CW: Blood & Injury, Canon-Typical Violence, Temporary Character Death

~

Chapter Summary:

Izuku reunites a family and saves a baby. You go, Izuku!

~

Shouto wasn't letting go of Izuku's hand, but he wasn't complaining. He gave a reassuring little squeeze and flashed a Deku smile, beaming even brighter when he saw his friend relax a little, heterochromatic gaze going back to examining the surroundings. The social worker took a step back, content to give the boy a moment to adjust to what was going to be his home for the foreseeable future since Endeavour had lost custody.

"I think my mum's in the kitchen making us something," Izuku informed to break the nervous silence. "We don't have to see her right now if you don't want to. We could check out our room, or..."

"Your mum's nice," Shouto said quietly, stepping inside the apartment and letting his friend guide him through.

Inko turned around at the sound of tiny pattering footsteps, and she broke into an indescribably soft smile, drying off her hands on a towel before turning around to face them. "Hi again, Shouto-kun. How are you?"

"I'm..." He paused, blinked, then dipped his head, lips curving into the smallest of grins. "I'm fine, Inko-san."

"That's great! I'm making katsudon and soba, since I heard from Izuku that was your favourite, right?" She tilted her head a little to the side, humming when she got a faint nod in response. "Well, you've got a bit of time until it's ready, so Izuku can show you around and help you get settled in. I'll call you when it's done, okay?"

"Thanks, mum," Izuku said brightly, raising his free hand in a farewell wave.

The social worker stepped aside to let them pass, remaining in the kitchen to converse with the mother. Both kids headed straight for their bedroom, seeing two All Might nameplates hung up. Izuku pushed open the door and the two of them stepped inside; even though he'd helped sort out his room so there was space for two, he was still super excited to see how his friend would react to it. Shouto stayed relatively still, turning in place to take in the decorations without many changes of expression, his fingers still firmly linked with the green-haired boy's.

Two beds inhabited the room on either side, with desks next to them and chests of drawers at the end. There was significantly less All Might merchandise than before, although still more than the average person since Toshinori insisted on going Plus Ultra when facilitating Izuku's unhealthy addiction. A couple of posters were stuck on the white walls and Izuku's favourite figurine was on his desk next to a Hero Analysis notebook and several pencils. The wardrobe had been split in two, half of it nearly empty so Shouto could fill it with the minimal clothes he had deemed important enough to take with him. His half of the room was a fairly blank canvas, ready for him to fill it with unique items and allow him to express himself like a normal child.

Shouto hesitantly took off his backpack and put it on the carpet next to his bed, then climbed up to sit on the edge of the mattress, a certain sort of glow to his gaze. Izuku remained in the middle of the room, letting his friend sort through the influx of emotions he was undoubtedly experiencing. He glanced towards the ajar door, contentedly listening to the wonderfully domestic sounds of clinking cutlery, shuffling footsteps, and his mother speaking in low tones.

A sniffle snapped his attention back to his freed friend. His arm was raised to cover his face, but a tear trailed down his face and dripped off his chin, landing on his lap where his other hand was scrunched.

"Thank you," Shouto whispered earnestly. "Thank you so much, Izuku."

*

It had been a long recovery, but the day had finally come where Rei was fit to regain custody over her kids. Touya and Natsuo, being the older siblings, had gone to pick her up when she was discharged. Inko and Toshinori busied themselves with setting up the picnic on the grass whilst Fuyumi, Shouto, and Izuku dashed around the park to burn off some nervous energy, shifting from playing tag to just running as quickly as they could. With their frequent spars and training, the boys had a lot more stamina, but preferred to slow down and stick with his older sister.

They were so comfortable with one another that they were family in everything but blood. Izuku liked having older siblings, even if he was technically older than all of them.

Waiting always felt like an eternity when anxiety was involved. Sure, the kids had visited their mother whenever possible, but it was one thing to see her cooped up inside a bland hospital room, and it was another thing entirely to see her roaming free in her own clothes. Even Izuku had visited when the others had insisted on his presence, causing Rei to adopt him as much as Inko had adopted all the other children.

"Careful, my boy!" Toshinori called out when Shouto skidded on the grass.

He regained his balance, arms out and eyes wide for a moment before he relaxed, nodding in acknowledgement. Fuyumi let out a huff of breath, sitting down where she stood as she tried to recover from sprinting around. Izuku dropped down next to her with a wheeze, flopping backwards so he lay down and stared up at the blue sky. Shouto sprawled out to his left, close enough that their shoulders brushed, making a content sort of hum and closing his eyes against the glow of the sun.

"That cloud looks like All Might," Izuku commented suddenly, finger pointed at a wisp of white clouds.

Shouto cracked open one eye, squinting for a moment before shifting closer to try and get a better angle and work out which cloud was being motioned to. "...It looks like a rabbit."

"Oh," he muttered, tilting his head. "Actually, from here it looks more like a giraffe with two heads. Look, there's the snout, and the head, and the horns..."

"They aren't called horns, are they?" The boy turned his head to frown thoughtfully at his friend, blades of grass sticking to his cheek.

"Wh... No, I don't think so... Are they antlers?"

"No," Fuyumi chipped in, staring calculatingly at the ground before giving in and lying down as well. "I think antlers are bigger, with more prongs."

"Huh," Izuku mumbled, resisting the urge to raise his hand to his mouth and devolve into contemplative murmurs. "Mum, what are giraffe horns called?"

"...I don't know," she responded with a perplexed note in her tone, voice raised so he could hear. "Any ideas, Yagi-san?"

"I'm not sure either." Toshinori let out a chuckle. "It seems my giraffe knowledge is lacking."

"I believe they're called ossicones," a new voice interjected.

Fuyumi shot up with an excited gasp, whipping around to face the newcomers. "Touya-nii! Natsuo-nii! Mum!"

"Hey," Natsuo said with a wide grin, opening his arms to scoop up his sister and twirl her around.

Shouto and Izuku were quick to get to their feet, rushing up to the woman with elegant white hair. Her grey eyes crinkled at the edges as she smiled delightedly, reaching out to embrace her youngest tightly for a tender moment before she dragged the other boy into the hug. The other kids soon crowded around and squished the three into a group hug, filled with laughter and joyous tears at the long-overdue reunion. It was getting stuffy, being trapped between so many people, but the content warmth in Izuku's chest was enough motive to keep him in place, one around wrapped around Rei and the other around Shouto. He caught his friend's gleeful gaze, another swell of affection bursting in his heart as he saw how happy and bright and alive Shouto's eyes were, and to know that Izuku was the one who helped reignite the boy's happiness...

Yeah, this was why he became a hero.

*

"Izu, are you... are you sure you need to go, too? It seems dangerous," Inko murmured, twisting the hem of her soft jumper in his hands. "And... you're scared of him, I can tell. Do you really want to do this?"

Izuku swept back his hair with an All Might headband, swinging his heavy backpack over one shoulder, clenching the strap tightly to keep his hand from shaking. He crouched to tie up his red trainers, movements jerky and a little more violent than necessary, calming his breathing before standing up and facing his beloved mother with a determined expression.

Shigaraki Tomura was cultivated into a monster, with blazing crimson eyes that glittered maliciously, and a chilling, ragged smile that still haunted Izuku's nightmares.

Shimura Tenko was a child, neglected and traumatised, with a Quirk he couldn't control and a desperation to be saved.

"I'm scared of Shigaraki, not Shimura Tenko-kun," he stated in a soft voice, glancing sadly at the front door but seeing a different scene entirely. "I want to save him, because I failed last time."

Inko looked like she was going to protest but merely stepped forwards and engulfed her son in a tight hug, her entire body trembling. "O-okay. If that's what you need to do... I trust you." She gave a final squeeze before backing up as the doorbell rang. "Just, Izuku, please... be safe."

"I will, mum," he assured with a Deku smile to push back the last of his apprehension, turning to open the door. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she responded in a whisper.

Toshinori stood outside, shifting impatiently but calming a little at the sight of the boy. "Thank you, Inko-san. I'll keep him safe, I promise."

"I know you will," she agreed, offering a fragile smile before her expression steeled. "Go on. Don't waste any more time – save him."

The man shrugged off his jacket and handed it over, showing off his gaudy hero costume underneath. He beefed up into All Might and scooped up Izuku impossibly gently, holding him close and keeping his face tucked down safely before leaping off the balcony and shooting across the city. Izuku made sure to keep within the shelter of the hero's arms, shivering at the chilly air tearing through his shirt, cuddling a little closer whenever he was jostled upon landing.

They came to a stop, landing silently, and there was a pause before All Might set him down on slightly wobbly legs. He immediately peered around him with sharp green eyes, taking in the run-down district that seemed mostly abandoned. His expression twisted with sympathy at the ragged people doing their best to shelter on the streets, curled up under tatty blankets and sitting on flattened cardboard. It seemed like the hero and the boy were the only colour in this greyscale town.

"Let's hope Ragdoll-san was correct," All Might muttered, large hand loosely clasped around the yellow backpack handle as the two of them started to walk with purpose down the road, ignoring the disbelieving stares. "And what if we're too late?"

"We're not going to be," Izuku said firmly, his fingers resting on the retracted bo staff at his waist to reassure himself. "But, if we are... then we'll keep searching. We'll save Tenko-kun."

Their paces were rapid, almost a sprint for the boy as he tried to keep up with the long strides. Both of them were constantly surveying the area, on high alert and buzzing with the effects of fear and desperation. Every noise had them tensing up, but never faltering.

All Might glanced down at his phone as it chimed, his grin shifting into a grimace. In one smooth movement, he picked up Izuku by his backpack and started running, bolting down the streets and leaving trails of dust and fluttering litter in his wake. A second later he came to a halt at the mouth of an alley, putting down Izuku who let out a startled breath but froze as he saw a small figure sitting against a wall in front of-

The hero rapidly lifted a hand to cover Izuku's eyes. Izuku hesitated before pulling it away with a frown cast up at his mentor, steeling his stomach and grabbing his bo staff to comfort himself as he strode closer to the grim scene. He deliberately avoided looking directly at the carnage, keeping his gaze locked onto the huddled boy, his crimson shoes edging around the puddles of red glinting across the dirty concrete. Tenko didn't even blink as the child came to a stop next to him, merely continuing to stare blankly forwards, eyes wide open in horror and the flaky skin around his mouth stretched into a sickened gape.

"I- I didn't mean to," he rasped, voice raw and painful, repeated under his breath like a mantra, distressed and edging on manic.

"It's okay now," Izuku assured in the gentlest tone he could manage, automatically sidling in front of the boy to block his view of the viscera. "Let me help you, okay?"

"I- I d-don't-" Tenko choked out, broken eyes trailing up to stare at his comforter. "I- I k-killed him. I killed f-father! I don't deserve-"

"Everyone deserves help," he insisted, cautiously holding out a hand and wincing a little when the boy flinched back. "I'm Midoriya Izuku, but you can call me Deku, if you want. What's your name?"

"Sh-Shimura. Shimura Tenko." He took an unsteady breath, looking up between scraggly locks of pale blue hair, some of the fear seeming to dissipate with the distraction. "W-why call yourself Deku? I-it means useless, right? Why would you-"

"It's another way of reading the kanji of my name," Izuku explained slightly sheepishly, exaggerating his movements and expressions to keep the boy focused on him. "My friend is a bit mean and he called me it as an insult, but another friend told me it kinds sounded like 'dekiru,' which was a really nice twist on it. One day, I'm going to be a hero, and my name will be Deku to remind everyone that, no matter who you are or what your circumstances are, you can always rise above and redefine yourself."

"A h-hero?" Tenko mumbled, only to dip his head again, his hands carefully not touching his bent legs. "I- I can't be a hero, my Q-Quirk-"

"Doesn't define you," he cut in firmly. "I'm Quirkless, but not useless."

"B-but I- I destroy anything I touch; I killed-"

"Tenko-kun." Izuku's tone was low and soothing. "I want to save you. Let me be your hero."

The boy choked out a sob, his teeth gritting together and his head tipping back against the wall. He raised his hands as if to tangle them in his hair, but left them hovering near his face. Izuku's gaze flickered to the mouth of the alley, where All Might was whispering into his phone, presumably calling police to the scene. Tenko gasped in another breath, regaining his companion's attention just in time to see him give a jerky nod of assent, red eyes glassy and desperate and hopeful, glimmering up at the younger boy in relief. Izuku gave the warmest, brightest smile he could muster, going to help the child up but reconsidering when he curled in on himself a little tighter, understandably too afraid to initiate contact. He faltered for less than a second before reaching up and tugging the bright headband from his hair and slowly leaning over, giving Tenko the choice to deny, but when that didn't happen Izuku carefully tucked the headband behind the boy's ears. It scraped a little over the flaky skin but settled comfortably on his head, pushing back the unkempt fringe and revealing more of his face.

"Young Izuku," All Might called in a hushed tone, subtle worry lacing his voice.

The boy glanced at him with slightly narrowed eyes, trying to work out what had spooked him. Izuku suddenly froze, hyper aware of the quiet footsteps approaching from the other end of the alley, uniform and almost overshadowed by the noise of the city. He gazed down at Tenko who stared right back at him, trusting but still afraid.

"Come on, Tenko-kun. Let's get you out of here." He tried to keep the concern out of his voice, maintaining a smile as he backed up a step.

Tenko was slow and shaky in standing up, to the point where Izuku just wanted to grab him and run, but he forced himself to remain patient. There was no knowing for sure whether the person getting closer was a terrible human being or not. Just because All for One had approached Tenko last time, didn't mean that was him right now, turning the corner and-

Okay, no, yeah, that was him. Probably. He wore a black fitted suit, and although he actually had a non-mutilated face, the terrifying aura was unmistakable. His eyes were dark and glinted in the low light as he surveyed the scene, lips set carefully neutral, but a muscle in his cheek twitched as his gaze settled on All Might who was striding forwards.

Tenko let out a low, anxious whine, looking ready to collapse again as the oppressive aura only got heavier. Izuku choked in a breath and briefly dipped his head before managing to get a hold of himself, catching the older boy's wide eyes before reaching out and loosely locking their arms together. He pulled a little to get Tenko to move, not even caring as the two of them splashed in bloody puddles, because evacuating the area was more important. All Might couldn't fight his best if there were two children nearby, which put him at an even bigger disadvantage if All for One decided to engage.

Other heroes were on call in case the two started to battle, but how likely was it that they'd be able to handle the clash of two titans?

Izuku pressed his lips together. His priority was to escort Tenko to safety. No matter how much he worried about All Might and the city, he needed to do his duty. He slowed his pace a little when he noticed the other boy was stumbling, clearly coming down from an adrenaline high and looking incredibly strung-out.

"It's going to be okay," Izuku assured automatically, letting his gaze linger for only a moment before going back to roaming their surroundings as they made their way down the street.

"Wh-who was that man? Why was he so... scary?" Tenko hesitated, pulling their linked arms closer together until their sides bumped awkwardly. "W-will... Will All Might be okay?"

"That was a very bad villain called All for One," he explained lowly. "Don't worry, All Might-san will be fine." The words tasted a little bitter on his tongue, but he didn't falter. "We need to get out of here."

"Where are w-we going?" He asked, a wobble in his tone, seeming to shrink in on himself.

"To the police-" At the sudden jerk on his arm, he paused, raising his free hand in a placating gesture, expression soft and genuine. "What happened isn't your fault, Tenko-kun. You're a victim: it's the system that failed you, okay? I promise no-one will accuse you of anything."

His breathing was erratic and his bloody fingers were hovering cautiously over their joined elbows. "How can you be sure?"

"I have friends in high places. All Might-san knows you're innocent, too," he insisted, holding eye contact for a moment longer before starting to walk at a brisk pace once more, footsteps loud in the empty street.

"B-but, you're... You're younger than me, aren't you? H-how-"

"Tenko-kun," he said, all fond and exasperated. "I have a lot of secrets. I know you don't have much reason to, but for now, please... trust me."

The boy opened his mouth before clamping his teeth down on his lower lip, expression conflicted before he finally nodded.

They only got a few more steps before an explosion knocked them off their feet.

Izuku instinctively let go of Tenko, not wanting them to land awkwardly and end up breaking bones. He hit the pavement on his front, rolling off momentum and laying in the dust for a few seconds as his head spun. His ears were ringing faintly and small chunks of debris were still clattering down around him, one piece crashing painfully onto his shoulder and spurring him into action.

A keening whimper caught his attention; Tenko was sprawled a few feet away, crumpled against some concrete steps and looking pained as he tried to move. Izuku scraped his palms against the ground and scrabbled to his feet, stumbling a little with the tell-tale signs of a head injury, but he dragged himself over to settle in front of his companion, green gaze already tracing his form and mapping out injuries. He tightened his jaw and glanced over his shoulder at the settling cloud of dust, seeing a scene of half-demolished buildings, clearly caused by something powerful.

That meant All for One wanted to engage and destroy One for All once and for all. That meant the damage was likely to get worse. That meant... Izuku had to work fast.

He swung his crushed backpack in front of him with a wince, not wasting any precious seconds as he dug around for first-aid supplies, swiftly cleaning and dressing the worst of the open wounds while assessing potentially fatal injuries. Tenko only let out the occasional whine and yelp, managing to stay still and accept the hasty medical care, although his fearful eyes were locked on the destruction where they came from.

Heroes had already been on standby just in case something like this happened, so at least they would be deployed quickly and could help secure the area. The issue was that no other hero matched the sheer power of All Might well enough to stand against All for One, and All Might himself was bound to struggle, as was evident by the missing organs in the previous timeline, and... god, how was Izuku just supposed to sit there knowing what his mentor was up against? Knowing what terrible things could befall him?

He pressed his lips together, wrapping up a bandage with softness that didn't match his raging thoughts. His gaze drifted down to the small grazes over the other boy's hands, noting bitten nails and dry skin, then withdrew some four-fingered gloves from his bag that were stored in there for this very occasion. Tenko jolted his hands away with panic flashing across his features, finally looking away from the broken landscape.

"It's okay," Izuku assured in a gentle tone, firm and certain. "Your Quirk needs touch to activate, right? A lot of touch-activated Quirks are five-point, meaning they need all five fingers to be touching the object in order to activate. My friend has a gravity Quirk like it. The easiest way to stop yourself from accidentally using your Quirk is with gloves like these, at least until you learn how to control it. You'll feel safer without having to worry about your Quirk, won't you?"

Tenko nodded slowly, expression steeling with resolve as he offered one hand. Izuku carefully slipped the light blue glove over the other boy's skin, running the pad of his thumb over the fingertips and pausing on the exposed pinky finger, glancing up with a reassuring smile before moving to tug on the other glove.

Another rumble coursed dangerously through the ground, causing several more buildings to tremble against the force. A few chunks of debris skittered down from the walls of the rickety house they were crouched in front of, pittering across the concrete. Izuku secured his bag on his back and straightened up with a suppressed wince, offering a hand that Tenko hesitantly grasped, immediately clinging tighter when the skin remained intact. He was pulled to his feet, a small whine of pain passing his pursed lips as he straightened his spine out, but seemingly emboldened by his newfound shield against his unruly Quirk. They started at a brisk pace, pulling each other along with hands linked like chains, chased by the threat of a volcanic eruption through dismal streets that shuddered under their pattering feet.

The fight grew into a heartbeat, pulsing across the city. It was growing stronger with every hit All Might was clearly trying to neutralise. Another shudder caused a rift in the pavement, sending both boys tumbling to the ground. Izuku lay there for a moment, hazy head cushioned by an aching arm, feeling the remnants of power roll through the earth beneath him, thrumming within his ribcage like too-loud music.

There was probably a police perimeter set up somewhere on the outskirts – not too far, if they ran. Tenko caught his eye when Izuku languidly pulled himself into a sprawled kneel, the boy's flaky face taut with fear that expelled from his lungs in short gasps, shoulders heaving and body shaking in a way that couldn't be blamed on the distant fight. He was terrified, but he wasn't giving up.

Izuku toppled forwards as another tremor snarled through the ground, concrete peaking like tectonic plate movements. His forehead clashed with cement, thoughts exploding into stars that faded out with a flood of white-hot pain in his nose, metal tainting his tongue. He mumbled out a hiss of pain, tightening his grip on Tenko's hand while his free fingers scratched against the ground, a familiar agony lancing through his bones every time the quakes jostled him.

"Izuku-kun," Tenko whispered, almost low enough to be drowned out by the grinding of architecture. "Please, get up. W-we need to go, remember?"

He shifted closer, one hand remaining firmly linked while the other slid underneath Izuku's torso, pitching him upright in a way that made his stomach roll with nausea. The look of anxiousness heightened into panic when he saw the bloody state of the younger boy's face, instantly choking in a fearful breath, crimson eyes darting over the injuries and expression nearing hysteria. God, Tenko was a child, he shouldn't have to be subjected to such horror and stress – Izuku should be able to pull himself together and help him get to safety, because he was supposed to be a hero, but-

Izuku was a child, too.

He let out a soft sigh. All Might was struggling. Worsening tremors meant it was unlikely the two boys would be able to get to safety. If they stayed and did nothing, they'd be badly wounded at best, killed at worst. After all this, Tenko deserved better.

Izuku stayed on his knees, grabbing his phone out of his bag and frowning at the cracked screen, but quickly moving to type in a phone number and silently pleading the recipient to answer the call.

"Who are you and how did you get this number?"

The boy beamed through the blood and panic and pain, already crying. "Sensei- ah, sorry, Eraserhead-san, hi – I'm Midoriya Izuku! Wait, that means nothing to you, I never told you my name, um... you remember that kid who used your capture gear and patched you up a while back? The Quirkless kid who wanted to be a hero? That's me, hello."

"...how did you get this number?" Aizawa reiterated, although he sounded a little less paranoid.

"Aw, you do remember me," he muttered fondly, only to let out a yelp and cuddle tighter against Tenko as the world shook violently once more. "Shit- I got your number off Detective Tsukauchi-san, sorry, but I'm glad I did. Look, I'm sure you got the memo and I don't know if you're on duty or not, but All Might-san's fighting this big bad villain and everything will be made a whole lot easier if you're here to use your Quirk, because the villain relies far to much on his."

"Get out of there, kid," he ordered, a subtle tinge of panic to his tone. "That doesn't seem like a hero fight you should gawk at."

"Believe me, I know! We're trying to escape but All Might-san can only negate so much damage, and the residual power keeps shaking the streets. It's getting worse, sensei – we can barely stand," Izuku informed rapidly, the phone pressed tightly to his ear while he wrapped his arm firmly around Tenko, the other boy doing the same. "We really need you here. Please."

"Yeah, I'm on my way." He paused. "Don't get yourselves killed."

"We'll be fi-"

An untamed explosion tore through the streets, flattening both boys to the ground, desperately shielding their heads and cowering as shrieking gales shredded buildings. Chunks of debris tumbled down to earth, landing heavily enough to shake the ground. Grit scraped over exposed skin, shards sharp and drawing blood. The air was filled with the sound of crumbling architecture and people screaming.

Silence followed, eerie and cold.

Izuku's ears were ringing and his lungs felt thick with dust. He squinted through blurred eyes, hesitantly peering around him before uncurling his tense arm from his head. His other arm was crushed under Tenko's torso, fingers loosening as he realised he had been digging into the boy's back too harshly.

"T-Tenko-kun," he choked out, voice like sandpaper in his throat and sending him into a fit of ragged coughing.

Tenko stirred and blinked slowly, blood trailing down from under the All Might headband. "De-ku-kun..."

Izuku picked himself up, ignoring the protests of his battered body. His balance was off-kilter and one of his ankles was flaring up in agony, but he stood nonetheless, a sheet of dust and rubble tumbling off his form. He stared around him, the thrum of adrenaline distancing him from the reality of the destruction: the streets were completely unrecognisable. The boy glanced down, noticing Tenko holding up the shattered remains of the phone, looking a little concerned.

"Ah, Aizawa-sensei's gonna be so worried," Izuku muttered, grasping the shards and gazing at them hopelessly for a moment before shoving them into his bag. "Come on, Tenko-kun. I don't think we've got much further to go."

"It hurts," Tenko whispered, briefly squeezing his eyes shut and clutching at his ribs.

"Yeah," he agreed tiredly, grabbing his bo staff and extending it to lean some of his weight on. "There'll be paramedics when we reach the police perimeter. The heroes have their hands full rescuing people already. I think..." He paused, looking over his shoulder and letting himself relax when no more quakes rumbled through the earth. "I think Eraserhead-san and All Might-san took down the villain. We'll be okay."

Tenko's face contorted in pain as he took Izuku's hand and pulled himself up, but he didn't complain any more. The two boys pressed together, arms looped around waists and heavy steps taken in unison. Both were smeared with dirt and blood and covered in dust. They moved slowly, halting frequently to catch their breath before continuing, eyes exhausted and bodies weighed down. Heroes occasionally sprinted past, too panicked and preoccupied to notice them. Voices and flashing lights greeted them as they turned a final corner, followed by a flurry of activity as someone noticed them.

Izuku stubbornly refused to let go of his friend, glaring at the people who tried to split them, even if they were just trying to do their jobs. Tenko didn't seem opposed to staying together, clinging tightly, practically slumped onto the other boy as they were guided over to an ambulance.

"I need to speak with Detective Tsukauchi-san," Izuku told them firmly with a clumsy tongue.

It took a few attempts for them to acquiesce to his request, finally giving up in trying to send them to hospital when it became clear they weren't budging. The paramedic who had been patching up their smaller injuries spoke to an officer who muttered into his radio, then informed the boys that the man was on his way. A few minutes later a car pulled up, the door practically flung open as the detective almost sprinted over, the tension draining from his body as he saw the boys and broke into a relieved smile.

"I thought the worst when Eraserhead-kun told me your call ended in an explosion," Tsukauchi murmured, leaning against the side of the ambulance. "No-one could get ahold of you, either."

"Phone broke," Izuku responded quietly, scooting a little aside to let the man sit next to both of them on the back of the vehicle. "This is Tenko-kun. Please take care of him."

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Detective Tsukauchi Naomasa. I'll make sure you and Izuku-kun can stick together, if you'd like that," he offered with a gentle grin, glancing sideways.

Tenko nodded slowly, leaning more heavily against the other boy and cuddling down under the blanket wrapped around him. He looked ready to pass out, but too nervous to do so in the presence of so many strangers.

"How's Toshi-san?" Izuku asked, feeling a fresh twist of sickness arise in his gut.

"He's fine. Minor injuries." Tsukauchi broke into a small smile. "Mostly worried about you two. I told him you were here, don't worry."

As if on cue, there was a commotion, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. All Might came to a stop in front of the trio, dropping to his knees with an almost-sob of relief, arms spreading to engulf both boys in the softest of hugs, large palms splayed over their backs and his head dipped between theirs. All three of them were trembling slightly, but they were okay. They were alive.

Izuku let himself relax, closing his eyes and taking a calming breath.

Tenko was safe. All for One was defeated. Everything was going to be okay.

~

"Izuku instinctively let go of Tenko, not wanting them to land awkwardly and end up breaking bones"
Me: oh, that's very ooc...
Also me: His bones aren't ripe yet
Me:
Me: D: