The Man Behind the Screen

Kicks and Giggles

MIDORIYA'S POV

There is no way this is my old bed. Mom must have gotten a new one. I just knew I wouldn't be able to sleep at all. Light is coming through the window as breakfast smells fill the air. Mom is making pancakes. I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom before going downstairs. "Smells good." I walked into the kitchen and took a seat at the breakfast bar.

Mom was standing in front of the stove. "Good morning. I'm almost done." She took the last pancake from the pan and set it on a plate. "Here you go, Sweetie." She flashed me a worried smile.

There was a stack of four pancakes and three slices of bacon on my plate. "Thanks, Mom," I picked up my fork as she set the plate in front of me. After adding syrup, I took a bite and then another. "This is really good." I never realized how much I missed my mother's cooking.

"Izuku, slow down. You act like you haven't eaten in days." She looked at me over her coffee cup before setting it down beside her plate.

"Sorry, Mom. Is there still some coffee?" Just as I asked, she pointed to a cup I didn't see before. "Oh, thanks again." I smiled softly at her. We ate in silence, trying to ignore the elephant in the room. I know I have to tell her what is happening, but the awkward atmosphere doesn't help my nerves.

After we were done eating, she started clearing the dishes. "Mom, I got it. Why don't you take it easy?' She eyed me suspiciously. "I know... I still owe you an explanation." I sighed. "Let me wash the dishes first, please." I pleaded, trying to give myself a little more prep time before I had to tell her everything.

Raising a brow at me, she said, "Alright, but I expect details, young man."

I gave her a knowing look as she left the room. "Yes, Ma'am"

About twenty minutes later, which didn't feel like enough time, I was sitting across from my mother once again. She is a sweet woman, but I can tell when she is becoming impatient with me. "Well, I told you Istuka, and I are getting a divorce. What I didn't tell you is why."

"Izuku, sweetie, I am well aware of what you haven't told me." She smiled as I swallowed hard. My throat felt like it would close if I tried speaking again.

I drummed my fingers on the table as my heart beat faster. I was biting my bottom lip before letting out a breath. I held her gaze. Here goes nothing, "Mom, I.." Why is this so hard for me? I know she won't care, and she will still love me. No matter what, just like I would my own son. With a shaky breath, I tried again. "Mom, I um, well, I-I'm gay." I almost choked on the word.

Her soft green eyes held on to mine as she squeezed my hand. "Izuku, baby, I don't care. I love you so much, and I'm sorry it was so hard for you to share. I am sure you two are not going public yet." She stood from her chair and took two steps, now standing beside me. She hugged me tight. She took the information as is and didn't ask many questions, which I appreciate.

"Thanks Mom, I love you too, and no, we are not." I failed at holding my tears back, but so did she.

"Do you have plans today?" she asked as we dried our eyes.

"I am going to hang out with Iida and Uraraka, maybe Todoroki."

Smiling at me like always, she said, "Okay, sweetie, have fun. I may not be here when you get home. Do you still have your key?"

I just nodded my head. "Great. I will see you later. I am going to hang out with Mitsuki." I nodded once more as she headed out the door.

"Love you too," I called back to her. Before heading out to see my friends, I made my morning call to Daiki.