Chapter Text
Izuku Midoriya ran down the street, his bright red sneakers hitting the pavement. He fought the urge to look back and see if he was still being chased, knowing that it would only slow him down. Izuku crossed the road, his breathing steadying out, knowing the bullies wouldn’t follow him to the more unsavory parts of Mustafu.
The middle schooler still couldn’t risk it, and he ducked into a nearby alleyway. He was used to this. Kacchan and his “friends” did this every day, knowing they would never get in trouble; Izuku’s quirklessness ensured that. The shoes, those bright red shoes, caused Izuku so much suffering and discrimination.
Izuku peeked out of the alley to see that he was correct in assuming the departure of the bullies. He let out a relieved sigh as he left and began the walk home.
When Izuku arrived at the apartment, he went to unlock the door only to find that the key no longer fit. He had just opened his phone to text his mother to ask her about it when Izuku saw the message from Inko. Izuku, I’m done. I can’t deal with the embarrassment of having a quirkless son. I changed the lock and you will not be allowed back. I’m sorry that it had to be this way. I love you Izuku
Emerald eyes widened and tears began to well up. His mother, the only one who was consistently there for him, didn’t want him anymore. He knew this would happen eventually, but that didn’t mean it was any less agonizing. Izuku turned around and began walking back to broken down warehouses and shops, back to the decimated red light district, and he wondered if he had ever known safety.