Work Text:
“Hey there buddy...”
The stars shone brightly that night. A cold breeze passing through the two strangers.
The teen on the edge of the rooftop turned their head around and was greeted by a warm smile. A teen barely older than themselves, in a costume. A hero? That young...?
The teen only stared back, just mere seconds of giving the hero a brief empty look, before facing the vast city in front of them.
“My name’s Izuku. You can call me that. What can I call you?”
“Shut up. And don’t do anything sudden or else I will jump!” the teens body shook, fists balling at the side, as if embodying the impact they wanted their words to have.
“Woah...!” Izuku put his hands up in front of him at chest height calmly and took a small step forward, disguising it as him shifting his weight “I will definitely not be doing that, I promise. I won’t pull any weird moves or tricks. Let's just talk yeah?” seriousness coated Izukus voice, just enough to not make the air even more suffocating.
“How do I know you’re not just stalling for help until someone else gets here and they can get me down as you distract me?” they glared at Izuku through narrowed eyes over their shoulder again.
The green haired hero student only chuckled lightly. A clever one.
“That’s a valid point! Although I can tell you this. I'm just a student. A first year. I don’t have any connections, no one to call for back up.” that was a blatant lie, but Izuku still meant what he said. Not like he could actually call anyone right now...
The teen didn’t answer and Izuku let his arms drop to his side when the teen looked away. He didn’t let himself relax as he observed just in case, letting the silence stretch between them for long enough before deciding to break it.
“Look... how about we sit down, wherever you want, you tell me your name and we chat?”
“And why the fuck would I do that?” they snarled back, shoulders squaring up to meet their ears.
“Because, unlike everyone else, I'll understand.” Izuku said firmly, sneaking in another step.
“Who do you think you are to say that-?!” the teen abruptly and aggressively turned around, swaying dangerously by the ledge and the hero student felt himself ready to bolt after them. Instead Izuku saw glossy eyes and tear-stained cheeks. Just how long had they been there before I found them? Their body shook violently; from the shock or the cold Izuku wasn’t sure.
Izuku let a simple and reassuring smile take over his features, if only to encourage the teen to talk. Wide eyes and a jaw that reached the floor was the response he got back. But eventually it worked.
“You’re...” the teen trailed off and Izuku worried that maybe he wouldn’t get anything out of them. Eyes fluttered up from Izukus red shoes for a split second to read the older teens expression before they glued themselves on the shoes again “You’re like me...”
Izuku nearly sighed but instead opted to quietly let go of a breath he was holding. Another step in the right direction. At the teens' words Izuku found his own eyes glancing down at his own shoes first and then at the strangers; seeing the same red pair, albeit a slightly smaller size.
Izuku nodded and started taking a few more steps in the teens' direction. Don't be too haste. Kami knows what you would’ve done if you were in their position. He glanced up and caught the teen staring at him this time, confusion lacing their face.
“Can I sit?” he motioned for the ledge and got a nod in response. Upon seeing Izuku sit, the younger teen followed suit, shock still somewhat restricting their thought process.
Izuku wasn’t sure where to go from here. He wasn’t sure what the right words to say where. He tried his best to avert his gaze towards the stars instead of staring down at the cold empty alleyway that all teens in their situation had probably longed for. Something in his gut twisted, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth, but he tried not to linger on it for too long.
“How...?” their breath hitched, and the hero student contemplated his answer.
“How what?” Izuku tilted his head at the teen who was still staring shamelessly; as if trying to convince themselves that the person sitting beside them was in fact quirkless and a hero in training.
Upon registering the words, the younger teens face morphed into anger, and they snapped.
“You know what I meant!”
Izuku raised his eyebrows in amusement, prompting them to try again. They huffed and puffed.
“I’m...” they furrowed their brow further and looked away, deciding that they didn’t want to see the older teen's reaction “I’m Tetsu. I go by they/them...”
It's clear they’ve gotten a lot of shit for that too on top of the obvious... what a wonderful world.
“Nice to meet you Tetsu-kun! I go by he/him.” Izuku flashed one of his brighter smiles. He got a nod in return and they both continued to sit silence. Tetsus gaze found itself back on the alleyway while Izuku gazed up at the stars again.
“How did you do it?” Tetsu asked quietly, barely heard over the wind and the noises of the city.
“Spite mostly... But I also wanted to prove myself.”
“Prove yourself...?”
“Yeah... to the world, I guess. To my family.” or what remained of it “To my peers.” not friends, at least not at the time “To myself.”
Tetsu hummed quietly in acknowledgement. I have to be careful. I want to help but I don’t want to cross any line I shouldn’t. Nor accidentally trauma dump, that would be awful on Tetsu.
Izuku glanced at the younger teen and decided to continue.
"I wanted to show that I could do something too... despite what came of...” he trailed off and lifted his foot to make a point “Not that it’s anything bad, being quirkless. The right people won’t care, if anything they’ll stand by you. You've still gotta find those people Tetsu-kun, don’t give up.” he sent a light fist bump to the teens' shoulder who let their body be swayed slightly by the action.
Their brow furrowed once more and Izuku heard them sniffle.
“Can I really do it...?” Tetsu hickuped as they let tears flow freely down their cheeks once more. They brought their knees to their chest to make themselves look as small as possible. Izuku didn’t know what the teen was referring to, but one thing was certain.
“Hell yes, of course you can! No matter what your dream may be, whether it is to become a baker, to open a flower shop, to get into college, to become a hero, hell even if it’s just to make it to a certain point in your life, you can achieve it. A quirk is just a tool one can use to their advantage. It doesn’t make someone better than someone else just because they have a so-called ‘strong’ or ‘powerful’ quirk, hell if they have a quirk at all! And you’re not at a disadvantage for not having one, Tetsu-kun. So don’t let your peers and the statistics drag you down. Our future is much brighter than you might anticipate, you just have to keep hoping.” he ended his ramble with another warm smile as Tetsu looked up at him with something akin to shock and admiration.
More tears started to well up in Tetsus eyes; their lips trembled and not even a second passed before they slumped against Izuku and latched onto his arm in an attempt to hide them bawling their eyes out. They hung on to the young hero for their dear life, Izuku could only hug them back in an attempt to help them feel like they can be whole again. He rocked both of them slightly back and forth to calm and ground the crying teen in his arms. As he rested a cheek against the teens' hair, he tried to appreciate the moment as much as he could.
“Izuku-kun...?” Tetsu mumbled after a while, face still burrowed in Izukus chest. The emotional exhaustion has probably hit by now...
“Yes, Tetsu-kun?”
“Thank you... for crashing my party.” They glanced up at the young hero. Something in Izukus heart swelled and a warm feeling suddenly engulfed him. That's what it means after all, to be a hero. Izuku put his hands on their shoulders and smiled down at the younger teen.
“Always.”
A few seconds later he felt reality trickle away, the world before him becoming nothing more than mere pixels flying off as if they were being swept away by an imaginary wind. Yet Izuku remained seated, unaffected by his surroundings. It felt odd and unlike anything Izuku had ever experienced before, it was extremely fascinating.
He felt himself relax into the soft nursing bed as he looked around. Blinking a few times, he saw the room he had been in prior to this slowly materialising before him. The nurse's office, this time dimly lit. As he moved his head around, letting his eyes take everything in as it almost loaded in slowly, he felt the machine thing on his head. Ah, that’s right.
Soon enough everything around him was as clear as it was before he slipped under. A tall older man, this month’s guest lecturer, with white hair, a mustache, and a five-point-contact quirk who was sitting on a chair beside him was now slowly getting up to remove said machine from his head.
Izuku glanced up at him and got eye contact. He received a small smile in response.
“Glad to see you’re back! How are you feeling?”
“I’m good! As good of a condition as before.” Izuku sent a polite smile back.
He was an analysist with a simulation quirk. That's what that was after all... a simple simulation. A test. Izuku couldn’t help but feel saddened at the thought of leaving the, albeit imaginary, teen on that rooftop. At least they were saved. That's all that matters.
“That’s what I want to hear. Well done, Midoriya-kun! You're all done for today. I've still got a couple more people from your class to go through so you can go back to your classmates and wait for further instructions! Yeah?” the analysist – what was his name again? - backed up as he set the machine, now detached from Izukus head, down onto a shelf just behind the bed he was seated in and put his hands on his hips.
“Yes sir!” Izuku answered with a cheery tone as he stood up “Just a few questions if I may?” the analysist was caught by surprise, not even attempting to cover the shock on his face, before he regained his composure and smiled.
“Of course. Go right ahead, it’s not often at all I get those.”
Izukus eyes shone.
“Is it true that these simulations are being recorded? In that case how is that possible? Is it with the help of your quirk? Or some tech that you’re using? Do you see that simulation when you activate your quirk? Will the recordings be shown to others? Is that even possible?” he didn’t waste a breath before hurling out the flurry of questions.
“Woah, woah kiddo! Let's take a breath, ok?” the analysist, delighted, started chuckling and Izukus ears flushed.
“I apologise!” he bowed quickly before whipping out his notebook and pen, eager to get his hands on the answers.
“You’re somewhat of an analysist yourself, no?” the man wore a big smile, fascinated by the kids’, who was now nodding almost violently, enthusiasm “Well I suppose I have little time to spare to answer your questions. How about we take a seat?”
Izuku complied immediately as the man took his time again, leaning on multiple objects to sit beside the teen on the bed.
“Like I told your class before when I introduced myself, I have a simulation quirk that generates an imaginary scenario. It is of my choosing yes.” the analysist chuckled when Izuku opened his mouth to ask the already answered question. The blush now spread itself to his cheeks as he continued noting things down.
“It requires up most concentration as to not accidentally alter a pre-decided simulation but once the person I'm ‘controlling’-” he uses air quotes “-makes their first conscious move then it is all on them.
“I don’t see the entirety of a simulation once I activate my quirk; I do, however, catch glimpses of it if they happen to slip through during the process. Some of the more intense scenarios sometimes resurface in my dreams, those usually are a big scare! Although I always see them from the persons perspective.”
“Does that mean that you never see them from a third point of view?”
“Yes, that would be correct.”
“And about the whole ‘make their first conscious move’, what do you mean by it?”
“When I project a simulation I've created, I simply project the pre-decided basics of it! So, the scene, and the person you encountered are all planned and created beforehand. As for the characteristics of the person, most of them are also pre decided, although certain sentences or questions prompt different responses depending on the chain of prior dialogue. The outcomes of how the interaction turns out are not decided by me but by the person who takes action, meaning you kids.”
Izuku scribbled and sketched furiously as the analysist was answering. When Izuku was suddenly met with silence he glanced up, seeing the man simply staring at him as patiently waited until he finished writing.
“How did you know they were being recorded?”
“Ah! Well... multiple factors. Rumours first of all to be honest.” Izuku scratched the back of his neck, an embarrassed smile on his face “Then the fact you told us you have a simulation quirk and the whole machine aspect not adding up. You said you have a five-point-contact quirk; nothing adds up to you needing that whilst we go through this test. Not to mention that the test itself came out of nowhere so that was... well... suspicious I guess?” Izuku shrugged as he pointed at the machine he mentioned. The old man looked at him impressed.
“You’re smart, kid.” he replied after a bit as he slowly nodded, a hand resting on his chin.
“No, I wouldn’t say that! It just seemed so obvious. I simply connected the dots!” he flailed his arms around, blush now completely overtaking his skin tone.
“Nonsense!” the man laughed kindly “You’re a clever one! Not everyone your age would be able to put two and two together without being prompted. For some people, it wouldn’t even cross their mind!”
“Thank you sir!”
“But yes, you are correct again. The machine is in fact the device that is recording the simulation.” the analysist nodded towards the machine.
“But how?” Izukus brow furrowed in contemplation.
“Now that is unfortunately not a question I know the answer to. I'm far too old and far too out of my own subject to understand how the mechanism and the nitty gritty behind this works.”
Izuku deflated at the answer, scribbling down the last few words. Almost closing his notebook before he got interrupted.
“However...” Izukus eyes snapped up “I think it might be the fact that the simulation that I project onto the person that is under my quirk is all up here.” the man leaned in slightly and tapped the middle of his forehead.
He saw the gears starting to turn behind the teens eyes and he smiled when Izuku inhaled sharply.
“Could it be-!” Izuku choked on his own spit “Excuse me! Could it be that, assuming your quirk projecting a simulation works like an image or a memory being processed by the mind, that the brain and the image are then monitored and transferred through it?!”
The old man laughed in excitement, throwing his head back, before reaching out to ruffle Izukus hair who tried his best not to shrink back.
“You got it kiddo!”
Izukus eyes lit up at the confirmation and scribbled the information down in his notebook hastily.
“Now, not to abruptly end out interview, but I’ve still got quite a few more of your classmates to go through.” the analysist slapped his own thighs lightly before slowly getting up.
I wonder what he looked like when he was younger. He's really tall now! Well... comparably. I am still growing though. Has his hair always been white? I wonder what he’s seen and experienced. What kind of simulations has he created? How many people has he done this on? How does he even create them? How were things back in his days compared to now? Ooh, I wonder what his parents’ quirks are! Definitely something equally cool and fascinating!
Izuku itched to know as his fingers twitched at the absence of his pen and notebook, now stashed away in their proper places.
“I’m not sure I caught most of that this time but maybe I could tell you all about it later.” the old man smiled and Izuku paled “But for now I’ll have to usher you out and ask you to call the next person.”
Crap, I said all that out loud again.
Izuku briskly nodded and headed for the door, blush reaching only his ears this time. He froze by the doorway and turned around abruptly.
“Thank you for your time!” he bowed deeply before scurrying to the waiting room to fetch Mineta.
Honestly that guy gives me the heeby jeebys...
“Deku-kun! Took you long enough, are you ok?” Urarakas voice broke his, albeir short this time, muttering session “Who gives you the heeby jeebys? It wasn’t the lecturer, was it?” she continued in a hushed tone, concern taking over her features.
Izuku cleared his throat louder than usual, staring her in the eyes for a moment before glancing away to look at Mineta. The one and only teenager in their class who was acting upon his hormonal instincts and was trying to flirt Hagakure up, for some goddamn reason.
“Mineta-kun! It's your turn.” the grape boys' attention and attitude immediately changed when called upon, shifting away from Hagakure and sending a thumbs up and a smile at Izuku as he walked away.
“Ah!” Izuku exclaimed as he very lightly and playfully hit the palm of his hand with his fist “I forgot to ask the guest lecturer if the simulations are gonna be shown to others! Although I would assume so since they’re being recorded, wouldn’t that make sense Uraraka-san? How would we otherwise be evaluated on this test if they weren’t shown to teachers or other people with authority?”
“Deku-kun...” she said calmly with a chuckle and a closed eyed smile. Izukus attention snapped to her, and he noticed how, although the majority of the class didn’t pay him any mind having gotten used to it, some were staring and laughing it off to continue their conversations. One particular Bakugou Katsuki wasn’t finding it funny, instead he frowned, clicked his tongue and turned back to his friends.
Izuku paled and snapped his mouth shut. That glare can only mean one thing...
“Sorry...!” he chuckled awkwardly as he followed Uraraka to sit back in their place with their friends.
Kacchans glare can truly only mean one thing. I’m screwed. Why am I screwed? I don’t know. What had I said? That the simulations are gonna be projected.
...
Oh... they’re going to be projected. That means they’re going to be shown to others. Oh well, no more secrets, I guess. Besides who, other than the teachers, would even be allowed to watch this?
¨~¨
It was in fact not an ‘oh well, no more secrets I guess!’ moment. Izuku felt cold sweat breaking out all over his skin as his heartbeat started to pick up. They had just been briefed after the last person, Shinso, had finished his turn at the test. They had been briefed that they would now be heading back to the classroom to observe said simulations. Together. As a class. A team. How lovely.
They were currently walking back together as a big hoard through the empty hall. Uraraka walked with a bounce in her step beside Asui, both of which being followed by Iida, Todoroki, and himself. Himself who was also currently dissociating. Izuku clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to ground himself and plastering the best calm façade he could muster.
It's fine. I could lie about this. That's ok. Not like I haven’t done it before. I’m good at it! Mother's side and all right? I could just say that I knew of that information and that my shoe design was purely coincidental. Mhm. Could work. Only for the fact that they look EXACTLY LIKE TETSUS. Maybe that’s it? Maybe I've done it on purpose; to make sure quirkless civilians find comfort in at least one hero for it. Wouldn't that be considered discriminatory though? NOT TO MENTION I ACTUALLY VERBALLY CONFIRMED IT OH NO. Maybe I could tell half the truth? It manifested very late. Like very very very late. What is the likelihood of a misdiagnosis for quirklessness? Not to mention the likelihood of a quirkless person manifesting a quirk at the age of fifteen? Very fucking slim. But not impossible right? What if I just happen to be that one in a billion? Kami knows I had always wished to be that one in a billion... I don’t even know the actual percentage.
“Alright, we’ll take it in the same order that you went for your simulations so it’s fair to everyone.” Aizawa informed, hands in his pockets, standing in front of the class. The chatter started to pick up again as their teacher fiddled with some cables and screens.
When the fuck did I get back...?
I wonder just how long I spaced out. Did I ignore my friends? Oh no, that’s so horrible of me! All because I was worried about people finding out my quirk came in late. How stupid! But it doesn’t seem like they minded otherwise they would’ve asked me and I would’ve snapped out of it. That kinda hurts actually. Just because I spaced out. Now that I think about it, I should stop doing that. It might become a bad habit. It is a bad hab-
“Shut the fuck up nerd, will you?” Katsuki turned around in his seat and snapped, overwhelmed by the stream of mutter coming from the green haired teen. Izukus eyes widened, and he slapped a hand to his mouth.
“Sorry Kacchan!”
That's another bad habit I should break... I’ve been trying for years, how the fuck will I succeed at this point?
The blond grumbled and turned back to face the right way, chin resting on his hand.
Many confused their relationship. Yes, childhood best friends, turned bullying, turned rivals, sure. But one fact remained the same and it’s the fact that they grew up together. No matter the circumstances, they were always together, attached to the hip by something called fate probably. They had always wanted to be the greatest heroes, together, even as it got masked by the blond being mean and resentful during middle school. So, they were used to each other. No matter how annoying they found it, or how much they would like to deny it, they knew each other's strengths and weaknesses and habits like it was the back of their own hand. That included Katsukis incredible cooking skills, his opening move being a right hook, and his hearing slowly but surely deteriorating; and Izukus love for Katsudon, his One for All secret, and his stupid muttering that only Katsuki seemed to be able to understand. Although, Izuku has to admit, it is problematic. Accidentally leak too much information in front of the right villain and suddenly the world is in danger. One other reason as to why he chose to have a mask in his costume.
“I want everyone's attention!” Aizawa clapped his hands, and the chatter immediately stopped, including Izukus racing thoughts “This doesn’t seem to be working the way it should be, or at least the cables aren’t, so what I need is someone who can come and help me figure this out.”
The class broke out in laughter at their teachers untechsavvyness. Or whatever the opposite of being tech savvy was. Izuku chuckled as well but he couldn’t get over the pit in his stomach that grew with worry. No matter how much he had the perfect lie ready, and how much he mentally prepared himself, he was still scared.
Denki hopped up from his seat and onto the podium where Aizawa had been tinkering away and started fiddling with the cables. Izuku watched with fascination. Figures that the person with an electric based quirk knows their way around electricity and cables.
It didn’t take long, impressively enough. Everyone has their own area of expertise after all. Just like with my analysis. Humble yourself Izu. But that analysist, oh hey look when had he entered the room? Probably was there from the beginning. The analysist. I want to talk to him more. Not now obviously. It seems like he’s here to watch as well. Maybe I can ask him afterwards!
“Thank you, Denki.” the student looked back and gave their teacher the finger guns and a wink. Aizawa only stared back in a deadpan manner before activating his quirk and making Denki scram back to his seat “Like I said, same order as before. Please remain seated until the very end, it won’t take long. Aoyama, you’ll be up first.”
The one and only very bright Aoyama stood up. Aizawa put a hand up in front of him.
“No need to get up. They've already been recorded.” Aoyama sat back down, smile still on his face but Izuku sensed the sweat drop from across the classroom. A few of his classmates snickered as the lights went out. Everyone's attention was now on the projection screen.
Same rooftop, same night, same kid.
One thing was different though. Izukus eyes widened. Aoyama was visible.
It's from a different perspective! Is this maybe the reason as to why they’re using the machine? Because the analysist can’t project them in the third person point of view? Well, he can’t project them, period. But he can’t see them other than from that person’s perspective. Whatever, I’m yapping, I should take notes.
Aoyama was sparkling, like a beacon, in the night. Izukus fingers twitched, hoping he could start writing something soon. The blond stood proudly in a wide stance behind the kid who was facing the city.
“What are you doing, mon ami?”
“What the hell does it look like?” the teen glanced back, a scowl on his face. The Aoyama looked shocked.
For a kid standing at the ledge of a tall building contemplating jumping, they sure aren’t as shocked as they should be. And this was technically leaning more towards the underground training of the spectrum rather than limelight heroics. Everyone knows it isn’t all razzle dazzle in the underground. The underground heroes and vigilantes are the ones that have to deal with the most shit of it all. And their identity is protected how cool is that.
“Not anything good I assume.” Aoyama replied.
What the...? That's probably not the best way to go about that.
“What the fuck is that even supposed to mean? Do you want me to jump?!” the teen had a crazy look in their eye. As much as Izuku wanted to think ‘I told you so’ he was instead getting worried.
“Of course not! I’m just suggesting that what you’re doing wouldn't be very smart mon cheri.” the hero student took a few steps forward, as calmly as possible as to not seem threatening.
“You’re just like all the others, looking down on me! I am tired of this!” the teen shouted and shook and sobbed, venting their frustration on the hero student in front of them. Aoyama looked terrified at the reaction.
I understand that he doesn’t control what happens in a simulation once the person makes an active decision but surely, they wouldn’t let Tetsu – is it still Tetsu? - jump would they? After all our class has been through, they would save us the trauma, right?
“I would never! I understand you; I understand what it’s like to be looked down on or underestimated for something you can’t control. I get you!” Aoyama shouts back and puts his hands up in a manner of trying to calm the teen down. Izuku finds himself thinking ‘ hey! I did that too!’.
“At least you’ve got a damn quirk! At least you’re useful! You're treated like you matter, you have people who care! What do I have? You don’t know jack shit about me!” Aoyama looked flabbergasted.
Izukus breath was caught in his throat. The teen was inching closer and closer to the edge, and he feels his grip on his pen tighten automatically, briefly pausing his notetaking. They wouldn’t let the kid die in front of first year students, right?
He glanced around. Everyone was at the edge of their seat. But one look at Aoyama allowed him to ease up. At least there’s no guilt. Discomfort, sure, that’s understandable. But at least there’s no shame. Tetsu would be fine.
“I hate you! I hate all of you! You're just standing there, why are you just standing there?! Why aren’t you ever doing anything?!” the way with which the teen uttered the words caused them to lose their footing and tumble backwards.
The fear on their face proved the one thing that Izuku knew the moment he saw them on the ledge the first time.
They didn’t want to die.
The teens hands stretched out in front of them, reaching for something or someone to hold on to but finding nothing. A scream ripped its way out of their throat, and everything felt like it was going in slow motion.
Suddenly Aoyamas laser beam shot out in the opposite direction, facing away from the kid, to propel himself forward. He turned around min-air, a scowl of concentration and determination on his face, and tackled the kid further away from the rooftop. For a moment Izuku felt like he was going to faint. The blond circled one hand around the teens waist and with the other he grabbed the railing of the fire escape on the building across from the one they were on. Keeping his grip tightly secured in both directions he slowly lowered them onto the platform under them.
The teens body trembled from the shock as they collapsed to their knees, hugging themselves and trying to wrap their head around what had just happened. They looked one second away from a panic attack and Aoyama, having noticed that, hovered over them protectively.
“Are you ok mon cheri? Are you hurt anywhere? Try to take deep breaths with me alright?” the blond kneeled and guided the teen through breathing exercises. Once the teen had calmed down enough, they broke out in tears, clutching their arms closely to their small frame.
“Why...?” the question came out wobbly, big fat tears rolling down the teens cheeks as they desperately tried to stop them by biting their trembling lip.
“Well, I simply would not be fabulous if I let someone just jump off of a roof!” Aoyama put a hand to his chest as the now confused kid looked up at him “But then again, I would be a pretty bad hero if I let a kid like you slip away from life. Mon ami, I simply do not understand your exact situation, but I can grasp how you currently feel. It isn’t easy but you’ve made it this far. I think that’s impressive.” Aoyama put a hand on the teens shoulder carefully whose turn it was to be surprised, if only slightly.
“It shows you’re strong. It shows that, because you’ve endured a lot, you’ve got more potential in you than you let on. Maybe more than you know even. So, keep your head held high, mon cheri, because you deserve this much at least.”
The younger teens tears didn’t stop as Aoyama smiled in encouragement.
“Do you think I can do it...?”
“I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t. You're far too bright for this world! Don't let anyone dim your light.”
The teen nodded slowly in understanding. Once, and twice, and then, with a smile on their lips, a third time before the recorded simulation cut off.
The class let out a collective breath of relief. Someone started clapping and soon enough the whole class clapped and cheered for Aoyama who, in return, simply sparkled. Izuku felt proudness swell in his heart. He couldn’t help it. His eyes caught Aoyamas and he smiled. He got a wink back.
“I understand that you’re proud and that you want to show that, but we only have so long scheduled in for this so please. Settle down. Next up is Ashido, are you ready?”
Mina smiled brightly as she nodded eagerly.
“I was born ready!”
¨~¨
Tsuyus tongue slowly inched forward towards Tetsu who was, as per usual, standing on the ledge. In one swift motion it wrapped around their torso leaving no room for a reaction out of the teen and quickly pulled them back.
Tetsu screamed as they were yanked causing them to fall on their back, absolutely terrified by the tongue suddenly around them and the croaking sound behind them when it retracted. They whipped their head around coming face to face with the young hero in training.
“What is wrong with you?!”
“What do you mean, kero?” she tilted her head.
Tetsu fumbled their speech.
“I could’ve died!”
“Hmm...” Tsuyu put a finger on her chin “I think it would’ve ended up like that if I hadn’t done that, kero.”
Izuku heard Uraraka giggle.
¨~¨
“Sieze! Don't make a move!”
Tetsu froze. Police? No way. Why would they be getting arrested? They glanced over their shoulder, trying to minimise their movement, only to see a stiff teenager gesturing with chopping motions.
“What the...? You're not the police.”
“Eh?” Iida froze mid-gesture.
Uraraka and Izuku laughed, some others let out a snort or a puff of air in amusement
¨~¨
Kaminari inched very quietly closer to the teen as he kept aiming a finger gun with one hand up in the air. He paused for a second before shooting out electricity, catching the teens eye who immediately turned around and nearly fell backwards in fear.
“Caught you!” he exclaimed now having wrapped both hands around the teens waist and pulling them towards the safe and stable concrete rooftop.
“Let me go!”
“No way I’m doing that, are you crazy?!”
“Woah!!” Kirishima exclaimed quietly and Izuku couldn’t help but agree.
Smart tactic, element of surprise.
¨~¨
Sero aimed his elbows towards Tetsu who, this time, was sitting down instead. He took a deep breath quietly.
“Incoming!” he shot out tape that wrapped around the teen, nearly turning them into a cocoon.
Sero immediately ran towards them and pulled them back.
“That feels like a little overboard, don’t you think?” Tetsu barked, their face being the only visible part of their body.
“Huh? Does it matter? At least you’re safe.” Sero bonked them and immediately began unwrapping them.
Tetsu nearly made a run for it, but Sero captured them back effortlessly.
“That wasn’t very clever. Come on little man, what’s in your heart tonight?”
“Little man? Who are you calling little man?!”
“Oop, sorry. You're not so little, are you? Come on boss, spill it. What got you here?”
Tetsu glared and grumbled but didn’t protest at the chosen nickname.
¨~¨
Some people were in tears after Hagakures simulation, two of which being Izuku and Hagakure herself. It took a while for the class to compose themselves.
“Next up is Bakugou.”
“Oh boy, this one is gonna be fun to watch!” Denki grinned, teasing.
“The hell did you say Dunce face?” Katsuki growled, sending a glare his friends' way.
“I said!” Izuku sent his prayers and sorrows in advance “This is gonna be fun to watch!”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean, huh?!” Katsuki gripped his table to whip to his side and scowl at Denki who simply sent a toothy grin back.
“Settle down.” with one short activation of Aizawas quirk, the bickering seemed to seize “It is Bakugous turn, are you ready?”
With a frown and a click of the tongue Katsuki nodded and received one back from the teacher who looked away immediately and started the projection.
Katsukis stance behind the kid seemed relaxed, not practiced nor comfortable, but experienced. I wonder if he remembers that day as vividly as I do.
Tetsus cries echoed around the rooftop, their whole body shaking, hands coming up to uselessly wipe away tears that just kept flowing.
The hero in training sighed loudly, catching the teens attention.
“Who are you...?” they asked cautiously. Katsuki pondered for a moment, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“I’m Dynamight, a hero. Who are you?”
Well... a hero in training but sure.
“Why do you fucking care?”
“Hah? Ey brat, you asked, and I answered. Anyone else would introduce themselves back. Now let me ask again, who are you?”
“It doesn’t matter! I won’t be staying for long enough for it to matter anyway.” their voice cracked, eyes boring holes into the concrete under their feet as tears stained their shirt more and more. Something in Izuku broke and he knows that the same must’ve happened to Katsuki not once, but twice.
“Look-.” Katsuki dragged a hand down his face and groaned. The teen glared over their shoulder “I didn’t wanna have to do this, but I don’t think I've got any other choice. I'm here to ruin your party, or whatever the hell it is you say.”
The teens eyes widened, body going stiff as he turned to see a little more of Katsuki. Shock overruled any other emotion they were currently feeling and Izuku noticed the way their eyes briefly glanced down at Katsukis shoes. With the action came no satisfying answer.
“What...?” they paused, taking it in “How? Who?” Tetsu now turned to face Katsuki, body swaying as they did so but standing firm once they looked at each other.
“How about you take a step towards me and away from the ledge and I'll tell you?” Katsuki bargained. They didn’t move for a while, seemingly weighting it over in their mind “It’s a pretty good deal, wouldn’t want to miss it.”
Tetsu glared as they stepped off, plopping down cross-legged two steps closer towards Katsuki. The blond huffed and squatted down after taking his own two steps forward.
“Care to tell me your name first dipshit?”
The teen glared, hard.
“You’re rude you know?”
“Yeah, see if I care that I’m rude.”
“I could’ve jumped and you being rude would be the last thing I'd experienced.” the teen bit back.
Katsuki was quiet, looking away for mere moments – long enough for Izuku to understand his thought process – before looking back.
“So, your name?”
“Tetsu.”
“Tetsu.” Katsuki awkwardly scratched the back of his head, the gauntlets getting in the way “I know... but I wouldn’t have let it happen. I ain’t gonna be the number one hero if I let a brat like you die.”
“So you only care about the fame? Is that it? That's so fucking pathetic. You're no dif-!”
“That’s not it.”
The wind blew, messing with their hair, and the silence dragged on. Tetsu looked sceptical, Katsuki sighed.
“I can’t believe I'm doing this. I'm not doing it for the fame. I want to save people. Make them feel safe. And I want to redeem myself.”
“Redeem yourself?”
Katsuki rubbed his face in a desperate manner , Izuku knew that one thought going through the blonds' head right now must be ‘do I really have to say this out loud?’ .
“I knew someone quirkless, like you.” Katsukis eyes softened. If the sentence wasn’t enough to take the class by surprise, then that action certainly was. Tetsu flinched instinctively.
“So you knew... that I'm quirkless.”
“Not difficult to catch onto it, if you know what to look for.” Katsuki very briefly glanced down at their shoes “Ain’t nothing bad with it. No matter what anyone says. Fuck their opinions honestly, live for yourself. You know what I mean?”
Tetsu tilted their head, brow slightly furrowed at the older teens' actions. Katsuki clicked his tongue and closed his eyes.
Kacchan has never been particularly good at comforting or talking. Izuku bit back a smile at that.
“Look. I'm not good at this. But I mean it. There's so much good waiting for you in the future Tetsu.”
“You said you had a friend...? What happened to them?”
“Oh, ignore the way I phrased that; he’s fucking thriving.” Katsuki smirked “He’s my rival now.”
Tetsus eyes widened.
“But you’re... you’re a hero?”
Katsukis smirk grew as he nodded.
“So.., he’s a hero too?”
“You bet your ass he is. He's still shitty, although I guess he’s fine.”
Tetsu giggled and Katsuki snorted.
“He must’ve trusted you a lot to tell you about this. About the parties.”
Katsuki looked away
“You’d be surprised. It took a lot-” he cleared his throat and looked back at Tetsu “It took a long time.”
There was a pause, a nod of understanding from Tetsu and a comforting silence from Katsuki.
“I think you should hold out and find people to trust. To tell them about the parties. You're still a first year in middle school, right? You look like it. Like I said, you’ve got a lot of good moments waiting for you.”
Something is Tetsu broke and Izuku sensed it in the way they sniffled and hugged their knees close to their chest.
“Can I really do it though? It feels so hopeless. Will I ever be able to find someone to trust? No matter how many times I've managed to convince myself to crash my own party, it doesn’t get easier.” new tears started pricking their eyelids, threatening to fall.
“It probably won’t.”
The teen stared in horror.
“It won’t be easy, obviously. Life is not a walk in the park. Not if you’re alone.”
Silence engulfed them once more.
“But...” Tetsu started, wiping away the tears, losing the words in the process. Katsuki stayed patient.
“How will I do it? How will I find them?”
“You won’t find what you’re looking for if you keep seeking it out. The right people will come eventually, all you gotta do it hold on to that hope.”
Izukus heart was stuck at his throat. He felt ready to cry, much like Tetsu was doing right now in the projection. Never in his life did he think he’d hear those words leaving Katsukis mouth. Izuku tried to huff the tears away.
“Ya think you can do it brat?”
“What do you take me for?” Tetsu sobbed. Tears running down their cheeks, hands trying to wipe them away, but a smirk adorning their face.
“That’s what I thought.” Katsuki smirked back.
“Thank you...”
“Don’t mention it kid.”
“And thank you for crashing my party.”
Katsuki smiled warmly.
“Always.”
And just like that, the projection cut off. No one talked. No one moved. No one breathed. Or well obviously we’re breathing but for the effect.
Izuku felt the warm feeling crawl back to his chest. He felt proud.
Denki decided to be the one to break the silence.
“Now that’s not something I had on this year’s bingo card...”
“Bakubro that was so manly...!” Kirishima exclaimed with tears in his eyes, a determined frown accompanied with a clenched fist being sent Katsukis way. The blond glared at both of his friends.
“Shut up, both of you!”
A loud murmur broke out in the class.
“Yeah, that is FAR from what I expected for you Bakugou.” Mina said with a proud smile “Good job man! Way to surprise us.”
“I didn’t exactly do it for you racoon eyes.” Katsuki barked back.
It was finally Izukus turn. Not that he was looking forward to it, do not get him wrong. He was not excited. If anything, he wanted to curl into a hole and just simply die. Well... maybe not die but disintegrate. Same thing? Whatever. Oh, Aizawas looking at me.
“Midoriya, are you ready?”
Izuku nodded and he got one back as per usual. By now the low murmurs had quieted down and people were once again ready to take notes.
“Hey there buddy...”
Izukus head snapped up as it started, a bewildered look on his face.
It feels weird. Seeing and hearing myself like that. Is it too late to opt out? I'm scared of their reactions. Well, they didn’t react poorly to Kacchans so I know they’re fine with the whole quirkless ordeal but it’s different when one of your classmates was, is?, was quirkless.
“My name’s Izuku. You can call me that. What can I call you?”
Izuku swallowed a lump in his throat, trying to ease himself enough to take notes on his own performance. I don’t regret what I did to save Tetsu. And I have an excuse ready at the top of my tongue if I get questioned. But it’s not like I like this.
Everything was playing out exactly like Izuku had experienced it. Although from a different angle. Tetsu shouting at him, threatening to jump. Himself trying to diffuse the situation, acting as casual and calmly as possible. All the while his classmates were watching intently. He felt judged for every move he had made. Did everyone else feel this way too?
“How do I not know you’re not just stalling for help until someone else gets here and they can get me down as you distract me?”
Izuku had to give it to the teen. No matter in what situation they were presented in, they were always so incredibly clever. Knowing the psyche of the person under the influence of the quirk and reacting accordingly to test them. How fascinating. I wonder if certain actions that from Tetsu are prompted by the user and their personality. Sure, Tetsu bites back with their words but they were slightly more aggressive with Kacchan. And a cry-baby. I wonder what that says about him . Izuku noted the question down together with the other ones he had for the analysist.
“That’s a valid point! Although I can tell you I'm just a hero student. A first year. I don’t have any connections, no one to call for back up.”
Izuku tried to pick his actions apart one by one to analyse them.
What could I have done better? Should I really have given stuff like that away? Does it put trust between me and the person, or does it simply give them more freedom to do what they want if they know it’s one on one.
Katsuki grumbled and turned around to quietly and very aggressively remind Izuku to shut his mumbling up. The latter quietly slammed his head on his desk in response.
“Look... how about we sit down, wherever you want, you tell me what I can call you and we chat?”
“And why the fuck would I do that?”
“Because, unlike everyone else, I’ll understand.”
“Who do you think you are to say that-?!”
Izuku couldn’t help the way he felt his stomach drop. He bit his lip in an attempt to will the worry away.
“You’re...” Tetsu had already trailed off “You’re like me...”
Izukus breath caught in his throat as he tried to push his anxiety down because It’s fine. He saw himself in the simulation glance down at Tetsus shoes and nod, taking a few steps forward.
“Can I sit?”
I probably shouldn’t have beckoned a suicidal teenager to sit on the ledge of the rooftop they were trying jump off from. Let's not do that next time.
“How...?”
“How what?”
“You know what I meant!” Tetsus anger had shown in their furrowed brow and in the way they snapped.
As much as Izuku was only slightly amused when he was in the situation it was somehow a little more amusing to see Tetsu huff and puff in frustration and confusion. It is a complicated situation after all, no wonder, it won’t click immediately. Late bloomer my ass. I didn’t even explain that to them, did I?
“I’m... I’m Tetsu. I go by they/them.”
Some people in class had their eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Izuku was the only one up to that point who had prompted Tetsu to say their pronouns.
“Nice to meet you Tetsu-kun! I go by he/him.” Izuku had smiled. Tetsu had looked down at the alleyway and Izuku stared up at the stars. How ironic .
“How did you do it?”
“Spite mostly... But I also wanted to prove myself.”
“Prove yourself...?”
“Yeah... to the world, I guess. To my family. To my peers. To myself.”
There was a long pause before he had continued, although much shorter than he remembered experiencing.
“I wanted to show that I could do something too... despite what came of...” Izuku trailed off and lifted his foot “Not that it’s anything bad, being quirkless. The right people won’t care, if anything they’ll stand by you. You've still gotta find those people Tetsu-kun, don’t give up.” he sent a fist bump to Tetsus shoulder, causing them to sway, and some sniffles were heard.
Izuku bit the inside of his cheek in the same place he’d done it so many times before. He felt the lines on both sides with his tongue as he tried to put all of his focus on the projection.
It's fine. It doesn’t matter that they know now. Tetsu was saved, that’s all that matters. Although Tetsu doesn’t know that I’m not quirkless anymore. I never did tell them. I lied. That's shitty. I hope this doesn’t classify as false hope because, really, no matter the quirk, a lot of heroes fight quirkless. So what? I could’ve become a quirkless hero even without One for All. I could’ve done it. Why didn’t I?
“Can I really do it...?” Tetsu cried, tears running down their cheeks, as they tucked their knees against their chest.
Why didn’t I become Japans first quirkless hero?
“Hell yes, of course you can! No matter what your dream may be, whether it is to become a baker, to open a flower shop, to get into college, to become a hero, hell even if it’s just to make it to a certain point in your life, you can achieve it. A quirk is just a tool one can use to their advantage. It doesn’t make someone better than someone else just because they have a so-called ‘strong’ or ‘powerful’ quirk, hell if they have a quirk at all! And you’re not at a disadvantage for not having one, Tetsu-kun. So don’t let your peers and the statistics drag you down. Our future is much brighter than you might anticipate, you just have to keep hoping.”
I mean how could anyone pass up the offer All Might had given? Especially after finding out about the secret.
Izuku bit the inside of his cheek again at his own ramble.
Tetsu had looked up at him with admiration.
Oh...
More tears seemed to fall down as Tetsu had clung onto Izuku while sobbing their heart out. Izuku had tried to comfort them, to ground them, to protect them as best as he could. He sees himself resting his cheek against Tetsus hair as he hugged them tighter.
Look at that...
His brow furrowed and his eyes widened in realisation.
Maybe I can pave the path for someone to be Japans first quirkless hero.
“Izuku-kun...?”
“Yes, Tetsu-kun?”
Izuku took a deep breath.
“Thank you... for crashing my party.”
The warm feeling engulfed him once more at the sound of those words and all he could feel was hope.
As long as I can help someone else, it's good. I don’t have to be the first. Having a quirk now doesn’t erase the fact that I was quirkless at some point.
“Always.”
Izuku smiled as the projection cut off. He couldn’t help the small tear drops forming in the corners of his eyes.
Maybe I should stop hiding the fact that I was quirkless. I don’t have to tell the whole truth. If I do that, then I can advocate for quirkless rights. People will listen. Then maybe Japan can finally get its first quirkless hero. Someone with enough determination to keep going despite what gets shoved their way.
He locked eyes with the blond in front of him who had turned slightly and was sending him a look. They stayed like that for a mere moment, long enough for Katsuki to huff, nod, and turn back around, lowering his head to run a hand through his hair.
Aizawa cleared his throat to grab their attention. The class had been staring at him, but Izuku tried his best to ignore the questioning looks.
“Midoriya. I understand that after watching this you might not be in the best of positions. Would you like to step out for the remainder of this viewing?”
Izukus eyebrows shot up in surprise and his classmate's eyes were back on him. He knew that they simply didn’t know what to say or how to react. Their stares didn’t necessarily mean anything bad.
“Oh! No, no! I'm good Aizawa-sensei. Thank you though.”
“Midoriya, I insist. If you’re not feeling well, I would recommend you don’t push yourself. For you own mental wellbeing.”
“It’s alright. Really. I would much rather continue to watch the remainder of the projections to see how everyone did and learn from their experiences!”
Aizawa sighed, running a hand over his eyes, and nodded.
“Very well then. Let's have a check in after these sessions end. And anyone else who feels like they would like to join or talk to me privately is welcome to do so either immediately or after this ends.”
After a collective confirmation from the class Aizawa continues.
“Good. Mineta, it is your turn. Are you ready?”
“Yes sir!”
¨~¨
“Oh no, you’re not!” Mineta exclaimed as he threw a few sticky balls towards Tetsus feet to keep them from doing anything rash.
“What the-?! What did you do to me?!”
“I’m keeping you from jumping obviously!”
“Let me go you midget!”
“Shut up, you’re younger than me! Now calm down and let me help you!”
Tetsu thrashed and tugged at the balls, but they didn’t budge.
“Let me go and then I'll calm down!”
“How about you calm down and then I’ll think of letting you go?”
Tetsu glared over their shoulder at Mineta who had crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“Fine... but I can’t just keep standing here.”
“Any movement and I won’t hesitate to stick you to the roof if it means assuring your safety.”
“Whatever.”
In swift movements Mineta removed the balls and guided Tetsu away from the ledge.
“You doing that could’ve accidentally caused me to fall you know?”
“No, it wouldn’t. I'm confident in that. I wouldn’t have let it happen.”
Tetsu clicked their tongue in annoyance and sat down, curling in on themselves. Hilariously enough, they were simply a head shorter than Mineta. Izuku heard a snicker or two.
¨~¨
“That was beautiful Yaomomo!” Mina exclaimed.
“Yes, good job Yaomomo!” Jirou was quick to voice her agreement as Uraraka nodded.
“Oh, thank you very much Mina, Jirou, Uraraka. I really appreciate that!” she answered, putting a hand on her cheek.
“Next up is Shinso. Are you ready?”
Shinso nodded briskly a few times, chin resting on his hand.
“Don’t do it.” Shinsos voice echoed on the rooftop. One hand clutching his support item around his neck in comfort.
The teens nearly silent sobs stopped abruptly in order to turn to look at the stranger who had startled them.
Despite staring at Shinso, the teen didn’t answer. Instead, they simply stood there, almost curling in on themselves as they glanced at the hero student over their shoulder. Shinso let a few moments pass, the teen took the chance to try to wipe their tears.
“I know what you’re thinking. I know what you’ve faced. And I know for a fact that this is not worth it.”
“How would you fucking know?” Tetsus brow furrowed in silent frustration. It seems like the teen had almost given up defending themselves this time around. They were still crying hopelessly “You don’t know me. You have no idea what I am.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. I may be a hero in training and have a quirk, but I would recognise those shoes anywhere.”
Izukus blood froze, and his mouth was slightly agape. How... how did Shinso know about this? Did he know? This entire time, had he known? His heartbeat faster in fear. Why? Izuku didn’t know.
“My shoes... how-?!” Tetsu choked on his own words and their eyes seemed distant as they trembled “How did you-? How do you know?”
“I’m supposed to know this stuff. I'm going to be an underground hero so I should know everything, every little detail no matter how minor, if it means I can save someone in the end. I know you choose these shoes on purpose. I know all about it.”
“But... but I’m worthless. I'm quirkless, I am worth nothing! Everyone has made that clear already! So why do you think you can save me?!” Tetsu sobbed and turned to face Shinso slowly, hands clutched near their chest, trying their best to protect their fragile heart.
“Because your life matters. The people who force you to believe those words may not see it. You may not see it right now. But trust me, you are worth it.” Shinso inched closer, hands adjusting the mask around his neck and then dropping down to the capture weapon, ready to use it at a moment's notice.
The teen shook their head rapidly, breath becoming laboured caused by their emotional and mental distress.
“No...! No! There’s absolutely no one left who cares. Not my classmates, not my teachers, no staff member, no parent, no family member left who cares.” Tetsu shouts as the tears keep flowing “Nobody. Nobody.” they continue to mumble, shaking their head.
Shinso furrows his brow and tightens his grip.
This was one of the most extreme reactions Izuku had seen from all the projections. He felt his breath stutter and he tried his best to remain in the moment. Nails digging into his palm to ground himself. To resist his memory from wandering too far. He didn’t want to cause a scene during someone else's turn.
“Hey! Listen to me!” Shinso suddenly shouts and it does seem like Tetsu is trying their best to concentrate on his voice “None of that is true! None of it, you hear me?! There is somebody who cares. Whether they show it or they don’t, they care. Whether you’ve met them already or you haven’t yet, they care! Whether they know you’re quirkless or not, they care! You can’t be the one to decide that no one cares about you, because people do! They care!” he took a step forward to strengthen the emphasis behind his words.
“How do you know? How would you know that?! You say I can’t just decide that nobody cares but how do you know that someone might?!”
“Because I don’t know you and I care! I can guarantee you that there’s more people than just me out there that care about you. People who do not give two fucks about whether you have a quirk or not. Having a ‘powerful’ or ‘heroic’ quirk, or having one at all, it shouldn’t give you any more of an advantage in life! You're still a person damn it! You still matter!” Shinso shouts, voice nearly raw from all the emotion behind it.
“No way! There's no way! Where has everyone been then?! Do they have to see my corpse in order to understand that I mattered too?!” Tetsu screamed and sobbed and cried.
And Izuku felt himself crack, bit by bit, all the pieces he had used to very carefully create the brave and determined hero Deku. Everything he had presented himself to be at UA, all of it was built on uneven grounding made up of shattered shards of broken trust and self-esteem. Everything came crashing down. With every scream, every tear, every shake of Tetsus small frame, he saw himself. And fuck it hurt .
“That doesn’t have to be the case! The choice is in your hands, damn it. You can make them see that you matter if you just keep going! The first step is away from that ledge!”
“But why?! Wh-why do I have to show them that I matter? That- that I'm a person too? That I can’t handle this anymore? Why do I have to be the one to beg to be understood all the t-time?!” Tetsu stuttered and broke down even more than anyone thought was possible.
Izukus hands found themselves in his hair, clutching the roots tightly, eyes glued to the screen unable to look away. But he was shaking too, his entire body trembling in fear, his eyes filling with tears threatening to blur his vision and mouth agape as if he was a second away from getting up there and stopping Tetsu himself.
Don't jump. Please don’t jump. Please stop.
Because at this point Izuku himself was close to joining Tetsus hyperventilating session.
Just stop!
“Tell me this much. Do you think you’re alone?” Shinso shouted his question. Was he going to use his quirk?
"What...?” Tetsu asked back. Although they weren’t under the influence of the quirk, they had taken it a notch down, breaths now less laboured and more in the direction of trying to steady themselves.
“I asked, do you think you’re alone?” he asked, this time more calmly.
Tetsu took heavy breaths through their nose and out their mouth. Trying their best to divert their attention and to think about the question they were just presented.
Izuku hadn’t noticed when but both him and the teen were in similar positions, both tugging at their hair.
“I don’t... I d-don't know...” Tetsu cried, wobbling in place. Their eyes closed for a second too long and Shinso shot out his capture weapon to wrap around their body. He managed to catch them just as their body had gone limp and they had started leaning backwards, head dangling back.
Izuku shifted his hand down to his mouth to stop himself from making any noise, fat tears now freely running down his cheeks. Whether it was in relief, in fear, or in panic he didn’t know.
Shinso pulled with everything he had and ran to catch the small body before it hit the rooftop.
“I’ve got you. You're alright. You're ok. I have you now.” Shinso whispered, untangling them as he cradled them close.
Tetsu stirred and stared up at the young hero. They sniffled and wailed.
“I’m so... tired.”
“I know... I know.”
“I’m scared...”
“I know... that’s understandable.”
They sat there for a long while with Tetsu in Shinsos arms who let the teen cry it out some more. He only started talking again when the teen had calmed down enough to stop their tears.
“What’s your name?”
“Tetsu.... my name is Tetsu.” they mumbled and shifted to sit up and look at Shinso “Who are you?”
“Um... I don’t have- ah well... you can call me Mindjack.” Shinso rambled out. It helped to ease the atmosphere both between the two teens in the projection but also in the class, some even laughing under their breath.
“Mindjack... did you really mean it?”
Shinso was quiet for a second.
“I was going to ask you which part you were referring to until I realised that I meant all that I said.”
That seemed to take Tetsu by surprise.
“Can I really keep going...?”
“You’ve been through a lot, that much I can guess. And you’re so strong for having made it this far. You should be proud of yourself. Since you’ve made it this far, don’t you think it’s worth making it a little further too?” Shinso questioned and Tetsu scrunched their eyebrows “It’s difficult, I know. And I don’t know how long the people in your life are planning to be heartless freaks but, I can guarantee you that not everybody is like that. And some day, you will find someone who accepts you wholeheartedly for who you are. So, just keep holding on. You'll find in the end that it was worth it.” he continued, and fist bumped the teens chest lightly.
Their lips trembled but, despite the tears again, they broke out in a wet smile.
“Thank you Mindjack... I’ll try my best, I'll keep holding on, I'll keep fighting.”
“Good... now let’s get you down and away from here.”
“Wait...”
Just as Shinso was about to stand up, Tetsus hand shot out and held his arm. The young hero paused and waited.
“Thank you... thank you for crashing my party.”
Shinso smiled, put his hand on the Tetsus and spoke.
“Always.”
Just as the black screen presented itself to the class Izuku broke down in tears as the class broke out in cheers.
He was hugging himself and, despite the celebration of Tetsu being saved in all their attempts, he wasn’t the only one crying. Izuku had caged himself in between his arms and the desk, not wanting to see or be seen. But others were crying openly, showering Shinso with compliments and some even rushing him to give their new classmate a hug. Something that left the transfer student squeezed in very awkward positions.
Izuku felt a hand on his head and suddenly he felt like he became all too aware that the only noise left in the classroom was his crying. He glanced up, the hand following his motion, and his eyes met Katsukis. The blond had turned in his seat so that his back was comfortably leaning on the wall and had propped a foot up on his seat. Izuku sucked in his lips and frowned, unable to stop crying.
He hid his face in his hands, not wanting to see anyone staring at him anymore. He would’ve been fine with questions; he had anticipated them. Hell, he would’ve been fine with insults because he was used to that. But silence? That was Izukus worst case scenario. This was not what had crossed his mind.
“It seems that the check in now applies to every single one of you. So how about we discuss these simulations?” Aizawa suggested, glancing at Izuku trying to see whether this was the right move to do.
“I’m sorry, but can we please instead talk about the one thing on everybody's mind?” Eyes snapped to Sero, the brave soul who had decided to speak up “I’m not suggesting ganging up on Midoriya, but I'm concerned you know?” he glanced to his left at Izukus form, glistening eyes peeking at him through cupped hands.
“Yeah, and as curious as I am too, you definitely don’t have to Midobro! Personally, I want to be here for you if you feel like sharing this with us.”
Aizawa glanced at the mentioned student who was now leaning back on his chair, away from Katsukis hand, contemplating it. Izuku glanced up and caught his teacher's eye. A silent ‘may I?’ was asked and Aizawa nodded.
Izuku turned towards the class, looking at every single one of them before looking back at Katsuki. The latter gestured with his hands questioningly.
“What are you fucking waiting for nerd? You and I both know you decided long ago that you would spill the beans.”
Small bouts of laughter erupted in the classroom and Izuku found himself chuckling.
Way to break the ice.
“You’re right... as soon as I had nodded when it was my turn to...” Izuku gestured at the screen “I had already made up my mind that I wanted to share this, if only so more people can be saved and feel safe.”
He took a deep, shaky breath and everyone looked at him with anticipation.
“I want to start this off by saying that every single one of you was amazing. All of you were very impressive with the way you handled the situation, and I have learned a lot by watching you save Tetsu on that roof.” he said, determination in his eyes causing his classmates to smile. He swallowed hard, trying to steady his heartbeat, and continued “As it has become very apparent now... I am quirkless. Or well, was.” he chuckled awkwardly, and he heard someone to his right snort.
“I was diagnosed quirkless. I grew up all of my life quirkless. But honestly, I don’t even know the statistics for this, somehow my quirk manifested late.”
“How late...?” Todoroki suddenly asked.
“Like very late...” Aizawa's eyes narrowed and Izuku grew worried “Like entrance exam late.”
Some people gasped, someone choked, and almost everyone's jaw was on the floor. Izuku even heard a quiet ‘what ?!’ somewhere. He could only smile awkwardly in response, unsure of what to do or what to say.
“Wait... so when you saved me from that zero pointer...?” Uraraka asked with a horror-stricken face.
“That was when my quirk had manifested itself, yes...”
“Oh, my goodness...” she whispered and heavily leaned on her desk, Iidas reassuring hand reaching out just in case.
“So...” Yaoyorozu started “Is that why Bakugou-san reacted the way he did during our quirk apprehension test?”
Katsuki groaned at that.
“Of fucking course that’s why! All my life this shitty nerd was quirkless and suddenly he’s using a damn quirk!”
“That is still not proper behaviour for a hero course student Bakugou-kun!” Iida exclaimed, gesturing stiffly with his other hand.
“Shut it four eyes.”
“You bullied him too, didn’t you?” Shinsos voice broke the commotion. Izuku felt speechless, he simply stared at him surprised “You bullied Midoriya.”
Suddenly the atmosphere grew uncomfortable and Izuku tensed.
“And so what if I did?” Katsuki glared.
“Kacchan! You can’t just say that!” Izuku whipped around, nearly giving himself whiplash, voice suddenly a much higher pitch.
“Huh?! Shut up, damn nerd, I'll say whatever I want!”
“Did you bully Midoriya, Bakugou?” Mina asked, a scowl slowly presenting itself on her face.
“No! It's not like that-!” Izuku started but got cut off quickly.
“Yes, I did. Look, idiot. If you’re gonna puke up something from your past, I might as well. Yes, I used to bully Deku. And guess what? I fucking regret it.”
“He has already apologised, and I've already forgiven him so please, don’t put this against him! If anything, he didn’t know any better. Our teachers are the ones who encouraged it.” Izuku defended but the class grew quiet. Katsukis friends stared at him like he was some kind of alien and totally not the person they got to know.
“Honestly... I can see that.” Shouji said suddenly.
“Huh?”
“I mean. I have a mutant quirk. Kids weren’t that nice to me growing up but the adults, the ones you think you can trust, aren’t all that better. They didn’t do anything to stop it, they were mean too.”
“Same for me. Ever since my quirk manifested, I was labelled ‘villain’ by my peers and teachers. No one stood up against it and I got tired of fighting against them.” Shinso admitted.
“That’s horrible...”
“Sure. Although I'm one of the lucky ones. So Bakugou, having known Midoriya since childhood I’m assuming, having him redeem himself like that – enough for Midoriya to share the community’s secrets – has to prove their point.”
“Kacchan’s not a fundamentally bad person. He will be a great hero someday! He, alongside many others our age, was just misguided by the adults we thought we trusted.” Izuku agreed.
The class started to look more and more convinced by their words. Katsuki clicked his tongue.
“I don’t you extras to defend me like that.” Katsuki lightly pushed Izuku as far away as he could reach. The class erupted in laughter.
“Midoriya.” Aizawas voice broke through and Izuku looked at him. Oh no...
“Have you gone to quirk counselling since your sudden quirk manifestation?”
“Ah... no sir...” Izuku shrunk bank as everyone exclaimed, bombarding him with questions.
“What do you mean?! Why haven’t you?!” Kaminari shrieked.
“No wonder you’ve broken so many bones...” Mineta mumbled and holds his hand over his eyes.
“That is so irresponsible!” Iida shouted, wildly flinging a nearly passed out Uraraka by the shoulders.
“Calm down.” Aizawa said sternly and everyone was back in their seats immediately. When did they even stand up?
“Why haven’t you?” Aizawa asked and Izuku twisted in discomfort.
“I didn’t know who to turn to. I didn’t know where to go. Not to mention that manifesting a quirk at fifteen is unheard of so I didn’t want to garner any attention for that.”
“How humble...” Kirishima cried out, wiping away a tear.
“Humble my ass. Shitty nerd just didn’t trust anyone enough to ask. He didn’t even know how to break the news to auntie.”
“Then I suggest you and I have a thorough talk afterwards, Midoriya.” Aizawa suggested. Well, that was more of a demand than a suggestion... but whatever suits.
“Yes sir...”
“I have to ask though, because I’m confused. What's with the whole ‘crash my party’ thing that all three of you knew about?” Jirou questioned and gestured to Katsuki, Izuku, and Shinso.
“Ah, it’s a quirkless thing.” Izuku answered and Jirou deadpanned.
“Yeah, no shit?” people snickered at her response.
“Well... this is stuff created in forums, secrets that have stayed between members of the quirkless community. This would be useful for everyone to know, not just anyone going into underground heroics. The first thing to know is that most, not all, quirkless people purposely choose these shoes, the red high tops, to recognise each other.” Izuku lifted his foot up, much like he had done with Tetsu “Not a lot of outsiders know about it. Other than the people we choose to spread it to, at least. And underground heroes of course” he glanced at Aizawa and Shinso.
“As for the parties... well, it’s basically the nickname for a suicide attempt.” Izuku said in a straightforward manner and stared, waiting for the reactions. Some people nodded in understanding; others face twisted in horror.
“I’m not sure if anyone has seen any statistics on quirkless people but the suicide rates are high. They're not lying. But more quirkless teenagers are said to have considered it rather than have gone through with it. That is in Japan at least, there aren’t a lot of quirkless teenagers in Japan. Most quirkless people are of the older generations. I've personally only ever met one other quirkless person, some of you know her. It was Melissa-san, from I-Island, although she had no idea that I was quirkless, not to mention that she lives a slightly more privileged life that I do.
“As you heard Tetsu say, they were thanking us for ‘crashing their party’. That simply means ‘thank you for saving my life’ or ‘thank you for stopping my suicide’ . And technically this isn’t actually a rule or a must, but everyone usually answers with ‘always’ .” Izuku continued and a smile automatically found itself on his face. He distantly heard Hagakure and Mina sniffling.
“Wait seriously? You don’t have to say ‘always’ ?” Shinso blurted out. Izuku bursts out laughing, and Katsuki caught himself slacking when he tried to stop himself from smiling.
“No... you don’t have to.” Izuku chuckled “But it is the most usual response. Probably the one we’re used to. There's also something new brewing but I'm not quite sure I got the hang of it yet, so I'll have to keep you updated on that part.” he continued and instinctively turned to look at Aizawa who raised an eyebrow and nodded.
“Alright brats. Time has run out and our guest lecturer, Yoshina-san, has to take his leave soon. So, class dismissed, Midoriya stay back for our chat. If anyone else has any questions, you’re also welcome to stay back otherwise I will see everyone tomorrow.”
Izuku remained seated as everyone else packed their things up. He noticed his friends sending him glances to which he responded with a reassuring smile.
Personally, I don’t feel very reassured.
“Very well. Midoriya, let’s talk.”
“Ah, if you don’t mind sensei. Since Yoshina-san is leaving soon, I had a few questions I would like to get the answers to...” Izuku smiled brightly, twisting and tugging at his finders nervously. The analysist laughed loudly. Aizawa sighed and cursed his luck.
“Go ahead, problem child.”
“Problem child huh?” Yoshina chuckled again and sat on a desk closer to Izuku “Let me hear those questions little analysist.”
Izuku grinned.