hero's shadow // mha

64) depths of forgiveness

"We haven't had time to talk," Izuku finishes, pressing a hand up to the glass. They're rising up so quickly now that if Izuku wasn't already so obsessed with heights and thus used to this, he'd probably be sick.

"Talk, yes." Yagi tilts his head. "Is that why you wanted to see me?"

Izuku's gaze drops lower. "Sorta. I... I really am sorry for throwing this on you. I hope you didn't say yes just because you, like, felt bad or—"

"Not at all," Yagi assures. "Trust me, I don't mind this at all. I don't get a lot of visitors here. Not anymore."

The way he says that last part has Izuku perking up. He wonders who the last person to visit All Might here was. Maybe Gran, he thinks. Or was it another one of his colleagues? Could it be another pro hero? Izuku doesn't think Yagi is that close to another hero. He's not the social type like that; he works far too hard and way too much.

But that begs another far more interesting question: has All Might had any past partners?

Does he have a current one?

No, no. That's impossible. Izuku would know if so, right? All Might would've told him. Well, he'd like to think so.

Does he want a partner? Izuku could hook him up with someone! He knows a lot of strong bachelors at the Club. They're suitable! Maybe having a significant other like that would make Yagi happier. Maybe he'd be more lively.

But there's also the issue of safety. All Might would never get close to anyone like that if he thought it would put them in danger.

Huh. That makes Izuku sad. Has All Might isolated himself for that reason? Has he stopped himself from experiencing the joys of love just to protect others?

Joys of love? Banjou repeats, and Izuku can hear the smirk on his face. And what do you know about that?

I've read a lot of romance novels, thank you, Izuku thinks back, deadly serious.

Shimura cuts in immediately. Please don't base real love off of those books, kiddo. That's a terrible idea.

Izuku gasps silently. So you're telling me I'm not going to be swept off my feet by a charming knight? But who's going to save me from my dragon-infested castle!

Speaking for the first time in a while, Second pipes up. Don't ever say that shit again.

Duly noted.

"We're here," Yagi announces, breaking Izuku from his inner dialogue. The elevator dings, and the doors slide open smoothly without a sound. Izuku watches as the glass goes back to its original color, concealing the view of the city, and he casts one last longing look back.

Except Izuku comes to a halt immediately after stepping outside the elevator, because now he's in someone's very large fucking living room.

"Uh, sir?"

Yagi continues walking inside, heading towards the other end of the room. "Yes?"

"Where's the door?"

"The door?"

"To your apartment."

Yagi glances back at him, brows furrowed. "There is no door. This is it."

Izuku blinks once, then twice. He stares at Yagi, attempting to check if he's lying or not through his empathy quirk, but nothing about the man points to the conclusion that he's just messing with Izuku.

Which can only mean one thing.

Izuku stays where he is, closing his eyes. He drops his duffel bag to the floor and presses his palms against his cheeks. "Are you saying that the elevator opens up... directly into your apartment?"