Evil....Maybe Not

Full House

Five Years Later

Deku's POV:

Izumi is ten years old now and heading into the fifth grade. She has grown so fast that it feels surreal. The public eventually found out about me and Kacchan having a child, but we refused to appear on talk shows to explain everything. The news also broke that Dabi, Shiggy, and Toga were out of jail.

I assume they delayed the announcement to prevent the public from overreacting. The reports revealed that the three had been out for a few years and were now working on rebuilding their lives. News reporters stated, "Do not intrude on their past. Simply be polite and respectful if you encounter them. Remember, they are human beings too." It was surprising to hear such a balanced approach towards former villains. People gradually began to warm up to them.

I even saw Dabi in the store, chatting with strangers who came in specifically to get a tattoo from him, showing their acceptance. A few who tried to slander him were swiftly removed. As word spread that he was working at my shop, more customers came by each day. Bizarrely, though, some crazies began following Dabi home, taking pictures of him entering our house and never leaving. Kacchan had to calm the situation, saying, "We invited him over for dinner because he is a co-worker of my husband. We had him stay overnight in the guest bedroom due to the occasional hate he receives. We wouldn't be surprised if someone tried to attack him."

The reporter asked, "Couldn't he have just used his quirk to defend himself?"

"No," Kacchan replied. "Any 'acting out' would send him back to prison." After that clarification, the situation calmed down, and the stalkers were arrested. There were also speculations about Shiggy being my brother, as people began looking deeper into my family history. Despite the truth, I would never publicly confirm it for his safety.

Toga moved out with Uraraka last year after rekindling their relationship from the past. They have adopted and started their own family. Shiggy and Dabi are still living at our house. Dabi has become a popular tattoo artist at my shop, though he keeps his orientation private. He is a talented artist, and I plan on keeping him for a while. Shiggy can't find work due to his criminal record, but he plans to move in with Dabi when they save enough money. In the meantime, I pay him to handle household chores.

Izumi is just happy to see them creating lives for themselves, and I believe she has helped them as well. I'm not sure what she has said to them, but I know it meant a lot. After that day, they were motivated to become normal members of society. They've been succeeding well so far. The promise I made to myself ten years ago, when I was shoved out of that van, has been fulfilled. It took a long time, but they have pulled through.

The three ex-villains have become the family Izumi doesn't have from her other relatives. Kacchan's mother is still unhappy with our relationship and won't see Izumi. It's not the fact that we are gay; it's that, in her eyes, I'm still a villain. His father, however, is kind and keeps in touch secretly on birthdays and holidays. My own father is just an ass who will probably never change. I tried to have them meet by bringing Izumi to the jail, but he refused to speak to a "wannabe hero." So, the only family Izumi has is Kacchan and me. Though none of her extended family is perfect, they are the best thing for her.

Her friends have questioned why she associates with the now-free villains, but Kacchan stepped in to help. She has three core friends she spends time with, and it's fun to see them interact. It reminds me of how Kacchan, Todoroki, and I used to be. Mina distanced herself a bit when she found out about the situation with Kiri and Kacchan. She came around later, but I can tell she's still hesitant. I'm not sure why, since it doesn't involve her directly, but perhaps she holds something against me.

Aside from all that, everyone is happy. Kacchan is home for the holidays this week, and Toga came over with Uraraka. Their two young kids, around four years old, were excited for gifts. Izumi went off to play with them after greeting everyone at the door. Dabi helped me in the kitchen, and Kacchan set the table with Toga. Though he may never admit it, Kacchan has really grown fond of the three.

"Kids, come and eat!" Kacchan's voice boomed. Everyone gathered at the table.

"These past few years have been a lot, but I don't regret any of it. Even though this is Christmas, we never got to celebrate Thanksgiving due to our busy schedules. So, in honor of both holidays, I'd like everyone to share what they are thankful for." I sat down after speaking, and we went around the table.

"I'll start to get the ball rolling. I'm thankful for my family. You all have saved me in more ways than one, and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Kacchan has known me for a long time and never gave up hope when I was lost. That was all I needed—someone to believe in me. Shiggy, Dabi, and Toga, I was angry at you three for a long time for pushing me out of that van, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Our plan was to escape together and build a new life, but you pushed me out of the van in front of UA, which led to me finding hope and success. Izumi, you were born when Kacchan and I were young and struggling, but you inspired me to overcome my personal problems and be a better person. I would have missed out on all this if it weren't for you and Kacchan helping me through tough times."

Izumi looked at me with curiosity. "What did I do exactly?"

I smiled at her. "Your existence made me want to get up and face the world instead of dwelling on my problems." She giggled at her accomplishment, even if she didn't remember it.

I looked around the table and realized I hadn't mentioned Uraraka. "Although we were never really friends, I'm thankful to see that someone can accept Toga aside from us. I'm glad you two have started a family and a new life together. Please take care of her." Uraraka nodded with a smile.

Everyone shared their lists of what they were thankful for. Some of their words made me tear up, but the real tears started flowing when Shiggy spoke.

"Nobody knew we were siblings—heck, we didn't even know ourselves. But I remember one thing. When you followed father to the lair, you were so obvious. Of course, you were caught and sent home, but I followed you. You had a house and a mom, more than I could ever ask for, but the next time I saw you, you had nothing. Together, we grew up, becoming friends with Toga and Dabi along the way. Later, father told us we were siblings, and even though the circumstances were horrible, we were happy. Izumi, you saved us from so many things over the years. I can't express how thankful I am for you and for all of us. What truly brought us together was our dream to be heroes. We knew deep down that we could never be heroes, but that dream stayed with us. I remember when you called after you got into UA and broke down crying about how you felt you could never measure up to the heroes in training. I struggled to find words to console you, but after years, I found them. Although you're not a hero, you've saved more people than I can count. You saved yourself and us in the end. Even without a hero title, you are a savior—someone who everyone looks up to and strives to be."

I started sobbing, and everyone rushed over to hug me. Uraraka brought me tissues.

"Thank you, everyone. I love you all."

_________________________________________

1363 words