The Hope Barely Found

Thats All Folks!

Izuku and Eri ended up being swept onto the beach, soaking wet, cold and coughing. Izuku's legs had been horribly scratched up and he gently picked up a spluttering Eri, wobbly making his way back to UA while checking his sister over for injuries.

"That was awesome!" Eri squealed, getting over her near death experience in seconds.

Izuku was about to have another when Todoroki and Aizawa found out-

Sure enough, the boy in question was standing outside with his arms crossed, already prepared for some situation to have gone down. His eyes clenched shut in exasperation as his gaze caught theirs.

"Fucking Izuku-,"

Izuku let Eri run ahead while Todoroki went on a long lecture, all the while drying him off with a fluffy red towel. Despite himself, a small smile made its way to Izuku's face. Of course that only doubled the lecture, but it was worth it.

***

Todoroki sat with Izuku on the couch in the living room quietly. Izuku could tell he was itching to say something so he kept quiet and patiently waited.

"Izuku, my brother-," Todoroki hesitated. "He's back."

Izuku was not expecting him to say that and instantly broke into a grin, wrapping his hands around Todoroki excitedly. "That's awesome!"

Todoroki nodded, anxiety taking over. "I, uh, I want you to meet him. He's waiting outside-,"

Todoroki didn't get to finish before Izuku jumped up, dragging Todoroki with him. "Well don't keep him waiting, geez Shoto! How rude!"

***

Izuku already knew who he'd be meeting when he went outside. Dabi. Sure enough, the man was waiting with his hands in his pockets uncomfortably. He shifted into a smile at the sight of the two.

"Hey kiddos. How's it going?"

Shoto kept on beaming. Izuku had never seen him so excited before. "Izuku, meet Touya. My brother."

***

Izuku went back inside to see All Might had gathered everyone in the living room, and instantly turned around to leave again when two arms wrapped around him, pulling him to the couch.

"Let. Me. Go!" Izuku snarled, fighting the hands.

"Just hear him out," Katsuki sighed, but he didn't sound so thrilled to be there either.

"Well I don't wanna hear it!"

All Might cleared his throat, catching everyone's attention back to him. Izuku crossed his arms and turned away.

"I wanted to apologize," the man started. "I realize I haven't been there for... I mean I can't always be there for everyone," he corrected. "I shouldn't advertise that I am either. I'd like to keep on working here, and I'd like to make it up to you all. If you'll let me."

Izuku huffed. It'd take a while for him to make up for it, but just maybe that apology was a good start. Maybe a bit more groveling though, just to make sure.

All Might gave a small bow to everyone before exiting the room, for once without being dramatic.

Maybe he was changing.

***

Todoroki found Izuku watching the sunset on Katsuki's balcony. It had become Izuku's favorite spot since getting back. Todoroki took a seat crisscrossed next to Izuku on the cool concrete.

"You know," Izuku muttered, "Sunsets used to be my favorite time of day. When the day was finally coming to an end. I despised sunrises for the opposite reason." He hummed. "Funny how much has changed in so short a time."