Izuku's footsteps were soft against the pavement as he patrolled the city streets, his senses on high alert. As a quirkless middle schooler with a secret double life as a vigilante, he had learned to navigate the darkness with caution. The night had an eerie stillness, broken only by the distant hum of traffic.
But as he rounded a corner, his senses prickled with an unexpected presence. A figure was slumped against the wall, surrounded by a group of thugs. Izuku's heart raced as he assessed the situation—someone was in danger.
Without hesitation, Izuku moved closer, his body tense with a mix of apprehension and determination. The dim light revealed a boy, slightly older than him, with distinctive half-white, half-red hair. His expression was strained, his body language indicating that he was backed into a corner.
"Hey, leave him alone!" Izuku's voice was stronger than he felt, but he couldn't stand by and watch someone be victimized.
The thugs turned their attention to him, and for a moment, there was a tense standoff. Izuku could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his adrenaline surging. He knew he was outmatched in terms of physical strength, but he was fueled by a deep sense of justice.
One of the thugs sneered, his voice mocking. "Look who wants to play hero. Get lost, kid."
Izuku's grip on his makeshift weapon tightened, his eyes narrowing. He had faced danger countless times before, but this situation felt different. He couldn't back down, not when someone else's safety was on the line.
In a burst of movement, the thugs lunged at him, their intent clear. Izuku's training kicked in as he dodged, weaved, and countered with swift strikes. His body moved with a fluidity born of experience, his determination lending him strength.
Despite the odds, Izuku managed to disarm the thugs one by one, his movements precise and calculated. He took a few blows himself, a price he was willing to pay to protect others. The clash of fists and the sound of grunts filled the air, a chaotic symphony of desperation and determination.
Finally, the last thug lay defeated on the ground, groaning in pain. Izuku's breath came in ragged gasps, his body aching from the effort. He turned to the boy he had saved, his voice sincere. "Are you okay?"
The boy pushed himself away from the wall, his expression a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Yeah, thanks."
Izuku managed a tired smile, his own injuries momentarily forgotten. "I'm just glad I could help."
But as the adrenaline faded, Izuku's own pain resurfaced. The ache in his side intensified, a reminder of the blow he had taken during the fight. He stumbled slightly, his vision swimming.
The boy's concern was evident as he stepped closer. "Are you alright?"
Izuku's pride warred with his body's protests. "I'm... I'm fine. Just a scratch."
The boy's eyes narrowed, a hint of skepticism in his gaze. "You don't look fine."
Izuku's attempt at a chuckle was strained. "It's not as bad as it looks."
But his bravado was short-lived as he swayed on his feet, his vision darkening at the edges. The boy's voice sounded distant as he spoke, his words a blur.
The next thing Izuku knew, strong hands were supporting him, keeping him from collapsing. His head felt heavy, and he struggled to stay conscious.
"You're not fine," the boy's voice was firm, his expression resolute. "Let me help you."
And as the darkness closed in, Izuku felt a sense of gratitude. In his darkest moments, he had been the one saving others, but now, someone else was there to save him.
——-
As Izuku's vision began to blur and his consciousness wavered, he found himself leaning on the boy with the distinctive hair. His support was steady, and Izuku couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude mixed with his own delirium.
"Thank you," Izuku managed to mumble, his words slurring slightly.
The boy offered a small smile, his eyes softening with concern. "I should be the one thanking you. You saved me back there."
Izuku's lips curled into a tired grin, and he couldn't help but let out a weak laugh. "Guess we're even then."
His head felt heavy as he fumbled for his phone, his fingers shaky as he dialed Eraserhead's number. The phone rang a few times before the voice on the other end answered, his tone a mix of annoyance and concern.
"What is it, Midoriya?"
Izuku fought through the haze in his mind, his voice sounding more determined than he felt. "I... I took down some villains. You should send the cops to take them into custody."
Eraserhead's voice took on a sharper edge. "You idiot, did you get hurt again?"
Izuku's stubbornness flared, and he hung up before Eraserhead could scold him further. The phone slipped from his grasp, and he leaned more heavily on the boy beside him.
"I should... I should find somewhere to sit," Izuku mumbled, his words slurring together.
The boy nodded, his grip on Izuku firm as he guided him to a nearby bench. Izuku sank onto it with a sigh of relief, his eyes half-lidded as he looked at the boy.
"You should... call an ambulance," Izuku mumbled, his voice growing more delirious.
The boy's eyes widened in alarm. "An ambulance? I thought you said you were fine!"
Izuku chuckled weakly, his gaze hazy. "I am fine! It's just a stab wound... and some blood loss... it's fine, really."
The boy's face turned a shade redder, his gaze flitting between Izuku and the wound on his side. "You're... you're joking about a stab wound?"
Izuku's head lolled to the side as he met the boy's eyes, a playful glint in his own. "Hey, got to lighten the mood somehow, right?"
The boy's cheeks flushed deeper, a mix of horror and amusement in his expression. "You're... something else."
Izuku's laughter was interrupted by a sudden shift in his surroundings. Eraserhead appeared before them, his presence unexpected but comforting.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, Midoriya?" Eraserhead's voice was a mixture of frustration and relief.
Izuku managed a weak smile, his vision swimming. "Just... doing my job."
Eraserhead's gaze shifted to the boy beside Izuku, his expression stern. "And who are you?"
The boy straightened, his voice respectful. "I'm Shoto Todoroki. I was in trouble, and Midoriya helped me."
Eraserhead's gaze softened slightly as he turned his attention back to Izuku. "You're a mess, kid."
Izuku's head lolled back, his voice barely a whisper. "Been through worse."
Eraserhead sighed, his exhaustion evident. "Let's get you both sorted out."
As Eraserhead guided Todoroki away to handle the necessary police procedures, Izuku's consciousness began to fade. The events of the night caught up to him, and he allowed himself to surrender to the darkness, knowing that he was in capable hands.
——-————————
Eraserhead's focus shifted between Izuku and Todoroki as he led them to his car. Todoroki had been quiet, his expression a mix of gratitude and confusion. Izuku, on the other hand, was barely coherent, his body swaying with every step.
Once they were settled in the car, Eraserhead turned his attention to Izuku. "You're lucky I got to you in time. What were you thinking, taking on those thugs with an injury?"
Izuku's response was a tired mumble, his eyes heavy as he looked at Eraserhead. "Had to... help."
Eraserhead sighed, his gaze softening. "You have a funny way of showing it. You could've gotten yourself killed."
Izuku's lips twitched into a faint smile. "But I didn't."
Eraserhead's irritation gave way to a mix of exasperation and fondness. "You're a pain in the ass, Midoriya."
As he drove, Eraserhead's thoughts turned to the fact that he had become more involved in Izuku's life than he had anticipated. The boy's recklessness worried him, but he couldn't deny the determination and bravery that fueled his actions.
Once they arrived at the police station, Eraserhead escorted Todoroki inside to provide his statement and ensure that the criminals were taken into custody. The process was long and tedious, but Eraserhead's experience allowed him to navigate it efficiently.
As Todoroki recounted the events, his voice was steady and his demeanor composed. Eraserhead couldn't help but be impressed by the boy's composure, especially considering the circumstances.
Once everything was settled, Eraserhead and Todoroki made their way back to the car. The drive back to Eraserhead's place was mostly quiet, with Todoroki's curiosity getting the best of him.
"Is Midoriya always like this?" Todoroki's voice held a mix of amusement and bewilderment.
Eraserhead glanced at him, his expression dry. "Unfortunately, yes. He has a habit of charging into danger without thinking."
Todoroki's lips quirked into a small smile. "He saved me. I'm... grateful."
Eraserhead's gaze softened, his voice sincere. "He has a good heart, even if it's reckless. Just don't encourage his behavior."
Todoroki nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I'll keep that in mind."
When they arrived back at Eraserhead's apartment, Todoroki helped him support Izuku as they made their way inside. Eraserhead had treated his fair share of injuries, but there was something different about tending to Izuku. The boy's resilience and determination struck a chord in him.
After tending to Izuku's injuries as best he could, Eraserhead settled him into a makeshift bed on the couch. Todoroki stood nearby, his expression a mix of concern and uncertainty.
"Thank you for helping," Todoroki said, his voice quiet.
Eraserhead nodded, his gaze shifting to Izuku. "He's going to be fine. Just needs rest."
Todoroki's eyes lingered on Izuku before he turned to Eraserhead. "Why do you care so much?"
Eraserhead's gaze held a mixture of weariness and determination. "Because he's been through enough. No one else seems to care, so I do."
Todoroki's expression softened, and he nodded in understanding. "He's lucky to have you."
Eraserhead's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Sometimes I wonder who's luckier."
As the night settled around them, Eraserhead couldn't help but think about the unexpected turns life could take. Becoming Izuku's legal guardian hadn't been part of his plan, but it was a responsibility he was willing to take on—for better or for worse.
