Chapter Text
Tsukauchi wasn’t sure what to expect with the Bakugous. He knew that one of them was close with the deceased Midoriya so he was afraid of being the bearer of bad news so he, in some small part, hoped they already knew from the news report.
Parking outside of their residence, he steps out to spy a small head peeking out from the upstairs window to see him move outside and out of his car. Once Tsukauchi reached the door to knock on it, it opened before he could, thanks to a man with spiky brown hair and glasses greeting him.
“Hello, officer.” the man greeted.
Tsukauchi said hello back. Having already called ahead for a good time to talk, the detective was let in and shown to the living room where a woman with spiky blonde hair and red eyes greeted him as well.
After a short round of introductions, he learned the names of the two as Masaru and Mitsuki respectively. He also got the impression they had a child, given the toys he could see here and there but that wasn’t important, at least for now. Right now he needs to know if they’re aware of the situation.
“Do you know why I’m here?” Tsukauchi asked gently, putting on that voice he does when getting ready to deliver bad news.
“Yes. Inko,” the blonde Bakugou started, pausing for a moment as her throat seemed caught on the words. “She’s gone isn’t she?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” he answered, tone filled with sympathy.
“And Izuku’s missing as well?” she followed up with, voice just as worried.
“We are still searching for him but yes,” he reassured.
Masaru seemed to narrow his eyes, not out of suspicion or disbelief but dread. Mitsuki on the other hand seemed stressed and gripped the couch they were on to the point that her husband held her hand to calm her down.
The three discussed how they knew the Midoriya’s and most of it comes back to Mitsuki and Inko being friends from college. They were close enough to move into the same area and even saw each other as aunts to each of their respective children. The emotions seemed very tender as it was clear the blonde woman was having a hard time saying this out loud.
Masaru just kept reassuring her, taking over for some parts when it became too much for the other and trying to keep it together for the sake of his wife. Eventually the topic of Inko’s relations to them ended and the topic of Hisashi began. Once it did, there was an immediate shift in the two, clearly finding the man upsetting to them.
“I always knew there was something off with that man.” Mitsuki growled, becoming less mournful and more angry than before.
“Can you tell me more about that?” Tsukauchi inquired.
Mitsuki told him how much she never trusted the man, even when he and Inko first started dating. According to her, Midoriya always had a habit of attracting the worst kind of people to her and Hisashi was one of them. She mentioned how he would always come home late, worrying the woman.
Tsukauchi was going to interject there and ask if she knew what he was doing late but Mitsuki kept talking, now turning into a rant so he left it until she was done.
Apparently Midoriya Inko had always been a gentle soul and would rarely ever say ‘no’ unless it would literally hurt her or someone she cared about. It always ended up with him walking all over her and every decision he made was one she had to agree with, for the most part.
She did, however say, that she got a lot more willful when Izuku was born, especially when he started to become more and more like his mother in terms of his gentle heart. She and Hisashi would argue a lot, especially over the dolls Izuku liked but Mitsuki could tell it was less about them for Inko and Hisashi and more about control.
The dolls represented Izuku’s soft nature and anyone could tell that Hisashi didn’t want a gentle child. Inko on the other hand wanted Izuku to like what he wanted and not be forced to change just because someone told him, completely oblivious to the irony of her saying that.
“Would the arguments ever turn violent?” Tsukauchi asked, now that Mitsuki was winding down a little.
“No. At least in terms of punching or slapping. The bastard knew that would push things too far even for Inko.” she said, voice still ringing with frustrations. “And it pretty much was the case.”
“What do you mean?” Tsukauchi asked, making sure that he’s writing all of this down in his pocketbook.
“The day Inko died and Izuku vanished, she called me to say Hisashi hit her.” Mitsuki’s face turned grim.
She continued to explain that she called to say everything that happened, including the quirk manifestation Izuku went under. She mentioned going to a hospital and Tsukauchi made sure to get the name of it before moving on to his final inquiry.
“Do you know what line of work Hisashi was in?” he asked.
“No and it always made me suspicious, especially the bruises and cuts I’d notice on his knuckles.” she answered.
“Did he ever have a tattoo that looked like this?” and Tsukauchi took out a small photo showing the Dragon’s Roar symbol that all members get.
Mitsuki and Masaru both looked it over, scrambling through their brains for anyway they’d recognise that symbol but none of them recognised it. Tsukauchi thanked them for their time and promised to update them on any developments but before he could leave, the loud voice of a kid filled the room.
“Are you going to find Izuku?”
He looked just like his mother, the red eyes and spiky blond hair. He stood in the doorway looking in and was definitely not a shy kid given how he didn’t seem shy at all. Tsukauchi wasn’t sure what to say. No trace of Izuku had been found yet and they’d only just got the missing child inquiry broadcasted so he can’t say anything for sure.
He admits he wasn’t good with kids. He didn’t not like them but when it came to talking to them on the job, it was always for something not good. He doesn’t know how the blond felt about the kid Midoriya so he kept it vague but hopeful.
“We are still searching for him and trying our best to find him.” he settled on.
The boy’s eyebrows furrowed at that. “You better find him soon. He’s weak and cries a lot.”
It was laced with thinly veiled concern and it was clear there was some dislike in his tone but it seemed that the boy was likely just worried for his friend. At least that's how it seemed to Tsukauchi.
The detective made his final farewells and left the Bakugou’s residence to head to the hospital and find out more about what happened in more detail.
- - -
Ana had just come back from another library visit and Izuku was starting to understand more and more about what he was reading in the books he'd gathered. He even made a little personal dictionary to help him out and all was going well.
The warehouse as well was starting to fill up. A lot of the junk was left on the building’s main floor whilst anything useful was moved up to the bedroom that was shaping up to have everything Izuku needed. Right now though, he just wanted to learn more and more.
He realized he had a love for learning new things and couldn’t wait to be able to read properly without the children’s dictionary he had when reading. He’d set up a little place to set his books whilst he didn’t read them and had Ana check any nearby dumpsters for anything interesting.
Speaking of dumpsters, Izuku realized that he and Ana were starting to look a little worse for wear. Whilst Ana could be excused, Izuku felt really grimy and his clothes were starting to get worn in some places. He even had a hole in the back of his shirt. He didn’t know where that came from.
He wasn’t sure where he could get some clothes though. Most clothes that were tossed out were already worse than what he’s wearing. Honestly he could steal but Izuku knew that was wrong but his morals are wavering the more ratty his clothes got. Ana was fast if needed but faster than a car or a hero was something Izuku didn’t want to test.
Maybe if he checked behind some department stores, there might be some old clothes thrown out he could take. But in all likelihood he was going to have to either find money or get lucky, which would probably still be money in the end.
There could be a third option though. He knows that some people sew clothes. He even saw mama fix some things once or twice but Izuku didn’t know the first thing about making clothes or if he’d even be good at it.
“Guess we could look in the library. Right Ana?” he said, turning to the doll who nodded at his words.
Izuku had started to forget sometimes that Ana wasn’t real. That she was just an object puppeted by him but he needed the company and it wasn’t as if he was going crazy. He was perfectly fine besides the late nights huddled on the mattress, crying a little at knowing mama was gone forever.
Everyone dealt with grief. Izuku assured himself he’ll get over it, he knows he’ll get over it. He hopes he gets over it.
A few tears pushed free from his eyes that he quickly rubbed away. He can’t stop to think too much, if he did he’d get sad distracted. Right now he needs new clothes and a bath.
The latter could be done, there was a bathtub in the junk he’s pulled back, the problem was filling it and emptying it of water. The only source of water he had was the tap in the kitchen. He could attach a hose but then the next issue was somehow making the water warm. While it seemed there was a heater, it didn’t work probably because it was broken. That itself was another concern down the road.
It was Spring right now and while it was chilly it would get warmer but that warmth won’t last. He either needed to find a heater or figure out how to fix the one here. The former seemed to be the easier option.
The boy didn’t know how long he’d need to hide here. Honestly he was starting to feel that he could stay here forever with what he’s turned the place into and it was tempting. What else was there out there that he couldn’t do himself here?
Auntie and Uncle were the only real things he cared about that are still alive but that would be the first place Hisashi would look for him. He’d put them in danger. Also Kacchan was there and while he’d say they were friends, he always felt like the other boy never saw him the same way.
Truly there was nothing the outside world could offer him he couldn't find himself. Except, of course, clothes and heating but he was figuring it out and will probably find a way soon.
- - -
Hizashi was coming back from some clothes shopping for the upcoming warmer months. He needed some new clothes after Pepper tore through his shirts in a crime of passion and was just finished getting what he wanted. He was in his civilian attire, his long blond hair tied back in a messy knot.
He’d paid for a few new shirts as well as a couple things that caught his eyes when he took a step outside the clothing store he was in to hear the sounds of rustling in the alleyway next to the building.
‘Wonder what that is? Maybe a raccoon or cat?’ he thought, moving towards the corner.
Peeking around he saw a person in a long green raincoat rooting around in some dumpsters whilst a tiny figure was standing a bit back, watching. The taller one looked to be an adult but Hizashi couldn’t quite tell because of their hood being up. The smaller one though, looked to be the size of a kid and the raincoat he was wearing looked to be the same as the taller one, just cut off at the bottom so he wouldn’t trip.
The tall one was taking out some old clothes thrown out during clearance and was holding them for the kid to see as if getting his critique but neither of them said anything to each other. Hizashi also noticed that both of them looked a bit dirty, especially the tall one with dirt and grease all over their coat.
‘Are they homeless? No Zashi. Don’t judge, you’re literally planning to marry a man very soon who looks like he sleeps in the gutters.’
The blond took a few steps forward, which immediately was spotted by the kid who ran over to the tall one to hide behind. The tall one in question turned to face Hizashi but even then the dark alley made it hard to tell who they were.
“Hey! Hey listeners! Didn’t mean to startle you.” he said, raising up his arms in surrender. He didn’t mean to fall back into his hero persona, it was just how he talked when consoling people.
The kid seemed to have vanished behind the taller one, who didn’t react to Hizashi’s words.
“I just wanted to check if you’re alright.” he reassured, spotting behind them a shopping trolley that was being filled with clothes.
The tall one stayed still, staring down Hizashi in an almost eerie kind of way. He didn’t feel malicious intent, he didn’t feel any intent coming from the person just a presence. Hizashi knows that normally you should keep to yourself when it comes to things like this and he would if he hadn’t noticed the kid. He wanted to make sure both of them were alright.
“Are you able to speak?” he asked gently, not wanting to spook them anymore.
The tall one shook their head slowly and almost intently. It was admittedly odd how rigid that movement was but Hizashi didn’t question it. He was more focused on learning more about these two.
“Do you know JSL?” he asked and signed. To that the tall one shook their head again, making it clear that this conversation isn’t going to go anywhere unless they find a way to chat.
“Ok then. Then I’ll just ask if you’re alright. Are you?” he questioned. The person seemed to freeze for a moment before nodding a couple times. “And what about the kid with you, are they alright?”
The person nodded again, starting to inch back now at the mention of the kid. Hizashi couldn’t help but get nervous at that and made a step forward which seemed to cause something under the person’s coat to jump.
‘Is he hiding under their coat?’ Hizashi thought, noticing the jump but said nothing.
“Can I get a look at the kid? Just to make sure they’re alright.” he clarified.
A stand off lasted for a few moments before a little head popped out from the taller one’s coat between their legs. He still couldn’t see his face but could see the small glow of two green irises staring at him.
‘He can’t be that old.’ Hizashi thought. The small one really looked like a kid in how he gripped onto the taller one's coat to hide behind. It was a little cute to be honest.
“It’s alright. Can you take off that hood so I can see if you’re alright?” he requested.
Both he and the tall one shook their heads, almost perfectly in sync. Hizashi wasn’t sure how to continue when he heard the tiniest voice speak.
“W-what is t-that?” the child stuttered, not in a shout but more a loud whisper. Like he didn’t want to be overheard.
“What is what?” Hizashi questioned, crouching down to be at eye level with the kid, who stepped back a bit into the tall one’s coat.
“JSL?” he whispered.
Hizashi smiled a little, “It’s something you use to speak without using words or writing.” He moved his arms and hands to show the sign for hello. “This means hello.”
The kid tried to copy the movements along with the tall one, bending both of their fingers to match what Hizashi showed. After a few attempts and Hizashi showing them it a few more times, they eventually managed to get it, much to the kid’s joy.
“See you got it!” he cheered, making a careful step towards them. This one they didn’t notice and so he kept there, waiting for a chance to close in. He didn’t know who they were but he had his suspicions, specifically with the kid.
“H-how do I learn m-more?” he asked, eyes more clear now and blooming with curiosity.
Hizashi kept a cheery smile on. “There’s lots of books on it, but if you want I can teach you some more.”
The kid seemed to light up when he mentioned books but when he said he could teach him, he must’ve realised how close they were and stepped back, the tall one moving with him. Hizashi made no sudden movements as the duo stumbled back, bumping into the trolley.
As they did, the kid seemed to bump into the leg of the tall one and his hood slipped a bit, a few locks of greasy dark green hair poking out. He seemed to panic and put the hood back on but it was enough for Hizashi to confirm who he was looking at.
‘Izuku Midoriya. He’s right here and alright.’ Hizashi couldn’t believe he just stumbled into him on a shopping trip. He didn’t know who the tall one was but he was sure they couldn’t be good. He needed to get the kid away from them.
The problem was how he could do it without risking the kid being taken hostage. He also didn’t like how still and quiet the tall one was. They haven’t made a sound, not even a gasp to breathe but then again, Hizashi’s hearing aids had been acting up a lot recently so maybe he’s just missed it.
He couldn’t say he knew who Midoriya was right away or that might cause something dramatic to happen, so he settled with being the concerned stranger for now.
“Hey kid,” he started, causing Midoriya to look up slightly at him, “Are you feeling safe with that person?”
He turned to the tall one and the kid looked up at them for a moment before nodding his head. The tall one didn’t react at all, unnerving Hizashi even more.
“Okay, well why don’t you both come with me? I can teach you more JSL?” he offered hoping.
Both of them took a step back, suspicion and distrust starting to grow in the boy’s eyes which made Hizashi’s heartache. A child should never have to make a face like that. It seemed the kid really mistrusted him and whether it was his own thoughts or the tall ones influence he wasn’t sure.
The two kept stepping back, ignoring the trolley clearly planning to run so Hizashi decided to try one last time.
“Midoriya, I know it’s you!” he called and it seemed to set off the two.
The tall one grabbed the kid and spun around to sprint, no rather scatter towards the other end of the alley. Hizashi took off after, leaving his shopping behind as he grabbed his phone to call Shouta.
“Sho’!” he yelled into the phone, “I think I found the kid Midoriya, he’s with someone unknown and I’m chasing them right now to Pinato Square.”
He heard his fiancee on the other end stumble, probably from their bed, and spoke back into the phone in a calm but clearly nervous voice. “I’m on my way.”
Hizashi kept chasing the two through alleys. It was almost impressive how they managed to avoid stumbling into as little people as possible. He kept calling after the two, telling them he meant no harm, hoping this was a misunderstanding.
Eventually, they reached a dead end where they were looking around for any way out. Hizashi stopped behind them, and readied for a standoff. He couldn’t use his quirk here or he might hurt Izuku and he didn’t know the state the kid was in under that raincoat. For all he knew he might be hurt.
The duo turned around and Midoriya was still held by the tall one to their chest, almost cradled like a baby. Hizashi made sure to note how the kid wasn’t fighting it but that could be due to stockholm or some kind of quirk. Right now he needed to separate the two.
“Look, just put the kid down and we can work this out.” Hizashi tried to negotiate. The tall one just stood there unmoving but by the shifting of its legs, he could tell they were going to fight. So he took the first initiative.
Hizashi moved in to strike, aiming a kick to try and sweep the feet out from under them but when he struck, he heard a loud clunk. Were they wearing armor? Nevertheless the person stood tall and responded in kind with a shaky swing of their legs which almost hit Hizashi on the chin. The raincoat had flown up and under he could see what he could tell was a bare leg.
This made the hero more determined to get whoever this is away from the child as the two started swinging at each other, parrying legs and just missing the tall ones head. The hood ruffled slightly and under he could spot something shining like a lens. What was more alarming though was how this guy seemed to keep up with him eerily well like he knew what his next move would be.
After a few seconds of being in a stalemate, the pro hero finally got an advantage when a puddle caused the tall one to slip. Using that he pivoted on one foot and delivered a kick to the head of the person. A loud crack was heard and the head came clean off, surprising even Hizashi as the person stumbled back, Midoriya still in their clutches.
The blond was expecting blood but instead he saw… water? Sprayed out from the stump before it seemed to just stop. He lowered his guard for a moment at the sight, thinking that he might’ve accidentally killed this guy when the headless body jumped and slammed their leg down on Hizashi’s shoulder, taking the fight out of the man as he was crushed to the floor with far too much strength for something that thin.
He also heard a crack then and felt water on the back of his head he thought was his blood when the person ran past Hizashi, grabbing their decapitated cranium and taking off. Hizashi was still on the ground, reeling from that last kick when he saw lying next to him was a mangled severed foot. He almost freaked out before he noticed it was made of plastic.
He rose back up and tried to chase after them but it was too late. Midoriya was gone without a trace just like the first time. A few moments later, Shouta hopped down into the alley and immediately ran for him when he saw him holding the back of his head. He checked for blood but it just seemed to be water he thinks.
“Zashi!” he called and he would’ve found it sweet to hear if he wasn’t wrestling with the most painful shoulder pain he’s ever gotten.
“He got away.” Hizashi groaned, now gripping his shoulder. The other man held him slightly to support him.
Shouta asked where they went but Hizashi assured him they were long gone. The speed that guy went, even with a missing foot, was far too quick for a normal human. It must’ve been a quirk of some kind.
“The foot.” Hizashi nodded, the appendage still there on the floor.
Shouta picked it up and looked it over and his eyes widened a little as he looked inside the socket. He must’ve noticed something but whatever it was could wait. After this, he was definitely going to have to see if his shoulder was dislocated, that kick felt far too powerful.
With the help of Shouta, the two made their way out where some police cars had arrived, Tsukauchi rushing out to ask where Midoriya went. Ultimately though, Hizashi felt awful and it was less about the kick and more about the fact he let whoever that was get away with the kid.
He didn’t like how he failed when Midoriya was right there.