The Man Behind the Screen

Hangouts and Compromises

MIDORIYA'S POV

"It's been almost two weeks!" Itsuka pleaded as I loaded our son into his car seat. "People are telling me they would rather die than be saved by me!"

Turns out that when you supposedly hurt a loved hero, the citizens strike back. They haven't gone easy on Itsuka in any way. "Tell them if it's that big of a deal to you. Do an interview."

She grabbed my arm as I clicked in Daiki's seatbelt. "They're not going to listen to me. You know that!" I shrugged her arm off and stepped away from the car.

"Daiki, give me and Mommy just a minute." He nodded his head before I gently shut the door. I turned to my ex-wife. "First, you blackmailed me and told me I couldn't tell people we were divorcing, but now, you want me to help you by telling the world? You still won't let me tell people why we divorced!"

"You can tell your friends and family, but I don't think Daiki should know yet," she replied. "He's still adjusting. He still doesn't understand what's going on."

"Itsuka, it will take years for him to fully understand what is happening. Do you expect me to hide until he's old enough to learn about marriage, divorce, and the birds and the bees?" She crossed her arms.

"Izuku, we can talk more about that later. Please... my reputation is in shambles. I don't want Daiki to grow up and hear the rumors. You know it's going to happen." Her voice was soft as she mentioned our son.

I hate that she's right. Daiki is already going to be surrounded by a lot of people growing up who have very strong opinions about me and his mother. I don't need to add fuel to the fire.

"What do you want me to say?" I sighed in defeat. As much anger as I have toward her, it's not fair to her. I filed for divorce. I wanted this.

"Just say that we decided to see other people for a while. I don't know if I'm ready to tell the world that we're divorced," she said.

"So what, we saw other people and are now back together?" I asked with a cocked brow.

"We're in couples therapy, working through our issues." I rolled my eyes, opening the driver's door. "Please, Izuku,"

"Yeah, whatever." I don't think I have a choice anymore. She's getting impatient. I guarantee she will eventually threaten to sue me for full custody if I don't do what she wants. Again.

I didn't finish listening to whatever she was saying. Once in my car, I shut the door and clipped my seatbelt.

"We go bye now?" Daiki asked from the back seat.

I turned around and gave him a soft smile. "Yeah. Daddy's gotta go shopping."

His eyes lit up. "Can I get new toy?"

I rolled my eyes playfully before checking both ways and backing out of the driveway. Once we were on our way to our destination, I turned my attention back to Daiki. "If you're good while we go grocery shopping, you can get a new toy. If you're good while we go to the other store, we'll stop and get ice cream when we're done."

He let out a little cheer before going silent. I don't want to ruin his good mood, but the unasked question is killing me. "Hey, buddy? Was Mommy mean to you yesterday or today?"

I glanced at him in my rearview mirror. He didn't say anything, but the look on his face told me enough. "Does Mommy spank you?" 

I glanced in the rearview mirror to see him shake his head. "Does she spank or hit you anywhere else?"

When he didn't answer, I said, "Buddy, can you use your words? Daddy has to focus on the road."

"No, she don't." I let out a sigh of relief. The mental abuse isn't okay either by any means, but at least I don't have to focus on both. "Daddy?"