Chapter Text
It was admittedly difficult for Toshinori to not talk to you. He tried so often to initiate anything with you. He missed you . But he couldn't find any way to talk to you. You were avoiding him. Skillfully avoiding him. And he didn't want to force you to talk! He just… he wanted you to look at him. He wanted you to stop avoiding him. He… he needed to tell you. When young Midoryia was talking to him it was a good time to be able to stop you. To talk. But he remembered the last time he tried stopping you. He remembered how your voice cracked, remembered how you tried so hard not to let him see your face (and succeeded with it). He agreed to help young Midoryia in some way to get to Sir Nighteye. So he called Togata. And he didn't know it, but Togata agreed to take you to Nighteye a while ago already. But well… he wouldn't be able to talk to you anytime soon.
☆☆☆☆☆
It took a while to get to Nighteyes office. About an hour away from UA, they were standing outside.
"Well this is it, Sir Nighteyes agency." Midoryia grunted in shock, honestly a true fan boy. "Easy man. Take a breath. Try to loosen up! But not too loose, ya know. 'Cause uh, Sir's actually a pretty strict guy." Togata said.
"I'm fully aware! He's a hero famous for being demanding, on others as well as himself. His gaze is so harsh that it makes me shiver every time I see him on TV. He looks so severe!" Midoryia exclaimed. You were content with just listening to the two students. But still taking in the information. It was good to know something about the person Aizawa said to talk to. And well, Midoryia was knowledgeable about all heros.
"Y'gotta make him laugh. Then he'll totally approve of you." You heard Togata say as Midoryia stood there in shock. You filed that fact away. You'll figure something out. You entered the building with them. Walking up the stairs behind the two. You were just content letting them talk, and well kind of avoiding talking with Midoryia too. Your thoughts towards him were still positive but you didn't want to blurt out anything to him or ask him if he was Toshinoris kid. That'd be embarrassing for you both. Midoryia looked determined. He was more than ready to do internships. You all walked in, watching a woman be tickled by a machine, laughing and crying. All you could think was how weird that was. But shrugged it off. He liked… jokes? Right? So this must involve that in some way. Poor Midoriya was confused beyond belief seeing this happen though. But you could tell he was about to try and make him laugh. He looked up, giving the same smile as All Might himself. It was too similar and honestly solidified your belief that he was his secret child.
"I'm Izuku Midoryia." He said. He even sounded like him. Are you kidding? Yeah, they were definitely related.
"What is this, boy? Are you ridiculing All Might?" Nighteye asked. He wasn't furious… but he definitely wasn't laughing either. You could tell Togata was internally panicking. But you were going to be confident for Midoryia. You love Toshinori. And since he moved on… you'll support his son and love him from afar. Your heart felt a little heavy and to be completely honest you wanted to cry a little, but holding it in would be more beneficial right now. You watched the scene calmly, watching how Nighteye looked at you with little regard but giving you a nod to tell you he noticed you, you'd probably talk after Midoryia did. "What are you doing with your face? Is this a joke to you?" Nighteye asked and internally you were wishing it was.
"Uh. No, I guess not?"
"You attempted this blasphemous excuse of an impression on All Mights former sidekick?" He reached for Midoryias face, and you almost did a double take. His former what? "All Mights wrinkles aren't like this at all. You fool." You blanked out a little. No one told you this man was Toshinoris former sidekick! You blocked out some of the conversation at that revelation. He might know about you, but he didn't know what you looked like. Overall internally you were wondering what the hell was going to happen, externally you were looking at his office. His office that was completely covered in merch for All Might. You could tell Midoryia was even envious about the room. Was… was this man… a fanboy? Yeah. Yeah he was. The proof of it was all over his office. "I don't care for this one bit. You can see yourself out." You narrowed your eyes at the man. Honestly you hated people who acted like him.
"The vinegar river incident. Are you not aware of it, sir?" Midoryia asked. You glanced over. Was he just not going to register how Nighteye was an ass already or? Was he just challenging him on his knowledge? You held back on reacting fully because to be honest. How on earth were you supposed to react to this? Nighteye was still glaring at him. He knew the rescue, even if it did take place before he was his sidekick. Midoryia responded excitedly when he said that it was briefly mentioned in a show that he watched. "Honestly, I think it was the best part of the whole thing is the witty response he gave after being thanked by the kid he rescued!" You were standing awkwardly by Togata as Nighteye said the response, Midoryia was still smiling. "That's it! It was the perfect one-liner!"
"Now I see. You were just testing me." Nighteye said angrily. You narrowed your eyes at the man. What the hell was his deal. He was the adult in this situation. He should act like it. You thought angrily as Midoryia exclaimed that he wasn't testing Nighteye at all. They talked about the incident a little longer, as Togata released the woman that was bound earlier. Poor woman, she looked exhausted from the impromptu laughing earlier. Eventually they began talking about the work study itself. Midoryia looked so excited. "Once I stamp this document, you'll officially be contracted with my agency for a work study." He said, Midoryia only responded with a 'yes, sir!' "You have to understand that this will be nothing like the week-long internships that you students take on so casually." He continued. Were some students attacked during their week-long internships? Was he just going to disregard that? "You must work here for a minimum of four months and will be paid wages. However, your academic responsibilities will likely suffer fur to absences you'll rack up. Which means your classmates will pull ahead of you." Midoriya said he understood fully, but he wanted to do this. It's the Plus Ultra attitude. Nighteye raised the stamp, then hit the desk with it. Immediately telling Midoriya he wasn't going to be approving of it. Asking what he would bring to benefit his agency. "How can you contribute to society? How can you be useful to others? In order to be acknowledged, you must be able to answer those questions unequivocally." You thought you saw the boy flinch a little at that and as Nighteye continued his speech you noticed little things. You didn't interact with Midoryia often. But you'd listened when Aizawa told you about the class before you actually met them. There were little things. How he struggled when he got his power, how he was anxious, overly apologetic. And this flinch after Nighteye asked what he could do to be useful. You had to talk to Aizawa about this. "I'm still giving you a chance. The three of you, go wait outside." You nodded at him, already walking to the door. You all walked out afterwards. Listening as the woman asked Togata about his own interview. You learned Nighteye requested him specifically, but took a breath.
"So, I never managed to get your name." You said to the woman, they both stopped and she looked at you in shock, then blushed.
"Oh! I'm Bubble Girl! It's nice to meet you…" She said waiting for you to respond.
"Siren." You smiled back. She was alright. Togata smiled at you both.
"This is gonna be great!"
☆☆☆☆☆
You made your way back to the room. You heard Midoryia hitting the walls repeatedly. Nighteye was fully testing him and Midoryia himself was not going to back down. But you heard the smallest tidbit. Unworthy. Who the hell did he think he was. You didn't register much of the conversation of Nighteye telling Midoriya he was accepted. You felt so angry. You registered him essentially telling Midoryia that he was a dim light. "You are not worthy of his power." Bull fucking shit. Midoryia was determined.
"Please do recall I must speak with you as well Nighteye." You said. Everyone remembered you were there in that moment as Nighteye nodded, and he gestured for Midoryia and Togata to leave. "Can Bubble Girl escort them to the train? I'd rather they not be alone for too long. And I feel we have a lot to talk about, Nighteye." You said, he gave the okay and they left the room. "I do hope you understand that the conversation you had with Young Midoryia was completely unacceptable from a hero." You said, fury seeping through your tone. He was unworthy of having Toshinori on his side? That he was unworthy of being a hero, having to piggyback off of All Might. It made you see red. How dare he? Midoryia is selfless, kind, courageous. Everything that Toshinori is. And more so. He's a child. Putting him on a high pedestal would hurt him.
"I understand that you have a certain thought for him young lady, but he certainly isn't worthy of any of it." His tone was condescending, it irritated you. Reminded you of how Endeavor tried lecturing you about his children that he abused, that he was making them better. Like they weren't already going to be amazing. Or your father telling you that you'd never amount to anything because you were a weak and unworthy quirk having bastard child.
"I fear we haven't been properly introduced Sir Nighteye. I'm pro-hero Siren. The water hero who disappeared 20 some years ago. You ground out. Watching his face barely have a flicker of surprise. Before going back to a neutral state.
"You shouldn't stick your head into matters that do not concern you." He simply said, the look in his eyes full of disgust towards you. Like you told a child that he was nothing.
"My apologies Sir Nighteye." He looked pleased. "But it seems like being a hero involves sticking your head into matters like this." You said, eyes narrowed as he looked at you shocked. "You're a teacher towards Young Togata, yes? So I believe you'll understand when I say, yes Midoryia has chosen to work under you for the work study. But I promise you. If I ever hear you say anything like that to him again. I'll make sure no student ever comes here again." You didn't give him a chance to respond. Furiously walking out the door, you were still fuming. Midoryia didn't even flinch at the treatment Nighteye gave him. Just smiled brightly, and thanked him for the opportunity after all was said and done. Like he was used to people hating him. Used to people telling him he couldn't be anything. Used to people telling him he was worthless . And that wasn't good, you'd have to talk to Aizawa about this. You didn't know anything concerning his life before UA. But, at this point Aizawa did. You were outside of the building in no time. Glad you'd sent the students off earlier, asking Bubble Girl so you could discuss things with Nighteye. A few seconds later you heard a crash come from an alley and a small girl ran out, quickly crashing into your legs. Her arms and legs were wrapped up in gauze, looking terrified. You let go of any anger you had felt, you couldn't let this little girl see that. "Hello, sweetheart are you alright?" You said it quietly, crouching down. Her terrified gaze snapped to you and it seemed like it was even worse for her. Tears streaming down her face as she looked at you.
"I'm sorry..." she whispered, closing her eyes. Sorry? Why was she sorry? And then the world went dark.
☆☆☆☆☆
He looked at you with cool yellow eyes as you slumped forward. Eri darted out of the way and into his legs as Chronostasis grabbed and began carrying you. He'd knocked you out and used his quirk on you. You were going to be unresponsive for a while. His gaze shifted back to Eri and her tear filled eyes.
"You did well, Eri." Was all he said. Her gaze went to your prone body in Chronostasis arms. Eri looked up at him sadly, fear in her eyes. But that didn't matter, to be able to get rid of the infection that runs rampant in their society. He's perfectly fine making her miserable. "She'll be a nice addition. Taking care of what's mine."
☆☆☆☆☆
Izuku notices things. He had to, all those years analyzing hero fights came with having to notice things that seemed to be unimportant. It only spaned to the rest of his life. Before the year started, he noticed when All Might would have a far away look in his eyes and it seemed like he remembered something or someone. He doesn't know what or who yet, but it makes him sad. Thats why he asked All Might about love. The way they continued training after that, how he looked so hurt. He almost missed it when he saw All Might after his technical final battle, crying as he was told that he was devoting himself to his training. He remembered sobbing and clutching at his clothing, almost missing that look he had again. That he was thinking of that person (he thinks that All Might is thinking about someone instead of something at least). And all he understood from that look was that he was saying he needed to stay longer . When they began living on campus, it was so much better, brighter . They saved Kachaan, they were going to get their hero licenses! And then they met you. You were... young. Too young to be teaching. But you introduced yourself. Y/n l/n. Extra precaution from Principle Nezu, having another teacher in the classroom for the heroics department. You already met their parents. You were interesting, it was even more interesting seeing you latch on to All Might when they made it to Gym Gamma. But it made everything weird when you abruptly stopped trying to latch onto his mentor. He would see you smile and train, (the water quirk you had would be cool to see on the field!!) but it wasn't reaching your eyes. Whenever you thought no one was paying attention, (which would be relatively true) your face would fall and you'd look anguished until someone called your name. To which you would smile, and any trace of your previous sadness was wiped away. It was concerning, were you... depressed? Did you need help? It felt like you needed help. Then you'd went with Todoroki to see his family, and when he came back well...
"Midoriya she made my father eat the floorboards, I think I'm in love." Todoroki said, he looked startled as he said it and it made him sputter out some response of what. Then he told him about how you had dinner with his father, sister and brother, and then absolutely destroyed Endeavor in a little 'friendly' fight, where you literally used his own body against him. Honestly an amazing idea with your quirk! He completely forgot that the body itself was about 70% water, of course you could use blood! He added you to his Notebook. You were really cool. And he couldn't wait to see more of your quirk. A while later, when Izuku decided to go to Sir Nighteye for his work studies and was told he wasn't worthy of being All Might successor he was hurt yes, but he was more so confused. You'd seemed... furious when he'd last seen you at Nighteyes agency. But you still looked at them with kind eyes and a gentle smile, sending them off and saying you needed to speak with Nighteye. Asking Bubble Girl to please make sure they stayed safe since you needed to talk to him. He wasn't used to that. The whole being kind towards him if you were furious about something. Besides he'd always felt just happiness oozing from you. Wait that was kind of wrong too. You also had a slight melancholy feel. You tried hiding it but well, Izuku was very good at reading people. He had to be. When Kachaan used to bully be rude to him, he had to be able to read him! But it was like you wanted to hide it? From them? From everyone? No one else seemed to notice it. Or maybe they did but didn't want to interfere? He pushed that thought away. He was going to help you. It looked like you needed saving from whatever it was you were feeling. He was going to help you. You needed help too and he would never ignore someone who needs help. Then they got the news. You were missing. And Izuku thought he saw All Mights world fall apart the moment the news was given. He figured that his mentor had needed to talk to you, especially since after you stopped latching you also started avoiding All Might. What were they going to do? Where were you?
☆☆☆☆☆
When you woke up you were in a bedroom, soft silky sheets, a comfy mattress. It almost lulled you back into sleep. But then you remembered. A little girl with white hair and red eyes running into you and apologizing immediately. Then nothing . You were knocked out for God knows how long. Was that little girl okay? You felt sluggish still too, was it a quirk? Or was it just the aftereffects of being hit on the head? This was going to waste time! You had a little girl to find!
"Its good to see you awake." A voice called out. From the corner of the room. You stilled. "I almost believed that Chronostasis went overboard." He continued. "Your power, it involves healing, does it not?" He asked. You registered things more clearly in that moment. He… kidnapped you? Why? Or well you assumed that it was because he thought you were only a healer.
"Yes."
"I want you to heal my property." Was all he said, his unnerving stare was making all the hair on your body stand. "You have quite the collection of scars." You almost gasped. But you'd already noticed how you were in comfortable clothing. Of course this dickwad saw your scars. You weren't in your hero outfit anymore. You turned to face him.
"Your property. Its that little girl, isn't it?" You asked calmly, he nodded at your question. You had to stay calm, if you didn't it could risk that little girl.
"She is." Was all he said. "Your quirk is perfect for healing my property."
☆☆☆☆☆
He left the room. You were quite pretty. Scared, but still somehow clean. He thought. Yes your quirk still made you filthy. But you could keep things sanitary with it. It made you better. He could allow you to fully look over Eri as well. It was useful having her fully healed. Tomorrow he'd be able to do more. He allowed Eri to stay with you, you provided something helpful. Eri would be more controlled because of you. Besides, you were a hero with a weak quirk. It was just healing with water. Useful in only one way. Besides, you would never be able to do anything against him.
☆☆☆☆☆
The next few days were annoying. You didn't sleep much after he allowed that little girl into your room to be healed. You convinced him it would be best to have her stay with you for a day or two. It'd be easier for healing. In reality you learned all you could from her. She cried. She cried so much. Apologizing profusely, at how you were there and how she helped you get captured. You did your best to calm her into a fretful sleep, holding her close and playing with her hair to calm her. She was just a little girl and already she was dealing with so much. You thought. But now. You had a chance. You could think of things quickly to attempt to get the girl out, then worry about yourself later. You told her the plan quickly after learning about her schedule when she woke up. It would take another day or two to actually put the plan in motion but you could get her out . First distract her babysitter. (Or well now your babysitter.) It was easy. Then you would pretend to be distracted, watching from the corner of your eye, and slightly pushing Eri to go further away with your water. She had to get away. It was unfortunate for you both when Overhaul walked by, and noticed Eri wasn't with you. He looked furious . Reaching for you, as you pretend to be terrified. He forced a mask onto you. You were a hero. You had to keep him distracted for a little while longer. But it was for nothing. Overhaul quickly figured out the only path she could've taken. And he dragged you along to catch her.
"You should be more careful." He said. You caught up to her . Was your only thought, Overhaul still had your hand, he was gripping it tightly as a threat. You looked up and hid your surprise seeing Midoryia and Togata in their hero costumes, they did the same thankfully. "We don't wanna cause trouble for the heros." He continued, looking down cooly at Midoryia (or did you have to call him Deku right now?) The look that he gave him told you he knew about Overhaul now. Eri looked terrified seeing you. Overhaul himself wasn't paying attention to you right now. You gave her a nod. It's okay Eri, please don't let go of him. She was clutching Dekus clothing tightly. "I hope you forgive our daughter, hero. We don't know what to do with her." He said, giving a smile behind the mask. "Always playing rough, bumping into things." Togata pulled Dekus mask up, joking about how it fell constantly. You wanted to beg them. Take her. Run away. I can keep him away long enough. "Please don't mind the mask. It keeps out the filth." He said closing his eyes. "I don't believe I've seen you two in the area before."
Togata played it off as them still being pretty new. He was hiding that they were working with Nighteye too. Please Togata. Get her out of here! Eris hands were white with tight how she was gripping him. You knew he'd run with her. And he was quick. Please Deku. Take her. Overhaul narrowed his eyes at the scene.
"Um, excuse me. I'm sorry but your daughter seems scared." Deku said.
"A reaction to being scolded." He said, eyes narrowing further. You could tell. He wanted to run with her. Please I can hold him off Deku, take her and run.
"She's got bandages all over. Those are just from "playing rough"?" He asked. Eris shoulders were shaking. Please .
"Eri is an exceptionally clumsy girl." Overhaul responded. You had to distract them.
"Darling, she's just a little excited. Being out and about, getting fresh air. It's always exciting to be a child you know." You plastered on a smile you knew they couldn't see. The realization of what was going to happen hit you. They weren't going to run. So you had to play a part now. Overhaul relaxed a little at your statement. Assuming so much from you being like this. You knelt down to Eri. "Its alright Eri, I'm sorry we scared you." You said, your eyes were telling Midoryia it was okay. And telling Eri it would be okay. You could handle what he'd throw at you. You'd take whatever punishment he'd throw at you. It'd be okay. No it won't. Eri ran to your arms, letting go of Deku and shaking like a leaf. Overhaul relaxed fully. You picked her up, still smiling and looked at Overhaul. "We should head back home, Eri was even too excited to put on shoes!" Play your part right now.
"Yes we should." He said, turning back to the ally. Midoryia and Togata were looking at you, walking away with a criminal. This was technically safer. Especially since he was well known, but Eri… how much more would she suffer because you couldn't help her better.
"I'm sorry, I should've been paying better attention to Eri." You said, walking slightly behind.
"You're still new to this. So I won't fault you completely." He said. You made your way back inside. You should've done more. To him you were fine carrying Eri, still following behind. As he talked about how disgusting quirks were, it made you feel like you were with your father.
"Krono, prepare the bath."
"Yes, sir."
Someone began profusely apologizing to him, you recognized him as the one who was babysitting you and Eri. Overhaul reached out for him, and blood splattered onto the wall. It made you freeze a little. This was his quirk. Eri flinched in your arms and you held her closer as she cried softly. It made your heart ache. This was becoming a little too relatable . You knew his quirk now. But you needed to play the part of a scared healer. They brought you back to the room you woke up in, and then they left, dragging Eri with them. You wanted to beg to go with them. And you almost did, but the look Eri was giving was telling you it was okay. Even if she was shaking. "I'll be here Eri, it's okay." You told her, she didn't look calmed by it. And to be fair, you wouldn't have felt calm about it either. Overhaul looked at you, and they walked away. And when she was brought back she was predictably shaking even more. They stopped you from healing her, stating that "it wasn't necessary. She wasn't hurt." Then they left after locking you into the room. You cleaned her off of the days grime gently. She sobbed in your arms so quietly.
"I'm sorry…" She said quietly and you held her close, whispering soft reassurance that it was alright.
"Its okay Eri. We ran into people I know. Well get out of here." You said, sitting on the bed with her in your lap. You held her close and laid down, your back was facing the door. You'd be hit first if anything happened. She was still sobbing. You kept reassuring her. "Eri, do you want to hear a song?" You asked. Her sobs slowed a bit, she was taking deep breaths, and nodded. "Sometimes when I feel like this I sing something from one of my favorite films." You whispered, looking at her and wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"I have often dreamed of a far off place Where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me" Your voice was quiet, gentle.
"Where the crowds would cheer, when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying this is where I'm meant to be
I'll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way if I can be strong
I know every mile would be worth my while
When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong" You took a breath, looking at Eri, and holding her close.
"Down an unknown road to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime but somehow I'll see it through
And I won't look back, I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track, no I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope, 'till I go the distance
And my journey is complete, oh yeah
But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart, oh
Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its harms
I don't care how far, I can go the distance
'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms
I will search the world, I will face its harms
'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms." You finished the song, Eri was fretful in your arms but more relaxed, asleep. You kissed her forehead, eyes soft. You were going to keep this little girl safe. You were going to do your absolute best to keep her safe and make her happy. And maybe… just maybe, you could help her smile. You'd only seen her look scared. Children should never feel this way. You knew that too well didn't you?
☆☆☆☆☆
The days after were a blur. You could hear some of Overhauls people complaining about the newest additions. They tried being quiet but well, you had to be good at hearing before you were a hero anyways. You could hear them complaining about how much they disrespected the "boss" and tried saying their League didn't need them when they did. And you froze. The League was here? You'd gotten the basic descriptions of all the members. And regrettably didn't mention you had met them before . But it was an accident. Something you'd thought about after learning all that they've done. You didn't regret it per say but… they looked so young when you'd seen them, save 4 members (although you weren't too sure with that fourth one, he had a mask on). The "leader" was furious but he also looked so young. Especially after seeing you were there, all disoriented. He was being held back. And all you could see was they were hurt. One had terrible burn scars, another looked as if he was crushed. Well looked was a strong word. He felt like he was crushed, and knocked out but that small bit didn't matter. The girl looked like she'd hurt her arm somehow. Another was knocked out. The needed help . So you helped, you healed most of them (you couldn't heal the one that felt like he was crushed or the one with the burn scars, the wounds they had were old ). When you found out they were classified as villains, you didn't feel bad you'd healed them. You just wanted to help them, even when you found out that they kidnapped Bakugou. Because they looked more like misfits than villains, they looked like people just trying to find their place in the world. Misfits still needed help too, and it was obvious they had a view of the world that was accurate for those with mutant quirks. Harsh, unless you were useful to them. They might not be blatantly harming them, but they were still… well harming them. Using the laws, making it harder for them to live happily. You moved forward, catching a glimpse of one of the League members, the one with the mask. You almost stopped walking when you saw him. Almost . It was good that you didn't. Overhaul walked up behind you, placing a gloved hand on your lower back to push you forward. It made your skin crawl.
"You will not interact with this one. She is none of your business." He said.
"Okay! Why not ya lunatic? " The masked man replied. Overhaul's eyes narrowed.
"She will not interact with you either. Keep your filth away from her." He stated, pulling you to move with him, his gloved hand gripping your wrist tightly. You nodded your head at them, it seemed like they didn't recognize you? Which was good you assumed. But, didn’t Overhaul hate people who have quirks?