The Hope Barely Found

Thats Rough, Buddy

Izuku sat uncomfortably next to Shinso, avoiding looking across the table at Todoroki. Todoroki was still glaring at Izuku even after he had spent a good half hour lecturing Izuku for leaving. Shinso, on the other hand, had no idea what the fuck was going on, but knew it was somehow Izuku's fault and had taken up nudging the freckled boy every few seconds to try and get an explanation. Izuku ignored him.

When Aizawa came in with dinner he could tell something had gone down, also figuring it to be Izuku's doing, but was too tired to try and get it out from them. "Dinner."

The room was filled with the kids, all in various positions across the room. Kirishima and Mina were crisscrossed on the floor by Bakugou, and that was just for starters. A light chatter was in the room while people ate and for the first time since Eri had 'died', Izuku picked up the fork and started to eat by himself.

Todoroki and Shinso stared with their jaws wide. Then caught themselves, and quickly looked away, both having a slight red tinge on their cheeks in embarrassment.

***

Izuku sat on the couch silently with Todoroki and Shinso while Kaminari, Katsuki, and Uararaka fought over the tv remote. Iida was also there, not helping by doing a chopping arm motion while giving a lecture about taking turns and sharing which was just drowned out by all the yelling. Izuku had already heard enough lectures for one day so he easily tuned them out. Until the tv landed on the news station.

"...the infamous League of Villains have collaborated another attack..."

Izuku's attention was snapped to the tv, and he swiveled his head around so fast he made Shinso jump in surprise.

The news reporter continued. "We have reasons to believe that the serial killer, going by Stain, might have been involved..."

Izuku didn't realize that the room had gone deadly silent. Todoroki and Shinso didn't know what was happening that made the arguing cease so suddenly, but Iida looked as if he had been shot.

"Stain." Izuku's voice was barely audible, but the numbness and recognition was clear in his voice.

And Iida heard it. In an instant he was on top of Izuku, slamming a fist into his face. "How do you know about that monster?" He seethed venomously, slamming Izuku against the ground.

Izuku had gone back into his shell the second Iida had jumped up. What did he care about being beaten? Hopefully this would result in his death if it kept up. Then he'd finally get to see Eri again. That was all he wanted.

Iida slammed a foot into Izuku's stomach, and a trickle of blood dripped from Izuku's mouth onto his clothes. Snapping out of their shock, Uraraka and Katsuki yanked Iida off of Izuku, both holding an arm as Iida struggled in their grip.

"MR. AIZAWA!" Uraraka yelled, trying and failing to get Iida away from Izuku. "WE NEED HELP!"

The man was there before Uraraka could finish her sentence, gently pushing Uraraka and Katsuki back, and putting Iida into a restraining position. "What happened?" His voice was calm, but the aura that was surrounding him made all the kids shiver.

Todoroki glared at Iida. "He jumped Izuku," he snarled, gently peeling Izuku up off the ground and wrapping his arms around him protectively. Todoroki gently laid the dissociated boy on the couch where Shinso started checking him over for injuries while Todoroki stood blocking Iida's view from Izuku, ready to fight should he jump at Izuku again.

Aizawa raised an eyebrow. "Iida?"

"HE KILLED MY BROTHER!" Iida screamed, still fighting Aizawa's grip. "I'M GOING TO KILL ANYONE THAT EVEN MUTTERS HIS NAME! I WILL AVENGE HIM!"