Happy Easter you nerds, take this cute chapter that's pretty much just Kouda contemplating Midoriya!! Don't eat too much chocolate and get sick!! And stay hydrated!! I love you!!!!

 Discord server, if you wanna see Lys and Dragon violently flirting: https://discord.gg/DSBF4dP

~

Kouji tried to fight back his panic, hands fiddling together at an impressive speed. He cast a hopeless glance around the messy room, with bedsheets torn off and thrown, scrunched-up, into a corner, cuddly toys sprawled on the wooden floorboards, desk and chest of drawers pulled away from the wall, and sheets of homework placed haphazardly on the seat of the office chair. It was good that there was barely anything to disturb since he'd only just moved in, but it wasn't the mess he was worried about: Yuwai had gone missing again.

The white rabbit had run off before, and it was only thanks to Izuku and Bakugou's unlikely teamwork that Yuwai had been retrieved before he could vanish forever. Really, it was indescribably lucky that both boys had finished Present Mic's English classwork so quickly, and that the ever-devious Izuku had somehow managed to persuade their teacher to let the pair rush back to the dorms with a flimsy excuse. Perhaps it was more miraculous that Bakugou had actually gone without much complaint.

Was it possible that Yuwai had escaped before in Izuku's timeline and the boy had deemed it important enough to replicate the rescue? It definitely seemed like the sort of kind-hearted thing he'd do.

Everyone was probably asleep by now, and Kouji was unwilling to wake them up just to search for his mischievous rabbit. He himself had only just woken up after having been asleep for only an hour or so. The sight of the ajar bedroom door had made him panic, knowing that he'd shut it before he went to bed, and he had instinctively looked over his room to check for intruders, only to realise Yuwai was missing. Ten minutes of blind panic and one destroyed room later, there was still no sign of his beloved companion.

There was no way he was going to be able to get back to sleep until he knew Yuwai was safe.

Kouji reluctantly crept out into the corridor, tip-toeing along and squinting at the other dorm room doors to make sure they were all closed so he could rule them out as somewhere his rabbit could've hidden. A strip of soft lights were set into the floor against the wall to illuminate the path and guide him safely. On each floor, not a creature was stirring, not even a rabbit.

He emerged into the dark common room, unsettled by how eerie it looked in the glow of the silvery moonlight casting through the large windows. Cushions warped into beasts and monsters lurked in the dark shadows. Kouji tried his best to shrink in on himself, minimal bravery bolstered only by the desire to find Yuwai. It was that determination that kept him padding through the room and investigating even the spookiest of corners, softly calling out his rabbit's name as he peered around, trembling within his cotton pyjamas. He cautiously lowered himself into a crouch to take a peek under the table, gaze skimming the floor for suspicious fluffy shapes, only to freeze and stop breathing as he saw a figure standing out in the common room, silhouetted in the glow of the moon.

His heart felt like it was going to explode inside his chest, and it was only thanks to all the experience he'd had that he didn't immediately sprint from the room while screaming: after all, if he could face his fear of creepy bugs, he could easily handle a potential villain lurking in their school. No animals were around and he didn't have his phone on him, so it was up to him to take down the enemy to make sure all his friends were safe while they slept.

A jolt of hot-cold adrenaline pulsed through his chest – what if the villain had Yuwai?

Kouji focused on that protective rage and stood up suddenly, drawing himself up to his full height to look as imposing as possible as he strode towards the villain, who shifted and tensed up. If this person had hurt his innocent rabbit in any way-

"Oh, Kouji-kun," the villain spoke, voice high and fading into a relieved sigh. "You scared me!"

He blinked and paused. The intruder raised a hand and ruffled it back through their curly hair, strands flashing green under the light. Kouji let out a heavy breath, both hands clutching at his chest as he slumped back down, indescribably glad that it was just Izuku. The boy was only in a pair of loose trousers, barefoot on the carpet, black bands around his wrists, ankles and neck implying that he'd just returned from a patrol with Aizawa. Light bruises were printed on his joints and he stood with an air of exhaustion, shoulders slumped and eyelids heavy, but there was a content sort of smile playing on his lips.

"What are you doing up so late?" His friend asked, words a little slow and clumsy with sleepiness.

"Yuwai-chan's d-disappeared," Kouji said quietly, fingers fiddling and tears forming in his eyes at the reminder.

Izuku gave a concerned hum, glancing around the room, moonbeams casting over his features as he moved. "I'm sure he's safe. He's probably just-"

Kouji involuntarily jolted forwards as the glow illuminated his friend's arm and revealed a wound, dark, blotchy bruises around the edge and a shallow cut in the centre. "You're hurt!" Izuku blinked, taken aback by the outburst; Kouji covered his mouth with his hands, averting his gaze downwards. "S-sorry, that was rude, I didn't m-mean to cut you off, Izuku-kun. I-I'm just..." He trailed off, lifting his eyes reproachfully. "You're hurt. Shouldn't you g-go see Recovery G-Girl?"

Izuku expression softened and he raised his arm to peer closer at the wound, inspecting it in the half-light. "I don't want to bother her so late for something so small. I'll just disinfect it and wrap it before I go to bed." He let his arm drop, giving a smile that shone like the sun through the darkness, gilded with warmth and crooked with the same tiredness that weighed down his body. "Sorry for worrying you, Kouji-kun. It's fine for now, though – how about we go searching for Yuwai-chan?"

"B-but, you've just been patrolling... Y-you should rest..." He responded in a guilty whisper, staring at the ground and shifting on his feet; sure, he'd be a lot more comfortable and less scared if he had someone with him, but it would be selfish to put that burden upon someone who already did so much.

"I probably should," Izuku admitted with a sheepish sort of giggle, running a hand back through his hair before raising his hands in determined fists, whole countenance steeling with an unshakeable resolve. "But I want to help find Yuwai-chan, too. I know you'll only be able to relax when he's found, and I'll be able to sleep easier if I know you're happy." He beamed again, wonderful and powerful and soft like fur, then offered his hand, slightly scarred fingers relaxed and curving towards his palm. "Come on, Kouji-kun. Let's go find Yuwai-chan!"

Kouji stared at the extended arm, cheeks flushing in faint embarrassment at the relief he felt at the prospect of holding hands, because it was such a childish desire, and yet he always felt so safe when in close contact with someone he trusted and cared deeply for. It was silly, really, since he was going to be sixteen soon, and he was in training to be a hero – heroes were meant to be fearless and inspiring, but he was acting like a scared little kid.

And yet...

He glanced up at his friend, meeting forest green eyes that glowed in the moonlight, wide and welcoming like the gentle gaze of a puppy, expression sleepy and loving and without a single trace of judgement. Izuku had clearly learnt his habits from his older self, and was never even slightly ashamed to be holding hands or showing his exuberant affection. The time-travelling hero was one of the most amazing people Kouji knew, always seeming to know what to say and do to fix any problem; constantly smiling like a beacon of hope even in the most scary situations, and inspiring the class time and time again with his sheer strength of will and endless kindness.

Izuku's penchant of being shamelessly sweet didn't make him any less of an incredible person – why should it be any different for Kouji?

He hesitated for a moment longer before carefully clasping his large hand around Izuku's smaller one, feeling the tension drain from his shoulders as his friend grinned and gave their interlocked fingers a quick squeeze.

"Right," Izuku said, sharp, hawklike gaze scanning the room, voice simultaneously serious and soothing. "Where have you looked so far?"

The two of them worked together easily, covering the remaining ground in the common room rapidly, with a little help from Izuku's Quirk that helped him flash around and peek in cupboards while Kouji peered under the armchairs. Although the bedrooms weren't extremely close to the common room, something about the cover of night made both creep around cautiously, whispering to one another and taking light steps to avoid making too much noise. His green-haired friend even spared a few seconds to silently dash along, as fast as a falcon, to double-check the corridors when Kouji expressed his worry over missing his bunny hiding somewhere he didn't notice, but to no avail.

Izuku was never gone for long, always returning to his classmate like a loyal dog, giving light shoulder touches and bright smiles whenever they crossed paths that brought a wave of inexplicable calm over Kouji. He'd never had so much trust in someone before, but he couldn't find it in himself to be anything but thankful that his friend was so good at reading him; not even his mum, though he loved her, had ever fully understand Kouji's odd little habits, but Izuku... Izuku seemed to be able to sense when his anxieties were rising and countered it with just a gentle nudge, illuminating the shadows with snakes of green electricity dancing over his form, striding with such confidence that Kouji couldn't help but follow his lead.

His friend perplexed him, sometimes. How he could be so charismatic and carefree one moment then be so sheepish and shy the next, Kouji didn't know. Izuku was a contradicting enigma that people couldn't help but love. It shouldn't make sense for such a small, sweet boy to be easily compared with All Might himself, and yet... it did.

"I think Yuwai-chan might be in one of the teacher's dorms," Izuku commented contemplatively, delicately slipping his hand back into Kouji's and starting to swing their joined arms. "Aizawa-sensei is probably still awake, since we only just got back a little while ago... Mic-sensei's probably awake, too, knowing him. Um, well," he paused to yawn, brushing his knuckles over his dozy eyes and then flashing a reassuring grin when he caught Kouji's concerned gaze. "No point wasting time. We can check the corridors first, then ask around if people are awake."

"Are you s-sure? Won't they mind?" Kouji murmured, squeezing their interlocked hands a little tighter as they started to walk.

"It's expected of a hero to be available, regardless of the time – and what's more heroic than locating a lost bunny?" He said, twisting briefly to beam at the boy before going back to surveying the ground.

"You're... a very unique p-person, Izuku-kun," Kouji decided quietly, inspired by Izuku's nonchalance to be a little more bold himself.

The boy gave a delighted little giggle, so sudden that it seemed to surprise himself and he smacked a palm over his mouth to belatedly muffle the innocent sound. "T-thanks, Kouji-kun," he managed to choke out, voice trembling with the effort of keeping his laughter at bay. "I sure try to be."

Although he would usually blush and try to hide away, Kouji found himself smiling back at his friend, strengthened by the darkness and the soothing aura his friend exuded. They settled back into a comfortable silence as they passed closed doors, checking for light within and moving on when they presumed the inhabitants were asleep. Izuku paused outside of Aizawa's room, glancing over his shoulder and motioning towards the ajar door, dim yellow light spilling out over the hallway. He lightly rapped his knuckles on the wood, waiting for the vaguely irritated grunt of acknowledgement to emanate from within before peeking his head in. Kouji may have found courage in the presence of his friend, but even with that boon he wasn't stupid enough to shove his head into the dragon's den and hope to escape unscathed.

"Problem Child," Aizawa greeted gruffly, sounding exasperated. "I thought I'd finally seen the last of you for a few hours while you slept."

Izuku made an offended noise, pushing the door open a little wider so he could cross his arms and pout. "I'm hurt, sensei. I came all the way here to see you, my most favourite teacher ever, and you don't even appreciate me."

"Do you actually need something or do you just want a detention for being out of bed at this hour?" The man said drily, a rustle of paper following his words suggesting he was likely burning the midnight oil and getting some work done.

"Oh, um..." He trailed off, blinking for a few moments before remembering Kouji's existence. "Right! Yuwai-chan's run off again; have you seen him?"

"Yuwai...?" There was a confused pause, followed by a brief hum of realisation. "That's Kouda's rabbit, isn't it?"

Kouji was actually amazed – and a little flattered – that his teacher deemed his rabbit important enough to recall. It was almost enough to make him reconsider how insect-scary he found Aizawa... but not quite. Izuku may be able to charm any hero or villain, however Kouji himself didn't have the same talent, and he wasn't about to push his luck.

"I haven't seen him," the teacher muttered; there was a scratch of a fingernail against stubble and a thoughtful sort of exhale. A rush of hope followed in the silence, during which Kouji leaned forwards eagerly, leaning lightly on his friend's back. "...I have been hearing All Might talking to someone. I just assumed he was on the phone or talking to one of you brats, but..."

Izuku practically radiated excitement. "Thanks, sensei! We'll go investigate." He backed up and offered a wave. "Night, love you!"

It was only after the door was closed that his face tinged robin-red and he paused, seemingly realising what he'd just accidentally said. He stared up at his friend, expression one of mingled horror and amusement, and Kouji just blinked back at him with owlish eyes, feeling somewhat impressed and half-expecting Aizawa to blast open the door and put Izuku under house arrest.

"It w-was nice knowing you," Kouji whispered teasingly with a small smile and a sympathetic pat on the other boy's back as he sagged and buried his face in his hands, laughing almost hysterically.

"This isn't how I expected my night to go..." Izuku mumbled, swiping a hand up his forehead to ruffle back his fringe, letting out a resigned sigh and regaining his determination in the process. "Nevermind. It's not like I haven't accidentally said 'I love you' to people before."

Kouji looked at him with alarm, head tilted slightly to the side. There was definitely some interesting stories locked away inside the boy's mind, and it would be a lot of fun to hear them... but, later. Right now, they had a rabbit to locate and rescue so Kouji's poor heart could stop pattering like a hamster in an exercise wheel.

He'd never really ventured anywhere other than necessary on campus, so it was down to Izuku to lead the way and point out the right door, pausing to listen with a fond smile at the faint chatter before knocking. A few frantic footsteps, thudding noises, and increasingly frustrated mutters later, the hero's deep voice told them to enter. It seemed surreal and almost wrong to just casually barge in on the Number One Hero, but Izuku strode right in with no qualms, immediately freezing after taking only one step inside. The shy boy crept up behind him, peeking over his shoulder, not sure what he was expecting to see and feeling like it should be forbidden to witness All Might in such a personal manner.

Kouji blinked: he suddenly understood why Izuku had stopped.

He'd never have thought that the word 'adorable' would fit the hero, but the scene before him clearly proved otherwise. All Might sat on the edge of his bed in baggy sleep clothes themed around his hero persona. His messy lion-golden hair was tied back in a scruffy ponytail, loose strands curling around his face, which bore a sheepish sort of expression, something that seemed out of place for such an awe-inspiring hero. Both of his large hands were cupped carefully in front of him, and sitting in his palms was-

"Yuwai-chan!" Kouji exclaimed a little louder than he'd intended, but he was too overwhelmed with relief to care; he stepped forwards and happily held out his own hands for his beloved companion to hop onto. "I was so worried..."

"Sorry, Young Kouda," All Might said, looking awkward. "I thought you'd be asleep, and I didn't want to disturb you."

"I'm just glad he's safe," he whispered, gaze flicking up to meet the hero's eyes to try and convey his gratitude before he went back to looking at Yuwai. "Thank you for looking after him, All Might."

The hero laced his fingers together on his lap, smiling at the reunion. "Well, I can't really call myself a hero if I don't take care of innocent animals as well as fight villains."

Kouji glanced suspiciously over his shoulder at his friend, briefly surprised by the similar ideologies. Only when Izuku beamed back, lips curved into the perfect smile and green eyes squinted with the sort of mirth that would usually only be present when everything was eternally peaceful, did it make sense. His grin had the same reassuring effects as All Might's, except with his own gentle twist reflected in the lines of his face and the soft doe-brown freckles dusted over his cheeks. The neat teeth were displayed in a smile that could never be dulled, regardless of the hardships and tribulations that he may face, and maybe... maybe that was what made him so unreachably impressive, and yet so approachably submissive.

Izuku's jaws parted in a tiger-large yawn, and he rubbed sleepily at his eyes, proud and content. All Might's expression gentled, lips slightly quirked with fondness and gaze infinitely adoring. Kouji was suddenly reminded of why everyone was convinced that the hero was the boy's father.

"You two should get back to bed," the man suggested in a low tone, voice deep and soothing like a cat's purr, calming enough for the taller student to suddenly remember how tired he was, too.

"Right," Izuku agreed, moving forwards and petting Yuwai as he passed, then leaned down to wrap his arms around the hero in a clumsy hug. "Night, Toshi-san."

All Might closed his eyes serenely, chin tucked over the boy's shoulder and large hands splayed over his bare back. Kouji occupied himself with nuzzling into Yuwai to give the two some privacy.

"Goodnight, my boy," the hero responded warmly, kingfisher-blue gaze flitting up as they both let go. "Goodnight, Young Kouda. Yuwai-chan is always welcome here, as long as he doesn't end up worrying you, again."

Kouji silently nodded in acknowledgement, holding the white rabbit close to his chest. "G-goodnight, All Might."

Izuku ghosted his palm over the taller boy's back, touch feather-light, leading him out of the room and closing the door quietly behind them. They made their way back to their dorms in a sleepy haze, occasionally trading yawns as they padded along, the day's exhaustion catching up to the pair. Kouji obligingly held out Yuwai to allow his friend to press a light kiss into the fur, then carefully moved the rabbit into one hand so Izuku could give a parting hug before disappearing into his own room.

Yuwai may seem to have a taste for adventure, but he was overjoyed to be back in his home territory, immediately snuggling down into his own little bed the moment he was placed on the floor. Kouji nudged off his slippers and turned off the light, then dropped down onto his mattress and pulled the covers up to his chin. He rolled onto his side and curled up comfortably like a kitten, feeling the drowsiness instantly set back in, even as his thoughts slowly wandered.

Izuku was truly incredible. Nothing seemed to deter him from achieving his goals, and that sort of drive was so motivational.

But... nobody could do everything alone. Not even All Might could shoulder the world's burdens all on his own.

It wasn't always obvious, but sometimes Izuku's flawless facade would crack, giving a glimpse at all the negative things he tried to hide behind his heroic persona. His shoulders would sag and his expression would darken, making him look old and sad and tired.

None of his other classmates seemed to notice, but Kouji had always been more perceptive than most. All Might and Aizawa seemed to provide some support to the boy, although they weren't always around.

Kouji knew he was too shy and nervous and inexperienced to be able to help his friend with most things. He didn't know enough and his Quirk wasn't very powerful, either. Really, he didn't have much to offer at all, and in comparison to his talented friend, he felt a little useless. The future hero had showed him such kindness and support: Kouji was going to return the favour and do his best to keep his friend happy, because it was the least he could do.

Izuku deserved the world; Kouji supposed cuddling a rabbit was almost as good.