The hero symbols that display on the ceiling from it disgust you. Most of these heroes you've never met and God willing, you never will. Izuku lays in bed with you with Noa in between you. “I’m so sorry.”

He's already said that. He presses, “Tell me what to do. Anything to make it better.” He caresses your face. Really, he didn't do something out of the ordinary for a parent. What's wrong is that he didn't question your guilt and didn't give you a chance to explain until afterwards. What's wrong was the way he looked at you. Because of that, there is something in your mind. He complimented you, yes, but you want his honesty. 

You ask him, “Am I a bad person?”

Are you wrong for your cause? What has been broken in you is turning into anger again. Are you wrong for your feelings? What happened today affected you and others. Was your longing for justice worth it if the results are shards? Your pride shouts for you to stand and start swinging but your mind keeps repeating everyone’s words like a song on a broken record. They all can kiss your ass, but Noa's smaller frame steals your scream. All of this, does it make you a bad person? Not just a mom, student, daughter and worker, but a human being?

“No. You aren’t bad. No matter what you try to show me, you could never be wrong. Except for with some of your homework.”

You smile a little. “I barely know you.” Yet there is something that says you do. Izuku's forehead touches yours. "I don't think it matters with us." He's gotten so bold, and you don't mind. His reassurance of his care is helping put what is broken back together, slowly. 

Your eyelids are growing heavy, and the pillow has gotten softer. Right before your light is out for the night, you hear in the distance, “As long as it’s you, do whatever you want.”

If these pieces you are mending together result into the same wrath as before, Izuku, would you still say that? Would your friendship stay?

@xoxoangellll @js-favnanadoongi @imas1mpp @candiiee @moodyhuesworld @dinorawrss @luvrluvrr @bigchungusdrinksspritecranberry

if i didn't get you, let me know!

[jujutsukgojo]

Smelly

Alpha! Satoru gojo x Beta! reader Summary:

"He doesn’t know why he chose you. You're a beta and he’s an alpha. He's been told several times that he’s supposed to be with an omega. Yet here you are, totally having him wrapped around your finger and you don't even know it. He's supposed to be the strongest sorcerer, not some love-sick, insecure alpha trying to woo someone that isn’t designed for him."

Gojo's a newly presented alpha and is trying to court you but stinks.

tw: insecurity and fluff, a/b/o, omegaverse

The second you open the door, you feel a sharp pain in your head. Your friends, Satoru and Suguru, sit together minding their own. To the naked eye, they seem fine. However, you can feel the tension and are bothered by the overwhelming smell. You look around for a certain brunette missing from the mix. It isn’t odd for Shoko to be late to class anyway, so you don’t ask where she is.  

You go to your seat and they mumble a hello. Suguru barely looks your way while Satoru focuses on you. Or at least that is what it looks like. You can't really tell because of those insanely dark glasses.

 Geto and Gojo have always been close. Best of friends, brothers, and rivals. Peas in a pod that argue constantly and are a pain to deal with due to their clownery. Suguru’s self-righteousness and Satoru’s, well, Satoru being himself, are enough to deal with daily.  

 However, the tension between them right now will have you running to the hills if they start fighting (again). The average Tuesday but on a different and more dangerous and intense level.  

 Since you are a beta, you got what the deal was the second you came in. The two clowns are presenting their secondary genders. It is a form of puberty. It makes sense as to why Geto and Gojo have this friction. If their newfound scents are any indicator, they’re alphas getting ready to officially present.  

Even before, everyone guessed what they were, but it hadn’t fully shown itself until now. If they were to open their mouths, no doubt there would be new canines pushing through. But you know that one false move and it is an all-out brawl. 

  Alphas tend to do that when this happens. Because of how aggressive they can get, it is encouraged for alphas to stay home during this time.  

It kind of reminds you of when you get your period and become a nightmare. Hell, you even bit Suguru once. In your defense, he reached for your food so in the eyes of God you are innocent.  

Despite the fires of hell coming out of you and the bite marks they all have on them, they are still nice and understanding. Every month they give you what you want and accommodate to you.  

So, it’s only fair to be the same way with them. Help the two dumbasses get through this as much as you can.  

But oh my God, the smell.   

“You guys stink.” Before, everyone’s scent was toned down and had a newborn baby quality to it. And now? That's gone and it's on full throttle until they’re done. After this, it won’t be so bad.  

The two dumbasses look at you with bugged out eyes and open mouths. Both of their expressions are fit for a comic book or anime or something.  

“What?!” They say in unison, with a white cast over their face and their hairs raised. 

--------------------------

Later that day, everyone had to go to their rooms. It was awful. They hit their peak at the same time and it resulted in Incident Number 348. 

After class, all they had to do is run some laps. Thing One and Thing Two had calmed down and were acting a little normal about that time much to everyone's delight. Until you laughed at something Suguru said, and Satoru started growling again. All the while you were sitting on the bleachers eating crackers due to nausea from the headaches their scents give you, watching everything go down.  

  Unfortunately, being the only beta in the class means you had to go over there and calm them down with your calming scent. You walked up to them hesitantly, knowing good and damn well if you are caught in the fray, you may not make it.   

Releasing your scent as much as you could, they slowly started to relax. They took deep breaths and their growls turned lower, quieter. Finally, you smacked them on the back of their heads. It wasn’t necessary, but you felt it was. Suguru snarled at you. Out of instinct, you moved your hand away quickly. Satoru jumped on his best friend again. 

 The school and probably all of Tokyo suffered from it. Lights were going crazy, the ground rumbled, trees moved from their rightful place in the ground, and the air somehow felt expanded around you. You can’t explain it, honestly. It felt as if nothing could touch you. Yet, at the same time, it was suffocating. 

After it took several more betas to calm the two down and plushies from Yaga to punch them in the face, Yaga had given up and forced everyone to their rooms. 

Now everyone has to eat separately until their presentations ease up.  

You lay on your bed eating your crackers until your name is called. Suddenly, you hear huffing outside your door. The smell is so damn strong. You get up and slowly go to the door to peek underneath it. All you see are large bare feet walking back and forth. Getting a closer look, there are painted toes. The only person who wears that colored nail polish is Satoru. He looks awful in it. He has more of a cool tone! Neon yellow isn’t really his color. He didn’t care and said that he looked good in everything. When you were painting them, you tried to tell him he looks like a sunny side up egg, but all he said was ‘yummy’ and asked you to please eat him.

You nearly killed him when he wiggled his toes in your face.  

 “What’s he doing? How did he get out?” You whisper. The smell is getting stronger as he goes against your door, rubbing himself on it.  

The headache is back with a vengeance and it’s making you nauseous and dizzy. That’s the drawback with these headaches lately. They make you so damn dizzy and sick.  

 You eat the last cracker. Groaning as you lay on the floor, you say, “Crud, I'm out of crackers.”  

He stops walking and faces the door. You poke his toe with your finger. He jumps from shock, which in turn makes you smile. Finally, he leaves. Your phone begins to ring and shows Yaga’s name. In a gruff voice, he lets you know that it’s time for dinner.  

Apparently, betas and the unpresented eat together. Honestly, that’s okay with you. Anything to get away from the overwhelming scents.  

Entering the room, you see only five students. Three being your upperclassman and two being your juniors. You grab your lunch and head to the table where Yu and Kento sit. The two usually hang together. Like Satoru and Suguru, they’re rarely a part.  

  “Why do you smell like that?” Yu asks. He shoves a big chunk of food in his mouth. He chews noisily and it for some reason sounds happy? 

“Explain.” 

He gets closer. “I don’t know? It’s hurting my head though.” He says with his mouth full. You forgot that he told you that he’s a beta.  

Kento scolds him for his chewing and tells him to have manners. Kento is a stiff emo-looking kid. One day he’ll look back at his hair and fashion choices and grimace. You hope that you both live that long to see it. 

You pat Yu’s back and apologize for his discomfort that seems to be waning. Kento chews his sandwich and listens to you as you explain how you might’ve ended up smelling like this. Yu agrees that it must be it. The cool like fragrance can only belong to one person. And that fucker rubbed himself all over your door.  

 Nanami, who still has a year to present, sighs. Before you can ask what he means by it, the bell rings. 

-------------------------------------

 Now a few days later, the class is somewhat back to normal. You enter the classroom, on your desk are several of your favorite boxes of crackers stacked up on top of each other with a bottle of water next to them. 

You ask Shoko, who still reeks but to a lesser degree, who the culprit is. She shrugs and bites her pencil. A habit she has had since you met her years ago. Thankfully, she’s back to her old self again. Stinky, but her old, sarcastic, self.  

You scrunch your nose.  “Ew.” She glares and throws her wet pencil at you. Ignoring her, you walk towards your desk.  

The closer you get, the stronger it is. They’re minty and woody, it is thick practically dripping off it like honey. The fragrance is familiar and comforting. A scent that you favor more than anyone else’s. Years you have known it and become welcomely accustomed to it.  

It is bold, unique, and normally so smooth. All so distinctively Satoru, who rubbed himself all over your door, crackers, seat, and water bottle. Despite your admiration, it is hard to take in since this whole thing started.  

“Ugh.” 

You only see a flash of white from the corner of your eye. Turning around to see it, it disappears. Shoko sighs at you and tells you to pack the crackers. Since then, Satoru has been acting even more strangely than his usual self, and that’s saying something. 

“What’s wrong with him?” Everyone stares at you with a deadpan face and a smack to their foreheads. 

---------------------

Satoru makes another joke in class causing Shoko to groan. He doesn’t care about her reaction. He knows Suguru will laugh, but will you? Ever since he met you, he held a torch for you. Now that he’s a presented alpha, he is sure he can prove himself to you despite what traditionalists say. All he has to do is impress you enough to look his way! Not to look at him as a friend, but as a lover. Someone who can protect and comfort you. Someone who can make you laugh and have fun! That he can be generous and can provide, so you don’t have to worry. That's why he left the crackers and the water for you. To show you that he’s capable.

 His chest flutters when he hears your laugh. It's cute when you snort and how you get embarrassed about it. He loves your genuine smile; he’d know it anywhere. He adjusts in his seat to face you more and gets ready to tell another joke when Yaga intervenes. “Gojo, enough.” 

Damn it Yaga. 

  Suguru pokes his leg and smirks. If anyone knows how he feels, it’s his best friend. Satoru’s never been exactly subtle about his feelings towards you. Not when he likes to rub his cheek against yours to familiarize himself and ultimately, mark what’s his. 

  He doesn’t know why he chose you. You're a beta and he’s an alpha. He's been told several times that he’s supposed to be with an omega. Yet here you are, totally having him wrapped around your finger and you don't even know it. He's supposed to be the strongest sorcerer, not some love-sick, insecure alpha trying to woo someone that isn’t designed for him.  

Hell, he might never have the time for you. The two of you may die. 

The thought hurts him immensely. He can’t imagine not being with you. Growing old with you, having a few babies maybe, teaching the next generation as he hopes to. Seeing you frown whenever he gets into trouble and encourages others to do it, either of you coming home to each other knowing you’d be okay. To make love and for you to know that he can be generous and passionate. He’d make sure you never got tired of feeling him.  

Hell, he is Satoru Gojo. Wielder of Limitless and Six Eyes, the first in hundreds of years. The strongest sorcerer alive. A man who has defied fate and made his own. If anyone can accomplish the impossible, it’s him. Satoru Gojo will have time for you. He'll have that dream of his and make you the happiest person alive.  

All he has to do is show you that.  

After class, comes training. This is his moment to show you just how strong he is. He has sparred with you before, with you always landing on your ass and him making the comment about how he’d kiss it to make it better. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without Suguru and Shoko in the back groaning. You always laugh when he says it. You laugh whenever he has tried to flirt with you.  

  He was not joking.  

This time, he went against Suguru. Even though he knows he is the strongest, Suguru is still a challenge. Suguru’s unwavering determination makes him strong. Satoru watches you from the corner of his eye. He sees you take on Shoko with a smirk. Shoko is not the best fighter. She's fierce and useful, but you are more experienced and have finesse.  

   You kick at her and she gets caught in it. If there is anything a beta can do, it’s kick the hell out of somebody. Not even he would want to get caught in that.  

He swells with pride. Not that his friend got hit or anything. It is because of you. Now all he has to do is show you how strong he is and not just because he says so.  

  Suguru notices his distraction and follows where he is looking. Satoru does not like that look on his best friend’s face. That is when Suguru calls out your name. You send Shoko down, winning the fight. “Yeah?” 

  Suguru comes up with the bright idea of teasing. All it takes is one wink your way and the newly presented alphas are at each other’s throats. Shoko stands up with the help of your hand and just sighs.  

 Satoru is furious. He knows Suguru is just messing with him. He knows that Suguru doesn’t feel about you the way he does. If anything, Suguru thinks of you as a sister. How many times did he protect you or pay for your things, ending it with a pat on your head. Or a gentle scolding that a big brother would give to his precious sister. It drove you up a wall when Suguru did that. It always bothered you how he felt the urge to do those things, to baby you.  

  So, he doesn’t know why he’s letting his best friend get to him.  

After the fight, Satoru stands tall. It was decided by Yaga that he had won. Satoru turns to see you but you are gone along with Shoko. Damn.  

Suguru snorts at Satoru’s expression and swipes his long legs from under him.  

------------------------

Satoru isn’t done yet. An alpha’s gotta prove himself, alright? He tried to show you he can provide and that he’s strong enough to protect you. And anyone who passes your door knows that Satoru claimed that spot. You haven't noticed his attempts yet. Emphasis on yet. 

 He has a couple more tricks. What if he told Shoko to encourage you to go out with them? Maybe you just have to see more clearly, you’d understand that you’re his.   

He runs to Shoko to tell her what her job is. Is that a little demanding? Yes, usually it is if it were a different situation. This is his life we’re talking about. This is about you! 

You, who hangs the stars at night; the one who shines brighter than any sun and is more enchanting than all of the moons. The little dances you do whenever you taste anything good is more graceful than the sway of falling leaves in autumn. When you stretch out your arm for everyone to see your thumbs up to let people know, him know you’re okay is better than the earth sprouting out a new tree to show that there is hope for all.

He doesn’t care about that because you are okay.  

He’s positive that the reason God had to rest was because he used his energy creating you. The Big Guy was tired from creating such a masterpiece. 

Shoko looks at him bewildered as he says all of this out loud. When he’s finished pleading his case as to why she should go up to you and ask if you want to hang out, she smacks her head against the table. 

“Is it too hard to just tell her? What’s the harm in that?” 

Satoru gasps at Shoko’s suggestion. “She’ll know then! I don’t want to tell her, dummy!” Shoko throws up her hands. “Doesn’t anyone wonder about my problems?” 

“Oh my God, Shoko! Right now we’re talking about me!” He whines.  

Before she chews him out, she sees him look out the window. Peeking, she sees you on the grass, enjoying the sun. The look in Satoru’s eyes is something she will never see in any painting. If only you turned around and looked up at the window and saw him. Surely, there wouldn’t be any need for all of this.  

She hopes one day she will have that look and he better help her too.  

“When the time comes, you better have my back too.”  

“Huh?” He didn’t even notice that he was staring at you in awe. She smiles and agrees with his plan before he can continue his worship. He pets her head and says, “Whatever.” 

Shoko smacks him away from her and tells him to get ready for his date.  

---------------------

How she managed to get you to agree, he doesn’t know. What he does notice is that you’re swaying too much for his liking and resting your head on random stands like the rail on the stairs. Satoru, not just as your future baby-daddy slash husband, but your friend. 

 Unfortunately, Suguru shares that same concern about your wellbeing. And Satoru does not like that at all.  

  “Something’s wrong, you think?” His friend asks. Again, Satoru knows that his best friend the Man Bun feels nothing for you. He can’t help but feel a little bothered by it though. He's freshly presented and is out of the worst part, the rut, but the hormones are still a little high.  

  He’ll repent for it later.  

“Hm, yeah. Of course, I'd know.” He snaps.  

“Satoru, are you okay?” Satoru whips his head around to see his friend. “Yeah, just stop ruining my shot.” He harshly whispers. 

Suguru looks at him confused. Innocently, he asks, “Does she know that?” 

Satoru growls and feels fire burn in his chest. He does not like that at all. Satoru knows he’s being stupid, but he can’t help it right now. He hears you moan (and not in the way that he wants to hear you make one day) and abandons his friend. 

  Once he leaves to attend you, he barely hears Suguru’s ‘what’d I do?’. Satoru can’t focus on him right now, though.  

 “Here, lean on me.” You loop your arm through his. Satoru is screaming on the inside. You smell so good, oh my God.  

Like something fresh and lilies. He can’t place it but it’s so calming and beautiful. Not at all like an omega’s dessert table scent. Don't get him wrong, he loves sweets. But you? There’s just something about how you smell that makes him want to press his face on you, like one of those laundry detergent commercials that sniff clean clothes.  

   You'd smack the shit out of him though.  

Play it cool, play it cool.   

“You okay?”  

“Yeah, I'm good.” He knows better though. You’re not looking at him and are rubbing your stomach. “Ha, I think I'm hungry.”  

  The burger joint is set up like an American fifty's burger joint. Red, black, and white, places themselves all over the room. White and black tiles, red booths and tables, an old jukebox, a counter that has probably been there for years, and pink dressed waitresses that have roller-skates that they probably hate. 

   A lady sits them down at a table. Satoru practically pushes Shoko out of the way so he can sit in front of you. 

Unfortunately for Satoru, he has always had a short attention span. He is supposed to pay attention to you, and only you. Suguru and Shoko were just for decoration and to make it all easy for the two of you.  

  What sucks is that he totally forgotten that it is easy to fall into conversation with his best friend. Stupid Suguru.  

Because he’s happy, his natural scent is being pushed out. It's a natural occurrence. And with him just recently presenting, his scent is probably taking up the whole place, along with Suguru’s who is responding just as much when the food arrives.  

The food arrives and is placed in the middle. He knows that you like fries and he puts his on your plate. You like to steal his anyway, but this will surely prove that he is generous and kind.  

Satoru’s eyes flick over to you for a second.  

Your elbow is on the table and hand is on your forehead. There is a frown on your pretty face and you’re completely ignoring him. Satoru’s pride is hurt a little. Shit, he didn’t mean to ignore you! He just forgot! Surely you remember that he’s got the attention span of a three-year-old, right? 

  He sucks in his lips and hopes you at least eat his fries. At least his effort won’t go to waste completely. The table quiets down and eats. They wait for you to take a bite of the fries, of Satoru’s fries. He's embarrassed that they are all witnessing his courting and possible rejection, though he is happy that they’re rooting for him.  

  You take a bite of his fries and smile.  

Yes, yes, yes!   

Satoru’s smile doesn’t leave his face.  

That is all you eat. The rest of the meal goes on rowdy as always and Satoru once again forgot about you. You barely talked and when you did it was slow and you did have a small smile on your face.  

  Now it is time to pay. Satoru sports a smug smirk. Now is the time to show you that he is kind, generous, and a provider. He whips out his card to the lady. Satoru doesn’t see you sway back and forth and have your hand over your mouth and eyes.  

  He isn’t hearing Shoko’s concerned whispers of your name. 

As the card goes through, he pushes his scent out again. Satoru looks back just in time to see you book it out of the diner shriveling your nose. He thinks back to when he was happy before and you had that same facial expression. The disgusted face of smelling his scent. The only difference is, is that you didn’t cover your eyes and run before.  

-----------------------

Satoru paces in his room. He still has a chance before you absolutely reject him. For the first time, he begins to feel insecure. He can't believe he didn't notice it before. His advances to you are going ignored because of his smell. 

He couldn’t prove to you that he could protect you or that he's strong since you left, you wrinkled your cute nose at the crackers, and the cause of that was how he smelled. You laughed at his jokes in class. That is one of his scores, but you were two seats away from him though. 

 A scent from an alpha is a big deal! And...you don’t like his. An alpha’s scent tells a lot about them. Not liking his is a huge blow to his very being.  

An idea pops in his head. He could practically see the light from the light bulb. It is a bit unconventional method and is insulting, but it is also his last hope. He's done everything an alpha’s supposed to do. Show his strength for you to know he can protect you, be funny and smart (he got all of Yaga’s questions right), be generous, kind, and provide. This is the only thing left.  

  “I’ll just change it!” It hurts his feelings by doing this, but you are worth it.  

-

Two days later, he walks next to you wearing a patch on his shoulders, close to his scent gland. If he were to put it directly on it, it would be too obvious.  

Unfortunately, he can’t tell if the patch is fully working. Satoru can tell that there is a slight difference, though. He hopes it is just toning it down rather than changing it. 

Satoru watches the birds as they fly by outside of the window. He sees one in particular he thinks you’d like and goes to tell you about it in time to see you trip on air.  

Satoru grabs on to the Spirit of the Lord to not laugh. He catches you by your arm. “Oopsie daisy!”  

You give him a smile. His heart is soaring right now. Satoru has shown you that he can protect you.  

“Thank you, Satoru.” You temporarily lean your head onto his shoulder.  

Satoru internally screeches. He’s liking this a lot.   

Today, you decided to walk with him. Him. Alone! The two of you, walking together, alone! He couldn’t believe his luck when he was waiting at your door, and you willingly went with him when he asked you. 

He's got a pep in his step now. 

You hum a little. Humming is something you’d do at the most random times, he noticed. He never complains though. It's sweet and gentle, like a secret between you and him. Taking a deep breath, he notices you slowing down. Immediately he stops when you do, not willing to leave you behind. Coming close to him, much to his delight, you sniff him. Involuntarily, he leans in.  

“Why do you smell like that?” Your nose twitches.  

His eyes bug out behind his glasses and his heart and mouth drop. He swears his glasses crack.  

Satoru failed again. Instantly, a distressed scent radiates off him. The scent patches aren’t working against it since it’s so strong. You look at him shocked. Ashamed, he leaves quickly with his head down. He's so embarrassed. Nothing he did has worked. Trying to change his scent is such a big deal too and it didn’t even work. 

“Wait, Satoru!”  You call out. He doesn’t turn around to see you try to chase after him.  

___________________________________

You tell Shoko what happened. She slams her head down repeatedly. “Hey! Stop that!” You place your hand on the table to block her from injury.  

“Y/n, for the love of God, Satoru is trying to court you, you idiot!” 

“What?” 

She explains that all of the things are what an alpha does. Shows that they can provide, that they are talented, smart, strong. All the things that a partner could want. She tells you to imagine those birds on Animal Planet that try to woo someone. And because of your reaction to his smell before, he even changed that for you.  

  You feel so guilty. Honestly, you had no idea.  

Now thinking about it, he has always been like that. Satoru always pays special attention to you. Satoru is just so special as a person that it is impossible that he could take a shine to anyone. Especially someone as lowly as you. 

“He’s just...he’s Satoru and I'm just me.” Everyone thinks so.  

“And you’re pretty cool. Dumb, but cool. Like, seriously stupid.” She sighs tiredly. “Now go get him. No one wants to deal with a sulking Satoru.” 

 You thank Shoko and squeeze her hand. Without saying another word, you take off out the door. Yaga calls your name but you don’t care.  

In your room, you see the fluffy throw blanket on your bed. Remembering the etiquette of alphas and omegas, you scent it to the best of your ability.  

  Knocking on his door, you wait anxiously. It wasn’t your intention to hurt him. An alpha’s instincts are foreign to you. Betas don’t really do what they do. It isn’t necessary. If he gave you flowers, chocolate, or even a teddy bear, it would have been easier to understand.  

Or just plain saying something.  

You are always soft towards Satoru. He would be playful and always be beside you, you give him sweets when his mother tries to cut him off of them. One time you shared your lunch and a little dessert with him when he was hungry. And now he expects to share every time. Whenever you bring it to school, he pops up out of nowhere. And you look forward to that. 

 He’s just... out of your league. What could he want with you? He's so beautiful, smart, funny even if people don't think so. He's talented and caring. 

Are you attracted to him? Definitely so and always have been. But never did you think he would return the feelings. Looking back, you should have known. You were so focused on your insecurity that you didn't realize that he didn't care about all of that. 

  “Satoru? Please open up.” The distress smell is so strong. Instinctually, you release a calming scent, hoping that it would take the edge off at least a little.  

You crack open the door.  

In his room he lays in his den. His very large bed with a dark blue canopy that encloses him. There are shelves in his room with various items on them, most of them being Digimon items and some nick knacks he collected. There are some pictures and even memorabilia of his classmates. You notice some of you even. A picture he must have taken of you outside without your knowledge. You barely remember that day, honestly. Let alone him taking a picture of you. 

  He had claimed the entire room. The bed is a secret place for him though.  

  After you walk in, you close the door. “Satoru, can we talk?” 

He says nothing. His face is red and he wraps himself with his arms. Walking up to his bed, you know better than to enter it without his permission. Instead, you toss him the blanket so you can remain at a safe distance. “I’m sorry, Satoru. Can I explain?” 

He looks at it and takes it. “Alright.” 

“Okay. As a beta, my nose is more sensitive than yours. When you guys were presenting, it was hard on me. You don’t smell at all when it’s normal. The only reason why I reacted is because it was so strong. Other than that, I like your scent. Today, I noticed that you covered it and I just wondered why it was like that. That's all, I promise. ” 

“Lie.” He turns away from you, still gripping your blanket. “I promise, Satoru. That is the only reason. I like your normal smell, I swear. Don’t cover it anymore, okay?” He doesn't look at you. You're afraid this is it. Even if you missed your shot with him, the biggest fear is that he is gone from your life. 

You aren't giving up. “And I'm not rejecting you either! I just didn’t understand what was going on. You can even ask Shoko!” 

 You approach him slowly. He side eyes you. “Forgive me I'm just stupid.” He ignores you still. Humming, you look around and say, “You have a very nice den, Satoru. It’s comfy, I like it.” It is obviously a ploy to ease into his good graces. 

Observing your surroundings, you didn’t see the smug smirk on his face. He rearranged it this morning. He's proud of his work now.  

  “Thank you.” Is all he says. You bravely walk a few steps more. He eyes you the entire time. 

“Are we okay?” Suddenly, he yanks on your wrist and drags you into his tiny den. He places you to the side and faces you. The pillows are soft and warm like him. You have to admit, this is the softest thing ever.  

 He tucks you in with your own blanket, making you two very close. “You are kinda stupid.” 

 His breath hits your face and his eyes look so deeply into yours. The blue eyes glow in the dark. They’re intimidating to some but to you, they’re not. Years ago, when you discovered that the famous Six Eyes actually glow in the dark, you couldn’t help but laugh.  

“Yeah. I need all sorts of protection from you,” You giggle. After a few moments, you ask him, “What does this mean, Satoru?”  

Giving a tiny smile, he shrugs. “Whatever you want. I know what I want, but I'm waiting for you to answer.”  

  “People are going to talk. It'll be hard too. Are we ready?” He gets even closer, forehead on forehead. “I am. C'mon! I’m the strongest after all.” 

You roll your eyes and smile. “Alright then. As long as you know your ruts wil-” 

“I know all of this. And I truly don’t care.” He kisses your head. You can’t help but feel warm. “We’re young.” You say. 

“I’ll wait for you.” 

“The future will be rough.” 

“Isn’t it always? Nothing is ever guaranteed to be smooth, shiny, and soft, other than my hair, my little library book. So, don’t worry.” 

“What the fuck? Your hair? Library book?” 

“One, because my hair is smooth-feel it, please, oh my God-and yes! You're bookmarked, get it?” 

“I hate you-oh it is!” You run your fingers through his white hair. His hair is thick and feels like he gets treatments or something. You massage his head and watch as he closes his eyes. Gently, his scent covers you like a light blanket as he purrs in contentment. It's lighter than it once was and no longer giving you any headaches. 

His arms are wrapped around you in a tight embrace. His cold ass feet rub against you making you chuckle. “Fucking icicles.” 

“They like-like you though.” He playfully nibbles on you. You squirm around trying to get away from his cold clown feet as he ‘nom nom’s as he bites. 

“With that ugly ass nail polish.” You aren’t wrong. 

“Get out.” Satoru pushes you out of the bed.  

[jujutsukgojo]

Professional boxer!Sukuna in his late 30s or early 40s who stubbornly refuses to retire even though he's been warned by everyone that it's time to hang up his gloves.

It wasn't until he suffered a fatal injury during a big match was when he realised that he was finished. He retired and that was the end of the King of Curses' reign on the boxing world.

Retired boxer!Sukuna who realizes that outside of his career, he never had anything going for him. He spend most of his days in his penthouse or hitting the gym. He didn't know what to do with his life anymore.

Retired boxer!Sukuna who, out of boredom, one day decides to step inside a little cafe that had opened across the road from his building. And that's when he stumbles across you. His ex-girlfriend. The last time he saw you was when he broke up with you years ago. Turns out this cafe belonged to you.

(Bullet points from here on out cuz laziness haha...)

The first meeting between you two was tense. Both of you didn't know what to say to each other. Just some stiff "hey" "how have you been" and "you seem well".

Sukuna noticed how much you've grown though. The years have been really kind to you.

You could tell Sukuna's retirement got the best of him. He seemed more quiet... tired and looked utterly lost. You decide to offer him a cup of coffee and a sandwich.

It takes a while but slowly both of you start talking to each other again. Sukuna finds talking to you helps the gapping hole left after his retirement. He visits you more often.

Both of you catch up. You had a full time job before but decided that you wanted to open your own business. Hence, this cafe. You took the risk and now you will never go back. Running your own cafe has been the best decision you've ever made in your life.

Sukuna finds himself smiling as you talked so passionately. Your radiance and positivity motivates him to find something for himself.

He also feels himself drawn to you too. He felt a pang of longing whenever you smiled at him or greeted him. He was starting to realise that he had been an absolute idiot to take you for granted.

He does eventually find something to do. He becomes a boxing instructor at the gym he frequents. Sure he doesn't need the job since he had all the money in the world but he finds teaching young people who are passionate about the sport very fulfilling.

He also makes time for you now. Something he he had failed to do when you two were dating.

Sometimes he helps you out at the cafe, lifting any heavy boxes or stacking supplies or anything else you need.

And you start to notice how much he's changed too. The old Sukuna would think helping you out would be a waste of time. But here he was, standing behind the counter taking orders. Although his signature scowl and grumpy nature was still there.

After a while, you two decide to give a second chance to dating.

And both of you are rusty as hell to the dating scene. You had been too busy with establishing your business and he with his boxing career.

"It's okay. We'll figure it out together." And eventually you both do :)

[jujutsukgojo]

I’m going to miss baby Shoto

[jujutsukgojo]

The Baby Project: Chapter Six

Izuku Midoriya x reader

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Summary: Noa is having trouble learning how to use the potty.

tw: pee (it's potty training), fluff, angst, inequality, panic attack(ish). I have decided to not include summer vacation. It was an accident

You are trying to finish this month’s report. Noa, now that he’s two, he is getting into everything. Luckily, Izuku seems to be a professional at handling that where you were only seconds away from finishing wrapping him in duct tape which Izuku had a fit about. 

The two boys roll around on the floor. Izuku lifts Noa in the air by his feet. Noa’s arms reach to Izuku. Lately, you can't really face him after that whole dream thing. You even touch your lips when he looks into your eyes. Everything since then has been hazy. Almost as if the boundaries and walls between you have bent since he kissed you in his dream. Thinking about it now makes you tingly, even when he’s playing ‘airplane’ with Noa. 

Noa’s lullaby rings when he yawns. “Come on Noa, let’s take a nap.” 

Noa’s eyebrows furrow and his small mouth parts in shock. If his hands weren’t in Izuku’s, he’d clutch his chest, appalled by Papa’s ‘suggestion’.

“No!” Izuku lowers him. “Noa, it’s alright. We’ll play right-”

“No!” The toddler kicks his feet in protest. “Play!” He tries his hardest to climb on Izuku to do another airplane. Unfortunately for him, Papa isn’t having it. 

While those two go at it, you sign your name at the top of the paper of your homework. Luckily, Izuku had already finished his homework so he decided to play with Noa as you try to catch up on yours. It’s been a struggle to juggle a toddler and school, especially since Snipe decided that the class was late in an academic sense. Secretly, the late ‘study sessions’ with the rest of your classmates take time too. 

“Do I need to intervene?” You ask Izuku as he picks Noa up and places him on the couch. “No, I got it, right Noa?”

Noa continues to throw a fit, repeating how he’s a big boy and that he isn’t sleepy. He jumps down and attempts to run away until his eyes get droopy and are blinking slowly. “I’m not…no-” He yawns. Finally, he stops fighting and goes into Izuku’s awaiting arms. His papa scoops him up and sits on the couch. Following his little robo-son, Izuku yawns as well.

“Take a nap, Izuku. We’re not going anywhere.” Lately, he’s been comfortable sleeping around you. 

“I’ll be fine.” He blinks rapidly, clearly trying to stay awake. Obviously, Noa is taking after Izuku in that area. You sigh and walk over to him with the unfinished book in your hand. “Here, if I read to you again, will you sleep?”

“That fairytale? I like that one,” He has a soft smile. His freckled cheeks and kind eyes make the obvious scar fade in comparison to his boyish look. “Mm, I love it, actually. Read it for me again?”

He can’t remember, right? You never looked into your quirk and only know its basics. What if he remembers?

You try to seem cool despite the possibility of him remembering you in his dream looming over your head. You sit next to him and begin to read. 

“Is something different?”

You stop reading. “What do you mean?”

Izuku shrugs his broad shoulders. “You’ve been acting differently. Like something is wrong. Are you okay?”

You can’t tell him the truth. “Uh, teenage feelings.”

“I understand,” He scoots closer to you. “If it becomes something, will you tell me?”

You nod. Sometimes you forget that he’s a teenager, too. A teenager who saved the world at like, fifteen or sixteen, and fought the greatest evil the world has ever seen. You bite your lip and smack him lightly. “Want me to continue?”

With a closed lipped smile and warmth in his eyes, he settles on the couch. “Of course.”

–

Izuku isn't having a nightmare. In fact, he seems to be entirely peaceful and content. Maybe the dream affected him because he has gotten bolder with you. For instance, he's laying his head on your lap as he sleeps. Noa, of course, sleeps on Izuku’s chest.

Is this really Izuku? He couldn't even say your name now he’s sleeping on you like it is the most natural thing. The man in question jolts from a snore. You roll your eyes and play with his hair. The world doesn't matter right now as you look down at his peaceful face. Since the target audience is asleep, you don't continue to read. You’ll finish it later, especially since it happens to be Noa’s favorite. 

--------

“Okay, okay! I’ll watch your stupid movie. It better be good.” You take a bite of the chicken. Noa grabs a piece and claps his hands. “Happy!”

“You like that little man?” Noa takes another and hums. Hitoshi of all people comes to sit at the partially full table. There aren’t that many hero students right now, so it is a bit of a surprise. According to Ema, the exams they had were pretty tough so some of them are still doing it.

“You failed?” Hitoshi throws a fry at you. Noa, also known as The Vacuum or Bottomless Pit, picks it up and eats it. “I passed, thank you very much. What’re you doing?”

“Eating.”

He scoffs. “No shit. I mean how’ve you been, what's been going on lately.” Ema observes the two of you like a television show. She clears her throat before you can continue with Hitoshi.

“Anyway, we were talking about Grease.”

“Figures.”

“Excuse me?” Ema straightens up. He points his chopsticks in your direction. “Figured you’d be into cheesy shit like that.”

Ema gasps as if she's been struck. “Cheesy?!” You touch Ema’s arm. “Honey, you need to breathe.”

Hitoshi raises his brows. “What? Princess over there doesn’t like it?”

“She’s never seen the classic. Have you?” Ema crosses her arms and moves her fingers, glaring at Hitoshi. “Saw it, it was shit.”

“Uncultured swine! How could you no-”

“I take it back. She’s the princess,” Hitoshi’s eyes connect with yours. “You’re just a brat.”

Ema stops her rampage. “He’s got that right.” You separate yourself from the table. The audacity of these bitches. They can only be saved if they admit that you are a goddess. “I know good and damn well-”

“I am a princess and you,” She looks you up and down. Hitoshi finishes her thought after he swallows. “A temperamental brat.”

The disrespect at the table is insane. You grip the edge of the table. “Bitch-”

“Hi, Shinsou!” Izuku waves from across the room until he sees you. He jogs to you with a big smile on his face. He softly touches your upper back. You let go of the table and ask him, “Did you pass?”

“Yep! Close call though. This exam was harder than I thought it’d be.”

Hitoshi nods and goes to grab another bite. “Got that right. Teachers were brutal this time.” Hitoshi shoves it in his mouth. He looks down at Kenji who’s looking healthier since you last saw him. Clearly, Hitoshi’s been taking care of him well. 

“I’m gonna get something to eat, I’ll be right back.”

Hitoshi’s purple eyes flicker back up to you. “Did he like his cake?”

You forgot about that shit. “You asshole. His favorite is chocolate, not strawberry.”

“Strawberry shortcake. There’s a difference.” He corrects. Ema looks at the two of you confused. You point to the purple haired freak. “He told me Izuku’s favorite cake was strawberry shortcake and it’s not. Betcha five that it’s yours.”

He gives a devious smile. “Got it. Lovely cake by the way if you don’t count the burns.”

You smack your hands on the table. “There were no burns! The stove burned. Not the cake.”

“You tried to burn the house down?!” Ema’s eyebrows raise. You shake your head. “No, Noa messed with the knobs-”

“Why was he near fire?” Izuku’s broad frame comes into view. “He was helping with the cake-”

Little Kenji starts to cry. “Shit-”

You groan and reach for the baby. “Here, like this.” 

Hitoshi gets the hold right. “You’re welcome.” 

He nods and sucks in his lips. Hitoshi looks down at the table. “Thanks for everything, (Y/n).”

Izuku swallows his food. “For what?” Ah, you didn’t tell him that Hitoshi messed up his cake and that you helped him with Little Ken. It’s not like you have much to hide about it. 

“She helped me with Little Kenji-”

“Who?” You look at Izuku from the corner of your eye. He is rigid and stiff. “She named him Kenji since my partner hasn’t told me the name. I don’t even think they have the certificate.”

“Kenji? As in Ken?”

Hitoshi looks around the table. “Yeah.”

Izuku is silent for what feels like minutes. He then gives Hitoshi a closed eye smile that is practically blinding. Does anyone else feel this tension? It’s rolling off of him like waves. You shiver and side eye him. 

He turns to you. “Where’d you get that name? Did you just think of it?” 

Your nostrils flare. Why in the hell would he ask that knowing how you know Ken? Through gritted teeth, you answer vaguely, “Named him after a friend.”

His face is fake. That sweet demeanor is so deceitful, and you know that everyone else at the table thinks so too, they just don’t know why. Fucking Deku continues to be fake as hell.

“That’s so sweet, (Y/n). I wonder what else you’d do.” 

Hitoshi struggles with the baby. “She made my favorite cake for my birthday. That was the sweetest, wasn’t it spoiled kitty?” Hitoshi is getting on your nerves to a whole new level. This bitch is hitting nerves that you didn't even know existed.

“She is a bit spoiled."

You whip your head to Izuku who just agreed with this purple bitch. “Me? Are you kidding? Will you please hold that baby’s head-shut up-like this,” You reach over and adjust Little Ken again. “God. You people are so rude. I was just trying to be nice and make a cake for Izuku. And you,” You sit back down and turn to the green-haired menace. “I was helping him. The booger didn’t even have a name.”

You don’t know why you are defending yourself to these people or why you care. You huff, “Please, like you didn’t need help from me before? I helped you study for your dumb exam before you trained-” You stop mid sentence. 

“Oh …” Ema rests her head on her hands. Her eyes dart between you three as she waits for another word. She’s watching like this is some kind of soap opera. This would be funny if it weren't for something you just noticed. Why didn't you question it before?

“Will everyone stop? Let's focus on the big thing here.” You scold her. 

Ema rolls her eyes. “Potty training? I already gave you tips.” 

“I’m talking about how they managed to care for the children while they did their exams.” The table goes silent. If this were an old western, a tumbleweed would go by. “Exams for the hero course are written and sometimes practical, right? How’d you guys manage that?”

Ema straightens up in her seat as she looks around. “I never asked Eijirō. Maybe they put them on the sidelines?” Her frown gets deeper as the seconds pass. Finally, you made sense and moved the conversation away from whatever the hell that was and onto more important things, like cheating. 

“Izuku? Hitoshi?” She calls. Hitoshi is the first to speak. His face is indifferent, but his eyes say the opposite, especially when they make contact with you. “Due to the nature of the course, we give them to the caregiver.”

“Excuse me?” Ema’s chest starts to move. Her breathing is deep and steady. “You guys get to cheat? How much? During training or-?”

It was a question you never thought of because of how little you see the hero course have their kids. It never occurred to you that they’d have help. Izuku, someone who has been there with you for months now, didn’t think to mention that his friends get another advantage? 

“Answer her, Izuku.” You side eye the silent hero next to you. He says nothing for a second then in a low voice, reluctantly answers, "All of it.”

Ema shakes. Kirishima comes in and waves at her but stops once he sees her anger. “This whole time? Are you kidding me?!” She yells. She heads over to him. The redhead’s face looks like a shocked and scolded kid. 

"When did this start?" Your voice is quiet and cracked. It's the only words spoken during her rant behind you. Izuku’s head is down. Hitoshi freezes when you look up at him. Even though you were curious, you no longer care and decide to go without an answer. “No wonder why he was alive. A fucking caregiver during class hours was taking care of him.” You suck on your lips and shake your head. You try to will you voice not to quiver or crack but it still does.

“And you,” Izuku flinches slightly. “This whole time you knew. You could have fought for us. For me. You dare get mad because of a name and a fucking cake. Calling me spoiled? If I was, wouldn’t I be in the hero course?”

You stand up and grab Noa before he can try to get Izuku’s attention. Izuku stands as well, desperately trying to stop you from leaving. "It's not like that-"

"I hope you choke."

You leave and go to your friends, quickly informing everyone in the cafeteria of what went down just in case they can’t understand Ema’s screaming.

-----------

“This better be good, Ema.” You push Grease inside the player. The DVD spins and you sit down on your bed. Noa watches the screen intently after you hit play. The musical goes on until you get the urge to use the bathroom. Since it’s just you and Noa, you keep the door open. 

Your phone rings again for the nth time. It's been almost forty-eight hours since you found out about the hero course having a caregiver and you haven’t talked to Izuku since. He texted you and called several times. You haven’t answered a single thing. To decompress, you decided to take on Ema’s suggested movie. You aren't really paying attention to it but it is a nice distraction from the tug on your heart. 

Izuku lied to you. He didn't tell you that the hero course has some kind of caregiver for the kids. The general studies have been struggling with everything and rather than helping, he lied. This discovery is making you question everything. Like, why was Kaibara so angry if there was a caregiver? How long has this been going on? When Izuku said 'all of it', did he mean during exams or the whole class period? There aren't enough answers. 

You begin to sing along with John Travolta. “Go grease lightnin’-” 

“Potty…” After you flush, you look out and see Noa doing the pee-pee dance. He’s two years old now so training should begin. You go over and guide him to the bathroom and even set him on it while holding him. “No.”

“You sure?” He nods his head and right when you’re about to set him down, he hears the song and bounces. Quickly, you set him back down on the toilet and he uses the bathroom while singing the song. 

“Does Grease Lightnin’ make you pee?”

“Yeah.”

Valuable information. "Alright, so tomorrow I'll try to find you a kiddie potty seat, okay?" You fix him all up and let him go. Noa grabs the remote and starts messing with it. "You break it, I break you!" You call out. 

Against your judgment, you look at the phone and see the texts. 

-(Y/n), please let me explain.

-PLEASE answer

-Darling please answer the phone

-I'm sorry

These continue on and on, with the last one being an apology. You want to yell at him. Call him every name in the book with the last being a traitor. You don't know why you even bothered with him. He's a hero. A deceitful, jealous, lying, self-serving, traitorous, tax leech. Why did you even give him the time of day?

You sigh and toss your phone on the bed. The DVD rewinds to the same song as before. Noa bounces again and takes his diaper off. “What’re you doing-no!” He grunts and pees on the fucking floor. You rush to get him on the toilet. 

“Stop, stop, stop sto-oh come on.” He stops the trickle right when you get him on the seat. He smiles up at you and says, “I peed.”

Rude. 

--------

Sakura comes in with a large plant. Its leaves are perfectly kept up, but it is still hideous. She places the potted plant next to Snipe’s desk. You don’t know why she gets to do that and why she even has such a hideous thing. 

“Did you like it?” Ema’s facing you despite Snipe’s constant scolding. “Ema!” Snipe yells. “Hold on, Snipe! This is Grease!”

“I don’t care! Turn around and be quiet. Class is in session and we have a lot to talk about.”

You ignore him completely. After finding out that the heroes get a fucking pass when it comes to childcare, everyone became furious. Snipe, who usually has respect, is being bulldozed. Besides, talking about an ancient musical is more entertaining than whatever Snipe is talking about or Riko's tiring advice about a budget plan.

“It was alright. I don’t think it is something I’d watch on the regular.” Ema starts to growl. “The soundtrack was good though! Had a lot of catchy tunes, I’ll give it that.”

She perks up again. “I know right? Go grease lightnin’-” Noa stops bouncing on your lap and stares at her. Ema is completely oblivious to what she’s done. You jump up. “Hold it Noa, hold it!” 

He pulls his pants down his own. “Dammit Noa, wait!” You pick him up and run to the door. Your classmates laugh at you. Noa grunts again. From what you figure, it is his telltale sign of him having to go to the bathroom. 

Noa, the bastard, starts to urinate on the floor. “ No!” You go to Sakura’s plant for him to pee on. The owner stands up and screams. “(Y/n)! Are you fucking kidding me?!”  

“This plant is ugly as fuck anyway!” 

Unfortunately, a terrible thing happens. Jule’s child sniffles and runs to the plant. “Me too!” 

“Jule!” You call. He gets up to get his daughter who has decided that Noa had a good idea to pee on the plant. Sakura yells again to stop the kids. The rest of the class finds this way too funny. Normally, you’d think it is funny but not when it’s your fucking son. 

Jule’s baby girl-Etsuko?-sits on the soil in the pot. “Oh my God! Jule!” 

“Jule, (Y/n), stop these kids right now!” Snipe points to you and Jule. 

“How the hell did this start?” Benio’s once bewildered face morphs into an amused and annoying expression. Ema gestured to you and Noa. “I sang Grease Lightnin’ and he started-”

Noa, grunts again. “Stop saying that! It makes him-”

“Take the kid to the bathroom, now!” Snipe slams his hand on his desk. 

Done with all of the yelling, you look up at Snipe. “This wouldn't be an issue if we had a caregiver!”

Right when Jule picks Etsuko up, the door opens. The sudden noise startles you. Quickly you turn around. Noa sighs and somehow releases once more. Much to your surprise, Eraserhead stands there unexpectedly. His black suit gets wetter by the second. 

Your jaw drops, and the class gasps. Noa, your son, just peed on Aizawa. 

“Ha!” Riko’s laughs become contagious. You haven’t smiled or laughed with them. Instead, you stand frozen even though the room becomes more chaotic than before. “(Y/n), that is enough. Go outside this instant.”

Snipe’s voice is calm and cool. You suck in your lips and nod. Aizawa still stands in front of the door. “Noa, if you got any more, now’s the time.”

----------

Surprisingly, you aren’t being punished. At least not right now. The heroes are villains wearing white. For all you know, they’re having secret meetings on how to destroy you. It would not be far-fetched to think Izuku is also in on these meetings seeing what a deceitful, unfair, degenerate he is. 

You groan and rub your face. These textbooks are becoming too much for you the longer you work on them. Not to mention the law books and a damn budget plan you’ve been ignoring. It's a sound idea but tedious. You lean away from the desk.

You look at your phone again and read all of his desperate texts. Even though he appeared to be a sweet guy, his main color is green, like a snake. That should’ve been your first clue. Him and his stupid green eyes and soft green hair reek of deception. However, you can’t help but read the messages. Your stupid heart tries to soften towards him and quickly you layer cement over the cracks. 

He pretended to understand your struggle and pain just for shits and giggles. He’s probably laughing with his friends and Hitoshi. 

“Don’t cry.” Noa’s little hand touches your leg. You gasp and wipe your eyes. You just now notice how your phone screen has little droplets on it. Noa’s round eyes water. “Please, don’t cry.”

He’s very vocal for a two-year-old. It’s something you’re very proud of and happily put in your report. But you didn’t want this. Who would want their child to voice this and feel your heartbreak? 

“I’m fine, my little love.” You kiss the top of his head. Noa snuggles up to your legs. “I miss Papa.”

That’s a natural reaction since you haven’t talked to Izuku. Noa is used to him and when Izuku leaves for his job, Izuku makes sure to tell Noa that he’ll be back. He always tells Noa goodbye or something. 

“I know-”

“You do, too.” His little voice is muffled. He sniffles and squeezes you. He rubs his face with your leg. Your pride is tough to swallow. You bite your lip as you unlock the window and bring out your phone. This project is trying to humble you when you are an innocent civilian. You shouldn’t be feeling like you’re losing and yet you do. You are losing. 

The phone rings once. “Noa wants to see you.”

-

The knock on the door is steady. You answer it not expecting it to be fucking Deku since he usually jumps in from the window. Lo and behold, here he is, in his hero costume and all. You step aside and let him in. The first thing he does is give Noa a big kiss. “I’ve heard that you’ve had an interesting few days.” 

One of the many things you didn’t want to happen is fucking Deku finding out that his son peed on his beloved teacher, Eraserhead to “Grease Lightnin’” being sung in the background. It was funny for a second then you saw his face and his eyes were red, and not from his quirk. Did Eraserhead send Izuku to ‘deal’ with you or did he get in trouble in your place? 

Then again, the little shit didn’t say anything about a fucking caregiver so who cares if he got in trouble?

A smirk draws on your lips. “A little. How was-”

“I know with everything going on it’s hard for you. I’m with you with every step, (Y/n).” Izuku puts Noa down and tells him to go play with his new All Might toy Izuku gave to him a week or so ago. “But it isn’t right to have Noa pee on someone.”

“It wasn’t on purpose-” Well, not at first. 

“You and everyone else were laughing. (Y/n), that wasn’t right and you know it. Rather than apologizing, you encouraged it.”

“What? How?” If you really did, Noa would have taken a shit on him. 

“‘ Noa, if you got any more, now’s the time ?’ That ring a bell?” Izuku walks to you until you are face to face. His frown is unsettling, leaving a chill along your body. “Okay, you’re mad.” So am I.

“I’m ticked, (Y/n). Imagine coming home and the first thing I find out is that my son peed on someone and you laughed about it! My teacher of all people.”

“Ha! I did not laugh. Everyone else did.” His nostrils flare. “(Y/n), this isn’t funny. Do you understand how much trouble you’re in?”

You stick your lip out and pout. “Who are you? My dad? It’s fine. Noa had an accident and this will be a memorable lesson. The asshole is lucky nothing else happened.”

Before Izuku can say anything, Noa tugs on his pant leg. “I have pee!” Izuku guides Noa to the bathroom without a second glance your way. You are your own person who can do as you please, so this guilty feeling has to go. So what if Noa peed on a teacher? How is it your fault that Noa’s aim is wicked? 

You bite your lip and look at the ground. You will not apologize to Eraserhead. Not when he is a crooked piece of shit with an awful hero name. You aren’t going to apologize to Midoriya either.

Noa runs out with his pants around his ankles. His arms are wide as he wobbles to you. “I pee!” 

“You did?! Oh my goodness!” You litter his face with kisses. “I’m so proud of you!” Of course he’d use the bathroom for Izuku. Let it be you and he decides to pee on a teacher. And that is only because of a damn song! He won’t use the bathroom like a normal person.

Izuku calls for Noa. The boy who has now peed on the toilet wobbles to him, not thinking it’d be best to pull up his pants. Your smile falls when you turn your head and look at your desk. On it is the stack of paper that still needs to be filled and the textbooks that still need to be read. Of course, how can you forget about your stupid budget plan ?

It’s not that you don’t know how or that it isn’t important. The problem is that it’s depressing and stressful. Because you know good and damn well that you are going to have to sacrifice necessities to support a doll. 

Izuku comes out of the bathroom with Noa. “I have to go. I’ll be back in a little while, okay?”

“Papa-” Noa reaches for him. Izuku lowers himself and reassures the toddler who is seconds away from tears. “I’ll be back. I just have to settle things first.”

His green eyes look up at you. Ah, Eraserhead needs to be ‘settled’. You shrug at him. “Maybe Shouta should talk to the caregiver for him to understand things like this just happen.” He stands back up and glares at you. The look he has on his face doesn’t compare to his expression when facing a villain, so you’re not in danger.

“When I come back, we’ll talk.” 

You roll your eyes. Welp, in the meantime you and Noa can go out and get some sun. 

----------

With a low voice, you talk to yourself. “If I cut that out, I can afford his pull-ups.” The sun becomes blocked as a familiar voice interrupts.

“What’re you doing? Homework?” You look up to see your horrible homeroom teacher. “No.”

“Unfortunate.”

“I’m budgeting. Something heroes don’t know since you collect from the poor man’s taxes.” You hate it. Every single thing to do with their world, you hate. Here you are cutting corners and he stands there, looking down at you. Behind him is Noa who plays in the grass with other dolls and lives his life stress-free. Both Snipe and Noa anger you. If you look at them too long, your heart will pound in your ears and you’d be bound to scream.

Snipe exhales and squats. “This is a part of the project, (Y/n).” Snipe takes a peek at your composition notebook. “And life. I can’t change-”

Snipe stops and grabs the corner of the book. He points to one section and asks, “Why are you doing this?”

You raise a brow at his question. Did he not hear you? Snipe answered loud and clear. This is a part of his stupid project and life. Some things have to get cut out. 

“It’s life. This is real life and what happens when heroes are given support while people like me suffer. Y’know, like you guys have jobs and caregivers. ”

Snipe shakes his head and slides his hand under his mask. He rubs his face and sighs. The gesture is a familiar and common occurrence with you. Cutting certain things out to afford Noa was bound to happen. What the hell did he expect? Sen Kaibara is MIA with the assignment, and you can’t depend on Izuku all the time. He might be there for Noa, but paying for everything isn’t his responsibility. You aren’t his responsibility. What the hell was Snipe expecting? He took your job away, so this is the result.

“Alright. I’ll let you in on a loophole,” He stands up. “Volunteer work is not against the rules,” Your scholarship. The very thing you work hard for and that continues to bite you in the ass. “If you happen to get tips, it’s not your fault. You aren’t an employee. It isn’t a requirement to pay you.”

Snipe walks away from you and heads back inside the school. Your heart flutters. Quickly, you open the book again and replan. You try to remember how much you made at Yona’s with your usual tips. That source of money isn’t normal in this country but there are still people that give you cash. 

You bite your tongue so you don't loudly squeal. Your legs are laid out in front of you wiggling and bouncing from excitement. As long as it’s under the table and labeled as volunteering, you’re good to go. The profit is just a bit of change, but it will help. If you tell Yona about this, she’s sure to encourage tipping. 

You look up just in time to see Noa wandering off a little too far for your liking. “Boy! Get back here!” At two years old, he’s a curious little beast. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to get his attention. He runs back with a happy expression. You stretch your arms out to encourage him to run to you. His little feet carry him fast. Suddenly, Noa stops running. He stiffens and says lowly, “Mo -”

You let out a blood-curdling scream that gathers everyone’s attention. His eyes go blank, and his cute features fade away to look like a doll. A frozen, lifeless, doll. 

--------

You are holding him close to you as you and your friends run through the hallway. Your arms are shaking at the foreign plastic you are touching. This isn’t Noa. Noa is warm, soft, and chunky. His hair doesn’t feel synthetic like this; his hair has curls and is soft. It is supposed to smell of his kiddie shampoo and conditioner. The one with that one snake hair hero on it that was for a good price and doesn’t mess with his skin. 

This thing smells of plastic toys and the laundry detergent you use to wash his clothes. Even that doesn’t smell right. None of this is right. This doll isn’t your son, it can’t be. He was fine! He was playing and had gone to the bathroom just a few minutes before he turned into a stiff doll.  

You, Ema, and Riko bust through the support course doors. Mei Hatsume comes around the corner with a smile on her face. Why is she smiling? 

“Ah, I was gonna call you to bring him in.” She takes him from your arms. He’s totally stiff and looks like a cheap doll you’d get at a store. He resembles nothing of the boy you’re raising. “I need to tune him up. I’ve been going through this all day!”

She takes a screwdriver to his back, making you flinch. Riko looks at you from the corner of her eye and holds your hand. “Since I’m busy, it’ll take me about the rest of the day. I have all of them and then some other projects that need tending to. So have fun!” 

She leaves with the doll. You follow her for a few steps, and you see what the future holds. All of the babies are in a frozen state with the same face. They are all in a pile with the parents’ names pinned on their clothes. The air that you greedily were sucking in is gone once again. Snuffed out like it meant nothing to your body. 

Riko grabs your arm to guide you out of the large room. You willingly walk out, not bothering to look at your concerned friends. Is Ema scared? Is her heart beating ruthlessly in her chest? What did she see during all of that? You had witnessed months' worth of work demolished. No, what you saw was a grave that all of the kids you watched grow up in front of you turn to lifeless material. 

Are her eyes watering too? Or does she think you’re weak and stupid to be clutching your chest, fighting the overwhelming urge to cry? Thankfully, you don’t have to see or listen to the answer since you are already far from them and into the girls’ restroom. You close the door and press your hand against it. A stall door opens and then shuts. The water from a faucet sounds off, distracting you from the thoughts in your head. 

“(Y/n)?” Sakura’s high voice catches your attention. “What’s wrong?” You don’t, can’t, answer. She lightly grabs your shoulders. Her eyes rake over your body. She’s the type to pour water on a drowning man, someone labeled as cold-hearted and insensitive. Despite this, she looks concerned for you. You don’t hate each other but you do step on each other's toes on purpose. It’s something that works. Now here she is pulling you into a hug. 

“I know, I know. Bakugou just went to Mei, too.” Was she fighting the urge to cry as well? Is someone finally on the same boat as you? “It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay. I need you to breathe.” 

What you couldn’t accomplish on your own, she does in mere minutes. Sakura wets your face with a cold and damp paper towel. You want to say something smart to her like normal. This isn’t a normal situation. You just freaked out over a robot. 

You take a few deep breaths and ask Sakura, “Do I look okay?”

“No.”

“I must look sexy because you’re my number one hater.”

She scoffs and tosses the used towel at you. There is a hint of a smile on her face. “Jealousy is a terrible disease. Please die from it.”

“( Y/n)!” You walk out and give her a smile to let her know you’re okay and to thank her. Sakura won’t tell anyone about this. If she did, people might assume you’re friends.

---------

This is so weird. All day you’ve set different things aside out of habit. You’ve done the most with someone’s plate of food, going as far as cutting their meat. You did it out of instinct. When you walk, you go slower than you would before this project since Noa’s little legs can keep up. He isn’t next to you when you walk or stand, nevertheless you still reach to hold a hand, desperately searching until you look down and see nothing. 

In the commons, you see how stiff people are. Some of your classmates have blank faces and grab their baby’s silverware to set aside when eating. Others are relaxed and have their feet propped up which was great to see. However, with you included, most are struggling with their assignment’s absence. 

At least they didn’t see what you saw in the support course room. Would they have been affected like you after seeing what is to come? Hopefully, that image will prevent shock later on. 

Stiffly, you walk a familiar path and see something you’ve longed for. To the left is the vendor you would wave at every day and on the corner is that couple who always bicker at that same spot. Even though they argue about stupid things and annoy everyone, you miss them.

Now that Snipe has given the okay to volunteer, you are heading to the people you've missed the most. You open the restaurant doors and take a deep breath. It’s familiar and so comforting. It smells like Kenji’s cooking and faintly like Yona’s perfume. Both are distinct and homey. This is what you clung to during the wars and what you found solace in. 

Before you can take a step further inside to the hostess podium, Yona comes out from around the corner. She’s taken back for a second then settles into a fond smile and a relieved face with misty eyes. You can’t hold it in anymore. You’ll worry about your appearance and pride later. The reaction you had with Noa can be thought about later, too. Right now, you run to her open arms and cry. You run away from Noa’s lifeless eyes, the school, heroes, Izuku, and every burden they placed on you, and into Yona’s warm and loving hold. 

taglist:

@candiiee, @moodyhuesworld @4ishere @dinorawrss @js-favnanadoongi @luvrluvrr @imas1mpp @bigchungusdrinksspritecranberry

@xoxoangellll

[jujutsukgojo]

satoru is the kind of boyfriend that you are constantly falling in with over and over again

he takes out a spider that you found in the hallway, promising he’ll let it into the backyard and won’t kill it. he’ll tease you relentlessly for running to the other side of the house while on the phone with him, begging him to come home to take care of the ‘grave danger’ you were in. satoru never once tells you how his heart flutters knowing your instinct is to cal him for help.

satoru is the kind of lover to pick flowers for you when you walk hand in hand, giggling as a spring breeze hits the two of you. he smiles, bending down and picking the daisy from the ground.

“look! i got you a flower” he grins, handing the small flower to you with a smile on his face.

“oh wow this just for me? you broke the bank with this one” he can’t help but laugh loudly, “I’m in deep credit card debt,” he replies, “think you can cover dinner for tonight?” you laugh, nodding your head- knowing he’d never let you pay for anything as long as he was around.

the kind of boyfriend to run late, but pick up flowers on the way to make it up to you, buying extravagant bouquets on a whim and making sure every vase in your home is filled with flowers at any given moment. there comes a point in the relationship where you have to sit him down and ask him softly to cut down the flower buying to once a week, as you’d run out of vases to put the flowers in.

satoru ends up buying you more vases, but realizes it’s gotten out of hand when you have no free surfaces in your home due to the overflowing amount of flora. he cuts it down to once a week after he found a bee in the house one day.

your lover brings back souvenirs from all the places he goes when on missions, trinkets that he knew you’d love spilling out of his pockets as he walks into your shared home.

“i think you’d love this little bunny figure so i got it!” he’s beaming at you, his face lights up even more when he sees how excited you are, gushing over the small figure and thanking him with a plethora of kisses.

satoru is the kind of boyfriend to tell you ‘told you so’ when you get cold because you didn’t bring a jacket, all while simultaneously taking his off and giving it to you. he tries his best to hide how much colder he is to try and make sure you stay warm, but his shivering six foot something body is hard to miss.

“satoru i think you’re colder than i was, please just take it back” you beg, shoving his jacket back into his hands, he just shakes his head, teeth slightly chattering as he lies to your face.

“im not even cold, you need to stay warm” he’s steadfast and stubborn on his stance, only taking his jacket back when you two enter a cafe and make it a point to say how hot you felt when you stepped inside.

satoru is the kind of boyfriend to hang mistletoes all over the house, giggling when he pulls you in by your waist and places a giddy kiss on your lips.

“man i love christmas” he sighs, pointing at the fourth mistletoe in the last hour as you two decorated for the holidays.

“seriously how many of these did you buy?” you laugh, pulling him closer to you and placing your lips on his. satoru smiles into the kiss, chasing after your lips even when you pull away and managing to steal one last kiss.

“mmm, alot” he whispers, snowy hair tickling your face as he presses a kiss to your cheek before continuing on with the tree lights.

satoru gojo is the kind of boyfriend to kiss you from 11:59 pm on New Year’s Eve to 12:01 am on New Year’s Day, just to say he made out with you into another year. he also does it just to make sure you can’t say you haven’t kiss him since last year.

“you’ve been kissing me since last year sweetheart just admit you’re crazy about me” he teases you, his cheeks and ears flush from the two cups of champagne he’s had.

“angel boy you have no idea” you giggle, taking in how beautiful he looks as the fireworks pop around the two of you, making his crystalline eyes shine a little brighter.

satoru gojo is the kind of boyfriend that makes you believe in soulmates, because there was no other way to describe what he was to you other than that.

satoru gojo was your soulmate, and you were his.

a/n: hi hi ! just wanted to write something short and sweet to get me back into the flow of writing <3 hopefully this help kill my writers block :3

masterlist

taglist (send an ask to be added!): @chilichopsticks @anime-for-the-sleepless @safaia-47 @nanamikentoseyebags @fushironi @nineooooo @the-mom-friend-dot-com @gojoshooter @beautiful-is-boring @sweetheart-satoru @luna0713hunter @torusmochi @kentocalls @sadmonke

[jujutsukgojo]

reminders ☁️

[jujutsukgojo]

I'm a hero now pt 2

hitoshi shinsou x reader

Chapter one

Summary: Small steps. tw: masturbation, villain attack

The next week, Hitoshi returns to the diner alone with a notebook in his pocket. He sits at the counter and waits. Doe comes to him wiping her hands with her frequently worn apron and asks if he’s ready. Hitoshi doesn’t know the menu that well so he orders something simple and a coffee. One thing about this place that is in his favor is that he is very familiar with the liquid gold.

The kitchen door opens, revealing the pink wall and a pinboard in the back. You come out and wipe your hands with a towel. You point at the cat-shaped clock that sits above the counters.

“I have to get to class!” Doe rolls her eyes at you. He didn't know you were in school. If he asked you what you’re majoring in, would you freak out? Speaking to you does hinder his plan.

“The newbie isn’t here yet so you’re staying.”

“I’m going to call the police.” You grumble. He taps gently on the counter and waits for his order. Should he even be here? He feels he should give you space, and time to calm down. You vented and got what you wanted to say off of your chest. Even though he understands that he can't help thinking if that is his way of being a coward. Is he running by saying you need space? Is the notebook idea even worth anything?

You head into the kitchen when you look at the paper hooked on the kitchen window. You nod and head back inside. “This is my last one! I’m serious, Doe.”

The paper you grabbed was his. You clearly didn’t notice him sitting here, or you would’ve poured hot coffee on him. After a few minutes, you come out with his meal. “Number-”

You see him in his civilian clothing. You grip the plate tightly and your lips are a thin line. “I think that one’s mine.”

He didn’t mean to say that. You set the plate down harshly. Some of its contents spill on the surface. “Why are you here?” 

“To eat.” He keeps doing it.

“Out of all the fucking places you choose here.” He notices your stance and how guarded you look. Eyes studious, body tense, and you are an arm's length away from the counter. 

“You’re a good cook, always have been.” He can’t look away from you. Talking to you is like a relief after you’ve accomplished something. Doing the dishes, trying a new ice cream flavor, or getting a different haircut. Talking to you doesn’t feel like a chore at all. It’s a craving that has carved its way inside him for years. It is reminiscent of doing a hobby for the first time in a while. Maybe it feels like he’s doing something different with it.

You clench your hands and ask in a low, shaking voice. “Why are you doing this to me?”

He’s taken back for a second. Should he say that he’s here to apologize? That’s not what comes out of his mouth though. Like the loser he is, he awkwardly answers, “I’m here to eat.”

You look at him with misty eyes. He needs to go, doesn’t he? An apology like this should include atonement. He should’ve bet a five that you wouldn’t have wanted that. What you want is for him to disappear. 

Doe is drawn by the noise and looks over. Confused, she walks to the scene of her employee ready to smack a customer and then run like hell. “What’s going on?”

“He’s here to eat.” Your hands are on your hips as you whisper those words. Doe raises her eyebrows. “Okay…patrons usually do that.”

“You don’t understand-” You inch closer to Doe. “Enough. He’s a paying customer. Be respectful.” Doe points at you and turns away, mumbling under her breath. You turn to look at him with a scornful expression. 

He opens his notebook and quickly jots down, ‘ Thanks for the meal.’

God, he’s lame. He’s got to come up with something better than that.

Your eyes don’t leave him as he slides the folded paper to you. He decides not to watch you open or tear it, whichever comes first. He takes a bite out of the food. As always, it’s perfect. It tastes homemade and familiar. Rather than talking again, he raises his ceramic mug. Hopefully, him not talking will lighten some of the tension. 

You grab the pot and pour coffee into the empty mug he just chugged. Your frown eases into a neutral expression. He raises his glass as a way of saying thanks. You eye him suspiciously and walk away slowly. This is a start. 

Perhaps, he is showing you that you’re safe by not talking. To show his face and be calm without asking you a question. Maybe, this is what will do it. It’s going to take time. But this is you. 

“So. Who are you to her anyway?” Doe leans on the counter. “Just some guy.”

“Mhm. No man has given her a reaction before. So, who are you? You apparently mean something if you can make her jump."

“It’s personal. Nothing to worry about.” Doe nods her head. “Is she safe?”

He raises his brows and says, “Absolutely. No question about it.” He sets his mug down and pours some creamer into the coffee.

“That’s all I ask for. She’s a good girl.”

“Even though she’s going to call the cops on you?”

Doe grins, her crow's feet showing a little and laugh lines prominent. Hitoshi finds himself happier than he just was. “Can I help ya, a little?”

Doe leans in, her elbows on the counter and her smile gone. “Baby, an apology is on her terms, you know that right?”

He blinks. “I can tell something’s up and I’m assuming you’re trying to apologize. This is not my first time seeing a man like this. You look like a puppy dog.”

When she sees the confused look on his face, she explains. “You said you’re sorry, that’s first. Now, it’s time to make up for it by also respecting boundaries. Maybe she’ll forgive you, maybe she won’t. What she’s doing is trying to heal for herself, not for you.”

“I’m not-”

“But by showing up here with that gorgeous face and demanding to be served despite your history, is saying different.” Doe lowers her voice, “You’re still doing it. Still imposing your will on her by oppression.”

Hitoshi’s eyes get wide. “I didn’t mean to back her in a corner.” Doe wipes the counter. “I know you didn’t. But that’s what it looks like.”

Hitoshi’s appetite is gone. He gulps and goes to stand. “Then I’ll, um, take my leave-”

He pulls out his wallet and opens it to find some cash. Doe places her warm hand on his cold fingers. “What’re you doing? I didn’t say you could go. What I’m saying is that you’re coming on strong, not for you to leave right now.”

He sits back down. He considered that space may be what you needed but was worried that you’d think he gave up or that it was a half-assed apology. Doe seems like a nice person. Despite her knowing you longer, she’s willing to help him without context and is standing up for you. So, she should be okay to talk to right?

Doe pats him on the back and tends to the customers who call her name. His phone rings for Facetime. He opens it to see his mentor. Aizawa is still somewhat new to technology since he never cared for it. His phones were basic and simple. According to Present Mic, he had a flip phone until his agency made him switch. 

“Yes?” Hitoshi waits for him to answer and stop messing with the phone.

“I can see you, you’re fine.” Aizawa stops messing with it and speaks. “How the hell do I work this damn phone- screw it. Where are you?” 

“Doe’s.” Aizawa hangs up the phone without a word. Hitoshi laughs to himself. His teacher isn’t even old yet he acts like he's ancient.

Suddenly, you come out of the kitchen again and hand him back the paper. Gently, he takes it from you. He opens the paper and reads, ‘Why are you here? ’

He writes down on an open space. ‘To apologize for everything. I just wanted you to know that.’

You read it as he’s writing. You then write, ‘What about boundaries?’

Doe told him about that. ‘If you want, I’ll stop coming.’

He hopes it doesn’t sound manipulative because that’s not his intention. ‘You can come but have someone else serve you. I don’t want to be around you.’

It stings. He expected it but reading your feelings just hit harder than he thought. The expression on your face makes him ache was purposely done. 

‘I understand.’ In the corner of his eye, he sees Doe smile and nods at him.

The bell dings and in comes Aizawa. Doe hums. “You play too much. I spent years waiting for something this fine.” Aizawa stops and stares at her. She smirks and points to a seat by patting the counter. “Sit here.” It’s at the seat closest to her. 

“Doe, leave him alone!” You scold her. She walks away, glaring at you. “I’m pretty sure it’s sexual harassment.” You follow her into the kitchen, still scolding her for her behavior.

“Other than that,” Aizawa doesn’t show much emotion but Hitoshi has been a hero long enough to spot the slightest difference. “We need you to go to the Commission office. Hawks has an assignment.” Hitoshi frowns and wonders why he's delivering this news and why couldn’t Hawks call.

He doesn’t question it. “Now?” Aizawa nods and gets up with ease. Over the years he’s gotten used to his amputation.

“It’s urgent.” Hitoshi straightens up and immediately gets up from the stool. Doe comes out with a smirk when Aizawa makes eye contact with her. Hitoshi places a large tip on the counter. 

“For the beautiful lady who kept me company-”

“You don’t expect me to share this, do you? I got bills to pay.”

Hitoshi smiles and leaves another. “And for the beauty in the back. Give my compliments, will ya?”

“The hell? Why is hers more than mine? Ugh, fine. I’ll take the payment.”

“Thank you-”

“In exchange for that fine ass man’s phone number.”

“ No.”

Aizawa stands awkwardly at the door, stiff as a board. He side-eyes them both.  Doe winks at him then squints her eyes at Hitoshi.

“Hm! (Y/n), he wants to compliment you!” Hitoshi gasps and walks away towards the door. “He says he wants you and your body! I don’t know why when I’m right here.”

He goes back and lays down more money. “That’s what I thought.”

He rolls his eyes and puts the note he wrote you on top of your tip. Before Doe can question it, he asks, “Make sure this gets to the cook, okay?”

Doe squints her eyes and purses her lips. “I will,” She sees Aizawa open the door. “And you come back! I’ll always be ready for you-”

“Doe, stop!” You peek through the kitchen window. “Let’s go, now.” Aizawa leaves and Hitoshi follows with a wave goodbye.

----------

Hitoshi goes to the diner for the nth time. It’s become routine for him and if it strays, Doe is sure to remind him that she was waiting for him and Eraser. When he told Eraser that she actually likes him, he was comical, Hitoshi’ll say. Doe flirted (sexually harassed) with him but he thought it was her personality. Hitoshi was sure to let his mentor know that Doe meant it. 

He spots you quickly, as usual. Hitoshi decides to order from Doe while you crack a book open at a far table.

You tap your pen on your lip as you read the large textbook. When Hitoshi came in, you were lazily doodling on a thinning notepad with crumpled paper balls all around. You’re not working today much to Hitoshi’s dislike since Reika is making the coffee and Doe is cooking. It’s no offense to them but yours feels more home-cooked and flavorful. You never shied away from seasoning, thank God.

Your pen enters your mouth and you bite. This is the third time you’ve bitten your pen and bounced your foot. He sees you take a deep breath and scratch your head. He gets up and walks to you, abandoning his seat and mediocre meal. This place is decent enough that nothing will happen to them anyway. 

Hitoshi clears his throat to get your attention. Your eyes look up at him, curious about what he's doing. Hitoshi sees that the textbook is for math. He makes sure to always have his notebook on hand just in case he gets brave and talks to you. Now that the subject is math of all things, he’s appreciative of his memory. 

‘ Math homework?’

You nod your head yes. Even when he’s writing it, you don’t outwardly answer the question. He sighs and scratches the back of his head. “I, uh, can help if you’d like.” Shit, he forgot to write that. 

You eye him up and down. His palms are getting sweaty. You nod slowly. He sits down and slides the textbook slightly toward him to get a better view. He didn't go to college so he is putting himself out there. In high school, he excelled in math, though.

He talks you through it and surprisingly, you don’t flip. A lot of this looks familiar to him so that’s good so he won't look like a total dumbass. Your brows are cinched together in worry as this continues. Hopefully not of him, though. He crosses his fingers that it is from the notoriously difficult subject.

“It’s okay, you’ll get the hang of it.” After he reassures you, you look at him. He sucks on his lips just as he notices how close you are. He can see the specks in your irises and the details of your face clearly. His breathing stops. Hitoshi studies your face diligently, memorizing everything as a memory resurfaces. 

-

“I know back then I said she was your girl but,” Denki scratches his head. “Is this worth it? I mean, you already did what you could. What more could she want?”

“She wants to be safe. I want her to be safe.” 

“Hitoshi…don’t you think she’d feel that way if you weren’t around?” Hitoshi closes his eyes.

“Denki, you can’t help the things you long for.” That’s the same thing he told Midoriya. It is the same thing he tells himself whenever he sees you. 

-

You’re still scared, so he won’t push you. The fact that you are so close to him now is a step in the right direction. You aren’t running from him. This could also have something to do with the fact he’s been doing this for almost a year now.

After your work, you sigh and stretch. Your tummy shows a little as you do. As strange as it may be to some people, he finds it cute. He writes down something he needs to make sure you know. Something you have to take seriously. Unfortunately, he can’t go into elaborate detail, so he’ll stick to the warning. 

‘There’s been an increase in crime. Make sure you are cautious.’

You stop stretching when you hear the pencil graze upon the paper. “Hm?”

You lean forward to look then write. ‘ Here?’

‘In the area. Make sure you check your car before you get in it and always let friends know where you’re going.’

You look at his writing for a minute. ‘ Is it that group again? They’ve been around my home too.’

Hitoshi clenches his fist under the table. He doesn’t know where you live and didn’t expect that villain to be around you. In fact, he didn’t know that the word on the street was that it was a group. When this was brought to the heroes' attention, Hawks said it was most likely one person. Now it’s a group?

He remains calm and writes, ‘ We’re telling everyone this. I want you to be safe.’

You squint at him and stick your bottom lip out. ‘ You don’t tell me what to do. I’ll be fine.’

Hitoshi can’t help but smile. Shaking his head, he writes for the final time. ‘ I know.’ He places a generous tip on the counter for Reika and Doe. Reika perks up and bounces excitedly over. “ Yes!”

Doe calls from the kitchen. “Is that my second husband? He left that for me.” 

“I thought Eraserhead was your second husband?” Reika asks. Doe hums and corrects herself. “You’re right. Hitoshi’s my boy toy.”

He goes to open his mouth but she continues, “ Loverboy .”

“Enough.” Before Hitoshi leaves in embarrassment, he tells the two the same thing he told you. Rather than having a smart remark or questions, they look worried. 

“Don’t worry. Heroes are patrolling the areas. I want you to take safety measures from now on. Pepper spray, a taser, anything. There is nothing wrong with taking an extra step in safety.”

“Will you be out there?” Reika rubs her arm. “Yeah, you can count on it.” Hitoshi makes eye contact with you. “Be safe,” He then gestures around. “All of you.”

-----------

Of course, the worst fucking happens. He enters the diner at night for a quick coffee to go. “Doe! I need it to go.” He’s working this street like he promised a week ago. He requested this area and around your home. Luckily, Doe lives upstairs and Reika’s parents pick her up, so they aren’t a big worry. Despite everything, his main concern is you. Apparently, your home and college are farther away from the diner so he’s told.

Doe comes out of the kitchen with a worried look on her face. She’s makeup-less and flushed, and her hair which is always done is loose. She comes toward him quickly. Immediately seeing her distressed state, he asks what’s wrong. Doe is not one to skip her primping. Especially when it comes to her hair and nails which she’s clearly been biting, the evidence is her chipping pink nail polish. 

“She isn’t here, Hitoshi. She worked and was going home then called to say she was making a stop at her college.”

His chest is clenching from worry but he has to care for Doe right now. He rubs her arms and sets her on a seat. He squats and looks up at her. “Where is her college exactly? She may just be staying behind.”

Doe shakes her head. “The news-” Her hand is shaking. He grabs them. “Around there those beasts have been lurking. Hitoshi,” She whispers his name. “What if something happened to her? She’s alone, Hitoshi.” A tear slides down her face. He cradles her face in his hands. 

“Lock the doors and keep close to the phone. I’m going to find her.” She takes a deep breath and nods. Hitoshi doesn’t waste another second. He wraps his bind on a street light and swings up, soaring through the sky and running off roofs. 

—-

He checks your college to find the lights off inside. The doors are locked as well and there are no cars in the parking lot. He searches the streets and makes his way to your house. Doe had texted the addresses of the college and your apartment. There is no sign of you anywhere. Finally, he spots a familiar back on a higher building. You’re walking back, inching towards the edge slowly. There’s no way you’d jump willingly. 

Hitoshi goes to you with everything he has. A fall from that height is deadly. He has to make it to you, he has to save you. Hitoshi needs to sweep you away from the danger and take down whatever’s scaring you. 

He’s close enough to hear what’s being said. “C’mere, pretty. I’ll make sure it doesn't hurt so bad.”

Hitoshi wants to shower after hearing the guy. Finally, Hitoshi swings up and kicks the pervert in the face. Unfortunately, the shock knocked you back and off of the roof. Hitoshi has a choice to make and it’s you. He jumps off and stretches his binding around your waist. 

You scream the entire way and lurch up towards him. You cling onto his neck as your body collides with his. With one last swing on a post, he manages to land on the roof of another building. He blocks the fall with his body. Hitoshi rolls on his back, with you on his chest. 

Immediately he calls the suspect in and lets them know he saved a survivor but unfortunately, the villain presumably escaped. He rests with his arms out. You’re crying on him, cuddling close. He can feel your tears wet his costume. 

Hitoshi wraps his arms around you. Minutes pass as you cry. Hitoshi lets you cry it out. Your sobs turn to sniffles. Hitoshi rubs your back and stands with you. He sees you breathe deeply a few times, attempting to calm down. You face him and wipe your eyes. He looks at your damp face and red eyes lined with wet lashes. Even though you aren't physically hurt, he can already see that the altercation has done some damage.

He opens his mouth and quickly shuts it when he sees you flinch. Despite that, the silence between you isn't tense or awkward. Of course, since Hitoshi is who he is, he has to make it so.

“I know you’re still scared and I don’t know how to take that away. If I could I would in a heartbeat. (Y/n),” He takes one step closer. “You said something that I’ll repeat to you. You may not care about my life, but I care about yours. And I always have and always will,” He takes a sheet of paper from his pocket and hands it to you. You don’t take it, so he places it through the gap of your purse. 

“If you need anything at all, call me. No matter what time of the day, I will save you.” Why is he saying all of this?

Your eyes are lidded, droopy, and glazed. You nod and try to go around him when your knees buckle. Hitoshi quickly picks you up before you fall. Now that you’re up close after all that drama, he notices that it took more out of you than he realized. Of course, it would. You almost died! Hitoshi wants to punch himself repeatedly at the thought. He actually was about to send you on your way like this. 

“It’ll be okay, I’ll take you home.” You look at him fearfully for a second before exhaustion takes hold of you. “Alright, we’ll go back to Doe’s.”

He carries you the entire way, keeping his footing even so he doesn’t disturb you. His arms are getting tired and aching. Hitoshi releases a yawn. It’s been a long and hard day. 

Your skin is soft and warm. He looks down to see if you are okay and is met with something he didn’t notice. Somehow, the front of your shirt got wet. Through the translucent fabric is your purple bra. It looks similar to the one you had in high school. He takes a deep breath and looks away. He didn’t mean to stare at you like that. Hitoshi isn’t what’s his face or Denki. He had good intentions to see if you were okay, not to look at your bra.

The streetlights shine along the way, helping him back to the diner. The light in it is on as well as the sign. Doe can be seen through the window, pacing back and forth. Hitoshi kicks the door enough to get her attention. She is startled until she recognizes him and who he's carrying. 

“Is she okay? What happened?”

“She’s fine, just tired.” 

“Come on, let’s take her upstairs. Can you do it?”

“Always.” Doe opens the blue door in the back hall. Hitoshi climbs the stairs and enters the upper part of the diner, Doe’s home. “Set her here.”

He lays you on her white couch and covers you with the pink blanket draped over the back of the sofa. His hand touches your throat to see if you are truly okay. It moves its way up to cup your cheek. Just before Doe can speak, you mindlessly grab his hand and turn.

“So, she’s just tired?”

“Seems so. She’s had a pretty rough day, after all.” Hitoshi feels you then cuddle up to his forearm, dragging him down. Doe chuckles as he tries to get out of your grip. He then flexes his fingers and touches something very soft, warm, and fleshy. Hitoshi's cheeks warm up when he realizes where you put his hand. Without flexing his hand any more, he slides himself away from your grip that had him placed on your breasts.

He clears his throat. “I have to go. Good night, Doe.”

---------

  Hitoshi rubs his face with his hands. His knuckles turn white as he grips the edge of the porcelain bathroom sink. Cold water on his face and neck doesn't dim the problem at all.  A similar thing happened way back when he was in his third year of high school. An incident that he has never talked about and would rather die than admit that he jacked off in the school's restroom.

-

Hitoshi waves goodbye to his friends and promises to talk to them later. Almost in his new third year hall, he sees a back he’d recognize any day. You bounce up and down trying to reach something. He hasn't been in your classes for a while so he hasn't really seen you lately. Over time, you've grown in ways that he didn't expect.

Your skirt flows with every movement. Hitoshi’s breath hitches when he sees your purple underwear covering you, barely containing a jiggle. You don't notice him staring or that his eyes are following the movements. You don't even realize your underwear is showing. 

You finally pin a paper on the pinboard and turn sideways to do the other. He has no idea what any of that is for and he doesn't care. Not when you jump again and he sees how soft you are in every direction.

Hitoshi’s pants start becoming tight as he watches your curves. You turn around when you hear people talking. Before you see him, he turns behind a wall. The voices are coming closer. He then notices the large tent in his pants. Hitoshi starts to panic. The people are coming to face his direction and will see the obvious boner he’s sporting. It won't take long for them to piece it together.

He sees his grace to the left. Hitoshi rushes to the bathroom in the nick of time. He grips the sink after splashing cold water on his face. It’s not working. Nothing is, not even gross thoughts. It all resorts back to you just a minute ago.

Fuck it.

He rushes to the stall farthest from the door. Hitoshi brings his bottoms down and grabs his cock firmly.  He gasps as he smears the precum along the length. He shouldn't be doing this. If he's caught like this, he'll never live it down. Hitoshi presses himself against the wall with his mouth open. He needs to shut it and preferably stop playing with himself. His treacherous hand speeds up.

How can he stop when he can practically feel you? If you'd let him, there wouldn't be a part of you that he wouldn't ravage. 

Hitoshi gasps as he releases. His eyes flutter and his cheeks are warm. He’s breathing heavily as he comes down from the euphoria of his imagination and hands. You looked so soft. You are soft. When he picked you up that one time it confirmed it. He takes a deep breath, or he’ll get hard again.

“Hello? Are you okay?”

Your voice is small and nervous. You’re entering the bathroom. “I heard a noise and I thought you were hurt-”

He’s ready to die.

—

Now here he is, jacking off just as eagerly. 

Hitoshi calls your name repeatedly. It feels like it lasts for hours. Tears prick his eyes as he still jerks his cock through the pleasure. He slumps, tired from what happened and the fight. He doesn’t even want to see the mess he just made.

Damn it. 

---------------

The following week was nothing but work. As suspected, the one who attacked you was a part of those constant attacks. Apparently, it’s a duo, not a group. Hitoshi wants to kick himself for not going after him but you, a victim, were there and needed help. All of it is a mess. 

He hasn’t been able to go to the diner either. Not that he doesn’t want to. Once he finished, he wasn't able to even look at himself. Knowing what you had just been through, he still jerked himself off. It was nowhere near you but that doesn’t mean shit. What matters is that he did it. That he imagined pounding into you despite what you went through. He didn’t even do proper protocol. He just took you to Doe’s rather than taking you to a doctor or the station. 

No way was he honest about what happened. All he said, is that the victim (you) was a friend of his who he knew was physically okay, just tired. The police interviewed you and with that information, strides were made in the case. Although he’s happy about that, he’s disappointed with himself. Aizawa already tore him one when he fumbled the ball. 

“Boytoy? What’re you doing here?” Doe comes out of the kitchen. “It’s been a minute. I could barely breathe without my pretty boy. And did he care? No! Here I am suffering in the middle of the night-”

“Nice to see you too, Doe.” 

“Hmph.” He looks around the empty diner. “She here?”

“Yeah, in the back.” She looks at him expectantly. He shifts his weight on his feet. “Is she okay?”

“You’ve been gone a week.” She scolds like a mother. If she knew why he stayed away, she’d slap him. Maybe because she’d think he was dramatic or even more likely, because of how irresponsible and perverted he was. He should’ve checked up on you instead of sexualizing you. He told you a year ago that he’s a hero now and he isn’t showing it. 

Doe would be disappointed and you would be so disgusted, you’d forbid him from coming near you again. 

“I know-”

Doe points behind her. “She’s been a little shaky but okay. No harm done but she’s afraid to go home by herself.” He figured that. 

He’s about to ask for a coffee until he sees she’s already cleaned the pot. She sighs and shrugs.

“Doe, I’m ready-” You come out of the kitchen with your jacket in one hand and your purse hanging on your shoulder. 

“He’s going to take you home.” 

His eyes widen in confusion. Hitoshi opens his mouth only to be interrupted by Doe. “What? You don’t want to walk her home?”

“I’m going alone then.” You look between him and Doe with a frown. “Like hell you are! He’s taking you. I still have stuff I need to do here that I can’t put off anymore. You are safest with him, alright?”

A look of hurt flashes on your face then fades to indifference. Without looking at him and Doe, you put your jacket on and hold your bag. You purse your lips and stare at his feet. Even though there has been progress, being alone with him, and conscious, may be too much. “I can call-”

“No, no. There’s no time for that and you little miss,” Doe points to you with a stern finger. “Need to go home and sleep. No work tomorrow. I’m serious.” Doe looks around and asks you to go back in the kitchen to check the fridge again. It’s a fake excuse if he’s ever heard one. You catch onto that as well and reluctantly go inside the kitchen. Doe waits a few seconds before she turns to him. 

“She’s afraid at night. Not just on the street but in her own home. Can you look around the place, please? She hasn’t slept and jumps at the slightest thing. At all hours of the night, she’s calling and freaking out because of a noise she heard. So can you make sure it’s alright? Look around a little?”

This reaction is normal for people after something like that. Hitoshi, now more than ever, wants to punch himself in the face repeatedly. “I’ll check it out.”

Doe thanks him in time for you to come out with your hand on your hip. “You two done talking or do I have to go back to count the onions?”

“Don’t tempt me, little girl.” You suck on your teeth and tell her goodbye. He doesn’t have the chance to at least open the door for you before you leave him behind. He gives a two-fingered wave at Doe and shuts the door, following you into the dark. 

Your steely demeanor isn't enough to hide your tight shoulders and constant biting of the skin around your nails. He catches up to you quickly, hoping that it ensures that you are protected if anything happens rather than him coming off as a creeper. 

Side by side with you, he looks at the ground with each step. The silence is awkward and still. Should he break it? Did he even bring his notepad? He can’t remember right now. You turn and come to a brick building with a solid red door. The painting is chipped and the buzzer is worn down. You take a deep breath. “This is me. Thanks for walking me.”

Before you can unlock the door to the apartment building, he remembers Doe’s request. “Is it alright if I look around? Just to see if everything’s okay?”

You don’t answer his question. He rephrases it. “I’m going to look around to check everything.”

There. No questions, just straight up telling you. Surely, you catch onto it. 

You nod your head yes and open the door. The upstairs is led by a metal stairway and the downstairs apartments are on either side of him. He hopes that you at least live upstairs. 

Of course, you go down the little steps and turn to the right. You live in the basement apartment. This shady as fuck apartment building and you live below everyone. Oh my God. 

Tentatively, you open the door and step aside. Your eyes dart around the further he gets inside. God, he hates this. It’s been a year, yes. But you’ve had your childhood stripped from you and slowly you’ve been letting him near. Now, the boy who hurt you is inside something sacred; your home, a safe haven.

He pats around for his notebook. Every compartment in his baggy suit is empty except for a few weapons. “If you want me to go, let me know in any way you want. I’ll check each level of the place and around the area. If you don’t want that either, please let me know.” He’s messed it all up. Every single thing. 

Much to his surprise, you nod. You shut the door and wait for him to continue to inspect your simple apartment. He does it quickly. Pulls the doors open and inspects every crevice. He checks every little thing except for your drawers. 

“Lock the door behind me. I’m going to search outside.” Once again you nod and open the door for him. Before he leaves, he turns around and gives you a card he always carries. His name and number are on the crumpled paper. There are no designs on it or phrases. Only a simple white card. It’s the only one since he made it for you. He kept it on him just in case you were willing to take it. 

“If you need anything, I’m only a phone call away.” 

As he walks out, he feels like a dog being put out of the house. The door shuts behind him with a gentle click and even the tick of the locks is soft. For a strange reason, that calms that feeling of rejection a little. 

All around the building is clear. He texts Doe and lets her know that you made it home safely and the place is clean. He walks away and looks back at your building. Much to his surprise, you're in your window, shyly waving at him. Hitoshi gives a close-mouth smile and waves back at you.

[jujutsukgojo]

BNHA Boys | My Hero Academia Chapter 431

[jujutsukgojo]

Illustration of one of Horikoshi's assistants about Class A members who are likely to become smokers

[jujutsukgojo]

there he is. The one BNHA character who understood the lesson.

[jujutsukgojo]

[jujutsukgojo]

Collection of shotos from this chapter because I love him

[jujutsukgojo]

Is that the last part? For Todoroki one with less you know the better 👀

Yep! I had no idea where to take it so I decided to leave her fate up in the air. I also wanted to mess with people

[jujutsukgojo]

The less you know, the better 2

the final chapter.

Chapter 1

Shouto Todoroki x reader Summary: Only sixty seconds. tw: yandere, gang implications, angst, escape, ambiguous ending

The hair on your arms stands up. Ever since that night, you see your ‘friends’ everywhere. Just last week on the corner Kyoka was flipping a coin calling heads. She smiled and gave a wave. Usually, you’d talk for hours. This time the warning was there. It grabbed your throat before you could say anything. The gleam in her eyes and a brief knowing smirk haunted you the entire day. You shook your head and took off in the opposite direction. This has happened repeatedly and with different people of your past. None of the interactions are innocent anymore.

Not when everything seems to have a hidden meaning. Their masks have been chipped away and revealed something ugly inside. Even the most innocent ones have shown their true colors. That night when you went to them for help, Izuku, who has always been kind, was vicious—not at all like the friend you knew. Just yesterday, he touched your arm and paid for your food at a vendor. It reminded you of how he used to be before you lifted the veil. 

Because of how fast he switched, Izuku scares you the second most, right after Shouto. Your dear friend, with a sanguine composition and a timid demeanor, has a terribly contradicting facade. The only thing that has remained is how headstrong he is. His smile is fake, you now know. 

However, he doesn’t compare to Shouto. The man who asks you to marry him every chance he gets is a slower agony. The shatter of his glass face hit harder. You had accidentally ripped the veil to shreds and discovered what he really looks like. You witnessed a murder and were subject to his intimidation, yet the punch of reality hadn’t truly hit you until you saw him everywhere. Letters, phone calls, texts, flowers, all of it. It’s like slowly opening a creaking door with false hope for a lit exit only to find a monster behind it. 

All of them are in it. This entire time you thought they were good. Your friends are supposed to be safe . They are his eyes and are everywhere. His power extends more than you realize not just with your friends but people who are supposed to be respectable and noble have a wicked face of deceit and villainy. Who knows who they have hurt or killed just because Shouto said so?

Now you are walking away from your apartment in the dead of night. Naively, you gave all your friends a key to it when you first moved in. It was just out of safety and precaution, of course. Never would you have thought that they’d be sitting on the couch when you get home and tell you that Shouto wants to talk to you and then ask with a fake saccharine face if you have been okay. 

Tonight, no one was there but you can feel them. You know that he has dogs just waiting for you to come out and do God knows what. That chill that runs up your arms and back, settling inside your head to check every corner. Or worse, that cold feeling of eyes watching you attempt to walk away with stiff movements, only to stop you in your tracks and freeze. Luckily, you’re doing that stiff walking thing to the train station.

You packed lightly and kept the TV on if he stakes the place out. You took off out the backdoor of the apartment building as quietly as a mouse and used the alley as a cover. Hopefully, it worked. It wouldn’t surprise you if Shinsou or the retired Aizawa, was lurking around on the roof. Aizawa, is he in it? Could your strict, precise, and logical teacher be in on it? Would Shinsou since he is Aizawa’s protegee? It’s already terrible that Izuku is doing it since he worked directly under Toshinori Yagi. Imagine falling that far from grace. Even Shouto, whose father is Enji Todoroki, shares the same teachers as Izuku does. 

These people could all be wicked. After going to your once-trusted friends that night, your next reaction was to go to people Shouto respected, except for his father, of course. Before you made that decision, you stopped and thought. If they stand with Shouto, they could be worse. For all you know, Shouto might have inherited this.

You board the train with shaking hands and bitten lips. The hoodie can only hide your face so much as you nestle into it, shivering from the cold and anxiety. There aren’t many people here. Just a few stragglers and late-night workers. No one who looks like trouble or bothersome in any way. Some of them are resting their eyes and look exhausted. 

Your pumping heart finally slows down and makes your eyelids droop. After all this stress, it is finally starting to wear you down enough to drift you away in sleep. You open your eyes and stretch your neck. It is still dark out so you haven’t slept that long, thankfully. The likelihood of you missing your stop is fairly slim. You yawn once more.

“Don’t worry, no one messed with your stuff.”

Slowly, your eyes move in his direction. He’s right next to you, perfectly content. Next to you is a broad man with dual-colored hair and a prominent scar on the left side of his face. Even with the large scar that would make people wonder if it still hurts, it doesn’t take away how pretty he is. Not when he looks like he was carved out of the smoothest marble.

“Shouto…” You whisper in disbelief. Looking around, you see not a single soul on the train. “They left a while ago. I was going to wake you up but you looked the most peaceful you’ve been in weeks.” 

Words are caught in your throat and heat is to your cheeks, not from flattery, but shock. Perhaps it has made its way into your bones. Your heart seems to have stopped, shocked stiff from what’s happening. How did you not hear him? How could you not have sensed his presence next to you, feel the intimidation that rolls off of him like steady waves? You might have always been blind to him. The longer you look at him, the more you question why you're speechless. Is it from his sudden appearance or that you rested? It's a scary question since you feel a sort of calmness in his presence.

What should scare you to the grave doesn’t. Instead, you slept beside him and rested, feeling secure. How could you think that way with everything going on? Rather than jumping over him and booking it, you sit. Because you still feel it, just like you did before with him. 

What he does in secret has tainted his image to you completely. However, is it possible that it hasn’t changed what he is to you? 

No. No, he is a killer. A ringleader of God knows what and a stalker. You’re in danger, jeopardy in other terms. 

“Shouto…” You whisper again. He raises his brow. “Hm?” 

He’s acting normal. Completely oblivious to your wobbling lip and shaky breath. No, it’s more likely that he doesn’t care. 

“Please move.” 

Safe, yet scared. Two distinct and conflicting emotions that aren't supposed to coexist.

“Why?”

“I need to leave.”

He frowns. “Where are you going? It’s dark and cold, soba noodle.”

You still are breathless. “I need to go, please.”

He’s still for a minute. “There’s nowhere to run, my love.” His voice is soft and assured. Like he knows what he says is completely true. The implication of how little power you have grinds against you. 

“Please move.” You cannot say anything other than a small mutter, a breathy plea he can hear. Something you hope he can take because that is all you can give. 

He gets up and lets you through. With ragged breaths, you hurry away without your carry-on. It was the only thing you took out of that apartment. You run towards the door and glance back. Shouto remains there looking down with a glum look on his face. Like an idiot, you turn to face him. The look on his face is reminiscent of his high school days. Cold and rejected, yet like a puppy who’s lost and hurt. He hasn’t looked up. It looks like he’s being serious about you getting out. 

Damn him, damn your heart and all of your beloved memories with it. With the palm of your hand, you want to wipe away that sadness that he’s showing, that he thinks you don’t see. Little by little his eyes show a familiar dullness in them. He's slowly gluing blocks of ice that were chipped away years ago. There are no signs of anger or hatred. Only loss.

Although he’s physically matured, you still see the Shouto you knew. He grew into his features that are famously half his mother’s and father’s. Despite that physical growth, you see him. That boy became your friend. One that you grew to love and wanted to spend your life with. If there had been enough time, you would’ve jumped into his arms.

God, you love him and always have. Why did it have to be like this? You hate it all, him, and more than ever, yourself. You shouldn't be so aware of your heart. 

“Tell me why you’re doing this?”

“Out of consideration-”

“No, no, why are you in this life? How did this start? With who? Shouto, you say you want to marry me but that’s a joke now. Joke is fucking over.”

He stands and grips the back of the seat in front of him. “It has never been a joke, (Y/n).”

“It is if you lie like this. It’s become a habit to ask me and nothing more. If you meant it, if you really loved me, you would be an honest man. A man that isn't dangerous.”

Shouto walks over to you in smooth strides. “You have always been and always will be safe with me.”

“You know that’s a lie, Shouto. Look at the way you’re living! All of this is crooked and wrong! You can’t guarantee my safety with you if I’m not safe from you.”

He looks taken back. Shouto is speechless for a minute. He finally gathers what he wants to say and shakes his head. “I will never hurt you. I may live my life my own way, but you’ll never bear a burden.”

Your lips wobble and you slump on a seat. He takes the one opposite from you. “Why do you do this? What happened?” You ask in a low tone, still reeling. 

His smile is kind and soft. “The less you know, the better. My life is mine to bear, (Y/n). When I ask you to marry me, you're not taking it or sharing that part. When I propose, I'm sharing who I am, the one you always knew.”

“The darkness is part of the package. When I marry you, I’m marrying all of you. This life is one I just can’t do.”

“What would change your mind?”

Is he not understanding the words that are coming out of your mouth? “By getting out of this life. It can’t be too late, Sho.” You urge him to reconsider. However it came about, it's not too late for him, right?

He sighs and shakes his head. “I can’t, (Y/n). Please believe me and believe that I love you.”

Has he ever said that before? You can’t remember. “Shouto…”

“I know it’s going to be hard-”

You shake your head. “I can’t-”

“Let me do it for you. Marry me, let’s spend our life together. Dove,” He leans in. “Don’t worry about a thing.”

His earnest eyes are so tempting to fall into. To have faith in what is promised and believe in him. The problem is that he’s practically a stranger now. All of them are! Iida, a noble man who helped anyone; Katsuki, although rough around the edges, was a victor and stood for what’s right; Kyoka, an introverted musical angel with dreams bigger than imagined; and Shouto, a kind hearted man who’s been through the trenches and fought the odds and loved anyway, even though he was a little awkward about it.

That’s all gone now. Everything burned to the ground when you saw him murder someone. Here he is promising you what he’s offered all these years. You can’t trust him. 

“That’s a lie, Shouto. There’s too much red to see any other color. I love you too, Shouto Todoroki. But I don’t trust a single one of you.” The pressure behind your eyes wins. Tears stream down freely. You finally said what you never thought you would. You don't trust him.

He looks struck, heartbroken at the admittance of the loss. You hold his hands in yours. Shouto’s breath is shaky. He kisses your hands. The gesture is so sweet, so delicate. “How did this happen, Shouto?”

He ignores the question again and instead asks, “What will make you happy?” You. If life had been different, it was you, Shouto. 

You chew on your lip. You know what you have to say to get your point across. To show the boundary that you’ve written in the sand. “Freedom, even if for a moment.”

He kisses your hands again. “Ok.”

The heaviness in your chest weighs you down. What should’ve made you jump for joy is tainted by what could have been. The possibility of an innocent and loving life with him. Maybe, the two of you could have had it all. Adventures, struggles, family, passion, and love, who knows now? Life is filled with things to be touched, tasted, and challenged. Shouto might’ve been all of that for you. In this silent moment, you attempt to come to terms with pure and true love, with yourself or not, is somewhere else. In another life, it would have lied with Shouto Todoroki. Something pure and blameless, not covered in blood and screams. 

“Shouto…are you saying you’ll let me go?” There’s a hint of hope in your voice that you pray he doesn’t take offense to. Right now, the two of you are just basking in each other’s presence after the intense conversation. After a heart felt release, you’d hate to break the peace. 

“For one minute and not a second more.”

“What?”

He cradles your face. “This one minute I give you is all you will have. Freedom, even if for a moment.”

You grab his wrist. Your heart is thumping. “Shouto what are you talking abo-”

“Run.” The firmness in his voice gives you chills. What is he talking about though? “For what? What minute are you talking about?”

“I will give you a minute to run away. No matter how far you get, know I will hunt you.”

The air is sucked out of your lungs. He kisses your left hand and focuses on your ring finger with gentle pecks. You still have yet to breathe. Shouto is giving you one minute to run from him before he drags you back in his grasp. His calloused finger caressed your ring finger’s knuckle. 

This can’t be happening. He can’t be doing this. Surely, it’s a mistake! You misheard him and his intentions. The cruelty in his voice isn’t real. He understands that his lifestyle is just not for you. 

“Sho-”

“Sixty, fifty-nine, fifty-eight-”

He’s serious. And you have lost two seconds of precious time. You push away and sprint. There is no one in the area to hear Shouto’s countdown. No one is in the street where you are running for your life. Not a single sound is heard other than the sound of your hurried footsteps on the damp street is heard. Suddenly, right as you head, you see familiar faces.

“Forty-two,” Deku counts. Ways past him is Iida who stands on the sidewalk with his head down. “Forty.”

You ditch your jacket. 

“Thirty-five,” Kyoka sings as she emerges from the dark alley next to the bar. The owner quickly flips the sign from open to closed. “Thirty-three,” Ochako, sweet, sweet, Ochako, comes out of a red car with Tsu.

Tears prick your eyes as you see the people you once trusted count down. All of them are waiting for Shouto’s permission to hunt. You will your legs to run faster. 

“Thirty-one,” Someone counts from above. You hear another count to thirty, twenty-nine, twenty-eight. You turn the corner. There’s no one on the street right now. In the distance, you can hear the count from twenty-six. You need to do something other than run. Find a car and drive off or call for help.

A man sitting on a bench rubs his eyes. “Help-”

“Twenty.” You gasp in horror and abandon the plea for help. The strangers that are along the sidewalks, on the corners, and even coming out of buildings, count. 

Why can’t you have some kind of super speed? The ability to outrun time and space so you can be saved? Your shoes flew off seconds ago, and your jacket is gone, yet you still feel weighed down. 

When the voices begin to harmonize from ten seconds on down, your life flashes before your eyes. Life back then was different. Never would you have thought you would be running from them and from time. 

“Nine!”

Your legs are burning. 

“Eight!”

This can’t be happening. Voices are heard in several directions with each step you take. It’s so constant, they might as well be your feet’s echo. You take a jump from a stair descending to the sidewalk. 

“Seven, six-!”

Your arms pump furiously. The wind blows past you as you force yourself to forget everything and just focus on moving, to completely channel everything out and let yourself run.  

“Five!”

With your mind blank, your legs may actually be going faster to a random location. You don’t know where you’ll go right now. That’s a question for when these seconds are up. 

“Four, three-!”

You’ve run far enough to get away from the subway and to the city. 

“Two!” They’re going to hunt you. Shouto is going to start the hunt in one more second. With a blank mind and your heart pumping, you ignore it all. 

“One!”

If you were paying attention, if your mind was present and in order, you would have heard the bell.

[jujutsukgojo]

@promotionbnha

The Baby Project

chapter two

izuku midoriya x reader

Summary:

U.A. decides that raising a fake baby is a good lesson for the future heroes and paired third year classes A and B with a general studies class. When you get stuck with a dead beat, Izuku Midoriya comes to save the day and your grade.

tw: Dead beat parents, sexual harassment (no details), idk if there's anything else?

The baby project is the worst thing to have happened at U.A. At least for you and the rest of your General Studies class that the ‘heroes’ decided to sacrifice for their favored course. 

  “Is this punishment?” 

  The teacher, Snipe, shakes his head. “No, no it’s not.” 

“You sure? Is it because of my last assignment?” Your previous assignment was honest and not popular. Snipe didn’t like what you had to say about heroes. The only thing you regret is that it was almost a hundred slides and you had to hold the class hostage in order to finish it. It was so bad that some of the other teachers had to save them. What were you supposed to do? You worked hard on your presentation and by God, somebody is going to learn from it. It was a solid assignment that you ended up passing, much to your amazement. 

   “It’s not punishment. You’re helping them. They’re about to be sent out there and need that last bit of guidance.” You scoff at your teacher. Are you even going to be graded for this since it is all for them? Then, a thought enters.

“This is because of Endeavor, right?” The room is filled with tension at your referral. What did they expect? It’s the truth. Because of the Todoroki Family’s fiasco, U.A. has decided to help prevent that from happening again in its own way: by giving robotic babies. Not to mention it is at your expense.

“ Toots!” Your friend, Ema, hisses. You just shrug and mouth ‘what?’.

“Yes.” Your eyebrows raise at Snipe’s honesty. “And why are we sacrificed? We’re younger than they are. Let the elderly go first. Just as nature intended.”

 Snipe rubs his face. “Why are you so-no, you’re not being sacrificed. It’s a new assignment that everyone’s doing. My class is just paired up with them.” 

“ Why?"  How are you the only one with questions? There is so much unfairness here!

  “Will you stop?” A girl with bright red hair and reptilian eyes frowns at you. What’s her name again? Sakura or something? “It’s happening, there’s no use fighting it.”

  You sigh and glare at her and your homeroom teacher. 

“Try to get excited. This is the first time U.A. is doing this and you get to set the standard! Think of names and schedules,” He goes from being behind his podium to sitting on the desk in front of it. 

“And time, and sleep, and food-” He interrupts you. “This is new technology, too! This little thing feels, looks, and acts like a real baby. It literally grows and responds as time goes on.”

  The boy with shiny silver hair and four eyes tilts his head. You think his name is Jule? That’s how you’ve always referred to him as and was never corrected. “How old do we have to raise it to be?” 

  Your debate is slowly turning into excitement about the project. A baby to hold and raise. That grows and you’ll be the first at U.A. to do it. You’ll have future pro heroes as the other parent. Not just any of them, the golden class. Class A and B, the ones who fought in wars and defeated the greatest evil. That year alone goes down in history. Your peers still stand in awe as they walk past them in the hallways as do a lot of the school. 

  “Depends on your achievements. The better parent you are, the bigger it gets. Hatsume is the one who made them. For all we know, you guys could raise teenagers,” He turns his head towards you. “And get a taste of your own medicine.”

  “I’d be an excellent parent. I’m just not sure about heroes.”

He points at you. “Keep playing. I dare you.” His threat earns a couple of chuckles in the class and even a smile that you try to fight. 

  Riko, a girl a few rows away from you, bounces in her seat. “Who do we get?” 

“See? Be like Riko.” He gestures to her but stares dead at you. He has always been the teacher that tries to be personal and familiar and use first names. It’s refreshing since you’re so used to using first names anyway.

“Why are you picking with me…” You whine.

  “Because you don’t listen.” You scoff when Ema hums in agreement. “Traitor.” You grumble. 

“Mr. Snipe! Who are we getting?” Riko asks again. You are not surprised to see all of these people be thrilled about it. You raise your hand. 

“ What.” Snipe taps his foot, already tired and the day just started. “Is this going to get in the way of school or is this project not during class hours?” 

  “I forgot about that…” Riko sinks into her seat. Other complaints echo off the walls. Small voices finally decide to ask the right questions. Repeating yours, about finances, hero schedules, are we allowed to go into each other's dorms (of course, that was by Riko). 

  “This is all up to you. Now, they’ll be coming here soon. We’ll draw names then.” 

“What does that mean? How is it up to us?”

   Benio turns to you and says, “He means if we raise it right, it won’t go off. Depending on how good of a parent you are, kind of thing.”

You slump in your seat with growing stress. It’s going to grow. You’re not being graded on how much it cries or something like you did in middle school. No, this is like reality. Because of the hero course, you’re going to be somebody’s baby mama. 

“I hope I get Deku…” Ema says to herself and sports a light blush. She’s always been an Izuku Midoriya fan for as long as you’ve known her, which hasn’t been for very long. After the big showdown, he only had embers of whatever the hell the quirk was. Over time, he trained those embers to make them stronger and to be his own. No ghost guidance or whatever and a bad history attached. He was no longer All Might Jr., but Deku. Considered a hero in his own right. Plus, that new suit he got made him a hit among those who liked Batman or other comics. 

   At least that’s how you took the explanation? You're probably forgetting something but if you ask Ema, she’d go on and on. There aren't enough hours in a day for that. 

“I want Todoroki!” Riko squeals and bounces up and down in her seat. You can’t help yourself. “Girl, that’s dangerous.”

  “Making fun of what he’s been through isn’t funny.” Benio, a normal high schooler who is firm in his convictions, rebukes. You turn to him and look into his gold eyes. 

  “I’m not. I’m simply saying that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Plus, it’s also the reason for this assignment, right Snipe?”

  Your teacher looks up at you. He’s trying to make it seem that it is to benefit both courses but it’s just not. Not when this whole thing is caused by Endeavor and Touya. Clearly, U.A. is doing this for them, not for General Studies. He even said so. There is nothing for you here other than to train the future pros to be better parents so there wouldn't be another League. 

“Yes. It is also a new program that we’re trying whether you like it or not. It benefits everyone.” Snipe ends short. "What about necessities? Food, money, diapers, all of that. Do we buy our own or do you provide?"

You hate how you have to ask these questions. "U.A. has its own formula, bottles, and diapers. Due to it being mechanical, there's no way normal things would work."

"Do we pay for them?" Snipe nods slowly. Before you can complain again, the door opens and the veteran hero, Eraserhead, enters the room with his students. The future pros stand in line. The majority of them have smiling faces for their juniors. Some are blank. Since the big showdown, they have all grown. Taller, wider, buffer, smarter, all of it. It’s insane to think they were little twerps before. 

  “Where’s Deku?” Ema asks as she looks at all of them. Her pure black eyes survey the future pros. “He’s away right now! He’s training with his new suit, so he’ll be gone for a bit. But you have me!” Kaminari or Calamari whatever the fuck it is, smirks at her. 

   “No thanks.” You snort at her look of disgust. Lips curled, brows furrowed and she’s leaning back like she saw vomit. 

“Ouch.”

Hatsume enters the large classroom with a wagon in tow. All of the babies are of different colors and sizes. Some are very petite and others have rolls. They look like your average baby doll.

“Now class, listen up. We’ll draw names and to fit two parents together then you’ll get an assigned baby. We’ll provide birth certificates and activate the kid.”

  There is a feeling in your gut that this will not go well. You don’t mean to put it in the atmosphere at all. Since you’re stuck with this dumb thing, you hope you are wrong.

“Benio with Yaoyorozu.” You hear a curse under someone’s breath. He gets up and walks to your teacher for his baby. Benio and Yaoyorozu receive a normal sized baby. Benio quickly supports the head. In Yaoyorozu’s hand is the certificate wanting a name for it and their parent’s signature. 

  The door opens again and a hero course student from Class B walks in. If you remember right, he’s the drill guy. Someone who can turn his body really fast or something. He scratches his head and gives a short wave to the class. “Ah, there weren't enough students from the other General Studies.”

  “Alright, you and (Y/n).” You get up and go to the front to get your project. Mei hands it to you, not the future hero, and gives you the paper as well. You support the chubby baby’s head. Like your average doll, it has plastic skin and blank open eyes. You go back to your seat and wait for him. He stands there awkwardly. “Um, come with me.” 

“Why?” There are enough chairs for him, you note as you look around. Benio’s desk is empty. Snipe sighs. “(Y/n), go with him.”

“Why? This classroom is huge. He can sit down.” 

  “( Y/n), go.” Snipe points to the door. Slowly, you get up and head for the door, glaring at your teacher. You follow the drill guy closely. He opens the Class B room. You sit down and wait for him to follow you. Now that he’s next to you, he introduces himself. 

“I’m Sen Kaibara. Your name’s (Y/n)?” He has a small smile on his face. His eyes study you closely. You nod at his question. “Let’s get down to it.” You open the baby’s diaper and see that it’s a boy. “It’s a bouncing baby boy.” There are faint red spots on his legs. They aren’t bumps or anything. Maybe the diaper is too tight. You quickly close it before he pees on you. 

“Okay, what should we name him?” You have a few in mind. However, he also has a say in them and he probably won’t like them. Everything’s fine as long as the little boy has a name you can say and spell. Sen taps his chin and his eyes dart around. He snaps his fingers and asks, “How about my name?”

“No. And nothing I can’t pronounce, either.” He scoffs. “You’re not giving me a chance.” 

 “Neither are you. Something that we can both write and pronounce.” That’s it. In the end, that’s what you want. And for him not to be a junior. 

   The two of you decided on Noa, much to his annoyance. Clearly, you don’t get along. Not when it’s like this. All you asked was a simple thing. Yes, you can say Sen. But it doesn’t fit the baby. Yes, he can have a say so in the name. You only wanted a name you can spell and pronounce that doesn’t involve ‘junior’. It’s a name that both of you agreed with and is simple. 

   To you, it wasn’t difficult or a lot to ask for. To him, he’s red in the face as he turns it in. It was a simple disagreement. Why is he frowning so much? Snipe looks it over. “Ah, Noa? Nice name.” 

  Noa begins to get fussy. You look him over to see what’s wrong. You gasp at your discovery. His face changed from a baby doll look to one of an actual baby. His face is a mixture of yours and Kaibara’s. Honestly, mainly yours. Your eyes and mouth, especially. His plastic skin becomes soft like it's real and his weight now settles in. He looks and feels real.

   “That’s normal. Everything changes in time.” 

-------------

  

Unfortunately, things do change. Right as you adjust Noa so you are able to write, he freaks. Everyone’s head turns to you. Ema, God bless her, soothes you as you try to do the same to Noa. It’s crazy, you’ve baby sat before and aren’t bad with kids or babies. Yet with Noa you’re all thumbs. 

  “Bounce him gently. Do you have a bo-bo?” You snap your head. “A what?”

You can barely hear her over Noa's shrill cry. He shakes as he continues to wail. She shifts awkwardly. “A binky. A pacifier. It’s what we’ve always called it.”

  “I’m really irritated right now so usually I’d like, stab you or something but that’s cute.”

  Ema holds in a laugh. “Thank you for your generosity.” Mr. Snipe calls your name. “I know, I know! He won’t calm down.” 

  He sighs. “The bag we gave you has some supplies in it. The school’s formula, a bottle, a set of diapers, pamphlet all of that. Try different things,” He addresses the class. “Learn from this everyone. Plus, the items in the bag are samples. You’re going to have to do what you can by yourself.”

  You set the diaper bag between your knees and unzip it. Inside are the supplies Snipe mentioned. His screams get louder. Suddenly, another baby follows suit, awoken by Noa. Jule immediately glares at you. You mutter several apologies and fumble the silver formula packet which is surprisingly in a liquid form. 

  Your fingers shake whether from stress or the bouncing you're doing with your whole body, totally dedicated to the rhythm. You pour the contents in the red and white bottle to shake it. Putting it in his mouth, he refuses to suckle. 

“W-what?” You look at Snipe confused. He taps his foot and crosses his arms. Jule’s baby is quiet now, abruptly stops by your amazement. “How?” Jule shows you the bottle. “She’s hungry. Is Noa not-” 

“Let her deal with it.” Snipe sighs. Riko frowns. “Doesn’t it take a village to raise a child?”

  “Not for this project, no.” She sits up straighter. “Don’t you think you should be more patient? This was bound to happen.”

  “You,” He points to you. “Outside so we can continue class.” 

“Fucking asshole.”

“Watch it.”

You struggle to stand up without dropping him or anything else. Ema, bless her once more Lord, comes in and helps you with your things. You make haste to exit the classroom that is growing increasingly annoyed. 

  You try to feed him once again and when that doesn’t work, you set him on the ground to check his diaper. The redness is still there but he is dry. Throwing your hands in the air, you give up and head to Kaibara’s class. You don’t even bother to knock since literally everyone can hear you coming a mile away. 

   “Kaibara?” The class looks at you with their hero uniforms on. “Can you try? Nothing I’m doing is working.”

“I’m busy. I’ll visit later, okay? Try putting on a movie or singing to him or something. I gotta go.” He leaves you standing in the middle of his classroom.

“In the middle of school? Put on a movie in the middle of class?” You scoff and move in front of him, preventing him from walking away. Some of his classmates look at the two of you. You notice that not a single one of them have their babies. Their teacher, Dracula or something, pauses his speech and eyes you. “Kaibara, handle this as a father would. Alright class, let’s go.”

 “Kaibara-” He cuts you off with a short response. “Not now.” He rushes past you to join and laugh with his friends as Noa continues to cry. Dracula pats your shoulder and apologizes. 

______________

You decide to rock him rather than bounce. Soon after, he begins to quiet down, making you want to scream in his place. The bottle in your hand beeps. You look at it and see the word ‘spoiled’ on it with Hatsume’s face on it with a peace sign. 

  Still rocking him, you set your bag down on the ground to get a better look inside it to see how much you have. “No…” That was the only formula packet. Sighing, you pick it up and carefully rise up, with your knees cracking every inch. You head to the support course and walk inside. Power Loader is about to scold you for not knocking but stops himself immediately. “Is something wrong?”

“I need more formula, please.” Hatsume pops up out of nowhere. If you had the energy, you’d punch her for everything she’s ever done to you. 

  “Let me see, let me see!” She moves your arm enough to look at him. “Ah, he hasn’t grown; tsk, tsk.” You literally just got him. Like, a couple of hours ago.

 “Give me the formula.” 

  She sighs and shows you a set of packets and tells you the price. Your jaw drops. “You can’t be serious.” 

  “Yep, yep! Hand it over.” Regular formula is half the price and she’s handing you six packets. One per bottle. “Is one packet for one bottle?”

“Preferably. If you water it down then the baby isn’t getting the nutrients. Don’t try to skimp on my baby, little baby!” 

The door behind you opens and shuts. Benio comes to your side. “She keeps throwing up, is your formula faulty?”

  Hatsume twitches. “ No! These are based on real babies and not every baby can have the same formula.”

  She, again out of nowhere, brings out a pink pouch. “Specialized!” You’re about to have a heart attack when she tells him how much his is. It’s even more than yours. “Fine. I’ll take four cases.”

Ah, that’s right. His parents make a lot of money, and his stipend is more than yours. Because you are a scholarship kid, your amount is lower. No one has told you by how much, though. 

Embarrassed, you put up two fingers. She hands them to you and is gracious enough to place them in the diaper bag. Your eyes are downcast. 

  “Everything’ll be okay.” Hatsume says. You don’t ask what the money is for even though you are curious.

While you're here, you speak up to Noa's demonic creator. Ever since you got him, his groin has been red and irritated. You want to smack yourself when you finally piece together that he has a rash.

"Is there something wrong with the diapers? He's terribly red ever since it was put on him." You hand him over to her and she places him on a clear spot on her desk. "Ah, he's allergic! Good thing I have something for tha-"

"Special diapers?"

She puts her hands on her hips. "Why didn't you let me finish?"

"Let me buy them, please." You see the box of diapers in her hand. Already your stomach is in knots. Strangely, she looks into your eyes without a smile. No expression on her face. It looks like she's focused on you. "Are you okay?"

You nod and hum. It doesn't feel right to let this bother you.

 "Here's some samples. Let me know if they work, okay?" She hands you three blue diapers. Unlike the regular ones that have the U.A. design on them, this one is pure blue with the U.A. emblem on the top. You don't realize it until you quickly change Noa and see the redness start to fade. Your eyes are watery. Not to the point of tears rolling out but close enough that Mei cared.

You clear your throat. "I'll um, let you know. If they work, I'll buy some more."

___________________________

Sitting at your usual lunch table with Ema, Benio, and Riko, you struggle to eat your lunch one handed. The other is occupied with holding Noa. Luckily, he is peacefully sleeping.

“You should really get a carrier or a wrap. It’ll be much easier.” Ema, who got Kirishima, eats her piece of chicken. New voices are loud enough to gain your table’s attention. 

“Mm! Gotta go. We promised we’d sit together for the sake of our daughter.” She gets up and leaves you in awe of her communication skills. “I wish that were me. I can’t Yaoyorozu to sit still.”

“I don’t even want to.” Riko says. You forgot who she got but her forlorn face clearly says it’s not Todoroki. 

“Not many of them even carry their kids. Like, Kirishima is the first I’ve seen.” You point to him sitting next to Ema. She didn’t get Midoriya like she wanted. Nevertheless, she got one of the better ones out of the bunch. In fact, he’s bragging about her. Showing everyone his daughter like a real proud father. 

   “Damn it…” You mutter. Searching around the cafeteria, you say, “I can’t even see Kaibara. Maybe we should exchange numbers. I have to tell him that Noa can't have the regular diapers.”

“You don't have his number?” You shake your head no. Riko frowns and rocks her carrier. “(Y/n)! That's, like, the first thing you should do.”

“I know, I know. He ignores me, though! Today I couldn’t console Noa. So, I went to him for help and he totally blew me off. He didn’t even look at him. Like Benio over here, I cannot get this guy to sit still.”

“Try again. If I can get her to cough it up, you can too.” He finishes his plate fast. Benio rhythmically taps his foot. His eyes focus on the table, clearly pissed off. You want to reach out and tell him it’ll be okay. That she’ll come around and you are in this together. Right now, he’s at the stage where he’ll snap at anyone and you prefer to live.

“You guys are so lucky. I got stuck with a creep.” That can only be one person. You gasp. “That grape dude? He’s still alive?” You didn’t even see him in class. It was probably the Lord doing that.

“Yep,” She pops her ‘p’. She pushes her broccoli around. Riko tenses up and her bottom lip sticks out slightly. “All I get are innuendos. I want to meet up? He’ll flirt and suggest another child. I don’t feel safe at all.” She mumbles. Your protective instincts start to flare up. It’s not normal for you to feel this way, either. How could he do this? Yes, she’s smart and pretty. But that doesn’t mean jack crap. Being disgusting towards her is wrong. Where are his morals? She isn't interested. She said no!

   “If you want to have supervised visits, I’ll be happy to be there. Make it into a play date sort of thing.” It isn't much to offer but at least it's out there. Her lips wobble as she smiles at you. “I would like that, please.”

“Has it gotten that bad already? The project just started.” Benio rubs her back. “Yeah, already. He keeps blowing up my phone. I got in trouble for it in class, remember?” Yeah. English class was a sight when her phone vibrated so much it shook off the desk. The teacher's vein nearly popped due to the interruptions. 

   “Let me see.” Benio grabs her phone and checks. With every scroll his eyes get wider. “The fuck? We have to tell the teachers.”

“They’ll just say, ‘it’s like real life’.” She mimics their voice. You hold out your hand to reach her. Whatever is on that phone, has made Benio even madder. Steam practically comes out of his ears. “Yeah, but this is sexual harassment. Something that is punishable.” 

  “Will you go with me?” You and Benio don’t need to be told twice. You spot Kaibara with the red headed big hand girl. You get up and go to him. “I’ll be right back. When I get back, we’ll go directly to Snipe.”

  You make your way to him. He laughs and snickers with her, neither one having their baby in hand. “Yo, Kaibara.” 

  He stops and turns to you. “I need to talk to you.”

“I’m busy right now. I’ve worked hard, I’d like to eat.” You tap your foot and suck your lips in before you speak. “The only thing I see is you jaw jacking and not a single bit of food got in your mouth. All I’m asking for is a minute. I need to talk to you about our baby.”

"Fake baby."

The red head inhales her food. “Mm! That reminds me, I have to go find her. I promised I’d watch the baby.” 

“Watch? That’s your kid. You’re not babysitting, you're supposed to be raising.” 

   She freezes and you turn to Kaibara. “Come on.”

“After that? You broke her.” He grabs her hand and leads her to the rest of Class B. “At least take my number so we can communicate!” 

 “Later!” He meets up with his friends and Red looks back at me with a guilty look. She lets go of his hand and goes somewhere else. 

  “Come on, let’s go to Snipe.” You guide Riko up from the table. “What’re you going to him for?” Kaibara miraculously is able to hear you, apparently. He pokes his head up above his friends’ shoulders to peer at you. He goes behind one of them and asks again. 

“None of your business,” You snap. Your thumb rubs Riko's hand in an attempt to comfort her. “Come on.” Riko gets up and packs her things while Benio throws everything away. Sen calls out to you again, wondering why you’re going to Snipe. “Later!” You yell.

He really should’ve given his number.

---------------

You stand in the hallway with Benio. Both of your backs are leaning against the wall. You hear Riko’s muffled voice as well as Eraserhead and Snipe. The three of you called them together and showed them the messages. Benio didn’t see them all and you didn’t see a thing, which is probably for the best. Noa is still sleeping soundly in your arms. His chubby cheek is nestled close to your chest. You shift your weight on your feet and look at Benio from the corner of your eye.

“Do you think they’re giving him an excuse?” He rolls his eyes. “Don’t start that shit.” Benio snaps. You whip your head towards him. “I’m worried about her, you little bitch. No need to get snappy.”

“I’m worried too. Skank.” 

“Pfft!” You snort. For the first time during lunch period, he cracks a small smile. The door opens and you quickly straighten up. Riko comes out first. “Let’s go, you guys.”

“You sure?” 

“Yeah, we’re excused.” You nod and walk with her, Benio and the babies in tow. “What’s going to happen? Will you be okay?”

“I’ll be alright.” 

-------

  Your arms are becoming numb as you hold Noa. You still don’t have a carrier or the money to afford one. Looking around, everyone is more prepared than you or is just overall better. During lunch, a bunch of them rushed out to buy baby things. Smart bastards.

  Noa is squirming more than ever. He isn't crying (yet) but he looks uncomfortable. Maybe it’s gas? You have to document that on your project's papers. Snipe said to write down all the progress, costs, and at the end there will be a written assignment on all of the notes. It's a weird project and clearly an emotional one. 

“Sen? Sen?” You go yelling through the hallways of his dorm. Tetsutetsu gets up and goes to you with his baby in his arms. “What’s wrong? I can help.”

“Where is Kaibara?” 

“I don’t know. Maybe his room? Is everything okay?” You shake your head no. “No, nothing’s okay. He’s avoiding me and the baby. I need to talk to him.”

  Tetsutetsu clenches his fist. “Bet. Follow me.” He goes through the halls demanding to know where he is. Tetsutetsu barges into Kaibara’s room, the door swinging open so hard it now squeaks. He begins to yell, “ Take responsibility!”

 “Tetsu, what the hell?” Kaibara shoots up and closes his manga. “You? What’d you do, go to Snipe and have Tetsu on my ass?”

  “No, he did that on his own. We need to discuss the baby. Noa needs things and there are times when your schedule works better than mine. There’s so much we need to talk about.” Although a part of you wants to defend yourself for going to Snipe, it isn’t fair to Riko.

  “I got this, Tetsu.” Kaibara looks into Tetsutetsu’s eyes. “You better. You and the others are giving us a bad name.” 

  He leaves and gives you a nod. You shut the door behind him and hand the baby to Kaibara. “Kaibara, meet Noa. Noa, meet your dad.”

  “That’s not funny. And it is not right to embarrass me like that!” He holds Noa awkwardly and gives him a weird look, as if he's disgusted or freaked out.

“That’s what you’re worried about? We have a whole child right there-”

“He isn’t real!” He yells, surprisingly, not waking Noa up. Your anger begins to grow. “The costs are real! The necessities are real! The grade is definitely real!”

  “Is that what you want? Money?” How the fuck is that what he caught.

“Money? No. I want you to help. I can’t do everything on my own and worry about school. Let’s work on a schedule. Let’s get baby supplies. Communication is amazing, why not do it?”

   He brushes past you roughly, pushing you back a little. “Let’s go then.”

The two of you walk to a baby store, passing the many confused and worried expressions. He dips his head into his hoodie. “I should’ve hid my fucking face or something.”

You roll your eyes. “Did it occur to you that they’re staring at us because we’re two teens with a baby?” He scoffs, throwing the door open and doesn’t hold it for you.

 “Jerk.”

Inside, are rows of colorful clothes. Some are hero merchandise and others have cartoons. After the various clothing for all ages are bottles, diapers, binkies, and the like. In the back is the gold mine for children: lots and lots of toys. 

   “What about this?” You hold up a dinosaur shirt. He rolls his eyes and shrugs. “Can you hold him now?”

  This is the first time today you don’t have him and you're still taking care of him while your partner is right there. “No. It’s your quality time.”

  You put the dinosaur shirt in the cart. Suddenly, Noa screams bloody murder. You turn to Kaibara who’s freaking out. “What the fuck? He just started-”

“Is everything okay?” An employee comes up. Kaibara quickly gives him to you and says, “I gotta go.”

   “At least leave some cash!” He turns around and stomps to you. 

“Fucking knew it. Here.” He hands you twenty bucks. As he slams the door open and shut, he hides his face. You bounce Noa. “Is there a bathroom or something?”

“Yeah, come with me. Leave the cart.” 

In the bathroom, you lower the table. “I fed you, you took a nap, I changed you-”

She looks at his face. "Babies can sense things too, you know?"

You look up at the woman and ask what she meant. "Children can tell how a person is inside." She nudges her head to point out the door. "And that was clear as the sky today."

“Thank you for your help.” It took twenty minutes for him to calm down and thirty for you. The woman behind the counter is a God send. She’s helped you out more than Kaibara has, and you’ve only known her for a short amount of time. You called Snipe to let him know where you were, and he yelled at you for being late. Whatever. It’s his dumb assignment. 

   You put the supplies on the counter, fearing the cost. You grabbed a very cheap wrap, not yet being able to afford a proper carrier. You have his money, and the rest of yours. 

  She looks at you and looks at what’s on the counter. “This isn’t nearly enough. You got some of the essentials. Everything else is missing.”

   “I know, I know. I didn't have time to plan or anything. This was sprung on us today, remember?" You wished you had time to at least finance.

She tells you the total. What he gave you doesn’t cover anything but a few shirts and a bo-bo . You buy everything else with nothing left in your account until payday. 

-----------

As you go home, Noa decides that it's time to rest again. His soft pudgy face is peaceful and his breathing is steady. “I’m sorry about today. And that you still don’t have a bed…” You set him on your bed comfortably. Afterwards, you put everything away in the few drawers you have.

You are in awe of how little he is. Chubby but overall small. It’s ridiculous how much you spent on a fake baby though, no matter how cute. This entire thing is unorthodox even by U.A. standards. Students paying for things with their own money is just too much. How did they expect this to happen? Where is the money going to? 

It’s not a complete loss, anyway. Things can be recycled, donated, or sold at the end. You rub your face and look around at the lack of things he has. No bed, dresser, playpen, and the only toys he has are the stuffed animals that were on your bed. And he’s too young to be playing with them anyway. 

Even though he isn't real, he's not, this is still getting to you. It's way too familiar. You smack your cheeks. He's an assignment, a project, a doll. That's right, a doll. To the side is your white laundry basket. You grab it and put a spare pillow in it, just like you would with your baby dolls when you were a child. “Alright, let’s see if this works.”

   Nope, no it doesn’t. You groan and apologize to Noa, who still does not have a bed. That alone bothers you. He looks up at you for a moment then closes his eyes again. He gives a quick smile revealing two dimples on his chubby cheeks. You give him a little kiss. 

You gasp. You only had him for a day and you've become attached. Not to a serious degree but enough to warrant a kiss. Maybe it’s because of his likeness to being real. He actually looks like he’d be yours. He feels like a baby. The whole thing is confusing you and you think it’s popping your ovaries or something.

You suddenly feel heavy. Today has been nothing but draining. If you can get a few minutes in, just a few. You need to do the responsible thing and take your meds if you’re going to nap. The bottle is too far. The side of the bed your upper body is leaning on is so comfortable. Eyelids heavy, a yawn, and the day that has been so tiring. You just need a few minutes…

   There’s a knock on the door. You perk up and check on Noa, who is still asleep. You wipe your drool from your face and arm. Your knees crack in pain from sleeping on them. “I’m old, so, so old.”

  “Hello?” You say as you open the door. Ema bounces and excitedly tells you, “Deku’s on the phone!”

“Bitch, did you really wake me up for that?” It’s the audacity. The sheer amount of stupid is astounding. 

“Fucker. Anyway, come on! He’s face timing my baby daddy right now.”

  “Hold on, let me get Noa.” You grab your bag that has a pink dress uniform in it and then snatch his diaper bag off of your chair. Right as you're about to leave your room, your eyes find the long mirror. The dry erase marker is fading and needs to be redone, and you must put more reminders on it, too. 

  Your eyes stay there too long. You can feel yourself about to drift away in the color of a light purple and dark blue, swirling around each other with twinkling stars. The smell of lavender starts to push through the scent of the blown out candle in your room. A moon is peering out of the colors, soon to move and send you into another dream. 

  Suddenly, Ema yells your name. It comes into your head like an echo, something distant and not seen. You begin to come out of it when Noa starts to cry. You blink and wipe your eyes. Noa immediately stops crying. “Thanks, bud.”

Downstairs, Kirishima holds his phone out and talks. “We miss you! When are you coming back?” 

   “In a few weeks, I think? Maybe a month. I’m not sure but I'm making tons of progress! I'm starting to feel more secure in my suit."

You enter the commons and spot the spiky redhead talking animatedly to the green on the screen. "It's a cool suit! I like how it looks a lot like your usual-here she is. Her name's (Y/n). (Y/n), meet Izuku Midoriya."

  Your face then takes up the screen. Round green eyes meet yours. He doesn’t say anything at first, he just stares. Finally, he stutters as he introduces himself. Anytime he’s brought up, you’ve been shown this freckled baby face. Now, you’re looking at someone who’s gaining mature definition. His cheeks are a little slimmer and his scar adds a rugged look. His curls are no longer all over his head but are now neatly trimmed. All in all, he is not bad to look at. He’s surprisingly easy on the eyes. 

  “Okay.” Ema elbows you and tells you to be nice. “What? Why am I here?” You whisper back. You feel Midoriya’s eyes on you as you talk. 

“So you won’t be here for a while?” Kirishima sounds sad that his friend is still gone. “I’ll be there soon!”

“You just said-”

“No, no, no. I’ll be there!” He moves his phone in a way that covers the lower half of his face that is growing pink. 

Why are his eyes so round? He looks scared.

Ema chuckles under her breath and smiles at you. You look at the time and jump. “Shit! It’s been nice talking to you, but I’ve got to go.”

  “Alright, see you-”

“It was nice meeting you!” You stop and turn back to look at the green haired guy on the phone. He scratches his head and gives a close eyed smile. Kirishima tells him to calm down. Ema shakes her head slightly. The bright shine in her eyes is dimmed as they go to the floor. A small smile appears on her lips. “Oh, dear. Deku is something else.”

 You bid them goodbye and run to find him. Noa stays calm as you cradle him gently. Finally, you see him as you push past the doors of his dorm. Kaibara is in the Class B commons sitting with his phone in his hand and his bare feet propped up on the coffee table. Many of his class stand around and talk or do homework. You take a deep breath before you say anything, like ‘you’re not helping you dumbass maggot.’ or ‘eat the dust that Shigaraki himself made’. You want to be civil for now.

 “Kaibara, I need you for tonight.” And during the day too, preferably. He straightens up in his seat. Immediately, he frowns.  “What? In the morning-”

“Is your home room. Stop. I need you to watch him in the evenings after school.”

“Until when?” He harshly whispers, looking around at his friends, hoping they don’t see or hear this too much.

“Around seven or eight? I’ll call to let you know.” You take off the diaper bag. “Here you go. By the way, he wears special diapers that Hatsume makes so you'll need to go get some more. He's terribly allergic to the regular ones she makes.”

  “I-I can’t-” He stutters. Right now, he doesn’t look too much like a hero, just some punk ass teen in an Eeyore sweater whose mom just told him to watch his brother for an hour.

You hold up your hand. “You can, and you will. This is your son, right? Someone you wanted as a junior?” You hand him Noa, who is awake. “I’ll see you later, pumpkin.” You give Noa's cheek a poke.

  Kaibara is silent. Completely silent.

------------

“Benio? What’re doing?” You ask just as you’re about to head out of the U.A. gates. You didn't expect to run into him this time of day. He’s stomping with his kid in his arms. Last you saw her, she was wearing a basic outfit to go out. A purple onesie with a cheesey graphic design and some pants. Now she's in lavish clothing that you know he didn't give her. They look expensive and well put together. It's something an Instagram mom would make her kids wear; nothing like a child would be sporting if they had a normal parent. “She’s the fucking worst, I swear to God.”

“Who?”  He can’t possibly be talking about his baby. He likes the kid too much, even though he’ll deny it. The way he looks at her and can't stop cooing is too telling. He's taken gobs of pictures already and the project just started.

   “That bitch, Yaomomo. Or whatever the fuck people call her,” He growls. A pebble flies away by his kick. “You were right. I give up.” 

Your opinions can be controversial, especially in a hero loving society. So, him admitting that is pretty huge. Although you want to gloat, you can’t help but feel bad for him and his descent to anger and hate all caused by a stupid future pro.

[jujutsukgojo]

@promotionbnha

How All For One came to be

Summary: All For One is the most notorious villain in history. But he was a big brother first.

TW: death, abuse, violence, angst, AFO is his own warning. If there is anything else pls let me know! I don't own bnha and this is not canon. it does have spoilers tho!

cross posted from ao3

8k+ words

-----------

 Giichi swings his fist but misses the bastard by a hair. The jerk with the shorts, who Giichi assumes is “Saito”, hits him right in the gut as Saito’s friend aims for Giichi’s back. Before the friend’s elbow can land a blow on his back, there is a harsh swing of a branch at the kid’s face. The friend spits out blood and a tooth.  

  Giichi looks up to see his younger brother, Yoichi, glaring his green eyes at the two bullies. “Leave my brother alone!”  

Saito tries to get Yoichi but he swings the branch again and ends up hitting the boy’s knuckles. Swollen and possibly broken, he cries out. “Stop it! There’s no reason to continue. Giichi c’mon!” 

  His brother reaches out to him, hand extended. Although Yoichi is younger than him, Giichi admits he is brave and has his wits about him. Just as Giichi reaches for Yoichi’s hand, a third boy pops up and hits Yoichi right in his ribs. The kid laughs until Giichi’s brother throws up on his face.  

It ends up being worse for Yoichi. Even still, he tries to stand. Giichi has had enough of these fools. Enraged, he releases it. He can’t let something like this happen again. Not when Yoichi takes just a couple of hits and is down for the count.  

  They end up running away from the two brothers. Yoichi continues to cough as he reaches for Giichi’s hand. 

---- 

It wasn’t fair. Every day, every single day he pushes against society for nothing but scraps. People like Yoichi get bullied every day and no one stops it. He comes across worthless dirt too but at least they are somewhat reluctant. With Yoichi it’s different. He might be brave but he can’t do much.  

Once they entered their shabby home, their mother gives them the news: him and Yoichi are finally going to be placed with their father.  

Giichi Shigaraki would rather die than stay with that bitch of a mother. As Yoichi’s older brother, it is vital for him to protect Yoichi. Yoichi is frail. Born around three months early and wasn’t given the proper care, it affected him greatly. That bitch didn’t have the slightest clue what to do. Or perhaps she just didn’t want to what is right. After having an affair on Giichi’s father that resulted in Yoichi, Giichi’s father was furious and repeatedly took it out on their mother, who took it out on Yoichi.  

  His father left early and just now wanted to help. To repent for his sins or something. Whatever. Giichi will just use the bastard for shelter since he  knows  that there is a catch. Giichi can smell the lie from a mile away. His father wanting to help has to be a lie. No way would that worm take them in. Especially Yoichi.  

Giichi hears shuffling behind him. Over the years he has developed a slight flinch. People have to be alert. “Sorry, big brother. I should have told you I was here.” 

Yoichi holds their current favorite manga,  Atomic Boy . They are so close to finishing it! This is the very last chapter of this amazing series. Giichi puts a blanket over their heads as they sit on their new bed. One twin sized cot for two is a step up from the floor.  

In Yoichi’s hand is also their flashlight that they use to read it. Yoichi flicks it on and like always, Giichi starts out reading with his hero voice and Yoichi deepens his as best he can to play the villain. 

“Why do you smile when you’re the bad guy? Villains aren’t supposed to smile.” 

“They do it to fill a void.” Yoichi reasons. Snorting, Giichi replies, “Fill a void?” 

Nodding his head, Yoichi explains it. “Well, I heard mom talk about filling a void and when I asked her what it is, it made sense. Everyone has to smile to make something better.” Giichi doesn’t know what to do with his little brother.  

--

“Why? Why can’t you listen, Giichi?!” His father goes to hit him again. When it first started happening, Giichi was shocked. This jackass was supposed to be a step up. Never had his father laid a hand on him or Yoichi. Yet, time took its toll on his father. Now older and greying from his once brown hair, now thicker around the middle. Money was not coming in as it used to. Giichi knew that there was a catch and there was. A check would come in the mail due to raising two children. That’s what his father wanted. The check.  

  The shock was the violence.  

 Giichi is prepared for his hit. But it never comes. The harsh impact never rushes to his face and leaves an ugly mark like his father planned. No, instead what he sees is his sickly brother on the floor with blood in his mouth, taking the hit for him. Just like when his mother would threaten Giichi in order to make Yoichi submit to her violence. Trying to be a hero like always.  

Yoichi tries to stand. “D-don’t hit my brother.” Rolling his eyes, his pathetic excuse of a father goes to kick him while Yoichi is down. Coward.  

Giichi has never been so angry. This is his dad, not Yoichi’s. He gets why his dad doesn’t like him. Their mother had an affair and then a child yadda, yadda, yadda. Who cares! Yoichi can’t take the hits. Yet, he takes the punishment that is meant for him. Why does he do this? Why does he try to save him when all he does is get hurt? 

  Giichi reaches down to grab his dad’s foot and twists it with all of his strength. It goes all away around, completely broken. As he howls in pain Giichi jumps on him and doesn’t stop releasing his rage in the form of his fists until he is pulled off by his coughing brother.

----

  

Giichi has gotten used to fending for himself and his little brother. His dad has proven to be a damn useless nobody. An absolute nobody that Giichi wants to run over and destroy. What is his use? He barely pays for anything other than beer and cigarettes! All he wanted from this bastard is a roof and he can barely do that. It’s all so disappointing. That jack off limps around saying woe is me. So what!  

Giichi would gladly do it again out of sheer hatred.  

Yoichi walks behind him, animatedly talking about the latest manga that he thinks they should read. Given to him from Haru, a neighborhood kid that hangs out with Yoichi from time to time. Clutching it to his chest, he excitedly tells his older brother, “I heard from Haru that it’s the best. Better than Atomic Boy. Can you believe that? I mean-”  

  Giichi waits for him to finish his sentence but he all he gets is horrendous hacking. He turns around to see his frail brother coughing uncontrollably with his hand over his mouth. “Yoichi? H-hey c’mon.” He pats him on his back, hoping that it helps.  

Yoichi wheezes and removes his hand from his mouth. With teary eyes, his baby brother calls out to him and faints. 

Giichi doesn’t waste time. He places his brother’s arm over his shoulder and goes to the nearest clinic. It isn’t much, but that is all he can do right now. He’s only sixteen. His brother’s fourteen. This is too much. Way, way, too much for them to handle. No, no, he’ll handle this. Right now, Yoichi has enough to deal with.  

He better be okay. I swear to God I will destroy this world where it turns if he isn’t.   

“Help! Somebody, please!” He screams as he runs down the street. No one even bothers to look. They don’t even care. These blind and selfish people ignore them. 

He pushes past the door and to the front desk. The lady looks at him with wide eyes. Her bun is pulled back so tightly that it seems to be stretching her face. Giichi doesn’t have time to tease her right now. Later, he promises himself. “Okay, okay. Do you have an appointment?” 

“What?” 

“An appointment. We don’t allow walk-ins.” She informs with a bored expression. This world. This is how it is, how it always will be, huh? “He could be dying you heartless  bitch.”  

“Look, we see this all the time. Kids running in here pretending to be sick just to steal the condoms. That’s why we no longer allow walk-ins. You think you’re slick.” She pops her bubble gum at him.  

“Fucking condoms? I don’t want your condoms I want you to help my brother! Just look at him!” Why in the hell would she accuse him of such a thing?! Yoichi is literally dying right now. 

He starts getting closer, growing angrier by the second. His brother’s breathing is still wheezy. Security is called in no time as Giichi goes across the counter and grabs the woman’s jaw so tight that it is bound to leave a bruise if not more.  

“Why won’t you help us?! Why will none of you help him?! He fainted and his breath is wheezy, and his heart beat’s all over the place. At least tell me what it is!” 

They don’t.  

“Tell me what it is!”  

And as luck would have it, as they are thrown out (literally), a kid with an inhaler is close by. The kid in the ugly stripe shirt takes a puff and doesn’t realize that they’re in danger by being too close to a desperate boy that will grow up to be an apex predator. 

 

  Yoichi has gotten better since then thanks to Giichi’s quick thinking. When they got home, he forced his father to drive them to the hospital, he discovered that the problems that his brother face will be lifelong. They gave him the treatments he needed for that current issue but the bill was outrageous. His father was furious and almost took it out on Yoichi. So, Giichi took it. What didn’t sit right with either of the brothers is the verbal abuse that was given to Yoichi.  

Yoichi knew that he wasn’t biologically his. He knew this. Having it thrown in Yoichi’s face as an insult and acting as if he is a burden stayed with him.  

Giichi was perturbed about everything. The incident at the clinic, his brother’s health, his father, the bill, humanity, all of it. He’ll change it all. Without a friend in the world, he will still change it. For the better, he swears.  

---

“Do you want to read the manga with me?” His brother comes up to him with that stupid purple puffer thing. It’s temporary, the doctors said. How can they be so sure? Have such confidence when they just glanced at him? At both of them? 

Did they not see the pain, the suffering? There isn’t a way for them to be absolutely sure like that. Yoichi lifts it up and takes a breath out of it.  

“Alright. Just don’t strain yourself.”  Please. You’re all I got.  

Holding the first volume of the new manga he was talking about, he gives it to Giichi and goes to get the blanket and flashlight. Slightly tripping, he chuckles from embarrassment. “Whoops.”  

“Pfft. Klutz.”  

  What if his heart starts acting up next? They could never afford to help him. Giichi  looks at the cover.  Captain Hero.  He wonders where the author got such a crappy name. Captain Hero, whose real name is Justice, wears a cape and poses like Superman. With his hands balled into fists on his hips. A blue cape, yellow boots, and no mask to conceal his identity. How vain of him. To walk around without a mask on. It screams to Giichi that this “Justice” or “Captain Hero” guy wants people to know that when they see his face, they see justice, salvation. Well, it is obvious within his name.  

  Giichi starts to question it all.  

“Got them!” Yoichi walks over to where he sits and places the blanket over him. Giichi, before the cover goes over his eyes, realizes, digests, how weak he is. Only a year and a half younger, Yoichi could be easily pushed by him. So fragile.  

“Hey, I know this is probably girly to you, but I got us these!” Yoichi pulls out two chains. He hands one to Giichi with a bright smile. Slipping his on he says, “They match, see!”  

  Giichi does think it’s girly but he puts it on anyway. They read the manga, completely intrigued. When it is his brother’s turn to read it, Giichi looks at the chain his brother gave him.  

Giichi admits that this manga is good. He also admits that the Demon Lord had a magnificent point.    

He only read to chapter three, when the Demon Lord won. It was all he needed. Yoichi kept reading it to the very end. He constantly asked Giichi to join him like old times but Giichi rejected the offers. As time went on, Giichi grew up and knew that they could never afford his brother’s care. So, he worked hard. He worked his ass off to support himself and his brother who supported him emotionally. Who was always there to lend a hand. That is what he loves about his brother. Yoichi can’t do much physically but at least he’s there with a smile.

  

  Giichi worked hard. He worked in Mcdonald’s and several retail shops throughout his time in community college. Graduating early with a business degree, he then worked as a receptionist. All while his brother decided to write and become a moderately successful manga artist.  

Now a full-grown adult and out of school, he is a successful business man. In no time he ran the company. He made a small business grow into a monster of an enterprise. Wearing suits that as a child he could only dream of, shoes that shined like stars, had women at his call, and gold that never lost its touch. Giichi made sure that Yoichi was set as well. Yoichi was bound and determined to live by himself, to support himself. So, he helped him secure an apartment not too far from him.  

Giichi would hate it if Yoichi just died one day and he didn’t know because he wasn’t there.  

That is his worst nightmare.  

---

“I’m telling you, I am  fine.”  His brother walks with a red mug to give to him. “You always say that, little brother.” 

“Please don’t miss this opportunity because of me. Seriously, okay? I’m taking my meds, my treatment, all of it.”  

He sounds out of breath. Kind of wheezy too. Giichi gets up from leaning against the olive-green couch and places his head against his brother’s chest to hear his heart. “It’s erratic, Yoichi.” 

“I drank coffee.” Yoichi admits. He breathlessly laughs and ends up coughing. “It’s the coffee, I swear on our mother.” 

“You’re not supposed to! And why the hell would you mention that whore?” Yoichi scoffs. “It’s a jok-”  Giichi places his head there again. This time, Yoichi hugs him. “Giichi, please. I'm fine, I swear it.” He tries to comfort the worried one, hoping that his condition doesn’t scare him that bad. Giichi is no fool.  

He removes himself from his brother’s touch. His cold and slim fingers no longer hold onto him. “You told me that someone pushed you. Is that also why you’re wheezing? You hit your ribs again?” 

“It was just some guy. Actually, he looked a little familiar. Saito, I think? Remember that one kid that always popped his gum. Man, he’s gotten old.” Yoichi chuckles, trying to brush it off. To ease the tension but it isn’t working.  

Giichi hated it. How can someone do that? How can someone not stop that bastard? Where were the police? The ones who are supposed to stand for people like Yoichi? 

Then again, how can Yoichi stand for it. Why not put that ass-wipe in their place? Suddenly, Giichi’s perception on Yoichi starts to differ than what it was before. Only slightly. He still does greatly care for his brother, truly, but frustration starts to set in.  

Why does he not fight back? Does he wait for a hero like the mangas? Is he looking for Captain Hero to pop up and save the day? Giichi wonders how long will he be like this.  

“I think I will go. In the meantime, why don’t you think about why the ever-living fuck you don’t do  anything .”  

“What?” Yoichi is taken back. He reaches out to his brother again. “What do you mean?” 

“There are no heroes, Yoichi. And I am certainly not one.” 

He leaves and slams the door on his way out.  

----

In China, Giichi looks out of his open window where he can see the hospital. Taking a final puff of his cigarette he puts it out on his window sill. A light erupts from the hospital building all the way to the sky. His body starts to tingle. It starts to shake. Goose bumps pop up, he can  feel  his blood move in every direction. A spark like feeling all around his body makes him want to vomit. His head starts to spin as he stares at this golden light. With an aching body, he falls to the carpeted floor.  

  For an unknown time, he blacked out. There was no warning of this. He went to the doctor’s earlier this month and has a clean bill of health. His body feels heavy but what he felt has subsided. Looking out the window again, the light is out and people run and scream. Cars are tipped over and buildings are broken. Giichi reaches for the remote to turn on the news. Something must have happened at that moment, right? Unless he ignored what they were saying on the news which is unlikely. He likes to keep up with the world. To see its disfunction. Perhaps that is not a healthy way to live. He'll take it wholeheartedly though.  

  Propping himself up with the help of a table, he sees himself in the mirror. White hair, red eyes, but his normal face. Did he age this quickly? He feels fine. He doesn’t have wrinkles or creaky bones. How can his hair turn whiter than snow and his eyes like rubies? 

  “Just in, an infant born just today  glows-”  All of the reports say the same thing. A glowing baby, people changing subtly, people start performing miracles, a new age.  

That baby is not a light baby. That baby is a beacon, calling for evolution.  

------

  Leaving his luxurious hotel room in China, he cuts the visit abruptly with a short phone call without an explanation. Placing sunglasses over his eyes and a hat on his head, he gets on the plane. People are screaming at others. A child, who starts to cry at the ever growing mob, she throws her fist down and stomps her feet out of a growing anger. Out of her fists are a strong gust of air, as strong as a canon. The ground starts to crack. People run for their lives. “Oh no!” The little girl runs from the cracking of the ground.  

  She bumps into him. “Sorry, sorry!” He reaches down and pats her head. “Are you okay?” 

So strong... 

Her black hair cascades past her shoulders. Her brown eyes are round from fear and still teary. “No. I’m not.” 

  With another pat on her head, he feels it. Almost like a need for air, a pulsing feeling. He can’t describe it! But he knows what to do. 

  “Do you want me to help you, make you normal again?” She shakes her head yes and squeezes his legs. “Can you help our daughter?” 

A man that looks so much like her says. He keeps a distance away from his child. Pathetic. Running away from his own kid. “Yes, I can.” Giichi doesn’t know how but his response is automatic and as always, charismatic. Giving into the odd feeling is a desperate need. He can’t help himself.  

Placing his large hand on her head, he feels a smooth sensation coming through his hand and up his arms. It feels like something drawing inside him. There isn’t a rough transition at all.  

“Try it now.” She does, with all her might, and nothing comes out. Happy, she bounces and giggles. He chuckles but for an entirely different reason. 

----

 

Back at home, he is greeted with his brother’s voice. Giichi gave his brother a key.  

“Please let him be okay...” 

“Yoichi?”  

  Giichi can hear his brother come to the foyer. “Giichi! Something awful happened! Are you okay?” Like him, his hair has turned white. Instead of curly brown hair like his was, Yoichi had long, straight, black hair. What they shared were their green eyes.  

  Taking off his sunglasses, his red eyes meet green, a color once like his. That was the only way you could tell they were siblings really. They had the exact same eyes. Eyes like their mother. “Giichi...” 

“I’m fine baby brother.” 

“H-how? Are you sure?” Walking up to his frail brother, he places a hand on his head to see if he can feel it. He can’t.  

“Of course not. Of course, you had to remain this way.” Frustrated at his brother, he leaves his own apartment. “Giichi! Don’t go back out there it’s madness!” 

And madness it was. And Giichi enjoyed every moment of the ruination of the country that screwed him over time and time again.

----  

In no time did Giichi get to the top. In no time did the world see the corruption of how it was before. Giichi offered salvation, a haven if you wanted to be weak. Be “normal” like how he tricked that child in China. Giichi truly was the definition of sane. How could it not be sane to satiate this itch in his skin to take what is rightfully his? To destroy what he hates and at the same time acquire friends? 

Because it would be insane to not be the boss. It is madness to not make the world right. To take the meta-abilities that they do not want or need and replace it with utter devotion to Giichi is what he has always wanted. More, more, more, is all he feels right now. And the desire to be someone that will not be pushed.  

One thing that did bother him repeatedly was his beloved brother, Yoichi. Believing in heroes and unicorns. How is his world right but Giichi’s isn’t? How is it that Giichi is immoral? 

All he has to do is make Yoichi see it. Make him see that what he is doing is for the greater good. For them both. Everything is at their fingertips now. Yes, before he ran a company and was rolling in wealth. But was it truly satisfying? Was it what he really wanted? No. He conducted negotiations much to his chagrin. Rolling with the waves when he should have been eliminating them.  

 He wanted justice. He wanted to win for once. He wanted vengeance on everyone. How many times did he pass people on the street with torn clothes, bloody and bruised, dirty, while standing on the corner begging for change? How many people cared? None.  

What they had been through was hell. It was something out of a pamphlet that people take and ignore when they leave those centers. They threw them away and don’t look twice. Does Yoichi not remember the clinic? How they completely disregarded his life? What about the hospital? They took one look at him and he still has problems. However, that baby could be the answer.  

--

  Giichi walks to the hospital where a crazed doctor supposedly is. “Hello Dr. Garaki.”  

The man with black hair and a mustache stands. “H-hello.” His glasses accentuate his eyes, making them twice as big.  

  Giichi had heard a theory from a curious woman. One that he had to know the truth about. “I am only here for an answer. Answer honestly.” 

Doctor Garaki nods. “Is it true that those with meta-abilities have better health?” 

Clearing his throat, he starts. “I find that that is true. When the light baby appeared and meta-abilities right after, patients started to fair better. Not deep wounds or near death but those with sicknesses did get better. Some not by much and others made great progress. Not that everyone is completely healed but no one can deny this. I ran a study about it and took samples of DNA. Well, I saw something.” 

He hurriedly walks to the table. “Here are cells from those who are normal. Here are those who possess an ability. Injecting both with a disease...” He does as he says.  

“The cell of the one with an ability is more resistant. It fights it. Look, the disease didn’t take! This meta ability didn’t have the power to regenerate or heal yet it did this. It is something like extreme echolocation but more like a detector. It’s difficult to explain-”  

The man goes on and on and Giichi just listens. It's all very fascinating. He wants to find this meta-ability. Without eyes, ears, and a nose, this person can sense things anyway.  

“I believe you are right.” 

“Y-you do?” 

“Of course. It’s right here, isn’t it?” Dr. Garaki instantly brightens. “W-wow! You’re the first! Would you like to hear my other theory? Well, theories.” 

“Absolutely.” 

  Giichi sits down on a stool. “I don’t know what to name this one yet but it is about meta-abilities in general. Okay, what if all this time cells are actually like popcorn kernels and easily change?” He smiles brightly. 

Giichi stares at the man for a good hard minute with a blank face. “Pardon?” 

Dr. Garaki clears his throat and straightens up. “What if they mutated? What if the conditions that the light baby’s mother faced effected the fetus. The effect on the cells could be so miniscule that we may not be able to see it under a microscope," Dr. Garaki laughs, clearly excited that someone is listening rather than doubting.

"It's as if the baby’s meta ability is some kind of radiation and got rid of what we didn’t need and replaced it with something we did. Like the extra joint. Those with meta-abilities no longer have a joint in the little toe. Just like you and I.” 

“What would the woman had to have come in contact with in order for the baby to even develop it? Why only effect some?” They are good and genuine questions. With an even brighter smile the doctor answered.  

“Pollution. It is worse than it ever has been. It was only a matter of time before something happened. That child with a meta-ability of mega radiation effected people and that was it. Why only some? Who knows. But if I am right and the child got rid of what wasn’t needed, it could be that the pollution is so bad that we needed to evolve in order to deal with it.” 

  Tilting his head, Giichi asks, “Is that actually possible?”  

Messing with a pencil that was tucked behind his ear, Dr. Garaki responds. “Well, the meta-ability holder's cells were resistant. I think it is true. We evolved to adapt to the conditions. Either way, one thing is clear as I have shown you: those with meta-abilities are stronger. And soon those without it will not exist. Everyone will have a meta-ability because of cross breeding. It will be chaos.” 

This is what Giichi wanted to hear. That there is a chance at a longer and fuller life if you have a quirk. “And the chaos isn’t happening now?” Giichi recalls how it looked when in China. It was madness. People running around hitting others they assumed were gifted. Reactions like that were happening globally.  

  A gleam enters the doctor’s eyes. “Not nearly. I call it the Singularity Theory. Well, I'm still working on the name. In the future abilities will be too powerful to handle.” 

And Giichi will be there to tame it. What is more powerful than him?

 -----

Afterwards, Giichi finds exactly who he was looking for. The detector that the doctor had mentioned. A gift like that is perfect for him. Not only is it quite beautiful, but it will help him out tremendously in finding people, finding meta abilities. 

A man who was reading a book looks up, obviously being able to tell Giichi was there. Wearing boxers and a white tank top with a stain on it, Giichi scoffs as he compares the man’s ensemble to his own suit and the differences of class despite his origin.  

For a second, the man has no idea who Giichi is. Giichi, however, knows this bastard. He pushed Yoichi down just because Yoichi needed to get into the train. Saito, was it? He’s one of the fools from their past. One of those jackasses that would pick on them. That’s right! He was the one with the knuckles that Yoichi beat. Could it be that Yoichi felt bad for that after all these years and that is why he didn’t do anything? 

Either way, someone like  Saito  shouldn’t be gifted like this.  

Giichi allows himself into the apartment, takes what he wants, and the man, Saito, who begged for his life, is gone forever. Giichi shoves the body into the pantry. He doesn’t want to look at that man’s face anymore. His brother might be weak but he still doesn’t like when he’s pushed around by someone that’s not him. 

 “Dear, you would not believe it. There is a woman who has a baby and that baby is gifted already. It's all over the news, this woman defending her infant from the world. It’s crazy. She gave meta abilities a new name,  quirks . Isn’t that-” A woman walks into the apartment with bags, obviously struggling. “Hello?” 

  Giichi walks up to the woman. He starts to play, making sure she doesn’t run off. He turns his head towards the kitchen where the body is. “Hello, ma’am. Saito, you didn’t tell me your wife was this lovely!” 

He has no idea who this woman is. He is telling the truth though. She is gorgeous. “O-oh! Thank you!” Giichi has always been charming and it has doubled over the years. He grabs the paper bags and places them in one arm. ”Unfortunately, the big oaf didn’t tell me your name,” He jokes. “Which is?” 

“Emi.” He hums and kisses her hand to see what her meta-ability is. A stockholding ability? Like his almost? It...fits.  

 “Emi-dear. I like it.” He starts to take it from her. As her knees buckle, Giichi holds her up by her waist with one of his hands holding his. He lets go of her grocery bags which she doesn’t look happy about. “Y-you!” Fear flashes in her eyes as she tries to get away. She recognizes his ability, not his appearance, apparently. She tries to get away from him.  

“Nah ah ah, Emi-dear.”  

---

Soon, no one had that problem that Emi did. Everyone recognized Giichi Shigaraki, or as he is now known, All For One, the name of his quirk. People try to fight back but lose every time under All For One’s command. He is adored by all except those who believe the same as his brother.  

The weak, the “normal ones” are fading drastically. Years have passed since the Beacon was born and more people are having meta-abilities by birth and by the Beacon’s quirk going off several times. Garaki, just as All For One suspected, was right. All of those who have quirks are better off than those without.  

  All For One walks next to his brother on the street. People part for the two of them with admiration for All For One and disdain for Yoichi. All For One couldn't help but be a little smug about it yet somewhat proud of his brother's confidence. He is not letting them get to him at all. Yoichi has always been a strategist, a visionary too. Just like him. They are much better together than alone. After he showed Yoichi the people’s devotion, All For One compared the crowds of people to Yoichi’s remaining few. Of course, Yoichi’s stubborn ass believes they are being fooled.

Yoichi remains silent as All For One boasts. With a hand on Yoichi's back, All For One can feel his brother's coughing even when he tries to hide it. Anytime Yoichi coughs, All For One reminds himself that all Yoichi needs is a quirk. It doesn’t have to be the best. It just has to be there so he will be stronger and confident.

“I do care greatly for you, little brother.” All For One says as he walks his frail brother to the place that he lives. The large home is fit for a king. It is what he deserves. He only read up to chapter three of Captain Hero, but it was all he needed to believe that even the worst win. Yoichi might tell him different. Tell him that good guys always win. No, they finish last and their life is proof of that. All For One tried to play by society’s rules until now. There’s a reason he is so strong and it is because he was never meant to be at the bottom.  

Now, he wishes for Yoichi to understand this. That he isn’t wrong at all.  

Two men appear in front of them. One an average grumpy looking man and another with a jagged jaw that is clearly a quirk. After telling Yoichi of their sympathetic stories, All For One exchanges the quirk from one man to another. “Don’t! You will just his pawn!” Yoichi is instantly tackled. “Now, now. Gentle with him, he’s fragile.”  

All For One gives a grin at the sight. Over time, he has become increasingly corrupted. His smile is only reserved for misfortune and his brother. The offender backs off of Yoichi and picks him up. He tries to fight him off but instead coughs an abundant amount. “In the chamber, why don’t you? I will talk to him in a moment.” 

And in that moment, another cell of Yoichi’s believers are demolished. Yoichi waits in the cold room racked with guilt. What feels like hours of sitting there after banging on the door, trying to push it open, and kicking it, it finally opens to reveal his smug brother.  

There's an explosion on the tower where Yoichi’s hopes lie. When will he learn that believing in fantasies will only hurt him? “Look at them Yoichi.”  

“The bad guy always loses in the end, Giichi. You may think you’re right but you’re not. Murder is wrong. Manipulation is wrong.” 

 All For One scoffs. “Manipulation? Is that not what vigilantism, pretending to be heroes, is? Manipulating people to put their faith in them to take over? Why shouldn’t I be the one to?”  

“ No!”   Yoichi yells. All For One touches his brother’s head and transfers Emi-dear's quirk to him. All For One has been searching for a healing or regenerative quirk, those are such a rarity. Soon, soon he will. Right now, One For All suits Yoichi just fine. A quirk just for him.  

The quirk hits Yoichi hard. He can feel the change already as he struggles against All For One’s grip on his head. “I’m only telling you this, Giichi. Either way it’s wrong. What's not wrong is protecting the people around you. Standing for those who are weaker than you-” 

“Don’t you know weak.” Yoichi stands firm despite his brother’s jab. “I do. And because I do, I don’t want others to face what I, what we, had to. I want a better life for them. For all of us. Something peaceful, something beautiful without sin.” 

  All For One looks down at his feet. “I can provide a future where there is peace. Where we can have a better life-” 

Yoichi interrupts. “You want revenge and superiority.”  

“I deserve it. But now, I have friends who are willing to give that to me. I work hard for it, y’know.”  

  Shaking his head making his long hair flow, Yoichi wonders, “How did you become like this?”  

  The man standing straightens up at his brother’s question. “How did I become a winner, you mean?” 

  With teary eyes, Yoichi stands to meet his brother’s gaze. “The bad guy always loses. You only read till chapter three and missed that. But I'll save you, Giichi! I am not much, but I will save you, my best friend.” 

“You’ll lose.” All For One turns around. “Wanna bet?” Yoichi returns. All For One has always been competitive and along with it comes aggression.  

“Don’t worry, little brother. When you lose, I will be there to catch you. You’ll face the truth, fool.” 

All For One, with a smirk, slams the door shut on his way out. Yoichi save  him ? Without a quirk he is nothing. Now that he has given one he may stand a chance at living longer and to the fullest. They deserve a life of ease and good health. As a business man, as much as he liked it, it was not fulfilling. This is as well since it is hollow.  

He hears the voices of those he has taken from but his brother makes it better. All For One may be taking too much but at least he still has something to hold onto so he doesn’t lose himself completely. Although, picking on his brother is always a joy ever since they were kids.  

  All For One closes his eyes only to hear the damage he has done. Seeing the people he has taken a quirk from rise from the ground calling out to him. They look skeletal and angry, yet like the souls he had no right to ruin, no right to take. Shivering, he snaps out of it and is called when there is a deadly issue.  

 Later, a complete nuisance, Haru, if he remembers right, breaks Yoichi out, infuriating All For One. Not only does Haru come out of nowhere after being absent for years in their life, but he took his doofus brother using the issue as a decoy.  

-----

A month later they meet again. One of Yoichi’s followers are close to killing All For One. Of course, Yoichi prevents it and tells them that killing isn’t the way to go. 

It impressed him, his authority. In such a short while he has become something. But if they wanted to be safe, then they should have done it. That day, he destroys Yoichi’s hide-out and obliterates that follower. He has never seen the look of pure anger on his brother’s face until then. All For One laughs at his brother’s attempts of “saving” him and the rest of Japan.  

Then, Yoichi’s face turns to a quiet heartbreak. No tears, nothing like that. Just furrowed brows and sad eyes. Green eyes that look like they sent a message that All For One wasn’t paying attention to. Only the victory over his brother and society.  

Nothing but two months after that, he sees Haru. Haru, has an enhancement quirk. Fast and is so strong that he needs gauntlets on his arms since they cannot take the full measure of it. It’s a good quirk if that little drawback wasn’t there. Anytime he tries to fight Haru, the latter escapes with his friend in the ponytail. All For One notices that he hasn’t seen his brother in a while.  

  After every meeting with Haru, All For One clutches his chain. 

-- 

Finally, a year after Yoichi’s escape, All For One attacks Haru. Beaten, Haru can barely stand. The fading light of the sun dances on something shiny on Haru’s gauntlet. All For One freezes once he catches it. Yoichi’s chain. And in Haru’s pocket of his ugly cargo pants, is the comic book  Captain Hero.   

Haru lays both of the items down and backs away from them. His determined black eyes now softened when looking at All For One. Yoichi would never take off that chain, would he? He hasn’t. “What is the meaning of this?!”  

  He wants a different answer than what he thinks.  

“You already know.” Eyes widening, he demands further explanation. Denial, guilty, and fear in his voice. At the sight of his brother’s favorite manga and the chain in Haru’s hand, the realization is growing more devastating at the minute.  

“He knew he wouldn’t be able to beat you. He knew he wouldn’t survive the transition of One For All to me either. It was a sacrifice he had to make.” 

 In that damn comic, there were no sacrifices such as this. Was his brother that mad at him that he condemned himself to death? Was his cause this great? A sacrifice he had to make. “Stop.” 

“Take them.” Haru gestures to his brother’s things that lay on the ground, growing dirty. “He wanted you to have them.” 

  All For One snapped. Haru may have been a friend to Yoichi, but God knows he isn’t one to All For One. The likes of Haru have no right to touch his beloved brother’s things.  

Lunging at Haru, he dodges each enhanced hit. Matching Haru’s enhanced speed out of pure anger, All For One knows it’s misplaced aggression. The fault lays with him, right? That brought his worse fear to life.  

Yoichi died without him being there. This is too sudden. Anti-climactic, no sobbing or a snotty nose at a bedside to grieve over him. 

Despite his sins, he never wanted this to happen. He wanted a healthy, long, and great life for the both of them. As a business man that towered over other companies, he provided plenty. But it didn’t have the joy that their mangas had. One thing after another and it became so obvious that they didn’t have a real friend in the world. Is it wrong to want to change that? 

  And now, there is no hope without One For All. He  has  to take it from Haru; the bastard who said Yoichi’s death was a necessary sacrifice. In no way shape or form did Yoichi have to die. With One For All, there is hope for some kind of resurrection with Garaki’s help. A few modifications with people have proven that there is life beyond an original’s form.  

  “ Give it back!”   He just has to get it back from Haru. When he does, he will be able to transfer his brother’s consciousness back to Yoichi’s body and let the doctor do his job. After all this time fighting, All For One has gotten good with hand-to-hand combat. Run ins with Haru have let him study his movements.  

 Suddenly, All For One touches Haru’s arm. Shock and a hint of what he can think of is betrayal is expertly covered by a fake smile. Haru only has the simmering embers of the quirk that kept his brother alive and healthy. A friend of Haru’s, one whose name he doesn’t care to know, shines in All For One’s eyes. He can feel the call to him. All For One decided right then that he needed to expertly hone in his skill on finding One For All.  

“Where is he.” 

 “He’s dead, Giichi. Don’t play stupid.” He squeezes tighter. Haru winces at the sudden tightness on his bicep. All For One uses a quirk he was recently given. With a single touch can pain be inflicted on the target. Using it on Haru is a pleasure. “The  body.”   The corpse of the frail man. With the body, Garaki can have an easier time helping Yoichi.  

 With a sadistic smile, Haru states what feels like the obvious. “You’re losing your mind.” Haru shakes his head then mouths the words that All For One assumes are ‘I’m not telling’.  

  The simmered ember user swings at him one last time only to have his neck snapped. His limp, lifeless body falls flat on the ground. The bastard never told him where he was. A man pops up to stare at his comrade’s body that All For One repeatedly kicks and stomps on. All For One stares at the third user, a man that has a pony tail and thin eyes. Now that his anger is unfolded, he senses One For All clearer without the need to touch. Perhaps this is the upgrade he needed. He hates himself for thinking that.  

“Give me back my brother.” He means this figuratively and literally.  

  Third user runs for the hills. Debris of the wrecked buildings swing around as another glass covered building falls. All For One tries to keep up with him but as it turns out, Haru’s quirk and the original quirk of the third user blends together perfectly.  

  All For One’s friends block him from retrieving One For All. They mean no harm; they’re just following his orders to attack what was once Yoichi’s believers. Still, he has no patience with them. No kindness to extend as he can feel Yoichi slip away from him even more.  

Finally out of sight, the third user escapes completely. His mind is everywhere and he isn’t able to focus Saito’s quirk. As it turns out, they ran in a big circle, making All For One end up at the place of stupid Haru’s body and more importantly, Captain Hero and his brother’s chain.  

   Rain starts to fall unceremoniously on the bereaved man. He wasn’t there. Without that quirk that was specifically made for him, Yoichi had died. All For One never got to say goodbye to the one person that had his back: his frail, brave, dumb, artistic, imaginative, helpless, stubborn, loving little brother. He never got to pay Yoichi back for everything he has done for him. Taking hits for him, giving him the rest of his lunch and faked his fullness when in reality he was still hungry because all they could eat was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Who would listen to him rant and give encouraging words even when his older brother was antagonizing.  

Yoichi, who truly was the greatest friend anyone could ask for is gone. All For One ranted about how they had no friends, no help, when truly he did have a friend. He had always had Yoichi. Why is he now just wanting to thank him when he is dead?  

  “Because he would brush it off and say there was no need if he was alive.” He chuckles at the irony of it all. He studies the items on the ground, picturing a young Yoichi who didn’t get to see All For One’s vision of how the world in their mangas would look. Yoichi loved mangas, they both did. He just wanted to make this world a place where they could be happy. With friends, peace, and the control that always seemed to get away from them.  

  So small he can barely hear it himself, All For One gasps. Does he already accept Yoichi’s death? It was so rushed and sudden, something that isn’t fit for Yoichi and him. They are brothers. It was not supposed to be this quick. It wasn’t supposed to happen at all. Now here he is already talking about him in past tense.  

All For One wanted to save Yoichi while Yoichi wanted to save him. Isn’t that a laugh how they both failed? He called himself a winner when in reality he is the biggest loser to hit the streets. He’s a failure like always. For the first time, he is actually alone in the world.

It has been a long time since he had cried. No one is near to see or hear his growing emptiness. Gripping his white hair, he screams at his brother’s things as if they were the culprit in Yoichi’s death. The wails of pain echo to the sky as he takes his pain out on everything. Not even the body of Haru is spared. The emptiness engulfs him completely besides the growing voices of people’s quirks that he has stolen over the years. They call out to him, terrorize him. His brother made it okay despite the noise. All For One found some type of happiness with Yoichi since all this started.  

 A wide smile that has no meaning stretches on his face. He silently laughs as he remembers Yoichi’s words that a villain needs to smile to help  fill a void.   

Hatred seethes out of him now that the anchor that really did weigh down the monster that still had some reserve is gone. Yoichi never stood a chance at life. It isn’t for the weak no matter how hard All For One tried to save him. Now, there isn’t anything left in him but greed and hatred. Self-loathing for failing the one thing that he held close.  

One day he’ll take back what is rightfully Yoichi’s. As long as Garaki keeps his longevity quirk and is willing to help him, he can still save Yoichi. He can still make a difference in the world using his own determination of how it should function. He can still make it. Although the new resolve is somewhat keeping him together at the moment, it doesn’t erase what took place.  

As thunder booms above him, his pain subsides to nothing. A soulless smile still graces his face as this new outlook places itself with his rage and hatred. The one thought that consistently stays like a thorn in his side to remind him that he is still human is the thought that he wasn’t there to say goodbye to his best friend.  

~~~~~~~~

AN: I hope you guys like it. I made it in 2021 so it is an older oneshot. Anyway, excuse any mistakes i may have made!