Chapter Text
"She reminds me of my Master," Toshinori said as his face started to combat the chilly breeze.
"Really," Young Midoriya bounced with excitement as he usually did, "How so?"
"It's the hairstyle," Toshinori chuckled out, but it was also the kind eyes that had been passed on to the boy, and of course, both women were stunningly gorgeous, but that's a little awkward to admit to the kid.
After bidding his protégé farewell, he sat in the cab watching Young Midoriya's back grow small till they turned the corner. Toshinori slumped into the seat. That was intense, but it was to be expected, after all, he put Young Midoriya in danger by choosing him as his successor. Of course, he thought he would have more time to teach and train the boy, but how could he be so naïve as not to anticipate All For One’s actions? This was all his fault; these parents were being robbed of precious time with their children. He has to work hard to protect them all, not just his boy, and make sure no one gets hurt again.
As they hit the highway, he rolled down his window to be greeted by the cool air rushing by his burning face. He groaned, exhausted by his own audacity. He was still thinking about Inko; he knew it would have taken a strong and graceful woman to raise such a good kid, but clearly his expectations should have been higher. He couldn't help but feel a tug in his heart as he found pieces of young Izuku in his mother; her smile, her hair, her tight fists as she held back her fears for Izuku's dream, and those eyes that betrayed her show of strength.
Sigh
"What a pathetic old man," he groaned out to himself, ashamed of his youthful heart. Luckily, the driver ignored him.
Toshinori has always known he wanted to be the symbol of peace, even though he had to work twice as hard as everyone else; it would be worth it. When he met his Master, his dream and lifestyle were solidified. To be a hero takes strength and determination, but to be a symbol takes everything. Thankfully or not, Toshi was already living a life of solitude long before All Might, so there wasn’t much for him to give up, unlike his Master. If anything, he gained far more bonds through his Master, Gran Torino, and many others who have kept the secret safe. That, however, leaves no room for romantics; it would only put more civilians in danger, and after leading a double life for so long, well, he might as well be a middle schooler in this field.
He asked for the radio to be turned on, which was already on the news station. Even though he would be useless in combat now, he still listened; maybe it was a force of habit or a form of punishment, either way, he needed a reminder of his place. He may no longer be All Might, and she may be the most radiant woman he's met, but despite that. NO, because of it all, he had to, once again, swallow Toshinori's fickle heart for All Might's resolutions.
“How did it go with the Midoriyas?” asked Shota, though his tone made it seem like he already knew the answer to his question.
“She's quite the woman,” Toshi softly chuckled out as quietly as a thought.
“Huh,” Shota's all-knowing tone vanished into an angered rasp that was far too loud for both of them. As the other teachers' eyes turned to them, Toshi realized his thought was a loud outside thought.
Shit,’ he thought as his cheeks started to betray him.
“Uh, no what?” Almost in reflex, he turned into All Might, “Hahah, I had to work for it, but Young Midoriya will be staying with us at UA.” Shooting a big thumbs up at Shota’s disgruntled face.
“Work?” Shota cocked his brow up, which did nothing to quell the menacing aura he was producing.
“I may have begged,” All Might coughed, resigning back to Toshi, “and bowed deeply.”
“Oooo,” Miss Midnight chirped from across the room, clearly smirking inappropriately.
“Midnight, no.” Shota dead panned with an exhausted sigh that Toshi was glad wasn’t pointed at him, right?
“Midnight, yes.” She beamed, causing Present Mic to chuckle, though he hid his face to not make eye contact with the clearly frustrated Shota.
“You are all far too immature and irritating for your job titles,” and before Toshi breathed a sigh of relief too quickly; Shota turned back to him. “And you,” Shota growled, “ you did what you had to for the kid's safety, don't make it weird.”
As Shota walked off to scold Present Mic, Toshinori sank into his seat with an awkward grin plastered on his face. Gosh, was he never going to get a hold of what goes on in that head of Aizawa? Well, he could only hope this went both ways.