#danny and deku

[asleep-in-the-keep-sideblog]

Asleep In The Keep-Chapter 33

DPxMHA crossover Fic

Chapter 33: Interview

Summary: Toshinori finally has that talk with Mirai that he had been avoiding for years. On the other side of town, Phantom waits in an alley.

Word Count: 3487

“You can’t keep doing this,” Sir Nighteye, no, Mirai, pleaded. 

Toshinori always knew the man was stressed, but after seeing him last week, it went far beyond that. While he wasn’t always the biggest, he at least had a small amount of fat on him that was needed for a hero. In the years since Toshinori had last seen him, Mirai had run himself thin. He must have been skipping meals along with sleep. Toshinori had also smelled smoke on him at the meeting. His bad habit had gotten worse.

“If you keep going at this rate, you’ll die. I saw it.” Mirai finished. 

Toshinori wanted to say the same thing to him. 

“Then why are you worrying?” Toshinori placed his hands down on the table. “Your visions have never failed before, even when you tried to stop it. I’ve known for a long time of my fate.”

“That's not the point. I don’t know when it will happen, just that it will. If you keep this pace up, it could be sooner rather than later.” 

“Excuse me gentlemen.” A waitress bowed. “Here’s your Okonomiyaki and Eel liver soup.” She set the plates down gently, watching Mirai from the corner of her eye. She clearly recognized him and didn’t want to disappoint.

Mirai nodded at her and she walked away. They were at a fancy place, courtesy of Mirai. It was the type of place with a dress code and policy on how to take pictures or answer calls. Mirai lent Toshinori one of his suits to get in. It was a yellow one with thin strips that fit him just right. Mirai must’ve been wanting to do this for a while. Toshinori would’ve been fine at any cafe or even the beach. It wasn’t where they talked that was important, it was what was said. 

Toshinori rolled up his sleeves, ready to eat. Soup was just what he needed for his stomach.  

“You need to retire.” Mirai interrupted him mid bite. 

Toshinori coughed up blood, surprised by how direct the order was. He whipped it off with a handkerchief he kept on him. 

Mitai continued, “You can barely last a few hours using your quirk. You spend most of that time teaching anyway. There’s far more useful things you can be doing than that. You can use that time for yourself, god knows you haven’t since you became a hero.”

Once again Toshinori could say the same thing about Mirai.

“You’ve done so much for the world already. It’s time to let the world take care of you. You should rest now.”

“It’s not about that.” Toshinori put his dirty handkerchief back into his pocket, “I need to make sure the new generation can handle things when I’m gone.” Toshinori took a deep breath in. “You know who is back. Or maybe he never left. The League, the Nomus…It has him written all over it. There is also the other thing.” 

Mirai’s face stayed neutral except for the clenched jaw. “Are you talking about Phantom?” He let out in a harsh whisper. 

“Indeed.” Toshinori nodded. “He was always looking for the perfect quirk. Maybe he decided to make one.”

“All the more reason to contain the boy. We must not let his father get him back.” 

It was clear Mirai’s opinion had not changed since the meeting. Toshinori could hardly blame him. He too had complicated emotions on the support. He knew Nezu’s plans for the boy, and while it left a bad feeling in his stomach, Toshinori couldn’t judge him. Grooming a child with the intent to take down a major force. Toshinori was doing the same thing with young Midoriya. 

“No.” Toshinori stated. “I have decided with principal Nezu on this matter.”

Mirai didn’t look surprised, just tired. “I know you have already made up your mind, but I still beg you to reconsider. You don’t know what the boy will become. He could destroy you and UA.”

“If that were to happen, then we will ally with the Hero Commission and work to take down Phantom. Until that happens, we will do what we can for the boy.”

Mirai had a scowl on his face, but said nothing else. The two heroes silently ate their food. Toshinori was never one to handle long awkward pauses so he opened his mouth.

“Shigaraki is Nana’s grandson.” Toshinori let that hang in the air. 

“I suppose that's what got him in you know who’s sights.” Mirai shook his head.

“He’s like Phantom. Just another one of the villains victims”

“Yes, but their status doesn’t excuse the actions they took. Shigaraki still is the leader of the League while Phantom attacked those heroes and Endeavor.” 

“Hmm,” Toshinori hummed. “But perhaps there is still time for Phantom.”

“You’ve been talking with principal Nezu too much,” Mirai took a sip from his tea. 

Toshinori stared at him waiting for a response. The younger hero put his cup down and looked at this senior over his glasses, analyzing. He shut them and sighed.

“If Phantom does attend the school, you will bring him to me first. I will look into his future to see if he betrays us. If I see no such thing, I will not stop you from your delusional decision. 

Toshinori smiled, it was a soft old smile that told the tale of his sad life. The younger hero nodded at him and took another bite of his food. Toshinori followed his stead and the two ate in a comfortable silence. 

After most of their food was done, Toshinori spoke out again.

“Like the villain we face, I too have found a successor to replace me.” Toshinori patted his mouth with a napkin waiting for his former sidekick's reaction. 

“You can’t mean that green haired kid?” There was a hint of disdain in Mirai’s voice. 

“His name is Midoriya, and he has the heart and spirit of a hero.” Toshinori praised. 

Midoriya had come a long way from that scrawny kid who could only write or dream about heroes rather than becoming one. The way he was progressing, he would be able to achieve what Toshinori hadn’t in a manner of years. 

“I saw him at the school festival. He may have the spirit to be a hero, but you need more than that.” 

“Then why not intern him?” Toshinori suggested. 

Mirai rolled his eyes and cut into his food. “I already found a more suitable candidate for you. One that doesn’t break an arm after throwing a punch.”

“He will need a new one now that Gran Torino can’t take him. Out of everyone, you would be the most equipped to take care of him.”

Mirai hummed, “I will consider it, but the boy would have to prove himself to me.”

“I would expect nothing else from you. I’m sure he will meet your standards.”

Quick buzzing came from Toshinori’s pants pocket. He picked it up to see it was the detective on the phone. The place Mirai had brought him didn’t allow phone calls unless taken on the floor below so as not to disturb the other guests. Even the bathroom wasn’t a vital option here. 

“Hello Detective Tsukauchi,” he answered in a low whisper, “I can’t talk right now because-”

 “I have a lead on Phantom here.” Detective Tsukauchi said quickly and quietly as well. 

“What?” Toshinori covered the phone speaker so Mirai wouldn’t be able to hear. 

He trusted him, but this was too soon. The same waitress as before started walking over to them. Toshinori frantically stood up but in his haste he knocked the chair a little causing his glass to tip over. He pushed his chair back and tried to quickly take the suit jacket off. The arm holes were too big for him so it was easier than getting out of the table. The waitress had caught up to him.

“Excuse me sir, do you need help with anything?” which was customer service for ‘what the fuck are you doing’. 

“No Ma’am, I just need to leave to take this call.” Toshinori tossed the jacket at Mirai. It crashed onto his face like a newspaper in the wind. Toshinori smiled at the waitress awkwardly and started walking quickly to get out of the restaurant.

“Where are you going?” Mirai yelled after him in a stern voice. He no longer had the jacket on his face. 

“I have to take this,” Toshinori called behind him. “I am no longer here!”

🥇

Over the phone, Detective Tsukauchi began explaining how there was an incident at the mall involving Shigaraki and young Midoriya. Apparently, young Midoriya was at the mall with his friends when he got separated and the villain found him. The villain threatened him and had almost all his fingers around his neck. Detective Tsukauchi didn’t know how far the villain would take it. Fortunately, a teen interrupted them and scared Shigaraki off. He stayed with Midoriya until Tsukauchi could arrive. The teen matched the reports of the boy from the alley. Besides that, he had a weird air around him. They took him to the department to interrogate him under the guise of the mall incident. 

His answers were very suspicious and confirmed to the detective that the two were connected, maybe even being a possible brother like the rumors said. Toshinori felt guilty upon hearing his theory and internally chastised himself for keeping Tsukauchi out of the loop. He would have to explain it when he got there. 

It took Toshinori around 15 minutes to get to the department. He parked behind the building and made his way to the alley by the back. As he approached, he saw a lone teen leaning on the wall outside the door. He looked over to Toshinori, his eyes glowing.

Toshinori slowed down to a stop. The teen pushed himself off and walked toward him. Now that he was closer, Toshinori could see his features. He had white hair and green eyes, similar to how All For Once once looked. His skin however was a corpse blue like how Toshinori imagined Yoichi, his younger brother. 

This was what Toshinori was so afraid of. That he would fail and more and more people would become All For One’s victim like the other holders before him. Yoichi was barely 10 years older than young Midoriya when he died. Now there he was, standing in front of Toshinori, ready to take him to the other holders before him. 

There was still so much Toshinori had to do. He needed to make sure Midoriya was able to become a better hero than he was. He had to make sure he was safe and didn’t succumb to the same fate as the others. Toshinori always knew he would die before Midoriya was ready, but not this soon.

Yoichi was finally in front of him. His eyes were kind and held no judgment. They looked so much older than he should’ve been. The ghost held out his hand and something made Toshinori reach out and take it. His mouth opened but he couldn’t even get out a ‘why’ before Yoichi silenced him.

“Shush,” his voice echoed around them. “You don’t have to fight any longer.” Yoichi set his other hand on top of Toshinori’s. “You can rest now.”

Oh, and he was tired. He was so very tired. He had been doing this for so long. Yoichi’s voice was like a lullaby and Toshinori couldn’t fight anymore. He was about to die. He knew he should be scared, but instead he only felt peace. 

“Is Nana there?” Toshinori let out in a whisper. 

Yoichi smiled, “She is.”

Toshinori considered one last thing.

“Will you keep them safe? It’s not their time yet.”

“Of course.” The figure began glowing and Toshinori felt something within him stir. He closed his eyes, ready to accept fate.

“All Might?” Toshinori heard Midoriya call out and he opened his eyes. 

The spirit or whatever it was let go and backed away, losing the glow from before. The light from the door lit up the alley, illuminating the ghost’s features. It was no ghost after all, just a teenage boy. 

“Oh, hey Deku!” The teen greeted. “Glad to see you made it out.”

Toshinori was still reeling. He looked down at his hands, which were steady before with the teen’s, were now shaking like he was in the cold. His whole body felt a chill that he couldn’t rub out and hurt his bones. 

“Sorry about that,” the teen said to Toshinori in a whisper only he could hear, or maybe he didn’t even speak at all, “I thought you were a ghost.”

Toshinori spoke for the first time in the alley. “I did too.”

Detective Tsukauchi stood behind Midoriya by the doorway, silently watching. Toshinori finally pieced it together. He looked back at the teen, at Phantom. Why was Tsukauchi standing there instead of doing something? What was he waiting for?

Phantom went to the entrance of the alley where Midoriya was. He looked back at Toshinori, electric eyes searching him for something. He smiled and turned away leaving Toshinori raw. What had he seen in him?  

Phantom went up to Midoriya and patted him on the head. The boy laughed and smiled at Phantom like a childhood friend. How long had young Midoriya known Phantom? Did he know that he was Phantom? A queasy feeling welled up in Toshinori at seeing the two interact. Toshinori had heard what Phantom did to Endeavor and the other heroes. Now, he was laughing with Midoriya and listened to him talk. A hammer can not hold a butterfly without squashing it. But here Phantom was being gentle. 

Toshinori followed them into the dim light. He stood beside Tsukauchi, still watching the two. 

“Interesting, huh?” Tsukauchi said quietly. Toshinori could only nod. 

“Shouldn’t we do something? What if he hurts young Midoriya?” 

“He won’t.” Toshinori sounded so sure. 

“How do you know?” Toshinori was still feeling the effects of the encounter. 

“Look.” Tsukauchi gestured towards the kids with his head. 

Young Midoriya was showing Phantom his new notebook, and was clearly very excited. Phantom towered over the boy, but it seemed more protective than predatory. He smiled down at him and seemed to ask questions, which only sparked more excitement from Midoriya. 

The sight did ease Toshinori somewhat, but he still wasn’t certain.

“When I was interrogating him, whenever Midoriya was brought up, he would get really protective of him. The way he was talking, I thought I was even a danger to him.”

Toshinori didn’t know what to say so instead he just hummed. Being protective can be both a good and bad thing. It’s true that young Midoriya needed all the protection he could get with how the villains were after him. Toshinori knew how if Midoriya didn’t have his quirk, he would lock the boy away so he couldn’t get hurt. And that was the problem. How deep did Phantom want to protect Midoriya, and how far would it go?

“Phantom sure is something…” Toshinori breathed out. 

“Phantom?” Tsukauchi asked.

Toshinori froze. He had almost forgotten to tell him about that. He was about to open his mouth when Tsukauchi stopped him.

“No.” His friend put his hand on his shoulder. “Just promise to keep me in the loop next time.”

Toshinori nodded. After a final laugh, Midoriya looked over at Toshinori. His eyes were big and green. His eyes looked a lot like Phantom’s at that moment. He blinked and it disappeared. Midoriya looked slightly sad, the events of the day caughting up to him. Toshinori and Midoriya both started to walk to the other, and they met halfway. 

“Midoriya, what a relief.” Toshinori greeted. “I’m so glad you're okay. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you and the others.”

Toshinori patted the boy’s head like a proud father. Midoriya looked up at him and he smiled.

“It’s fine.” His voice was quiet but there was a clear tone of relief in his voice as well. “Tommy was able to protect me.” 

“Tommy?” Toshinori questioned. He wasn’t aware of any classmate with that name. 

“Met Grundy Tommy.” Tsukauchi pointed to Phantom. 

Toshinori couldn’t help but stare at the teen again. He looked awkward despite having extraordinary power, and he slouched to seem shorter than he was. With him looking like this, Phantom looked like any other teenager. Still, there was a weird energy coming from him. Not dangerous, just odd. It made Toshinori’s hair bristle. Young Midoriya must not have been able to feel it, or he had simply gotten used to it.

“Ah, I see.” Toshinori sputtered. “Pleasure to meet you, Grundy. I am Toshinori Yagi.”

“You too, but you can just call me Tommy.” Phantom waved off. 

Toshinori nodded and was about to say something when a shrill panic voice came from behind him.

“Izuku?!” Mrs. Midoriya ran into the alley escorted by Sansa. 

“Mom?” Midoriya stepped closer slowly, then ran into his worried mother’s arms. 

“My baby!” She sobbed into her son’s shoulder. “I can’t do this anymore. I don’t think my heart can handle another scare.”

She cried desperately as she held onto her son, scared he might run off and get killed. Toshinori felt guilty. It was him who had given young Midoriya his quirk and thus sent him on the dangerous path of being a hero. 

Midoriya’s eyes started to tear up as well as he hugged his weeping mom. He held her tighter and rubbed her back, trying to calm the both of them down. 

“I'm sorry. Every things fine. I'm okay, mom.” He said, trying to convince her. “ There's no need to cry. The heroes and the police have been taking really good care of me and Tommy all night.” 

“Tommy?” Mrs. Midoriya pulled her face from her son’s chest. She looked past him at Phantom looking more awkward than before behind him. He waved. “oh…”

“Sansa,” Tsukauchi ordered, “make sure they get home safe.”

“Sir!” The cat responded. 

“Goodbye, young Midoriya.” Toshinori waved, “Get home safe.”

“See you, Deku.” Phantom also waved goodbye.

“Wait, what?” Midoriya whipped his eyes. “Aren’t you gonna come with us?”

“What?” Phantom looked confused. 

“Well, where else would you go?” Midoriya said in response. 

“My house?” Phantom protested.

Toshinori thought he was homeless. The way Midoriya was looking at him he had the same thought. He bit his bottom lip and frowned.

“Noneness,” Mrs. Midoriya said as she to wiped her eyes, “I’m sure your parents won’t mind you staying over for dinner.”

“Mom, remember what I said about his dad…” Midoriya whispered. 

It was clear Phantom heard him since his lip twitched. This surprised Toshinori. He was under the impression that Midoriya wasn’t aware of Phantom’s background. 

“Oh right, sorry dear.” Mrs. Midoriya whispered back and covered her mouth with her palm. 

Phantom laughed awkwardly looking to the side. “Uhh, well, I really gotta go…”

“Please Tommy?” Midoriya looked up at Phantom with his big green eyes. Phantom looked like he was actually in pain as he twisted his face and grunted.

“Geez fine! Just stop looking at me with those big ol’ eyes!” Phantom tried to look made but he had a small smile on his face. 

Toshinori couldn’t believe that the son of All For One was such a softie! Tonight was a night of first and surprises. 

The Midoriyas smiled at Phantom as he followed behind them to leave.

“Good bye All Might!” Midoriya called.

Phantom whipped his head around to look at Toshinori. He looked him up and down, judging. He made a weird confused face before turning around again. Toshinori got chills thinking what it could mean. 

What had the teen seen in him everytime he watched him? Before, Toshinori was looked at without judgment, was that what was following him now? Phantom was like his father in many ways. Just how far did those traits carry? 

Principal Nezu had to be right about him, otherwise, a lot of people are going to get hurt.

[i-wanna-die-like-now]

They’re plotting Endeavors murder ofc 😌

[strdstwanderer]

Non-Marvel fictional characters who would be perfect as Spider-Man:

Edit: I can't believe I made this without adding Wally and Ace

[michelleotter19]

[asleep-in-the-keep-sideblog]

Asleep In The Keep-Chapter 34

DPxMHA crossover Fic

Chapter 34: Pain and the Comfort That Comes With It

Summary: Deku takes Danny home and shows him his room. Turns out they have a lot in common.

TW: Abuse, child neglect, daddy issues, bullying, talks of suicide, toxic/abusive relationships, glorifying abuse (“I deserved it”), implied transphobia/homophobia, and other such related trauma. I think this is the most hurt/comfort chapter I’ve written.

Word Count: 8659

Danny was the last one to get in the car. Deku’s mom sat up front with the cat cop while Deku sat in the back with him. Before he was fully in the car, Danny stared up at the sky. Several hours had passed since he’d been outside, and the sky greeted him with the dark blue of the night. They were too deep in town for the stars to be out, but Danny could feel them there anyway, watching him as if he was one of their own.

“Are you coming?” Deku asked from the car.

Danny snapped out of it and got in. The cat didn’t wait for him to buckle before he took off.

“Hey, thanks for that tip about the detective,” Danny whispered to Deku.

On the ride to the station, Deku told him about Detective Tsukauchi and his quirk. Deku was just yapping and didn’t know that Danny would actually use that info. Honestly, Danny should start paying closer attention to Deku and his notebooks. They are exactly what he needed when he fought those heroes, although now he didn’t really need them. His fight with Endeavor was illuminating, to say the least. Danny knew he was strong in his own world, but wasn’t positive that would translate here. Turns out it did. Tenfold. 

Danny loved it. He no longer had to worry about getting struck down by a hero. He could fly the streets at night fully seen without worry. Plus, that would be quite a show for his fans. Danny’s ego swelled at the thought. He had to give the people what they wanted. He just had to figure out something big for them…

Danny thought back to the #2 hero. There was still a chance that there was a large gap in power between the #1 and #2 hero, but that mystery was solved tonight. Danny had seen All Might with his two eyes. Whatever strength he might have had disappeared over the years (unless he had the most insane sleeper build). Danny was pretty confident about his chances now.

Something nagged at him. Tonight, he had gotten his most intense ghost sense in this world. It was still nowhere near the level of a normal ghost in Amity, but it was more intense than anything he felt here. He was sure he saw a ghost walk toward him in that alley.

He looked skeletal, like he had been a ghost for a long time and had been wandering. He also had a strange rainbow aura around him. It was bright and warm, but there was darkness that gripped the edges and swarmed like bugs. It was like the man was a zombie, bits of his form decaying but still together. His stomach was gone leaving only his spine and ribs. Danny didn't know what came over him, he just had this urge to lead the shade into the afterlife. A thing like that shouldn’t be in the world of the living. Not because they are malicious, but because at any moment, their tether could snap and they would become lost. 

The shade held onto the living too tightly. That must’ve been what kept him there for so long. Danny felt their hands touch. He had been unable to feel anything solid before then, simply sensations and the illusion of touch. It was time to go, until Deku interrupted them. 

Turns out it was no shade but the #1 hero himself. Danny saw how he truly was as soon as he let go. Even in flesh and bone, he wasn’t far off from being a skeleton. That man must’ve been on the boundary of death for a long time to give off that level of ghostliness. 

Only the elderly, terminally ill or very young children had that same aura. Freshly pulled up, and ready to be put back. Due to quirks, that was all muted. It was like death was everywhere but people had grown too used to it. 

That rainbow he saw must’ve been a separate entity, or rather entities since Danny heard small voices like static speaking to him. It was too soft for Danny to hear, so he wasn’t able to hear what they were saying. The man wasn’t possessed, or if he was it had been a long time. There were parts of him that were fused to the shades.

The man was ready to go with him though before Deku called out. Danny doesn’t know what would’ve happened if they hadn’t been interrupted. If Danny had to guess, if he did pull the ghosts out, the man’s soul would go too, leaving his body a husk. The body would live, but it would be empty. They were too intertwined to be separate again. 

Was Danny truly capable of such a thing? He had no idea how that happened. It was just an urge and suddenly it was like he was possessing himself like… Well, that didn’t matter now. The man was alright and Danny didn’t have any more blood on his hands. 

Even as Danny was leaving, he felt whatever was in the man call out to him. 

Now the feeling wasn’t able to leave him. He had felt that before, however vague, when he sparred with Deku. Danny didn’t know what that meant. It could be their quirks were connected with ghosts somehow. Danny hadn’t felt that anywhere else, or at least to that extent. 

They could’ve been related somehow. All Might did act pretty friendly to the kid and was relieved that he was alright. It was also All Might’s final wish that ‘young Midoriya’ be protected (Danny didn’t piece together that Deku was Midoriya until he heard All Might call him that). He might’ve been an uncle from how he interacted with Deku’s mom. The two were friendly, but not close. Deku’s mom didn’t even utter a word to him. Perhaps they were married some time ago or even a one night stand. He’d have to ask Deku later.

Deku and Danny didn’t talk much in the car ride home. Deku just sat there with a nervous but excited energy watching Danny then out the window. He was vibrating in his seat. He probably had so many questions he wanted to ask Danny. Danny sighed. He really had no idea how to answer the boy or what he wanted to hear. 

Deku’s place wasn’t too far away so the drive ended quickly. Danny still wasn’t sure if this was a good idea or not, but he just couldn’t say no to those eyes. Deku jumped out of the car and went over to Danny’s side. He swung open the door to make sure Danny was still there. He was absolutely beaming. 

Danny got out of the car as Deku’s mom thanked the cat cop. Danny followed Deku to the door as the eager boy unlocked it. He kicked his shoes off while Danny did it more calmly and set his bag on the floor.

“Izuku,” his mom scolded, “pick up your shoes.”

“Sorry mom…” Deku looked sheepish and put his shoes neatly away.

His mom smiled as he did so. “How about we have katsudon tonight?”

Deku beamed again. He looked at his mom with such a heartfelt expression and wet eyes. Deku seemed so happy that it was hard to remember that his life was threatened just a few hours before. He hid it well enough but now Danny could see that what he thought was pure nervous excitement was just masking how stressed he was. Like a chihuahua that people think shake cause it’s cold but actually has an anxiety disorder. 

“Is that alright with you, Tommy?” Deku now looked at Danny with a more cautious look on his face.

Danny smiled and nodded. It no longer mattered what he ate anymore since he couldn’t taste anything. He’s not even able to smell (except he was able to vaguely sense emotions instead). They could literally be having shit sandwiches and it wouldn’t make a difference to him. Well, it would, but if that was Deku’s favorite food, he would. 

While on the topic of food, Danny thought back to those cute little bunny cookies that Deku’s mom had made him. It was tragic that he couldn’t taste them, but as the saying goes, it's the thought that counts. 

“By the way ma’am,” Danny started, “me and my brother absolutely devoured those cookies you gave him. I had to fight him off for some.”

“Oh thank you!” She blushed at the praise, “you know, I made them for Izuku as a treat for getting out of the hospital so fast.” 

Danny looked over to Deku again with his best disappointed and judgmental face like Jazz used to do. He squirmed under his gaze. 

“You can call me Mrs. Midoriya if you like. Izuku has told me so much about you and your brother. It's one of the only things he talks about now. We would love to have him over as well.”

“Uhh well,” Danny scratched his neck, “he’s busy tonight. Deku knows how he is. There one minute and gone the next! We’re the same person and I can barely keep track of him. Another time maybe.” 

“That would be wonderful.” She responded. “Before I make the food, do you have any allergies I should be made aware of?”

 “I have a stomach of iron. You could feed me rat poison and I’d complement the punch!” Danny joked. It was true though. The only thing that would be truly poisonous to him are blood blossoms. 

Mrs. Midoriya and Deku both looked at each other briefly with a confused smile they tried to hide under small laughs. Deku and his mom were a lot alike it seemed. 

“Alright, you boys have fun now.” Mrs. Midoriya shooed them away. 

“Do you want to see my room?” Deku turned to Danny excitedly.

“Sure.” Danny shrugged. 

He already saw it when he dropped off Deku that one time, but he didn’t know that. The boy also looked really excited. That was probably his den of fan gear and collectibles. Danny had been here before with Tucker. He smiled at the memory. That was before ghost stuff took a hold of Danny like it had done in the year later. Back then they were really just kids enjoying life, or whatever approximation of it. 

The room didn’t look any different from when Danny saw it last. The only change was the bed being messier and homework on the desk. The walls were covered in posters and Deku had a few figures on every shelf. He even had All Might sheets and curtains. Maybe they weren’t related after all. It would be weird to sleep on your uncle. 

The room screamed All Might fan, but at the same time wasn’t as intense as some other rooms he’d seen (Tucker case and point. He had everything from Star Trek gear, Legos, One Piece figures and more. It got to the point even his floor was covered with fan memorabilia).

Danny walked over to the desk and picked up a chibi figure. The paint job was uneven and the proportions weren’t right. Danny investigated the other figures and they were of similar quality. The only one that wasn’t was in a protective case at the top of the book shelf.

“Do you like it?” Deku looked at the figure. “Mom saved for months to be able to get it for my birthday. They only made 1000 internationally and 300 in Japan!”

Deku looked proud of the figure. Danny felt slightly guilty. His parents would buy him stuff all the time as a kid if it meant he played somewhere else. Most of those were Legos because they took so long or other construction toys. His favorite one was a simple model rocket he and his mom made. At the time, they were being sponsored by the government but after they made the portal they sold their stuff online (Danny was pretty sure Vlad bought it all). It wasn’t as steady as the sponsorship, so that meant no more Lego sets. Danny was fine with it. By that time he didn’t need toys anymore. He just needed his parents. 

“Are you okay?” Deku's hands hovered awkwardly as he debated touching Danny. 

“I’m fine.” Danny blinked his eyes. “I just thought that was sweet.”

Deku didn’t know what to do so walked over to his desk to show off more of his figures. He held up one that honestly looked the worst out of all of them. The paint job looked like it was done by a 4 yr old.

“Me and my old best friend Kachan made this when we were young.” Deku stared at the figure nostalgically. 

Danny immediately felt guilty. 

“We each painted one and he bragged about how his looked better.” Deku chuckled. “Everything had to be a competition with him. When he saw that I was sad about mine, he took it and gave me his.”

Deku turned the figure over and there was small chicken scratch written by a kid, ‘Bakugo Katsuki,’ along with a small drawing of fire or something.

“I don’t think he even has his anymore.” Deku put the figure back down and sat on the bed behind him. Danny sat next to him but still gave him enough space. 

“I don’t even know if he still likes me. We were best friends until he got his quirk and I didn’t-” Deku looked at Danny, “I was a late bloomer.” He clarified. “He would tease me with his other friends, and at first I thought it was the normal teasing like he does to everyone, but then it just happened to only me. I just don’t get it.”

Deku played with the scars on his knuckles lost in thought. He clearly needed to talk about this and so Danny didn’t interrupt him. His hand lingered over Deku like he did Danny. Danny put his hand on Deku’s shoulder.

“I think he’s just really lost right now,” Deku continued, “No one else but me could tell that he was always trying too hard. If someone said something about him or he didn’t have the best grades, he would lash out at everything. One time he told me he hated me, but I think he was too weak to say that to himself. That was okay. If hating me made him forget he hated himself, I could do that. I’m gonna keep trying to be his friend no matter what.”

Danny hugged Deku. He didn’t know what else to do but that. He may have joked with his friends that he hated them (like when Tucker stole all the food or Sam beat him in DOOM) but it was said jokingly. They all said it to the other and knew no one ever meant it. This though, this was deliberate and cruel. Danny knew they were both just kids, but that didn’t undo the hurt he caused. 

 “You know that’s not okay? Friends don’t treat you like that.” Danny looked in Deku’s eyes trying to get him to understand. 

“I know, but he didn’t really hurt me.” Deku shrugged, “The only thing that really hit deep was when he told me to jump off a building.” He had an empty look in his eyes as he spoke. “He would’ve joined me if I did.” 

That didn’t make it better in Danny’s eyes. He just hugged the boy tighter, maybe more to comfort himself than Deku. He was too kind. He couldn’t see how he was being treated by his ‘friend’. Danny felt mad. He actually wanted to hunt down this kid and throw him off a building like he told Deku to do. There were too many hurt people hurting others that it just created a cycle of pain. 

“Do you want me to kill that guy for you?” Danny said in a joking manner trying to hide how he actually felt. Deku laughed and wiped some tears away (it was funny how he thought Danny was joking). He playfully pushed Danny away like Danny did to Jazz when he was younger. 

“No.” Deku pulled away from the hug but still leaned against Danny. “I don’t blame him. I never did. I actually want to be more like him.” Deku’s voice got lighter and nostalgic again. “I admired him. Still do, actually. He was my hero.” His eyes were bright and full of stars like they did when he was talking about All Might. “You know, Kacchan was the one to come up with my hero name, ‘Deku.’”

Danny had to stop his mouth from opening. This whole time he thought Deku was his name. If it wasn’t that, what was it? Certainly not Midoriya, cause that seemed like a last name since his mom went by that too.

“Do you want me to stop calling you that?” Danny asked softly. If the name had a sad memory associated with it, he didn’t want to keep reminding him. He also hoped that he would learn Deku’s actual name.

“No,” Deku breathed. “It used to be an insult but now I take pride in it. It means I’ll never give up. Just like I’ll never give up on trying to be his friend or a hero.”

Danny nodded, but he couldn’t swallow all the sadness he felt in the boy's stead. Danny knew what he felt like to be bullied by someone who was once your friend. 

Dash and him had known each other for all their lives. Danny was considered a ‘Tomboy’ and so got alone with all the future boy A-listers. Birthday parties, games, and trips, there was never the time the two were a part. 

It changed in middle school. They had simply drifted apart like so many others. While they weren’t best friends, they hung out with each other once a week. When Danny got closer to Tucker and Sam moved to town, the rift widened. It all came to a head when Danny came out. Aside from Danny’s friends and family, Dash was the first person to congratulate him for finding who he was with a promise to hangout again. The next day, Dash was black and blue and didn’t look at Danny. He stopped talking to Danny completely and started to act more and more aggressive towards him. Danny knew how Dash's father was and (like Deku) didn’t blame him. That stopped with the first punch.

While Danny could take it where others couldn’t, Dash didn’t know that. Dash meant every hit and mean act he ever inflicted on Danny. Dash may have hated himself for what he was, but Danny wouldn’t forgive Dash for taking it out on him. 

Danny had been silent long enough. He could feel Deku fidget with every second he took to respond. 

“I think that’s very admirable.”

It really was. It took a strong person to turn an insult into a badge of honor. 

“The name Phantom has a similar story. Our parents had a weird thing about ghosts. They would say ‘ ghost’ or ‘ phantom’ or ‘ specter,’ like slurs. When that’s what Tucker became, there was no choice but Phantom. It began a new identity for him, especially over the years.” 

“...what are your real names?” Deku asked. He sounded unsure and quiet. He knew the importance of what he said and how it sounded, yet he still asked. He was endlessly naive but cared just as much.

“It’s…” Danny felt his throat close. It hurt to say it in front of another person. He was still feeling raw from everything that happened. He was so far removed from his human life that he didn’t feel like he had the right to say it. 

“...I don’t know.” Danny admitted. 

His eyes went unfocused as he just started at a spot on the floor. He felt his features furled but he didn’t feel anything other than the tightness. His feelings would short-circuiting with someone so close. Even with these feelings, Danny focused on keeping his form intact. He didn’t want to do anything to push him away (not even the real him).

Deku had just told him so much. Danny knew he wouldn’t be judged but it felt unsafe to say it. This is how the other ghosts must’ve felt. Trapped inside their own name and lack of identity because of it. 

Danny just sat there, too overwhelmed to feel anything. Deku must’ve felt bold in the silence or at least very curious.

“Do you still miss your dad?”

Danny’s head lifted up at hearing that. He felt more lost than before. He barely thought about his dad since he got here, or his mom. No, that’s not true. He did, just not in the way he wanted to. He wanted to miss his dad and his dumb jokes and constant need for fudge, but that’s not what he thought of when he remembered him. Danny only remembers all the things he did wrong and now can’t fix. In a way, Danny is dead because of him. He finally understood Vlad’s feelings of resentment towards him.

“Sometimes, although I try not to think about it.” That was easier to say.

“Didn’t he hurt you though?” Did Danny just have a sign on his head that said ‘abused’? Even Ma said something similar.

“Who told you that?” Danny finally looked at the boy. 

He looked nervous under his gaze then looked away. ‘He was such a dork,’ Danny thought. Deku was a lot like Elle in the way that they both said the wrong thing. Except where she was blatant and stared back at you, Deku showed remorse and shied away.

“Uh, well,” Deku looked more nervous. 

“What?” Danny wanted to roll his eyes. This is where the kid gets all shy?

“Well you said that your dad is scarier than whatever Shigaraki can do...” Deku trailed off. Danny expected him to say something else but he was done. 

“Oh. Right.” Danny didn’t realize how that sounded when he said it. 

“Yeah..” Deku sighed.

“Yeah…” Danny sighed back.

He didn’t know if this was something he should be talking about with Deku. Danny had been able to handle it so far alone, he didn’t need to tell anyone (let alone a child) what he’s been through. A part of Danny still ached to say it though, maybe talking about it out loud would relieve the weight in his gut when he thought about home. 

“You know, I don't really remember my dad.” Deku started. He stared at his hands as he talked. “I just remember big arms picking me up and his smile. Sometimes though, he would take me to this bar. I can’t really remember it but he went there all the time. He would get me a Shirley Temple.” Deku laughed but his face grew soft. “Mom said he’s in America on a business trip. It’s been over 10 years now. He stopped sending us cards 5 years ago. Mom tries to hide it, but she still cries about it. Sometimes I hear her, like on my birthday. That's why she tries so hard. He still sends money over but nothing else.

Danny breathed in, closing his eyes. There was so much to say but things better not be said.

“My dad,” Danny paused, “he wasn’t around much either. Well he was, but he was always working on his little projects and machines. When he was around, he… well he wasn't the nicest. I maybe deserved it though. I don’t know. I would always sneak out and disobey him. He was just really worried about me. I kept a lot from him. And when he did hurt me, he didn’t know any better. He was just doing what he thought was right.”

Danny had regretted a lot about his life before. If he had told his parents, would they have accepted him? While they hunted him as Phantom, there were still moments they saw him beyond ‘ghost scum.’ He had dreams where they all worked together to fight the ghosts and he could finally be a kid with a family again. 

There was also the chance they would refuse to see Danny and only Phantom. Danny couldn’t go back to their little boy, no matter how much he wanted to. Still, the uncertainty was enough to make his head spin. Having your parents be a part of your rogue gallery was an interesting experience. A lot of emotions to shove into a box.

“That doesn’t make it okay.”

Danny nodded his head dismissively. The boy was using his own words against him.

“I know, but I can't help but love him.”

“Would you ever wanna see him again?” Deku's voice was soft and he wasn’t looking at him, indeed at a thread that came out from his blanket. 

“…I don’t know.” 

Danny really didn’t. He was so consumed with the idea of getting home that he didn’t know what would happen if he did. He hopes that his parents would welcome him as Phantom with open arms. It was equally likely that they would accuse him of stealing ‘their boy’.

“As I got older, when I looked at him I could only see all the bad things he said or did. I loved my dad most when he wasn’t around. I don’t know what I would do or say if I saw him again.”

“Is that why you ran away?”

“I didn’t run away,” Danny defended. 

He would never run away from Amity. They needed him. ‘If they need you, why aren’t you there?’ stabbed into Danny’s head. He finally found the portal, he should be there now trying to get it open. What was he waiting for?

Danny tasted the words in his mouth before he spoke them, “Or at least I didn’t mean to. Maybe someday I will go back, but I don't know if I’d fit in anymore…” 

Danny didn’t know if he wanted to fit in anymore.

“I understand that.” Deku said sagely. 

Danny stopped himself from saying anything. Deku was so young it was hard to imagine he had also felt that way. That was the bitter older teen in him talking. Truthfully, Danny wanted to believe that the boy didn’t know what that was like. If he did, that would mean he had been through what Danny had. Deku was too young for that (they both were).

There was a moment of quiet between them waiting for the other to talk. Danny was fine with it. He wanted to sit in this for a little bit longer. He hadn’t said that much to anyone in a while, not even Sam or Tucker. It was different with Jazz since they were in the same sinking boat. Living in that house changed her into something resembling Danny while their parents stayed unaffected thanks to their suits. He didn’t appreciate her until it was too late. 

He wanted to see his sister again, most out of everyone. She had left for college by Danny’s junior year, and while he resented her at first for leaving him, he understood it. She couldn’t stand being in that house longer than she needed too. Of course she still visited and talked to Danny everyday, but she was always looking over shoulder, so to speak. They both took the first lesson their parents taught to heart. How to survive. Despite that, Danny had failed twice.

Danny whipped his eyes with his elbow. He really didn’t want to cry right now, not in front of Deku. He had to keep it in for when he was alone. Until then, he should try to think about happy things, like his family on the roof looking at the stars. Those are the good days that he should hold onto, not the pain later on. 

“Well what was your mom like?” Deku said. Maybe he wanted a way or of the quiet or to know more about Danny. Still, he didn’t have to go digging through his guts like this. 

“Crazy.” Danny laughed. He meant it too. “She was strong too. She could pick me up like a bag of grapes. My mom had a black belt in everything! I swear! She’s who taught me how to fight.”

Deku laughed. It was nice to see. If Danny could, he would make it so the boy could laugh and smile all the time. 

“She was smart too, like evil mastermind smart. A few times I was sure she was gonna take over the world with her inventions. She was lethal. Honestly, she scared me a lot more than my dad. When she looked at me, it was like she could see through me. Her instincts were never wrong. There was one time we were lost in the woods being hunted, and she did everything she could to save us. I hated it at the time, but that was one of my favorite moments with her.” Danny smiled. “She may not have been the best mom, but when she tired she was the greatest.”

Danny had to focus on the good. Both his parents cared for him, in their own way. He wanted to remember that right now, not the might’ve beens’ or probablys’. At least in front of Deku (he already unloaded so much on him without really meaning too). Danny could unravel and wallow on his own time later.

“Why were you being hunted in the woods?” Deku sat up to face Danny. He had a confused look on his face like so many times before.

“That’s too much to explain right now.” Danny shook his head sagely. 

“Hmm,” the boy said as a response. It was clear that he wanted to ask more so Danny decided to distract him.

“How about you show me your journals?” 

🥦~

Tommy listened to Izuku talk for over an hour simply on the topic of his notebooks. That wasn’t enough time since Izuku had filled out 12 so far and was working on number 13. If he could, he would strap Tommy down (clockwork orange style) and read each page to him. Of course he couldn’t do that, so they just sat on the floor against his bed flipping through the pages.

Tommy was paying attention, more than he had before. The other times, like in the museum or to the beach, Tommy just nodded his head and made some comments like ‘that's so cool’ or ‘oh yeah?’. This time though (and in the alley), Tommy was asking questions like how much defense that quirk had or any weaknesses. While those weren’t weird questions, Izuku had to admit that there was a motive behind it. He brushed it off though since he got to gush about quirks. It was a win win. 

“Does Phantom have a section?” Tommy asked after Izuku showed him Endeavor’s page. 

Of course Phantom had a section. Izuku had been working on it since the hospital in Hosu. The question is should Izuku show him? Tommy basically was Phantom. When he went home (or wherever he stays) he would tell his brother about it. That would be so embarrassing. Izuku barely knows anything about Phantom or his quirk. A lot of the information in this was probably wrong. He also had his own theories about the brothers' upbringing. The topic of fathers was too fresh for Izuku to give Tommy a list of ways he was abused.  

“Uhh…yeah…” Izuku muttered.

“Can I see it?” Tommy asked. He was looking at Izuku funny.

“No…” Izuku whined, “or at least not yet. I have to work on it more.” If he gave it to him later, he would have more time to work out his theories and give him a copy that didn’t include his dad. Yeah, that would be better. “Maybe tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow sounds good. I’ve got the next few days off and so I’m free.” Tommy leaned back on the bed.

“Is Tucker free?” Izuku asked softly. He tried to seem casual but Tommy saw right through him and smiled.

“He is, as long as nothing comes up.” Tommy commented.

“So,” Izuku started nervously, “would it be okay if we all hang out?”

Tommy’s face looked blank save for a forced smile, “what?”

“Well, I haven’t seen him in a while…” Izuku trailed off. Tommy’s reaction was a bit weird.

“You don’t just wanna hang out with him?” Tommy sat up and studied Izuku. He seemed like he was mulling something over. 

“I thought it would be fun if we all hung out?” Izuku wasn’t sure now.

“I’m not sure I can do that…” Tommy trailed off with that look on his face.

“You just said you were free?” Izuku tilted his head. Were they fighting or something?

“No, it’s not that…” Tommy scratched his neck and groaned. “It’s just…”

“It’s okay,” Izuku said sadly. He had no idea why Tommy was acting like this. Izuku looked at the floor, “I don’t want to make you do something you don’t want to do…”

“Fine.”

“What?” Izuku looked back up at Tommy. He started to smile, but stopped himself. “Didn’t you just say-”

“I know.” Tommy bobbed his head back and forth, “but you seem so sad so now I gotta.” Tommy whispered something under his breath but Izuku was able to catch it, “I can figure it out…”

He really had no idea what that meant, but he was excited nevertheless! He hugged Tommy. 

Tommy patted his head and hugged him back. “Yeah yeah… would noon work? I got some stuff I have to handle.”

“Perfect! That gives me enough time to get my notebook done!” 

“I’m glad you're happy.” Tommy smiled fondly at him and messed with his hair. 

A gentle knocking came from his room's doorway. Izuku caught his mom smiling like she just walked in on kittens. 

“Hey boys,” his mom said sweetly, “dinner is ready.”

“Thanks, we’ll be right there.” 

Izuku started moving the notebooks away, they had become scattered while he was showing them to Tommy. Tommy, being half a foot taller than him, was able to easily walk over them while Izuku couldn’t walk over without stepping on them. Tommy held out his hand to Izuku and helped him jump over the mess. He felt like a toddler whose parents swang him between them. 

When they were outside the door, Tommy looked at him playfully. 

“Race you to the bottom!” and he took off.

Izuku sputtered for a second and chased after him. Izuku was able to pass in on the stairs, but then Tommy jumped over the banister and rolled onto the floor. Izuku made it down just a few moments after.

“Beat you,” Danny laughed. 

“I didn’t know we were allowed to do that, otherwise I would've.” Izuku complained playfully.

“Aren’t you training to be a hero? If you're gonna fight, fight dirty. Villains won’t be following ‘the rules,’ there are no rules in fighting.”

“What about the use of exclusive force?” 

“Well obviously don’t do that,” Tommy came up to Izuku and flicked his forehead, “common sense. But if one of the big time villains shows up like a wrinkle man, you better put everything in it.” 

‘Like Tommy’s dad,’ but Izuku didn’t say that. One for Tommy’s sake and two because his mom didn’t know. He just told her that Tommy’s dad wasn’t a good person. 

“Or call me. I’ll fucking kill them.” Tommy had an intensity when he said that that made Izuku believe he wasn’t joking. 

“What a happy conversation.” His mom walked in from the kitchen. “Let's save that talk for after dinner.” 

Tommy followed her into the dinning area. His mom, the thoughtful host she was. Set the food on the table with their bowls and cups. Usually, Izuku would help set out the food, but his mom probably wanted to give him some time alone with his friend. He smiled at her in thanks as they all sat down. 

“So do we have to do anything before we eat the food?” Tommy whispered at Izuku. It was at times like this that Izuku remembered that he grew up under a rock. 

“Just say thank you for the food.” Izuku whispered back. His mom laughed at hearing them.

“Right.” Tommy sat up, “thank you for the food, Mrs. Midoriya.”   

“You’re welcome, Tommy.” Mrs. Midoriya paused, “what's your family name?” 

“Uhh,” Tommy started before Izuku interrupted.

“He’s fine with just being called Tommy, mom.” Izuku covered. 

He didn’t want to make Tommy any more stressed like before. Honestly, he shared way more than Izuku thought he would. For now, he was satisfied with asking questions. For now, Izuku will wait until tomorrow to ask his brother. There, he could get into the technicalities of his quirk, Izuku’s true passion. He figures it is an easier conversation than childhood trauma and daddy issues. 

Izuku tried to take a bite, but it was too hot and burned his tongue. Tommy though didn’t seem to be having the same issue as he chewed his food. He looked weird, his cheeks big and his jaw moving in an extracted fashion, like a kid pretending to eat. 

“Isn’t that hot?” His mom asked as she lowered her chopsticks. She had been blowing on her food before she noticed. 

Danny set his next bite down. He held his chopsticks awkwardly, but it didn’t matter since he managed to eat the food fine. 

“It’s just so good that I couldn’t help but dig in.” Tommy laughed and scratched his neck. 

“Thank you, but be careful not to choke.” His mom went back to blowing her own food. 

The table was silent as everyone ate their food. Tommy started to blow on his food even after everyone else had stopped, and he ate slower. The ridiculous chewing didn’t stop, and Izuku had to look away to keep from laughing. 

“So, Tommy,” His mom set her chopsticks down and looked across the table at him, “Izuku here tells me that you’re quirkless.”

Izuku was drinking water at the moment and spit it out when she said that. What a blunt question! To Tommy’s credit, he didn’t seem that phased by it.

“That’s right, ma’am,” Tommy set his chopsticks down as well but that was because his bowl was empty rather than him trying not to be rude. 

“I feel ashamed that a part of me is glad. Izuku hasn’t met anyone his age without a quirk before. It’s mostly the older generation without one these days.”

Tommy looked at him in confusion. Izuku turned away red faced. He looked like he swallowed something sour. He didn’t tell Tommy that he used to be quirkless. Izuku didn’t blame his mom for saying that. After he met Tommy, he went straight home and told him mom. He was so excited (despite the circumstances) and told her how easily Tommy said that. It was as if he wasn’t made to feel ashamed for being that way like Izuku had. His mom was also still getting used to him having a quirk, so it was natural for her to comment on it. 

“Why would you care that I’m quirkless?” Izuku felt his hot gaze on him. He really couldn’t explain it without revealing to him and his mom his secret. 

“Didn’t he tell you?” His mom said, apparently not seeing how Izuku was reacting.

“Tell me what?”

“That until this year, Izuku didn’t have a quirk.”

“Yep!” Izuku stood up, “I’m just a really late bloomer!” Izuku laughed like a maniac, not dissimilar to principal Nezu during the practical. He sat down after seeing the looks he got. Tommy coughed, trying to stop from laughing. 

“Right… Well, he used to wish for a quirk everyday until he got one. You should’ve seen him, it was like he was praying to All Might.” his mom laughed at his misery.  

“It wasn’t that bad…” Izuku muttered (it totally was, but Tommy didn’t have to know that).

“I can see that! His room is covered in All Might merch. Even before I saw that, I knew he was a fanboy.” 

This was torture. Pure torture. His mom and new friend were now ganging up on him. He knows it was his idea to bring Tommy over, but now he wanted to go back. Geez, this was too much. 

“Please stop…” Izuku groaned with his head on the table. He feels like a little kid whining.

“It’s okay, Deku. We were only teasing.” Tommy grinned as he spoke with his hands. “Besides, we didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.”

Izuku laid his head back on the table and groaned loudly. 

“We’ll stop if it bothers you that much.” Tommy comforted.

Izuku slowly raised his head up, “no, it’s fine. It’s just embarrassing.” 

“Aww, poor baby,” Tommy cooed as if he were talking to a pet. He poked Izuku and he squatted his hands away. 

“Oh Tommy, your bowl is empty. Would you like any more?” His mom spoke over the table.

“That’s okay,” Tommy inspected his bowl, “I’m stuffed.”

“Come on, you're skin and bone.” His mom was close enough to grab his bowl and was about to fill it with more rice when he stopped her. 

“No, really I'm good,” Tommy put his hand over the pot.

“How about you take it home to your brother?” she tried instead. 

 “I’m not sure that would work…” Tommy grimaced. 

“Why not? Does he not like Katsudon?” 

“Not its that.” Tommy corrected at the risk of offending her, “I just don’t wanna take food from you.”

“It's fine,” she moved his hand away and was about to fill it again. “We have more. Just take some.”

“We just don't have anywhere to put it.” Tommy tried one last time. 

“What do you mean?” his mom’s voice was full of worry.

“Well, there’s no microwave for one, and two we don’t have a fringe, either.” he looked sheepish. 

“Oh you poor souls,” she touched his face as if to check his health, “no wonder you’re so skinny… You should still take some for your brother then. He might not have had dinner yet.”

“Sure. fine. Deal.” Tommy relented and waved her off. 

“Good.” she stood up with his bowl, “I’ll go pack this up for him then. Izuku do you want anymore?”

“I’m full, thank you.” Izuku nodded.  His mom seemed satisfied with herself as she walked off. 

“I’m going to go help her put the stuff away.” Izuku also got up.

“I can help too,” Tommy made to get up, but Izuku pushed him down gently. 

“No, you sit. You're a guest after all.” 

Tommy frowned but didn’t move. Izuku patted his hair (which felt weird, like spiderwebs and dust). Tommy looked up at him in horror and offense. Clearly, Izuku had broken a sacred friendship code of some kind (although Tommy does that to him all the time). 

Izuku gathered the rest of the dishes and went into the kitchen with his mom. Her and Tommy’s bowls had already been washed, and lay drying on the rack to the side of the sink. She now investigated a pair of chopsticks. It was a part of the wooden set that Izuku was pretty sure was older than him. If they were expensive, Izuku didn’t know. What once was a burnt red color, had faded into brown with every use and the design on the end, which might’ve been bulls, had rubbed off. 

Izuku set the dishes on a clear space and walked over to his mom. He leaned over her trying to see what she was looking at. She jumped when she saw him and made a funny noise. 

“Izuku, you scared me,” His mom held a hand to her chest.

“Sorry mom,” Izuku peered down at her. It was hard to believe how much he’s grown in just a year (that’s puberty for you). “What are you looking at?”

“Oh this?” She held up the chopsticks so he could see. 

Alongside the wood where one would put their fingers on, had been worn down to the width of a toothpick and had green wood rot. This had spread to almost half the chopstick. 

“Weird…” Izuku mumbled. “It is really old. Maybe it was just it’s time?”  

“I swear that they were fine when I set them down…” She snapped out of it and held the chopsticks tightly to her chest. “I must be needing glasses. That’s what I get for trying to use wooden ones all this time.” 

Rather than throwing them away, she slipped them in her pocket. She forced a smile on her face and looked out at Tommy in the dining room. He had gotten up to get the bag at the door, and was now sitting at the table messing with something. He somehow knew they were looking at him, and turned around to wave. They waved back.

“How’s your friend doing? Are you sure he’s full? He looks sickly. He needs all the healthy food he can get.” 

“He said he was full. Tommy also just looks like that, so does his brother…” 

Izuku guesses he never noticed how bad it was before, chalking it up to genetics rather than abuse. Despite being quirkless, Tommy still had slight mutations (Izuku did too), like his sharp teeth and ears. He also had patches of blue hidden under his turtleneck. His greenish complexion didn’t stand out to Izuku until his mom mentioned it now. 

“Hmm,” Izuku hummed, “you’re right…” 

“Of course I’m right, my baby.” His mom pinched his cheek and said in baby talk, “a mom always knows.”

Izuku didn’t think the brothers had a mom anymore. Tommy talked about her in past tense and acted differently than he did when he was talking about his dad. How long ago did she die? They must’ve been so young (they were still young). Izuku doesn’t know what he would do without his mom…

“Oh, Izuku,” his mom wiped his tears with her finger as she held his cheek, “are you alright?”

“I’m sorry, mom.” Izuku pulled his mom into a hug, his cheek on her head. He had been so mean to his mom recently. She worried about him so much and yet he kept throwing his life on the line. They both knew there was nothing she could stay that would get him to stop, not until he lost his arm or was in the dirt, and even then he’d find a way to be a hero. He felt his mom start to cry under him, and she soaked his shirt in her tears again. He just held her tighter. For right now, he wasn’t going anywhere.

His mom didn’t let go for another minute. When she did, she looked up at him, tears still in her eyes.

“I love you, Izuku.”

“I love you too, mom.” He gave her one last hug and let go.

They started putting the food away like they had first intended. His mom was off to the side packing it into lunch boxes. “For tomorrow,” she said. She must’ve heard them earlier. 

Izuku smiled and thanked her. It took only a few minutes for them to be done in the kitchen and they came back out into the dining room.

“Are you guys okay?” Tommy looked at them concerned. “I heard crying.”

“That was just a family tradition,” his mom joked. She set one of the boxes in front of Tommy, “for your brother.”

“Thanks,” Tommy put it to the side. 

“What are you working on?” Izuku sat beside him in his original seat. 

“I’m setting up my phone,” Tommy showed it off. It was a blue flip phone with a key chain of the Phantoms. Izuku looked at him funny, but he had to admit, if he had merch of himself he would buy it too.

“Why is it in English?” 

“Cause I speak English?” Tommy looked at him as if it were obvious. 

“You can?” Izuku himself was only able to speak the basics (but thanks to Present Mic was rapidly improving). “You should say something.”

“Umm Ok, hello,” Tommy laughed.

“That was still Japanese.”  

“Oh…” Tommy’s features furled but he quickly wiped it off. “Right, duh. Well, I guess I can read English.” 

“That’s cool,” Izuku didn’t know what else to say. He looked at Tommy’s shopping bag. That wouldn’t get him very far. “Would you like one of my old backpacks?” 

Tommy looked at his own bag, debating it. “You know what, sure. That would be great. Thank you.” 

Izuku smiled, “let me go grab it then.” and he was off to his room.

Izuku, being the fanboy he was, had a bunch of spare All Might backpacks in his closet. He rummaged through to find the best one to suit Tommy. He elected for one from All Might’s ‘Bronze age’ as the colors would go well with Tommy.  

When Izuku came down, Tommy and his mom were talking. They stopped as soon as he came down so he couldn’t hear. Izuku hid the bag behind his bag so that way Tommy would be fully surprised. He smiled as he watched Izuku get closer, but his mouth twitched when he saw it was All Might.

“Oh, wow!” Tommy said, a part of it sounded fake. He took it from Izuku, “I love it.”

“Do you?” Izuku was starting to feel self conscious.

“I do- aw,” he looked at Izuku’s face and laughed, “come here.” he hugged him and Izuku felt better. “I guess I was just surprised that it was All Might, even though I should’ve known. You’re such a dork!” And Tommy messed with Izuku’s hair again.

“I’m glad then,” Izuku beamed. 

Tommy started to put his stuff into the bag, putting the food on top. He put it on, adjusting the straps to be comfortable, then spun around.

“How do I look? I think it really completes the outfit,” Tommy laughed again. 

“Izuku has amazing taste,” his mom clapped. 

“He sure does,” Tommy teased. Izuku felt his face getting red. 

“Well,” Tommy continued, “this feels like goodbye so I’m gonna go. Thanks for having me, Mrs. Midoriya.” He shook her hand.

“Thank you for staying. But please, call me Auntie.” His mom must’ve liked him a lot. “And remember your promise.”

“I will,” Tommy saluted and turned to Izuku. 

This felt too soon. He hadn’t even shown Tommy all of his room yet.

“What’s wrong, dork?” Tommy had a soft smile on his face. 

“Do you have to go?” Izuku pleaded.

“Yes, I have to go. Hey, I’ll see you tomorrow, and Tucker. It will be here before you know it.” 

Izuku knew that, but he felt like he was a kid saying goodbye to his dad again. Izuku hugged him one last time while Tommy ruffled his hair. 

“Can I have your number before you go?” Izuku picked at his nails as he asked. 

“Of course, bud,” Tommy took out his phone from his pocket, and showed the number to Izuku. Izuku typed it in and texted Tommy so they both have each other's number.

Tommy walked to the door and everyone followed. He put on his shoes and hugged them one last time.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, I promise.” Tommy said as Izuku hugged his chest. 

Izuku slowly let go and watched Tommy leave out the door. Both Izuku and his mom stood in the doorway watching him and he disappeared in the night. As soon as they shut the door, a ping came from Izuku’s phone. It was a waving emoji and one with its tongue out. 

Izuku would try hard not to miss him (he just hated goodbyes). He will see him tomorrow.

[i-wanna-die-like-now]

I have decided that Danny has the Lichtenberg figure, one because I love that concept and two chronic pain buddies!?

Deku then interrogates him on his ‘quirk’ and Danny ends up realizing he really knows nothing about what his powers are and stuff and the two work together to figure it out

[fruitcakebro]

I love imagining swapping the protagonists of totally incompatable shows.

Aang from Avatar the last airbender and Danny Phantom.

Aang sets up a therapy program for ghosts so they can talk out their problems without the need for excess violence. He and Sam get along very well, as they have many ideals in common. He and Tucker also get along well, because Tucker reminds him of Sokka. Aang is essentially on vacation from being the avatar for a bit.

Danny feels obligated to do Aang's job, since he's the reason Aang isn't here. But unfortunately, ghost powers and bending aren't very similar. He can mostly do the bridge-to-the-spirit-world job since he's a half-ghost anyway, and he has a ton of fun fighting Zuko. But an entire army is a little out of his ability. Mostly he's fine until they get to book 3 stuff.

Aphmau from Minecraft diaries and Izuku Midoriya from My hero academia.

Izuku shows up in Phoenix Drop with no idea what's going on, but he gets the scoop pretty quickly. Suddenly their Zane problems go from 'insurmountable' to 'yeah, Midoriya can take care of that in a couple of weeks'.

Meanwhile, Aphmau gets to spend some time in an enviorment where there are people already used to dealing with young people who have no idea how to control their powers, and she gets some time to actually practice with competant teachers.

[pansy-chic27213]

Some more anime boys with long hair 🥰

[piedpiperart]

💖PIPER’S MASTERLIST💖

Here’s a list of all my comics on tumblr and links to where you can find them!

Ghost Hero

Danny Phantom in MHA universe

Quirkless Future

Izuku comes back to the past and decides to not take OFA

Invader Izuku

Invader Zim and MHA crossover where Dib is reincarnated as Izuku

On the Run

Deku is a vigilante with a healing quirk

Stowaway

Izuku has a quirk that makes him 5 in. tall and he lives in Aizawa’s walls

BatBat 2

Tim Drake is magically turned into a bat

Rewind

Izuku rescues Eri early and is turned into a child via Eris powers

Catnapped

Izuku and Aizawa get turned into cats and get stranded in a forest

Remembering Robin

Dick Grayson is reincarnated as Izuku Midoriya

Plantzuku

Izuku has a plant quirk

Cat Cafe

Izuku has a cat quirk and breaks into a cat cafe frequently

Monster

Izuku has a quirk that lets him turn into a scary monster

Mothzuku

Izuku is mothman

Lost Unicorn

Eri gets kidnapped and saved by mermaid Izuku

Menagerie

Izuku has a fusion quirk (like Steven Universe)

Zombie Deku

Izuku is turned into a zombie

Tim Ten

Tim Drake gets the omnitrix

Marked for Death

Tim gets de-aged detective Conan style and then gets adopted by Jason, who is looking for the missing Robin

Phantom of Gotham

Danny Phantom moves to Gotham and meets Red Hood in the streets and Tim Drake at school, leading to his stay at Wayne Manor

Can We Keep Him

Robin!Jason finds a meta Tim Drake in the trash and brings him to the manor

You Could Know Me

Peter Parker gets transported to DC universe and wakes up in a Lazarus Pit

Four Can Keep A Secret

On a case, Red Robin finds Jake Long and Randy Cunningham trying to break Danny Phantom out of a GIW facility

[chaos-vixen]

my fandom list-

[plasteredbatz]

I did this because I was bored tbh.

Introduicng: LIMINAL MIDORIYA. this only took me like 40 mins

[cosmiccdivinityy]

Characters across media (from shows I’ve watched) who I think would absolutely be best friends.

Miles Morales, Yuji Itadori, Deku, Reki Kyan, Danny Fenton, and Aang.

Literally the most wholesome and sweetest group of boys ever. Would absolutely be besties.

Gotta learn how to draw so I can draw them hanging out (unless someone wants to do it for me out of the kindness of their heart)

[jadenoryuu]

I'm a little behind with posting, but here is my first DannyMay entry!

Day 1: Fantasy AU

Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom consumed my brain as did @tourettesdog's Little Baby Man, so I had to combo them somehow!

(The Great Danno Tree came out spontaneously, it was too good to pass the chance! (๑ゝڡ●๑) )

[airegieus]

It’s April 3rd.

[artisticspacebuns]

School doodles, haha

They got a story…

[asleep-in-the-keep-sideblog]

Asleep In The Keep: A DP x BNHA fic

Summary: They fight on a beach 👻🥦🤺

Word count: 2319

Chapter 13: Pt 2: Beach Fight

13/?

Izuku took him to the beach he was at earlier. The sun was beginning to set, and it cast a nice purple glow over the water. It reminded him of when he first got his quirk from All Might. Although that happened in the morning, the colors were the same. Tucker stood several paces back across the beach, stretching.  

They both decided that quirks weren’t allowed, since as Tucker said, “ they were in different leagues ” Tucker probably didn’t have the best control over his quirk still, but Izuku wished he wasn’t so hard on himself. Still, the fight would be hard. The way Tucker moved was practiced, deliberate . He remembered the scars on his knuckles and knew the teen had lived through worse than a friendly spar.  

Despite them not fighting with quirks, Izuku still needed to deduct what Tucker’s quirk was, or more importantly, how it affected his body (aside from his cold hands). He would have to be careful not to come into contact with his gloves since he didn’t know how well it did at controlling Tucker’s internal temp in fighting situations. Izuku noticed that Tucker had yet to remove any of the extra layers he had on, hat and mask included.  

“Are you sure you don’t wanna take your hat off? It would be easier to see” Izuku called out. Tucker’s flexibility was amazing, judging from the stretching positions. Another thing to watch out for.  

“I’m fine. It keeps the sun out of my eyes” Izuku didn’t point out how the sun was already setting. Even though they had plenty of light from the sun and streetlights meters away, most of the beach was encased in shadow. Maybe his eyes are more sensitive to light because of his quirk? No, that doesn’t make sense with the cold. Snow blindness? Despite spending all day with him, Tucker was still a mystery.  

Tucker stood up, finishing his warmup. Izuku was already loose from earlier, and so he was basically ready when they got there.  

“Shouldn’t we set up some more ground rules?” Izuku called out once more. He could tell Tucker was strong in his own right, but he was still nervous for him. 

“Scared you're gonna hurt me?” Tucker teased. He still hadn’t let that go. “Uhh how about not kill each other? And no serious injuries like broken bones? Simple enough.” Izuku felt that was pointed at him somehow.  

“That’s it?” He was concerned. 

“And use common sense,” Tucker shrugged, “If you don’t think you should do it, don’t do it. Ready?” Tucker just stood there, not even shifting into a battle stance. 

“Ready.” Izuku called back. Tucker still didn’t move. He must be waiting for Izuku to strike first.  

Suddenly, it felt like he was in a trap. All of Izuku’s senses were telling him to run, that there was a predator in front of him, and he couldn’t win. He had felt the same thing with Phantom when he took down that Nomu. Could this be another aspect of his quirk? But that still didn’t make sense how it could tie in with cold, or maybe the quirk wasn’t just that, but temperature manipulation entirely? Maybe Izuku was still unsure of how to fight Tucker, and that’s why he was stuck? Nothing made sense.  

“Not gonna go?” Tucker teased, “Fine,” he fell into a fighting position, “Then I’ll start.”  

Tucker was faster than Izuku thought. In just a second, he was already over the 3 yards that separated them. Izuku was trapped by the glow of his eyes as he was struck in the shoulder. The hit wasn’t hard, just a small jab, but its contact was a shock to his system. He squatted down, just barely able to avoid the second hit.  

Tucker kicked out his left leg, but Izuku was able to grab hold of it. He jumped up, and using the momentum, was able to flip Tucker behind him. He turned around to see him do a handspring and land a few paces back, not a hair out of place. Even his hat sat undisturbed on his head.  

“Nice job shifting your weight!” Tucker commented, “I really thought I was gonna be able to get you with that kick, but you just threw me!” His voice was cheerful, but a chill went down his spine, and for the second time that day, he couldn’t move, “You’re really strong Deku! Come on, It’s your turn.” Hearing his hero name put him into action.  

Izuku lunged at him, his fist gripped into a firm punch. Tucker turned his body, shifting himself behind Izuku at the last second before it could land. Their backs were together, and he was too slow to avoid the jab in the back of the rips that Tucker sent. Again, it wasn’t too hard.  

Izuku pivoted to one foot and tried sweeping Tucker’s feet, but once again he was too fast.  

“You gotta focus on defense with unknown opponents,” he stood there, open, just a few paces back, “let them reveal their hand while you watch how they fight.” Izuku lunged again, but he easily dodged the punch, “At least that’s what I’ve been told, but I was never good at defen-” Izuku was able to hit him in the side.  

“Wow! You hit hard!” Tucker was holding his side for a second, but let go, “You got me that time, but with other opponents, since you don’t know where they’re going, make sure to have an attack you can shift into if it goes wrong” He still sounded playful.  

Tucker was toying with him, but at the same time giving him advice? Was this still a friendly spar to him? What he was saying was good advice, and when he did hit, it was never that hard, like a kid playing with toddlers. He may as well use this.  

“Done already?” Tucker teased. He looked no worse for wear, like he was just stepping out of the house for the day.  

Izuku, through breathy words said, “No. Just waiting for your turn.”  

“That’s what I was hoping for.” Tucker lunged for him, but this time Izuku was expecting it. He was, just barely, able to dodge the hit and grab his forearm. He pulled him down and rotated it in its socket. Tucker was pinned under him on his stomach. He was able to see more of Tucker’s face from this angle, his sharp ears and white hair blowing in the wind from where it wasn’t under the hat.   

“You have a good grip, but you shouldn’t be afraid to pull tighter,” Tucker advised. Izuku grabbed his hand and used it to rotate the arm even more. “Good.” Tucker said, there was no hint of pain in his voice, “but you should worry about keeping all of me restrained.” Just then Tucker did a weird leg movement and shook off Izuku.   

“I’m not a good example since I don’t know how many people are able to do that, but you should always make sure they’re restrained.”  

“Okay!” Izuku shouted. He was learning a lot.  

“I wanna tell you, you’re doing a really good job.” Tucker gave him a thumbs up. 

“Thank you,” Izuku bowed respectfully, “I am learning a lot from you!” 

“Aww you’re making me blush,” He teasingly put his hands over his mask. “Do you wanna work on landing hits again?”  

🥦 

“With fast opponents like this,” he dodged a punch, “you gotta anticipate where they’re going,” and another, “not where they are,” and another, “focus on their center.” Tucker veered left and finally, Izuku was able to land a hit, not with a punch, but a kick. Tucker didn't seem to expect it, and tripped over, but righted himself quickly before he fell to the ground. They had been at this for a few minutes with Izuku punching at Tucker, and only nailing him a few times. Slowly but surely, Izuku was starting to be able to anticipate Tucker’s movements. He preferred the left but was not left-handed from what Izuku could see. He also fell into a pattern of how he dodged. First two were side steps, then he ducked. Izuku didn’t know if that was how he always fights, or if he was doing it for his benefit, it didn’t matter in the end.  

“You’re already improving! If I’m not too careful, you might take me down for real!” Izuku still had no information about Tucker. He talked constantly during the spar, but he never let any personal information slip. His comments were always focused on Izuku. He did say one thing earlier that Izuku didn’t understand. He called him Deku .  

There’s no way he could’ve known that name. He could’ve recognized him from the sports festival, but they used their legal names. There was also the fact that he had only recently chosen ‘Deku’ to be his hero name officially, it had only existed in the classroom or for the internships, but both of those, Tucker had no reasonable access to.  He couldn’t even make a name for himself because of the NDA for Stain and… 

Well, that could be one theory.  

It would make sense; the white hair, the eyes, the mask. Tucker (if that was even his real name) was also very casual with him since they met, like they met before. He also questioned him about ‘Phantom’, which should’ve been a bigger clue. There was one way of testing it.  

“Hey, do you wanna take a break? You’re kinda zoning out.” ‘Tucker’ sounded concerned for a second but didn’t come any closer to Izuku. The sun at this point was completely gone, the only light they had were the lamps and Tucker’s eyes, although the teen didn’t acknowledge it. Maybe he’s just used to it by now? 

“No, I’m alright.” Izuku absently messed with his fingers, “Actually…would you mind uhh if I…used my quirk a little?” He had a plan, but he didn’t know if he liked that plan.  

“Sure!” Tucker beamed, “I was hoping you would ask that.” he settled into a fighting stance, although Izuku knew he had no intention to attack first, “by the way, what is your ‘quirk’?”   

Maybe it wasn’t him, he was pretty sure Phantom had seen him use his quirk. Or he could just be playing dumb.  

“I have a strength amplifying quirk” It was the closest thing to the truth. After a beat, “What’s your quirk?” Izuku called back, curiosity getting the better of him. 

“I’ll tell you if you win,” Tucker laughed at him. He knew that wouldn’t happen. “Ready when you are.” 

Izuku breathed in deeply. He lowered himself to the ground, slowly letting full cowling flow into and over his limbs. After a second, he lunged for Tucker. Tucker gasped, the cold night air making it blue, and remained in the same spot. Izuku extended his leg into a kick, right for Tucker’s hat. He realized what he was doing and was able to grab his leg before it connected. Izuku, listening to the advice from before, rotated his attack and twisted his body to punch him. It hit his shoulder, too low , and Tucker stumbled back, letting go of his leg. His eyes were glowing brighter.  

Izuku didn’t let that distract him. He continued his assault with a barrage of punches and kicks. Tucker stopped dodging like he had before and blocked most of them. Izuku felt a few solid hits land into Tucker, but the teen had no reaction to them.  

“Another thing about faster opponents is that they usually hit hard at first but start to slow down after a while. You just gotta outlast them” Tucker was clearly talking about him. Izuku jumped back, trying to get enough room to think. Unlike in the sports festival, the environment was flat and gave no natural advantages to either of them. Tucker had a leg up in short range attacks, not to mention his flexibility and resilience. Izuku did have one advantage, however small it may be. Tucker still hadn’t taken off his hat or hoodie. It was a cheap trip, but Izuku could use that.  

Izuku watched Tucker from across the beach. His body seemed to blend into the background, his bright hoodie and glowing eyes being the only thing that gave his location away.  

Izuku launched himself into the sky, aiming right for Tucker. He still didn’t move. Izuku aimed a punch right for his head, but it was easily blocked by his forearm. Izuku expected that, and rotated himself in the air like he learned from Kacchan, and went to grab his hat. Tucker's eyes widened, realizing Izuku's motives. With great flexibility, Tucker raised his leg all the way up into a split, and kicked Izuku out of the sky, hard .  

Tucker froze at what he had done, but that didn’t stop Izuku from advancing. He punched and kicked at Tucker, not giving him a second to recover. Most of them hit with Tucker still being too stunned. This was his chance.   

Izuku aimed a punch at Tucker, but he was starting to recover. He dodged but didn’t back away like last time. He hit him on his shoulder again, softer than before. He still wasn’t taking this seriously . They went back and forth for a while until it finally happened.  

After dodging a blow from Izuku, Tucker stumbles back, unbalanced for the first time. Izuku took his chance and aimed a hit for his head. Tucker was able to duck in time for it to barely miss, but he didn’t escape unscathed this time. The force of the attack had blown his hat away, and it landed wetly a few paces from them.  

Everything stopped. For less than half of a second, the two teens stared at each other, eyes locked in shock and shame.  

Izuku had finally seen Phantom’s face.