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[set-forth-a-dream]

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*trips into next month and drops this small chapter*

[set-forth-a-dream]

Summary: Enji Todoroki at 14 years of age lost his father and the ability to use his flames.

Enji Todoroki was the son of a successful family. In a double-income home, the young Todoroki never wanted for anything, except for his parents' attention. With both parents on the job, the young boy usually had his caretakers prepare his meals and supervise him in his daycare and elementary years. His father had spared him more effort than his mother, who never seemed quite satisfied with what her son accomplished.

“Good Job Enji.” His father mentioned over dinner after he presented his report card of all A’s.

“Just A’s?” His mother scoffed. “He can do better.”

“That’s true.” His father nodded in agreeance. “Next report card shall be all A+.” And that was the end of the conversation.

He worked hard for that next report card, skipping nights of sleep, cramming before tests, and asking for extra assignments if it boosted his grade. He presented the new grades to his parents during dinner.

“Good Job Enji.” His father mused raising his brows in surprise. He looked at him and smiled.

Enji raised himself in pride. His eyes stung and he wanted sleep more than his food at the moment but when his father looked at him with a pleased smile he felt fuller than any meal could make him.

“Better keep it up. I knew you were slacking before.” His mother didn’t bother looking up from her plate. Enji felt a small hole deflating his one proud moment and gave a soft sigh.

“Here,” His father passed the card to his wife, “Look at those grades for yourself.”

“So?” She glanced at the page, “It’s just one time. Don’t let him feel like he can take it easy now.”

“You can at least acknowledge his hard work!” His father growled. Enji’s deep blue eyes darted back and forth between his parents. It wasn’t often his parents would fight but he suspected it was due to them not being around each other as often. When they did things like this tended to happen, his father would get annoyed with his mother’s lack of appreciation for the things he or her son did. She was a stubborn woman, always pushing for better. She believed that if better was achievable then it should be had and then expected on the regular.

“The work he should have been putting forth in the first place? Shall I praise him for breathing as well?” She scoffed finally turning toward her son and without a smile heavily cooed, “Good boy Enji! Take another, go on breath. Oh honey, look, he did it again!”

“Enough!” His father’s voice barked over the table. Enji bowed his head keeping it low. He caused this argument between his parents. All because he wanted a shred of acknowledgment for doing something that was just expected of him. His appetite drained as both his parents yelled back and forth, his father becoming louder the angrier his wife made him unmoving from her opinions and raising her voice at him. A loud crash rang through the house as his father threw his dinner plate across the room in his fit of anger. This only made his mother angrier and more yelling ensued. Enji silently got up from his chair taking his plate with him and wrapped the contents of his unfinished food for later should his appetite return later. But he needed to get out fast. He bowed to his arguing parents apologetically and left out of the front door.

He stalked off to Sekoto Peak a small wooden area in a mountainscape just outside the city. He wasn’t sure what to feel as he took the hike up the mountain. He supposed he felt disappointed in himself that he was yet again the cause of his parents' arguments. During his time in Sekoto Peak, he practiced with his quirk. The fire manipulation he inherited from his parents combined so well within him if only they could get along as well as their quirks did to give him his own. Chopped logs served as targets as he shot a stream of fire from his hands. Then he tried compressing the heat within the stream. Closer together, the heat and fire turned solid from his fingers like a string of molten lava that whipped through the air and chopped the log in half!

YES! He celebrated with himself by a fist pump in the air and smile but only momentarily. For a second he turned around as if someone had been there watching him. But there never was. He dug his fingers into his short spiked red hair and took in a deep breath. His fingers were still hot from the fire and he yanked at the red strands of his hair being pulled out of place and flopping into his face. “That was good, but I can do better.” He told himself before getting too excited or contemptuous of his achievement. He’d push for all five fingers to shoot forth strands of solid heat, then on both hands! That way when he told his parents- No. He wouldn’t tell them. He didn’t need praise for something he was supposed to do. Knowing his quirk, and how he could manipulate and use his fire, that should be as natural as breathing. No one should have to praise him for it. Before he left Sekoto Peak he vowed he’d never seek his parents' approval again.

The next report card he received he simply set it on his father's home office desk and said nothing of it. During dinner things were quiet. The typical questions like ‘How are you? How was school? What did you learn?” was had. Small talk with his own family. A stab of guilt seeded itself inside his stomach. Secretly Enji wished his father would mention the report card on his desk. Tell him he did a good job again. Or at least mention he saw it. But no such topic was brought up. Enji told himself it was for the best, especially in front of his mom. But even as she left the room His father continued reading through work pages he’d brought to the table. Nothing was mentioned. Enji opened his mouth about to ask if his father at least saw the envelope on his desk but quickly cut himself off.

“I’m going to Sekoto Peak.” He said instead after taking care of his dishes.

“Training that quirk of yours again?” His father asked not looking up from his pages. Enji straightened in his stance, “Yes sir. I’ve gotten better, I know how to–”

“You still trying to get into that hero school? Is that where you truly see yourself five or ten years from now? Dressed in a ridiculously colored skin-tight jumper and a cape running around the city?”

Enji silenced himself.

“I supposed it’s not too far from the business your mother is in.” His father chuckled softly, “Some of the outfits they make her wear” He shook his head but dared not finish the sentence just in case his wife’s keen ears were somehow listening.

Enji stood silent not sure what to say. Would his reaching for his dreams be disappointing his father? The one parent that offered him any positive attention however small. If he told him how far along he trained himself would he have faith in his decision to pursue a heroic career? If he told him why he wanted to become a hero; told him how the kids he grew up with at school would call him a demon. A spawn of the underworld. How they would always try to make him the villain in their games. Accuse him of setting off the fire alarm, or wildfires that weren’t even in the same country. He wanted to prove them all wrong. The element of fire was more than an untamed consuming disaster. He could provide a light for others who felt the same kind of despair and warmth in the cold world that he’s come to know. He’d save people with his quirk and become the best hero people could look up to. Would his father offer an encouraging word or request to see him train?

“I won’t stop you from trying but I believe you need something to fall back on.” His father finally continued. “Just in case you don’t make it.”

Enji clenched his fist. His father's words were a knife to his heart. His father thought he would fail. A lump formed in his throat as he desperately bit his tongue.

“You should come to the office after school. The company will be yours when I’m no longer around you know. I should be showing you the ropes.”

Enji hadn’t registered the offer. His father thought he’d fail. In all his hard work, the expectations of being better and meeting them for the sake of a small ‘good job’ his father thought he could be a failure.

“I will make it.” He finally answered. “I’ll get into UA and I’ll be the best they ever had.” He spoke between his teeth.

“Real life is different than school Enji.” His father shrugged. “Straight-A students end up homeless. Besides you should take advantage of the guidance I’m giving you. You’re lucky to have parents with money. Do you know how expensive UA is? It’s such a waste for no guarantee of your career ever taking off.”

“IT WILL!!” Enji yelled smoke puffing out from his nose. “I’LL MAKE IT! I DON’T NEED YOUR HELP!”

His father whirled around in his chair. Eyes furious and wide as he got to his feet towering over his teenaged son. “Did you raise your voice at me!?” He matched his tone raising his hand above his head to get a good swing. “I’m only trying to look out for you!” SMACK!

The air on the mountain was cool against the raised red welt across Enji’s cheek. His mind still echoed the words of being a future failure in his father's eyes. He didn’t cry when his father's large open hand smacked against his face knocking him down to the kitchen floor. He only felt the heat of rage brewing within him. His hand lit up in a large flower of flames and he unleashed the fire on the logs of chopped wood with a mighty roar of pent-up frustration. The fire incinerated the thick blocks of wood in seconds and boiled the small pond in front of the bench he stood in front of. He sat down taking deep shaking breaths holding his head of wild red hair in his hands. Reeling back from the outburst he’d just let himself have. His sweat steamed off of him in tickling sizzles down his exposed arms wearing his black tank top. After catching his breath his vision came back from seeing red and something caught his eye slowly bobbing and sailing across the surface of the small pond. He picked up his head looking up to the water littered with floating bodies of cooked frogs and small fish.

‘Save people, with that quirk? You’ll end up cooking them. Hellspawn.’

‘Just in case you don’t make it. Such a waste when your career isn’t guaranteed.’

‘There’s still water left? You should have evaporated it completely.’

Enji sat back down tucking his face away in his hands.

Enji arrived at his father’s office checking in with the secretary. Despite the blunt smack and outburst, the two had the other day neither of them acknowledged what feelings were left behind. His father lifted his head as he entered the room and smiled at him while welcoming him to take a seat next to him. Enji’s anger began to fizzle out when other members of his father's work peaked in and asked about him.

“Oh who is this, your new intern?” Someone would ask.

“This is my son.” His father answered with what sounded like pride while puffing out his chest and motioning to Enji. “He’s top of his class and is almost graduating middle school.”

“Wow! So Impressive!”

Enji’s face felt hot and for a moment he worried his flames were present and the cause of the heat.

“Smart and handsome. I bet the ladies are all over you.”

“Uh…” Enji’s hand rubbed the back of his neck. Girls didn’t exactly give him much attention. Or maybe it was he didn’t pay attention to the girls. Or anyone for that matter. Straight A+ students preparing to go to UA weren’t going out to have sodas and sing at karaoke. “Not really.”

“No?” A gasp of surprise, “Well I have a daughter around your age and she is single. I can bring her around sometime.”

Now his face lit up in orange flames which he quickly hid in his hands to snuff it out. The coworker and his father erupted in laughter before they were dismissed in the event they made Enji burn down the building out of embarrassment.

Enji changed his opinion about going to work with his father after school. He spent more time with his dad. When he got in his father allowed him to do his homework at the desk next to him. Then he would teach him how to file and fill out financial sheets about the company. He’d hand him a few yen and ask him to bring back a snack and drink for the both of them. His father would talk about him to his co-workers, showing him off like a trophy. He’d become comfortable and even looked forward to visiting his father at work. His training as Sekoto Peak had come to a stop. The vultures picked the pond clean of the dead frogs and fish. No one yelled or threw things during dinner anymore. For once it finally seemed like his family was happy. Enji almost began to reconsider his application to enter UA.

It had been raining hard that day. The sky was dark with thick black clouds blotting out the sun and draining the landscape of color leaving the city in a mess of muddy grayscale. He curried from the school with his umbrella clutched over him. His dad promised him a fresh cup of hot tea and kuzumochi while he finished his homework. His steps kept a hurried pace with the other people hurriedly walking and trying to avoid tangling up in each other's umbrellas. He’d challenge himself to leap over large puddles that collected on the sidewalk from the runoff of storm pipes from buildings. A siren wailing caught his attention as it rushed past him turning down the same road he was traveling. He saw it turn the corner, the same corner he would have to turn eventually when he came to it. His stomach jittered in nervousness but ultimately he wrote it off as just a coincidence. There were a lot of businesses and establishments within the city and in that direction. Then a swarm of police cars, three other ambulances, and two fire trucks raced down the same street passing him up and turning in the same direction. Enji felt his stomach twist again so he broke out into a jog rounding the corner where the vehicles had left him behind. The new block had been completely different looking as if an asteroid had struck the building and street. A giant crater filled with wreckage and emergency services pulling out bodies from the rubble. Police were busy holding back the frantic public, women screaming about their children; a split daycare sign lay amongst the broken building pieces. His father had only been two buildings away. The familiar building now toppled over across the other establishments it used to tower over. He’d discarded his umbrella somewhere during his run over to the scene. His now free hands attempted to move the barricade heavier than it looked until a sickening cold ran through his body. From under the cement, pipes, and glass of the daycare, they pulled a bloody, bruised, and dead man protectively clutching a little girl still holding on to a small bunny just as limp as both their bodies.

His face was covered in thick red and dust, swollen from being the landing mark for most of the building. Still, Enji could recognize him, his father being pulled from the wreckage dangling lifeless as the paramedics hoisted his body onto a gurney to be wheeled away. His breath caught in his chest and his hands once working to move past the barrier now stayed frozen at his side. All he could do was stand there. Nothing he could have done or can do now would bring him back. His feet felt one with the ground as the rain began to soak through his school shirt and weigh his hair down in his face. The blue of his eyes shrank as he watched his father's body being taken away a hand dangled out of the tarp they put over him as if he was lazily reaching out for him.

He didn’t know how he got home that night all he remembered was being soaked to his bones and painfully cold. Life flashed before his eyes; the funeral was nothing but a blur. He returned to Sekoto Peak where he attempted to train. His father and the future business were gone all he had left to fall on was going to UA. He lifted his hands to summon his flames yet not even his palms could bother to get warm.

“Concentrate.” he coaxed himself closing his eyes trying to feel the drive of the constant fire burning within him. But it was cold and dark. After a whole hour and a half with not even a spark he left feeling numb. UA’s entrance exam was approaching fast and Enji still couldn’t call forth his flames. He was sitting on the bench on his training peak with his head in his hands. What was wrong with him? Where did his fire go? He remembered the static of rain, the bloody hand. His father beaming proudly after introducing him to his co-workers. Knowing he’d never hear his voice again. Never feel the clap on his shoulder after he made a joke, never hear the approval in his tone while he told him, “Good job Enji.” He felt as though something ripped out a piece of him and left a hollow hole that spanned forever in cold darkness. He’d been devastated. And suddenly it clicked; his flames were attached to his emotions. When he’d gone to Sekoto the day he’d been angry at his father his fire had been ready to burst as if holding back from yelling and arguing with his father had built up pressure. Unleashing it boiled the water while providing a great relief. But now he was sad. The sting of tears threatened his eyes. Crying was useless, his mother told him so while putting his father to rest. A glow in her matching blue eyes as she kept her expression stoic while telling him, “Crying will not bring him back, it will only show others you are weak without him. Do not bring the shame of pity to this family and your father's name.”

But he couldn’t help the water rising in his eyes as he thought back on everything he lost. A future in which he’d take over his father’s company, a family that didn’t argue over dinner anymore, someone that balanced out his mother’s desire for more by giving the acknowledgment he so desperately craved. He sniffled biting back a sob feeling the shame his mother warned him about. Why couldn’t he be strong like her, unshaken by anything or anyone? Suddenly a warmth sparked in his stomach. It felt familiar it felt like the beginnings of a fire. What was he feeling? Shame, embarrassment, pathetic for sitting alone on a hill crying by himself all while his entrance exam was next week and he’d be as good as quirkless when he showed up. All those things perhaps but there was something else. Frustration, irritable, angry. Yes! He was angry, with his mother. How could she be so cold? Did she not love him? Was she truly not saddened about her husband being taken from her? The heat grew warmer radiating in his body. Now his tears receded as he became focused on that anger. What else was pissing him off? A nameless, faceless villain still out there, still free. Enji’s palms began to glow red. Where were the heroes? No one was there to evacuate the buildings and stop the villain before they could hurt people. These people claim to be saviors running around in ridiculously colored skin-tight jumpers and capes but they were failures! His fists lit up in fire once again. A burning determination to drive him forward replaced the tears in his eyes. He’d be better than all of them he vowed as he found more reasons to feed the fire. He’d prove to his now-dead father his doubts about him not making it in the hero world were wrong. He wouldn’t just be better than the other heroes, he’d be the best there was! He drew his hand back and hurled it forward unleashing a torrent of flames at the wooden targets. With steam puffing out from his flared nostrils, a new sense of purpose filled the cold hollowness inside of him. When he arrived at UA he was ready to show everyone how it was truly done.

[set-forth-a-dream]

I honestly don’t mind the ‘More!’ ‘More plz!’ ‘I need more’ ‘write more!’ Comments. Call me desperate but that alone makes me know that more is wanted. It’s simple and to the point. You’re obviously enjoying it if you’re asking for more. Don’t let people bully you into not making a comment at all even if you aren’t so expressive or particular with words.

how to trick writers into giving you more fanfic to read

[set-forth-a-dream]

If anyone on my wall needs it hope it helps!

I am a(n):

⚪ Male

⚪ Female

🔘 Writer

Looking for

⚪ Boyfriend

⚪ Girlfriend

🔘 An incredibly specific word that I can't remember

[set-forth-a-dream]

Half Orc Enji Todoroki now lives in my mind rent free.

His tusk was fractured during the battle he gained his scar from. A nice mage was able to reattach the found tusk with some magic; but they were only a beginner so the fracture line is still visible to anyone who takes the risk. (But don’t worry I told you about it so you don’t have to possibly die to see it.) And I decided to give him some earrings on those big ol ears~ because why not?~

[set-forth-a-dream]

DnD x MHA = Half Orc Enji Todoroki.

A fighter class half orc who in his younger years while still living among the Orc tribe had long hair and a beard. His father was actually human and kept him until he was around 6-7 years old. Humans and their strong sense of Justice and heroism… Enji’s father died while going back inside a burning village in an attempt to rescue a girl trapped inside. The rest of his adolescent years he lived with his Orc mother. Very strict and taught him the ways of the tribe to better ‘fit in’ though it could never truly happen. Learning he’d always have to prove himself Enji became a very rigid callous man on the surface. Preferring to seem intimidating and unapproachable at first glance. However under all his cold attitude at his core he has his human fathers sense of Justice and want to help others in need.

He’s incredibly smart and as a fighter class very strong. (Not sure what deity lends a fighter the manipulation and control of fire; if there is one, but I’m pretty sure he borrows/draws upon that energy for his Hell Flame attacks.) As he got older he shaved his beard and cut his hair. He feels it’s a way to sever the ties to the Orc tribe he is no longer apart of and how he is trying to shake off the negative stereotype he unintentionally ended up being apart of. He got his scar from protecting an entire city from a creature of unknown origins, with help from only a handsome Rouge thief; who had the audacity to pit pocket him while passing each other on the street. Who knew a robbery would lead to a plus ultra team up and one of the strongest friendships to exist!

[set-forth-a-dream]

For Writers:

Reblog if it’s okay for your followers to leave you an ask telling you what the one thing is they remember you for as a writer.  Is it a scene or a detail or a specific line? Is it something like style or characterization?  Is it that one weird kink they never thought they’d be into, but oh my god wow self-discovery time?

[set-forth-a-dream]

updated commission sheet if anyone is interested!

reblogs appreciated ❤️

[set-forth-a-dream]

Flower Boy

Posted this on my Wattpad but decided I’d like to have it here too. Dedicated to a long time friend of mine.

-Summery: When Izuku Midoriya was a boy looked out into an open grassy lot and dreamed of what it could be. Then one day a bunch of construction changed everything.

_______________________________________

When I was a young boy a florist shop opened up across the street from my apartment. I remembered the construction of the once open grass-filled lot between buildings and feeling a little mad about it. It was a nice spot of green getting sun in the mornings till the afternoon despite it being next to two buildings. As a child, I had thought it had so much potential to be a small park or community garden, or just grow some trees for fresh air. When the construction cleared away all the green grass replacing it with chalky white cement and wood I shook my head and felt a bit sad. And the work was loud, the hammering, drills, and noisy trucks pulling in and out of the place made it so hard to watch cartoons or concentrate on homework. I thought ‘This had better be a toy store at the very least!’

Finally, a structure stood in the place of the former green lot, with large windows out front framed in white. Just a boring old business building I sighed. I could tell because the man that started moving boxes in was a tall, sickly thin, older man. He was kind of creepy. His frame looked like a skeleton with wild wiry blond hair that looked like he got electrocuted and it jetted out in every direction except for the long floppy bangs that framed his long thin face. His eyes were sunken and shrouded in a shadow and though he didn’t have any eyebrows the muscles where they ought to be were scrunched downward. His sunken in cheeks completed the old man’s scowl making it clear he did not like anyone or anything! I wasn’t sure what kind of business it was going to be with a guy like that around but it was one I would have no interest in.

I put it out of my mind. I stopped looking over at the building when I passed by. Kept my eyes on the clouds or sky when I came home. My imagination had no grassy green lot to fill with future dreams, I was caged in by buildings of the same color, roads that took me to the same places, and someday I would fall in line with the rest of the people who work for all these cookie cutter businesses. Heavy thoughts for a kid only in the third grade.

One day my mom picked me up from school as she usually did. I asked for ice cream as we passed the truck that always waited around the corner from the school. Like usual she told me ‘Not today Izuku.’ We passed the dog park, a grocery store, and the same woman I saw watering her lawn every single day. Then my mother stopped before we reached our apartment building and pointed across the street.

“Look at all those flowers, how pretty!”

My head came up from the pebble I had kicked down the road to the building across the street, with baskets of green plants hanging outside, tiers of potted colorful flowers, and more of them surrounding the inside of the shop. There was a bright banner at the top that read ‘Grand Opening!!’ The other sign plated to the building said ‘Yagi’s Flowers & Green House.’

There were already a few people going in the door with cautious curiosity. Rightfully so, I remembered that mean scary-looking man that had been there before. Perhaps it was some kind of trap! However, I began to realize that those who came out of the store all had big smiles and held a thick green stalk with a large yellow sunflower.

“Let’s go check it out Izuku!” Mom held my hand as she pulled me across the street. We entered in the shop to be surrounded by flowers from wall to wall! The sweet floral smell surrounded us as we walked further in. There weren’t only flowers but green plants of all kinds, some that draped, swayed, crawled, and climbed. From light feathery leaves to thick water-retaining spiked stems. It was then I noticed that I was smiling, my eyes darting around the colorful indoor meadow with wonder. Just how many plants could you fit in such a place?! And what all was here?! I looked up at my mother and saw her smiling too. A real smile as she looked thoughtfully at some of the plants in their baskets. Just as I was beginning to reconsider my thought of the scary old man staying here we heard a man’s voice greet us from behind. Quickly spinning around I saw him, up close for the first time. His eyes were an eerie light blue in the shadows of his eyes. His wild hair was dry and frizzy his bangs splintering in a chaotic direction at the ends. He was still hunched over some but it was clear he was much taller than the average man. He wore a light blue shirt and a pastel yellow apron.

I took cover behind my mom’s skirt as she turned to face him. They greeted each other and began talking about the plants around the shop. Which one would do good in certain lighting and temperature of the house? Apparently, Mom had been wanting a plant or two to brighten up our apartment. She picked out a Chinese Evergreen and a Split-leaf Philodendron. He said both of them are perfect for beginner plant parents and do well in rooms that might only have fluorescent light.

While they talked some more I saw something move in the fanned leaves of a Japanese palm. I let my curiosity lead me closer carefully moving the palms until a deep purr rumbled through the leaves and a cat leaped out at me! I squealed tumbling back from being startled. It caught the shop owner’s and my mother's attention as they both held another plant together.

“S-sorry!” I scrambled up to my feet to bow, “There’s a cat! It scared me.” As if it were trying to apologize for the fright the cat came back with slick shiny black fur and rubbed itself against my legs.

“Oh.” The skeleton man’s brows were softer, not stitched together in his scowl like before. There was a soft smile and his darkened eyes looked less scary, just tired. “That’s my cat, Tri. I named her that because she only has three legs.”

Looking closer at the snuggling feline I counted her legs: 1, 2, 3… She did only have three legs!! She had a rounded nub on her back flank where her left leg should be.

“What happened to her other one?” I asked reaching down to pet the cat’s fluffy tail.

“I’m not sure.” He shook his head, “I rescued her from the city pound on her last day. She was already three-legged when they picked her up. She could have been born that way.” As he told her story the cat trotted up to him and rubbed her head against his pant leg and then my moms causing them to both smile.

“Sorry about the scare young man. She loves to play hide and seek in the bushes and never wants to be anywhere without me. That’s why I have to keep the Lillies so high.”

“The Lillies?” I asked looking around.

“Yes. Lillies and some other plants are poisonous to cats if they eat them. So far Tri just ducks in and out of the plants but I don’t want to take any chances. Any of the plants that are bad for her are up in places she can’t jump and climb, or in the one room she can’t go into.”

“Oh.” I hadn’t realized all these beautiful-looking and sweet-smelling flowers had the potential to take something's life or make them very sick. How their bright beauty deceived their victims.

After a while longer Mother was ready to purchase her plants and we met the man again at the counter. Tri was sitting on the counter licking her paw and rubbing it behind her ear.

“Everyone who came in gets a free Sunflower.” The man picked out two of the large Sunflower stalks from the large vase filled with water on the counter beside him handing one to my mother and one to me. The flower actually had some weight to it, and the petals were silky soft. I was overjoyed to be given a flower of my own! I never received a flower before. I picked them for my mom and kindergarten teacher once, but never have someone given me one. It was as exciting as being given a free toy! And the new plants mom carried out with care instructions felt like getting a new pet!!

“Mr.Yagi is such a sweet man.” Mom said setting up the plants in the living room.

“The old guy?” I asked from behind my flower. She laughed ruffling my hair but nodded her head.

“He is nice.” I agreed. His tone didn’t come off as gruff or harsh and snappy. Nor did he act like he had a short temper ready to yell at any little thing that went wrong. But he sure looked like it… “Why does he look so…” I tried to place my wording right. He wasn’t exactly ugly. “…scary?” For lack of better words, it was all I could describe him as. “He’s too tall, too skinny, and his eyes are dark.”

She smiled petting my head and took my flower to join hers in a pitcher of water for a makeshift vase on the table. “He does look very different from other people, doesn’t he? But you never know what he might have gone through in his life. Like the three-legged cat, no one knows how she lost her leg; but it is best to treat her with kindness even if she doesn’t look like the rest of the cats. Right?”

“Yeah!” I nodded watching the flowers in their new home. I watched them throughout dinner. And when it was time for bed I saw the flower shop from outside my window and Mr. Yagi’s tall figure walking out with an over-the-shoulder carrying kennel for his cat. He’d taken in the display of flowers from the front but I could still make out the vines and blooms in the window.

The next morning when I woke up I had looked at the shop again and Mr.Yagi was already working on the outside display. He didn’t look as scary as I thought he did. His hair reminded me of the big frill of a sunflower's petals.

After a few weeks, our sunflowers began to wither and wilt.

“Mom! They’re dying…” I picked at the sunflower’s middle breaking away in dry beads.

“Do you like having flowers at the table?” She asked with a smile changing the old water in the pitcher.

“Yes. They’re pretty and make you smile. I like it when you smile Mom.”

She covered her mouth touching a hand over her chest for a moment before taking me in a hug. That day we went back to the flower shop and Mom bought a vase and some flowers to go in it.

“The flowers you gave us are dying.” I told Mr.Yagi as I stood next to my mom, “Are they not getting enough sun?”

“No.” He smiled shaking his head, “That’s just what flowers do over time. But when they start to dry up they give you their seeds, and you make a lot more flowers with them!”

“I can grow them?” I don’t know why the thought never dawned on me before. Of course, I knew what a plant needed to live and grow. But I never thought that I could just ‘do it’! For some reason, I thought there were more skills needed, specialty items, and complicated steps.

“Of course you can young man! Sunflowers are easy to grow, if you’d like to try I think I have something for you.”

“Yeah!” I nodded and looked up at my mom, “Can I?!”

She laughed nodding as well, “Yes of course.”

Mr. Yagi disappeared behind a door for a moment and came back with a plastic tray. He handed it down to me so I could look at it closer. It had several brown disks inside the package that read ‘mini greenhouse starter kit.’ He kneeled taking the package to explain.

“Water these little disks and they’ll puff up nice and big. Then put your seeds in them and cover them with the lid. Set them in a sunny window and you’ll see little sprouts in no time.”

“Wow! Will they get big like the ones you gave us?”

“Well if you want them that big, you’ll have to plant them in the ground.” He explained, “But they’ll still grow very tall and give off a lot of flowers. Still wanna give it a shot?”

“Mhm!” I nodded so fast I lost my balance. When my mom asked how much it would cost Mr.Yagi said it was a gift and we didn’t have to pay anything!

I got to work on the seeds as soon as I got home. They sat on the balcony where they got the most sun. Every morning I would check on them and call across the street to say good morning to Mr.Yagi as he set up the outside flower display. Mom has talked to him while passing by too. Anytime they are outside at the same time they would smile and wave to each other. We all quickly became friends.

“How are your seedlings doing young man?” Mr.Yagi called from across the street when he saw me out to check on them in the morning. Glancing down I saw sprouts just poking out from the dirt. I did it!

“They’re growing!! I did it!! They’re growing!” I called jumping up and down. For the first time, I heard Mr.Yagi laugh. It was a deep outward chuckle, if he were in a manga the ‘HA! HA! HA!’ expressions would be spelled out around him as he tossed his head back in laughter. I had to tell my mom about my sprouts and see if she’d laugh as well. She was so happy she started to cry telling me I can grow flowers for her now and will always make her smile when she sees them.

That’s probably when I decided when I grew up I wanted to be just like Mr.Yagi. Own a flower shop of my own and give people joy whenever they took home a flower. Mr.Yagi became my hero. Needless to say the kids at school thought I was weird for wanting to grow and sell flowers for a living. It wasn’t flashy or cool like a Police Officer or Fire Fighter nor adventurous and wild like an explorer or scuba diver. But it didn’t matter. I saw firsthand the power of Earth’s natural beauty. When given love and attention it spreads your efforts like seeds in the wind, as if the flower was portraying its gratitude to you through the emotions of those who see them and smile. But my friends just called me an old lady.

One day my mother had to stay late for work. I knew how to walk home on my own. But Mom didn’t want me alone at the house. She said that she’d talked to Mr.Yagi and he said it was fine if I stayed with him at the shop until she came back. I was so excited!! I ran all the way there. Mr.Yagi was waiting for me outside with Tri sitting at his feet. We went in and he asked me how school was and how my grades are. Then he asked if I liked fruit.

“Come to the back with me.” He smiled heading to the door he’d gone to before to get my starter kit. “Tri, be a good kitty and stay.” He looked over his shoulder making sure I was close by and the cat stayed back. When we got to the back it was so spacious with rows of bushes and trees!

“My tangerines are ripe and there are so many blueberries I don’t know what to do with them.” He placed a hand on his hip looking out to the full bushes packed with plump dark berries on its vines.

“I can have some?” I explored the different bushes and trees checking the little tags around them. Tomatoes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries!

“Please! Take some off my hands.” He went over to a small desk station and pulled out a shopping bag. “Take as much as you and your mother can handle.”

I picked bunches of berries, I might have gotten a little carried away.

“I hope your mom knows a good recipe for all those berries!” Mr.Yagi laughed again. It was such a nice laugh, if it wasn’t enough to make you laugh as well it would defiantly make you smile. How cool would it be to make something with what you’ve grown!!? I’d beg my mom to make a pie or anything with the fruit I picked when she came to pick me up after work.

“How much do I owe you for everything?” Mom was looking tired and worried when she saw my bag of harvest.

“Nonsense.” Mr.Yagi stopped her from flipping through her wallet. His hands were so big compared to my mother's. “Your son brightens my day. I’d gladly watch him for you anytime no charge. And the fruit is a gift as well. I hope you enjoy them.”

The next day Mom did make a pie with the blueberries I picked from Mr. Yagi’s garden. She sent me over to the shop to give him half. He was so delighted the smile never left his face while I was there. As the months went on I started going over to the shop more sometimes after school, sometimes after I got my homework done. I asked so many questions about the different plants, what they were used for, different growing methods, and seasons of harvest. I even told Mr.Yagi that I wanted to be like him and have my own flower shop and grow plants too.

Within that time Mr.Yagi allowed me to help out around the shop assisting customers in finding what they were looking for, arranging the displays, and pruning or watering the plants. One evening a customer came in, unlike the rest. She bowed her head and dragged her feet while her eyes glossy with tears skimmed over the flowers.

“Hi ma’am” I walked up to her, “Can I help you find something particular?”

“You work here?” She asked trying to hold back her tears. “You’re just a little boy.”

“My friend lets me help out and my mom is at work late tonight. I’m in the fourth grade now so I’m old enough to handle it.” I said proudly. But her smile didn’t last.

“Your friend?”

“Mr.Yagi. He owns the shop. Are you okay miss?”

“Well, I need some flowers, some special flowers. Because… my mother just.. just died.” She couldn’t hold back the tears now and started crying. I was in shock, to say the least. All this time people have been coming in and buying flowers with smiles. ‘For my wife or girlfriend. For my wedding. For myself.’ But the loss of someone had been my first time. I quickly ran and searched for Mr.Yagi, finding him among the marigolds. I hurriedly explained the situation and he put a hand on my shoulder telling me to keep calm. I watched as he found the woman comforting her with gentle words in a soft voice telling her he’d take care of the flowers for her. I stood by the counter feeling so helpless. She was so sad. Her mother was gone. I could only imagine how scared and alone she must have felt and lost too. I would feel that way because I feel it when I lose my mother at the grocery store. Which only happened once when I was younger.

Mr.Yagi put an arrangement of flowers together while she cleared her eyes and Tri purred rubbing herself against her legs.

“Mr.Yagi” I tugged at his pastel yellow apron while he worked, “Can she have a free sunflower?”

“That would be nice. But my flowers have all gone dormant until next season.” He answered.

“Mine! Mine are blooming at home! I’ll be back!!”

“Be careful!! Look both ways before crossing!!” Mr.Yagi called as I ran out of the shop. The street was clear and I hurriedly jogged across and ran to the kitchen grabbing the scissors to make a clean snip at the bloomed stalks of sunflowers. I came back finding the woman paying for the flowers.

I don’t know why but I was a little nervous when I went to approach her the second time. Maybe it was because I was not a professional at growing things. My sunflower stem was thin and fuzzy and the flower was small but the best of the flowers on its stock.

“Here young lady.” I offered her the flower, “I think you need a flower for yourself today. Free of charge of course. It’s a gift.”

The sad woman looked at the flower and back at me then she smiled. It was soft and sadness still hung in her eyes but she took the flower in her free hand thanking me.

“You and your father are so sweet and made my day better. Thank you.” She walked out leaving Mr.Yagi and me stunned. Did she know my father? I hadn’t seen him at all. Just in a picture, my Mom had kept in an old photo album. Did she honestly think Mr.Yagi was my dad?!

Sure he looked after me when my mom was away, gave me snacks after school, taught me things about the plants, and I truly looked up to him. I guess he had become sort of a father figure to me.

“Mr.Yagi, do you have a wife or children?” I asked a little while after the realization of our relationship dynamic.

“No.” He shook his head offering me a juice pouch.

“Why?” I took the juice poking the straw through the hole.

“I guess I never put my efforts into finding a partner or having kids. I was busy doing other things.”

“… Like what?” I didn’t know anything about Mr.Yagi aside from his job here at the shop.

“I traveled a lot because I was a part of the special forces team.”

“Like the military?”

“Yeah, kinda.” He nodded. “Because I was never in one spot for long I didn’t make any personal attachments. Sometimes even friends were hard to keep.”

I took a moment to look at him again. His thin bony frame didn’t look like someone in the military. My confusion must have been clear on my face and Mr. Yagi gave a soft smile.

“The doctors told me I could finally retire.” He left the explanation vague. I didn’t understand it at the time…

During the start of middle school, I was officially working part-time at the shop. Mr. Yagi had a lot of errands outside work and had me run things after school and on my days off. Mom was very proud, I learned a lot about growing natural tea leaves and growing fruits in seasons. Mom invited Mr.Yagi over often, she’d make food from the things we grew together. We were all so happy. Like a family.

When I was in high school and summer started Mr. Yagi gave me a full-time position and business had been great. Weddings were popular and would often buy out our entire stock. My English and Math teacher stopped in to buy a present for their friends who were getting married. They said the four of them were friends since high school. My math teacher Mr. Aizawa made quick friends with Tri saying he also has a cat at home.

A redhead man usually came in every other week looking beside himself while browsing the flowers and finding the Amaryllis. His brows were intense with blue eyes glaring underneath them while his bottom lip seemed to be pulled in a permanent frown. I never kept much conversation with him but decided to ask why he always bought the blue Amaryllis.

“They’re for my wife.” He answered almost sadly setting the small bundle of flowers on the counter.

“Oh.” I answered back starting to tap on the register, “Would you like a note to go with them? It’ll be free.”

He shook his head, “I’m afraid she never takes any of my letters. Just the flowers. They’re her favorite.” He shook his head at my offer of the note card.

“Ah, I see.” But I still had no idea what occasion the flowers were for. He always seemed sad while coming to buy them and my eyes absentmindedly drifted past the counter and across the street to see my Sunflowers in the window. “In the Victorian language of flowers,” I continued while wrapping a decorative tissue paper around the stems, “one would gift Amaryllis to show recognition of a strong and confidant woman. The lighter colors though are more of a mourning for a loved one…” A red bow tied the paper and stems together. “The more popular color of these are the red and white ones, which have a fascinating mythical origin.” I pushed the flowers forward rubbing the back of my neck. “Uh, but I’m just gonna talk your ear off at this point. Heh, sorry. I hope your wife enjoys the flowers.”

The man took the blooms from the counter inspecting the petals before a small and quick smile lifted the corner of his mouth, “I didn’t know that, but it suits her well. Thank you, young man. Maybe next time you can tell me that story. Keep the change.” He left his money on the counter with a nod and walked out.

A childhood friend came by one day. It was mid-afternoon when the bell rang as he swung it open returning his hands to his pockets while a friend from class stood by his side.

“Your mom always asks you to buy flowers on the hottest days?” Katsuki asked irritably fanning himself with a hand as he walked in.

“No!” Ejiro Kirishima laughed wiping his forehead, “But she did today! Sometimes it’s just nice to have flowers in the house y’know? Brightens up the room.”

“Whatever. Seems like a waste of money to me. Buy them to slowly watch them die in a nasty pot of water? No thanks.”

I got up my nerve to wave at my two classmates while I watered a few plants by the window. “Kacchan! Kirishima! Hi!”

“Yo! Midoriya what are you doing here!” Kirishima waved back running over excitedly.

I stood there with my chest puffed out in pride, “I work here!”

“You have a job!? No way! That’s so cool!” Kirishima rose his brows. Kacchan didn’t look amused at all though. He was always rather blunt and unenthusiastic about anything I did.

“You work at this lame-ass flower shop? Yeah, it suits you.”

“Bakubro-“ Kirishima interjected but I reeked back with a smile.

“I’m taking that as a compliment. Since working here I’ve been able to see a quick window into other people's lives and help them. When they leave they almost always have a smile or feel better than before they came in. So yes, it does suit me.”

“Whatever.” Kacchan rolled his eyes, “Hurry up and pick your stupid flowers so we can get out of this pollen trap.” I’ve never known Kacchan to be allergic to anything.

“Huh, are you really allergic to pollen Bakugou?” Kirishima seemed concerned.

“If I say yes will it make this go faster?”

“Aw come on” Kirishima sighed, “At least the place has AC. And look; a cat! Whoa with three legs!”

I smiled as Tri rubbed herself against Kacchan’s ankle immediately distracting him from being grumpy while waiting. “Is there anything I can help you find Kirishima?”

Kirishima pulled me aside and whispered next to me, “What do you think Bakugou would like?”

“You want to get something for Kacchan?” So it was a surprise gift and right in front of him! Kirishima was so clever! Though I wasn’t too sure if Kacchan was much of a plant parent. But since I overheard he thought flowers slowly dying was pointless my mind went to the small saplings or planted sprouts we kept in stock. After both of us took a long while to carefully decide what would make the perfect gift for Kacchan it was already evening. Mr. Yagi had arranged several mini gardens in some bowls and planted succulents of various greens and reds where there was more space he’d set up fairy furniture. With minimal attention and mostly no mess Kirishima decided on a garden that had a small house among the succulent ‘forest’ with a little bench sitting outside.

“One more thing,” He whispered checking over his shoulder to make sure Kacchan was still occupied by the cat. “Could I get a rose- a white one?” His cheeks went a little red with a smile.

I smiled back nodding, “A white rose huh, that’s a bold move.”

“Only the men who are willing to make bold moves get what they want.” His smile widened showing a fist pump. “But, heh if anything it’s just a good gesture to a friend. Right?”

“Oh, he’ll like it.” I nodded while ringing up the mini garden and pulling a white rose from one of the larger bouquets just in time for Bakugou to walk up rubbing one of his eyes while yawning.

“You finally got somethin’? You’re as bad at making floral decisions as you are ordering food.” He ran a hand through his hair, “I even took a nap.”

“Yeah well,” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck, “I want things to be perfect y’know?”

I handed over the rose and garden with a wink. “Come back anytime!”

“No thanks, Nerd.” Kacchan crossed his arms, “Unless it’s for the cat. How’d it get three legs?”

I shrugged, “Mr. Yagi; the shop owner here, rescued her from a shelter but she came to them that way already. No one knows what happened.”

“Huh. Well, it doesn’t stop her from anything.” He looked back at the still-sleeping cat on the floor. “Anyway, let’s get outta here. I’m hungry.”

They both left the shop and I stood by the counter watching them as they paused just outside the see-through glass door. Their conversation was muffled now but I heard Kirishima present his gifts to Kacchan. The blond tried to fight back the smile so hard but it only made his face get red.

“You idiot.” Kacchan finally let the smile win and took the rose and mini garden.

“You like ‘em?” Kirishima asked fidgeting excitedly.

“Yeah, it’s cute. Thanks.”

On the final day of Summer, Mr.Yagi and I were working together, arranging a few of the newly potted plants by the window and checking the soil’s moisture in other pots. We were just talking about the last few customers I had while working shifts alone when a group of people stopped by the shop and began to tip over plants outside.

“Hey!” I yelled from within the building, “Stop that!!!” But the group seemed only spurred on by my panic and began picking up and throwing the pots.

“Young Midoriya! Don’t-“ Mr. Yagi reached out only to miss grabbing my arm. I ran outside quickly with nothing but a plant hook; used to pick up plants on the top shelves. I’m not sure why I brought a weapon with me. I wouldn’t know how to use it and it seemed the guys knew that. It was snatched from my hands after I made a clumsy swipe at the air to hopefully shoo them away. It was raised above their heads and I braced for impact as I heard the wind whip with the speed at which they swung it. But the painful smack never came, instead, it hit something else. When I opened my eyes again Mr. Yagi was outside, the pole retrieved and being used as a proper beating stick as he fought back the thugs. He moved quickly and gracefully for his age and smacked each of the thugs hard enough that they wobbled back to their feet and tripped over each other running away.

Mr. Yagi stood over me, a frown on his face and his blue eyes hidden in the shadow of his intense brows.

“The plants…” I choked on tears and my hands trembled as I picked through the stomped and snapped roots and stems in their scattered piles of dirt and glass. “Mr.Yagi they—“

“The plants will be fine.” His voice was sharp causing me to look up through wet eyes and see his intense expression. It was like the first time I saw him when I was much younger: intimidating and scary. “Get back inside. Now.”

“But-“ I whimpered trying to save a few more blooms but I didn’t want any trouble from Mr.Yagi. Not after seeing what he could do with a simple pole and the way his face looked. I got up dusting my hands on the apron I wore while drying my eyes in the crook of my arm going back inside. Mr.Yagi followed me inside flipping the store's ‘open’ sign to ‘closed’.

“Never do that again.” His voice was cold as he set the plant hook back in its corner. I was silent. How was he not angry or sad at least? “The inventory of this place is not worth risking your life. The stock can always be regrown.”

“How can you just let them step all over them!?” I finally got to speak through the lump in my throat though still nervous. Mr.Yagi and I never fought before.

“They’re just flowers Midoriya.” His answer shocked me.

“They’re just flowers?” I felt my body shaking and tears stinging my eyes again, “They’re just. They aren’t just flowers Mr. Yagi! They took months to nurture to bring from seed to sprout! Careful attention to sun, food, and moisture! They were something we did together. You taught me how to grow them and you were there teaching me about different soil and PH levels for certain plants! You were there to warn against repotting younger plants in larger pots! And you taught me which leafs to trim for better growth. They were OUR hard work! They were OUR flowers! That was our time and memories together! Thrown in a pile of dirt and broken stems on the pavement!!” My tears were streaming in a river down my face while yelling at him. Were they really ‘just flowers’ to him? Tri was meowing at my feet trying to comfort me.

His left arm hugged around his side as he brought a napkin from his pocket to let out a feeble cough speckling it with blood. Had he been hurt when fighting the thugs!?

“Ah!? M-Mr.Yagi? Should I call an ambulance??!”

He shook his head waving his left hand to dismiss the offer his voice was softer, “No. I just irritated something, I’ll be fine.” He stuck the napkin in a trash bucket and waved for me to follow him, “Come to the back with me.”

Poor Tri was still confused but we left her in the main building as we traveled to the greenhouse in the back with its rows of fruit trees and vines of vegetables. He brought me to a desk with photos of a woman with black hair a smile on her face, her fingers raised in the peace sign. A small mole on her chin only added to her bright features. I’ve never been back here, never saw the desk with photos and a potted rose bush that was so well groomed and bloomed the biggest roses I’ve ever seen.

Mr.Yagi finally smiled again, but it seemed sad as he looked at the pictures.

“She adopted me when I was still in middle school.” He began to explain, “Later she was my commanding officer in the branch I worked for. She died in action… right in front of me.”

I looked at the pictures finding a few of them together. Mr.Yagi looked different when he was younger. He still had eyebrows not just the strong brow muscles left behind today. His face was full and his eyes were bright with his blue irises. He was so muscly, like a bodybuilder. His body was sculpted like a mountain! But some things hadn’t changed like how tall he was, and how wild his golden hair is with the two strands of droopy bangs. His smile was the same at least when they were together. “I’m sorry.” I offered while looking through the pictures and finally noticed the urn at the top of the desk. “Oh.” I stepped back realizing this was a memorial, a temple for the woman who had passed… her body was in that urn.

“Meet Nana.” Yagi motioned to the roses, “I used some of the ashes in the bush’s soil.”

“You did?” I bowed to the roses, “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.” I offered my respectful greeting before asking Mr.Yagi, “Why?”

“So that we can continue doing things she loved to do together. Using human ashes to grow things isn’t as simple as it seems. The PH is much too high. You have to mix them with a special soil and roses are one of the harder plants to grow with them. But she’s worth all the time and effort. And so that in a way she’s still alive.” He placed a hand on my shoulder, “The point is: The most important things to me are safe and sound in the same room.”

I looked at the bush and the urn with a small smile. I guess if these were the only two things he truly cared about it was no wonder he could let the other flowers be toppled over.

“Izuku my boy,” He kept his hand on my shoulder, “I enjoy the time we share gardening and taking care of the shop. The flowers are a result of the hard work we bonded over. But they are not you. I still have you. We can pick up the mess left behind and nurture them back to health. But if anything were to happen to you…”

A flood of tears rushed to my eyes again my lip pouted and quivered, “I’m sorry!” I tried to hold back from sobbing when I realized he was talking about me!

His long lanky arm pulled me into a hug and I felt him rub circles on my back. My arms came up closing around him. While pressing my face into him I felt an odd divot by his abdomen but I didn’t mention anything.

“It’s alright.” He answered with a soft laugh, “Now come on let’s clean up the mess outside.”

That night Mr.Yagi and I stayed at the shop late. We collected the salvageable roots and stems and swept up as much soil as we could. Separating bits of the broken pots from the pile of soil carefully and repotting the plants. Some of the more fragile but viable stems were placed in small cups of water in hopes they’ll sprout their roots. Mr.Yagi had put on the radio just to have some background noise the volume wasn’t high enough to determine any song, just that there was a melody.

“Did you know,” Mr.Yagi stated while adding soil to a small starter plastic container, “Plants grow better when listening to classical music?”

“I didn’t know plants have ears!” I smiled now checking the leaves for any ears.

“Haha! Well, not ears per se,” he began to explain, “they pick up vibrations. And classical music mimics the vibration of a waterfall or flowing water; like a river.”

“Ooh!!” It made sense now! “So they want to reach for the water source and then grow bigger!”

“That’s right.” He nodded, “Though personally, it puts me to sleep. To be fair, so does the sound of a waterfall.”

The shop’s bell chimed and we both looked up from our work.

“Did we forget to lock the door? I remember putting up the closed sign.” My face flushed a little pink as my heart raced to my throat. Could it be those guys were back for revenge?

“Hello??” A woman’s voice called, “Mr.Yagi, Izuku?”

They knew my name?

“I gave your mother a spare key. Just in case.” Mr.Yagi smiled and nudged me with his elbow. “Relax kid. Hey, Ms. Midoriya we’re in the back!”

Mom entered the back room where we were working. A bag over her shoulder gave off the smell of food and I suddenly realized I was starving.

“I heard what happened!” She quickly wrapped her arms around me after setting down the bag on a table.

“Ah! I’m okay Mom! Be careful, I’m a mess!” I warned about my dirt-covered hands and apron. Of course, she didn’t care tightening her grip around me. “Mr. Yagi taught those guys a lesson.” I smiled patting her back.

We had dinner together at the shop while distant music played in the background. Despite the events leading up to it, I wouldn’t trade this memory for anything. Within the next week, Mr.Yagi had taken a few more days off. Nothing uncommon, but since school had started back up again I wasn’t around during the day. Sales were still okay during the evenings and whenever Mr.Yagi came around again he began to show me more of the paperwork that went into running the shop. By this time I should have realized why. When working together he’d take more breaks than usual to the back, I noticed more bloodied napkins in the trash cans, and Tri would linger around him more often. Maybe I already knew what was happening, subconsciously. I knew I was feeling down, an ache began to grow but I couldn’t quite place where the pain came from. And finally, the day I had begun to worry about finally happened; the last day I saw Mr.Yagi at the shop.

“Hello!” I called after the chime of the front door. I hooked my backpack up by the installed hook Mr.Yagi put on the wall for me. “Mr.Yagi??” I called when no one answered. I brought my apron over my head and tied it around my waist when Tri meowed by the back door. Mr.Yagi must have not heard me from back there- his old ears and all. Or from the coughing fit he was currently having. I shooed Tri away from the door but this time and the only time she insisted and slipped inside with me.

“Ah! Hey Tri, get back here.” I went in after her, “Uh sorry Mr.Yagi! She got through.” I looked up to see his tall slender figure slouched over a trash can. My eyes darted away and I felt my stomach sink.

“Young Midoriya” His voice shook in a few heavy breaths, “I’m so sorry I didn’t hear you come in.”

I offered a smile hiding my growing worry, “It’s fine! Uh, the cat wiggled in past me.” I nodded to the three-legged cat circling him franticly meowing.

“It’s alright, it’s me she’s after. My stomach can’t handle what it used to.” He rubbed the back of his head, “She thinks I’m sick.” When he picked her up she quickly went to rubbing her whiskered cheek against his sunken face. He was more pale than he usually was. He was…I didn’t want to accept it, so I chose not to acknowledge it. His hands were shaking when he handed me the snack he always had prepared for me.

“I’ll be back here, taking inventory.” He patted my shoulder. He was more hunched over than usual and if he wasn’t holding Tri he gripped his side and rest against the wall for a moment.

When it was closing time I hadn’t wanted to leave. I still had homework to do, my mom was waiting for me at home. But I felt a growing anxiety when I turned our ‘Open’ sign to ‘Closed.’ I came to the back again finding Mr.Yagi sitting in a chair looking at the grove of trees he’d planted in the open space. Tri curled in his lap being soothed withed slow pets from shaking hands.

“Mr.Yagi” I called gently walking up next to him, “It’s closing time. I finished sweeping the floor and bringing in the plants from outside.”

“Ah,” He answered still sounding like he was catching his breath. “Thank you young Midoriya.”

“Is there anything else I can help you with tonight?” I didn’t want to leave. Maybe he could tell me how to make him better. Mix some special herbs and roots that would make him feel better.

“Do you know what my favorite flower is…” He asked still looking out at the trees his gaze glossy as if he was looking past them into another reality or some far-off land no one else could see.

“No, what is it?” I asked feeling my throat tighten.

“Sunflowers. And Yakusugi cedar trees. So tall and 1,000 years old.” He smiled softly. “Izuku… what do you want to do when you grow up and finish school?”

I tried to smile but felt my lip quiver. “I wanted to… work here. With you.”

“How do you feel about owning it?” He didn’t look away from his imaginary distant land.

“I-“ My throat clenched, “I mean, would you still be here?”

His laugh was breathy and short, “Of course. If you want me to be.”

“Then as long as you’re still here I’ll take charge of it,” I answered quickly stepping closer. “I’d like that very much, Mr.Yagi.”

His head slowly turned looking at me and smiled, his blue eyes looking more pale. “Call me Toshinori. You’ve been like a son to me. Izuku Midoriya, you’re a great kid y’know? And your mother is a strong woman. So kind and generous.”

“Yeah” I agreed, “I’m really lucky to have her. And you.”

“You better get on home to her, don’t keep her waiting for you.” He shifted in his chair before picking himself up and cradling the cat in one of his arms and taking me into the other. I quickly wrapped my arms around him hiding my face into his bony chest feeling him break out into a feeble cough unproductive in any way. “I’ll walk you out.”

“Come with me. We can have dinner again.” I tried insisting as we stepped closer to the exit.

“Oh thank you for the offer, but Tri and I have had a long day. I’d like to go to bed early tonight.”

“Will I see you tomorrow?” I asked stopping at the door and finally pulling out of his side hug.

He smiled lifting my backpack from the hook on the wall and handed it back to me and was silent for almost too long. Then bowed his head with another soft laugh, “I’ll be here. Now go on.” He sent me off by messing with my already wild green hair and watched the road as I crossed to get to my apartment. Mom was waiting for me at the door and they waved to each other.

The next day came too fast. When I woke up my eyes immediately looked across the street. The plants weren’t outside like usual, Mr.Yagi wasn’t outside watering them. The lights were still off. I couldn’t think when I went to school my pen tapping and leg bouncing. Kacchan had smacked his palm on my desk.

“Stop fighting damn it!”

“Sorry!” I yelped and too easily felt the tears rush to my face.

“What’s wrong with you today? So annoying.” He crossed his arms on the back of his chair. “The succulent garden is doing okay, but there’s a little browning on some of the tips…”

“O-oh? Um, that might be because of sunburn. It won’t harm them. Just move them from the window.” I explained remembering Yagi explains about succulents as he placed them in each of the gardens. Even though the plants were fairly simple to take care of they were also sensitive and would show symptoms if they weren’t happy.

“So, what’s your problem?” He asked turning around in his chair.

Just as I was about to explain the door to the classroom opened and Mr.Yamada came in whispering something to Mr. Aizawa. They both paused looking at each other and then their eyes rest on me.

“Midoriya, you’re needed at the principal’s office.” Mr.Aizawa announced softly, “Bring your things. Yamada will walk you down.”

“Oh o-okay.” I answered looking at Kacchan who rose his brow at me. I shrugged letting him know I wasn’t sure what this was about. As I left I heard Mr.Aizawa telling him to turn back around in his chair.

Mom was waiting for me in the office with tears down her face. When she saw me she dropped her purse and ran to me for a hug. That day I found out Mr.Yagi had gone to the hospital last night and passed away just this afternoon. He’d been making preparations for a while and in his will he left my mother and me the flower shop.

We got the keys shortly after a meeting my mother had with some people in suits. With the keys, they handed her a vase-looking glass with intricate designs of sunflowers molded into the pottery like a flowing field of green and yellow. The lid was an arched tree with small leaves sprouting from the smaller branches. An urn.

I cried in my room for what felt like weeks. I stayed home from school, I didn’t even go down to the flower shop. Mom had done the best she could manage it on her own, but someone eventually offered to help in my place. Mom put the decorated urn on a shelf in our living room. But it just never felt right. I didn’t want to keep him locked away in the house just sitting on a shelf. And then I remembered Nana. The rose bush in Mr.Yagi’s greenhouse office! For the first time, it felt like I was drying my eyes as I pulled myself up to my computer desk to search up: ‘Growing plants with ashes.’

It took a little research without Mr.Yagi as my open plant encyclopedia but he did mention the PH balance would have to be neutralized and that there would need to be a special soil. Roses were one of the more advanced plants to grow in general but even harder with ashes. There wasn’t much about growing sunflowers with human ashes but a website gave me a package of everything I needed to get started. And I started right away once it arrived. I brought the kit to the shop along with the urn carefully clutched in my arm. It felt like years since I heard the ring of the front bell.

I almost called out but realized Mr.Yagi wouldn’t answer back… I clutched the urn closer to my chest.

“Hello.” A voice greeted me as I got to the counter. I froze. It would be impossible to do any sort of business if he was a customer. I just wasn’t ready. I wanted everyone to get out and let me have the place to myself. But… that wouldn’t be good for business or what Mr.Yagi would have wanted. He stayed working, he came here on his very last day because it was what he truly loved doing.

“Hello…” I paused and set the spacial soil package on the counter, “Can I help you with anything?” My voice did little to hide how down and irritable I was about being interrupted.

“Oh? Are you… Mr.Midoriya the owner’s son?”

My heart squeezed. Mom and I were the owners now… but Mr.Yagi’s last words to me echoed in my head. It didn’t feel like were the owners. Mr.Yagi was still supposed to come in and set the display in the mornings, water the flowers, and call out ‘Hey young Midoriya!’ From the back of the counter… “It’s just Midoriya.” I corrected, “Did you need something?”

“Sorry.” The boy answered, “I was going to ask you the same thing. My name is Todoroki. I think we go to the same school. My father used to buy my mother gifts here all the time and, well, when he heard that there was new ownership and your mother was needing some help he volunteered me to work part-time.”

“Oh.” I turned around to see this ‘Todoroki’. His name was familiar, a kid with half his hair white and the other half red with a blue and grey eye. It would be difficult to forget a person that different looking. “We do go to the same school, we have the same class.”

“Right.” He nodded.

“Sorry, you had to pick up my slack and your dad made you come work here,” I answered now continuing my venture behind the counter and tried opening the back door.

“It’s no trouble. I don’t mind at all. It’s nice here.” He answered jogging over to grab the door handle and opened it for me. “You look like you have your hands full, allow me to carry something for you.” Before I could deny any help he’d plucked the soil bag from my arm.

“Thanks,” I mumbled. Looks like I won’t be rid of him any time soon.

His voice continued while he stayed in step next to me, “Let Your Love Grow; a living memorial soil mix.” A few steps of silence before he spoke again, “I didn’t know you needed a special mix.”

“Yeah.” I answered getting to the potting table and took out a small starter pot, “Human ashes are too high in PH balance and too salty for plants. I can take it from here thanks.” I was determined to get him away to be alone with my work.

“Oh…” He set the bag down on the table and took a step back. “I’m sorry for your loss by the way. I was there when you were called into the principal’s office. Everyone in class is kinda worried about you. I was worried about you.”

“Don’t. I’m fine.” I answered getting to work. “You should probably watch the front for customers.”

“Oh… y-yes sir.” He nodded but lingered for a moment before slowly shuffling his feet to walk back out to the front.

Finally, I was by myself. It was still and quiet.

‘Did you know, plants grow better when listening to classical music?’ Mr.Yagi’s voice had once chimed the fact while standing next to me.

I turned on the radio already tuned into a classical music station and set the volume loud enough to sound like a distant memory. I got back to my work sorting the soil out between pots and hesitantly reaching for the urn.

‘So that we can continue doing things she loved to do together.’

I sighed leaving my station and peeked out to the front. Todoroki had the plant hook setting a basket of flowers on one of the hooks.

“Todoroki…? Um.. sorry. But do you want to help me?”

He perked up twirling around with a smile, “Really? Yeah!”

Both of us now stayed at the table planting sprouts in the pots and picking a side of the greenhouse to set them to grow. Todoroki said he didn’t have much of a green thumb but liked to learn. I told him with a little practice he’d be a pro in no time.

Mom came in with fruit she’d picked from the trees a smile on her face.

“Look at my boys getting along!” She brought the both of us in a hug. “Thank you so much for helping us out Todoroki. And Izuku it’s good to see you back here. Y’know ever since you longingly looked over at this space when it was just a grassy lot I always knew it was going to be yours whatever became of it.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I smiled taking the fruit bowl.

Time went on, I never thought I’d be over the loss of Mr.Yagi. But as the new sunflowers bloomed in long thick stalks and hardy round flowers I was able to smile again. I put him next to the rose bush and play music for them all the time. When their flowers bloom Todoroki and I carefully harvest them and give them away free of charge.

[set-forth-a-dream]

I woke up at 3am with a question:

In My Hero World Heroes mission the trigger gas bombs over activated peoples quirk until they like… died? Right?

Burst into flames that were too hot to handle, turned into nothing but a pile of hair, reverted into turtle etc.

Okay so… what would happen to people like Tokoyami? Would he turn into a full on …crow/raven (whatever he is?) or would Dark Shadow take over entirely and he’d just become a tangible raging shadow that is vanquished by the light? Or would both sort of happen and like when you shine the light on him he’s only a bird?

And what about Sato? Does he just get overly buff? The man gets too swoll and meets his end?

What about Shoji? Does he duplicate limbs out of control until he’s over stretched himself and over stimulated that he gets an aneurism?

Does Hagakure just stop existing? How do you become extra invisible?

Would Ojiro turn into whatever animal his tail is supposed to be from?

What about Hawks? Is he a straight up bird too or will his wings just get an upgrade? Bigger wings! He’d be able to handle it I bet lol.

Would Aizawa’s quirk just be activated all the time? I don’t see him really dying from that- unless he then can’t close his eyes for whatever reason è.è He might be the answer to saving someone else who was affected by Trigger.

And Mic? Would his voice become too loud all the time too? Speak and blow everyone’s ear drums without meaning to. :( idk how he’d die from that unless his own sound wave ruptured his organs too… XP

But now I wanna know anyone else wake up at 3am with this question? 

[set-forth-a-dream]

[set-forth-a-dream]

Hizashi’s first car. An EraserMic one shot.

The sun was shining almost too bright today as Shota finished tying his tie around the collar of his uniform shirt. Looking in the bathroom mirror he noticed the growth of stubble on his chin. The thought of shaving didn’t cross his mind, in fact, he was glad. The fibers of his capture scarf weren’t made for comfort, it tended to be a little itchy if not sharp in some areas. It was a weapon after all. The addition of some facial hair would allow a barrier between the rough fibers and his otherwise smooth skin. And made him look mature, he’d been ready for some kind of change. Shake off the look of being a wide-eyed innocent hopeful hero. There was nothing innocent about the job. Beneath the paraded fame and glam of costumes, code names, special moves, and battle banter it was a dark and dangerous game of life or death that should be taken more seriously. With the addition of his facial hair his frumpy black waves now reached past his shoulders. Should he cut it? He thought moving it slightly back and up. That would mean taking routine haircuts to keep up an image. Why would he do that if he could keep up a less high-maintenance image for no money? He let the long hair fall back into place on his shoulders. That was enough of the mirror for today. He turned back to his room to finish getting his socks on and pack his backpack. His phone vibrated on the side table next to his bed. He spared it a glance but he still had the screen facing down. He decided it could wait whatever it was. Probably Hizashi sending a meme or cat video. He hesitated debating on whether or not to give in and look now that there was a chance of seeing cats giving the phone another glance. But he didn’t have time for distractions. He took the phone from its charger and slid it in his pocket and continued getting his backpack ready. Then he joined his parents in the kitchen, his father on his phone scrolling with dark circles under his eyes and a fork of cold eggs held halfway to his mouth.

“Good morning Shota.” His mother greeted setting a plate at the table.

“Morning.” He answered taking his seat and briefly placing his palms together over his plate, “Thanks.”

“Mornin’” His father finally came around out of his trance, “Fell asleep with my eyes open again.”

“Mhm,” Shota and his mother hummed.

The rest of the time it was quiet. Not an uncomfortable silence it was a whole family of people who preferred to do things mid-day to evenings. Mornings were meant to go slow, waking up naturally, dragging your feet across the floor, and maybe going back to bed after your first bathroom usage of the day. Unfortunately, that wasn’t how the world worked. So until mid-day, his family lacked the liveliness of someone awake and ready for the day. His phone vibrated again with another notification. Again Shota ignored it taking up his finished plate and headed back to the bathroom to brush his teeth and then he’d be off on his walk to school.

A rhythmic rumble shook the walls and he paused in his brushing. Some idiot had the music up way too loud in their car while passing by. He shrugged it off and continued only the pulsing music got closer and then it stayed. Who had the energy to be this annoying and inconsiderate this early in the morning??

“Shota!” His mother called from down the hall, “Your friend is here.”

Hizashi? Here? He finished with the water and hurried down the hall grabbing his backpack and stomping on his shoes as he realized, that loud music was right in front of his house! Unbelievable! What did he do, bring a whole stereo outside with him?! His cheeks heated up with embarrassment, the neighbors are going to stare!! He shoved open his front door to see a car, windows rolled down and Hizashi in the driver's seat having a karaoke session with his hair brush.

The neighbors were in fact staring, some shook their heads and made faces. Shota hurried over to the car.

“‘Zashi it’s too loud!!” If he could use his quirk on a car he’d be staring it down hard. “Turn it down!!”

“SHOTA!” Hizashi’s voice came with a wind that blew back his hair, “CHECK OUT MY SWEET WHEELS!”

“Your! Music! Is! Too! Loud!” He yelled over the clamor of a guitar solo.

“Get in!” Hizashi nodded to the passenger seat.

“Turn it down!” Shota demanded seeing his neighbors get increasingly annoyed and concerned. “Oh my god PLEASE turn it down!”

Hizashi pinched the volume dial and finally turned it down. “What’s the matter you don’t like ‘Hotel California’?” He asked a smile stayed plastered on his face, “Like the car? I finally saved up enough! She’s a little rough around the edges and the AC doesn’t always work but she drives!” He revved the engine but it didn’t give any flattering ‘purr’ just an annoying rumble. “C’mon get in!”

“No!” Shota answered back with irritable embarrassment, “I’d rather walk!” He pulled himself away from the car and stuffed his hands in his pockets then began walking down the sidewalk. His neighbors gave sheepish smiles and some laughed. He kept his head low waiting for the music and engine of the car to fade off the further he got. Only the music and engine stayed steady and right next to him.

“What are you doing?!” Shota groused snapping his head to look at the road where Hizashi slowly inched the car along to stay next to him.

“Offering you a ride to school dude. It’ll be faster if you just get in.”

“I’m not getting in that thing!” He hissed and picked up his pace.

Hizashi stayed next to him slowly rolling the tires and leaned his elbow out of the window peaking his green eyes out from his shades. “C’mon, bro! I told you I was going to pick you up!”

“No, you didn’t! And you didn’t have to do it while alerting the entire neighborhood!” Shota yelled. “You better go on, you look like a total creep right now.”

“Whoa! Who’s bein’ loud now?” Hizashi teased, “Yes I did! I sent you a text. Which I assume you never looked at. Again.” His voice dipped down showing his disappointment. Shota felt the phone in his pocket. The notification message.

Hizashi continued seemingly over the small pout of being ignored. “If you were outside waiting for me we would have sped off without causing a scene.”

“You ARE a scene,” Shota grumbled rolling his eyes.

“I’ll take that as a compliment!” He brushed back some blond hair in the weird updo he gave himself. “Now come on! You know ya wanna! You can take a nap on the way!”

There was no arguing or persuading his friend to leave. He sighed and stopped walking turning to the beige car. His friend looked like a glamor magazine model in a second-hand tin can. Entirely out of place. The color didn’t suit him but it was a milestone in a lot of people’s lives they couldn’t wait to achieve. He didn’t see the appeal. The noise, pollution, gas, and money it took to take care of a car could go to other more important and helpful things. Though at some point it would be logical to have one's private car. Popular Heroes in the public transportation system were impossible. They’d be swarmed with fans and never make it anywhere on time, or possibly make an otherwise safe area dangerous due to a villain tracking them down. Not that he thought he’d ever have to worry about becoming popular or having fans. He didn’t care about that so getting a car of his own could wait for a few more years or maybe forever. Hizashi on the other hand was bright, shining like the sun that morning. He made himself known, he’s a people person. Everyone knows him in some way or another. He was sure that one-day Hizashi would make the top ten in the hero charts. Not number one, but maybe 7 or 8. He thought he deserved it.

“Hhh, fine.” He walked over to the passenger side of the car taking off his backpack, “But keep the music down.”

“Hmm maybe.” Hizashi shrugged but excitedly vibrated in his seat. “Welcome aboard passenger! Please buckle your seat belt.” Hizashi mimicked a ride operator's announcements, one of the jobs he’d taken over the summer at a theme park. “Our destination today is UA High. Adjust your seat, sit back, relax, enjoy some sick tunes, and enjoy the ride.”

Shota shook his head a smile creeping across his face as the sun shone brighter from the clouds and in the seat driving next to him. “Y’know no one listens to that music anymore. Not even in America.”

“Whattya’ talkin’ about, of course they do!” Hizashi shrugged as another big hit in the 70’s-80’s played. “Hey, hey look at you!! Did you know you have a porcupine growing on your face?”

Shota rubbed the stubble on his chin with a smile, “Yeah, think I’ll keep it.”

“Damn,” Hizashi stayed with his eyes on the road and a smile, “You look so cool.”

Shota shrugged, “It’s just practical. Now I’m gonna nap before we get to school, don’t crash.”

“Please, I passed my test with funky fresh colors!” Hizashi chirped proudly, “Speaking of colors, the car I really want is gonna be blue.”

“M’kay.” Shota leaned the seat back slightly and covered his eyes with his arm resting over his face.

“Do you think you’ll get a car Sho? We’re already in our senior year. Did you take the driver's ed course?”

“I did. I do know how to drive. I just don’t think having a car would be logical for my line of work.” He answered quickly and then began to focus on his nap.

“So what you’re sayin' is, you want me to pick you up more often huh?”

“No.” He answered realizing he wasn’t going to get any actual sleep. But he settled for keeping his eyes closed. “I’m fine walking or taking the train and bus. My work will be less flashy than everyone else. Rooftops, ally ways, the underground kind of work. A car has no place there. Besides, driving it into battle would be asking for it to be totaled.”

“I’d love to pick you up and take you where ever you need to be.” Hizashi answered flicking on his blinker, “So long as I’m not busy at the same time. You just call me and let me know.”

Shota sighed, “Is that what you got from that conversation? I don’t need you to be my chauffeur.”

“Don’t worry it’s not gonna look like this forever! I’ll have a cool car, sleek, blue, sports car. Imported of course.”

Shota sighed, “Whatever if that’s what you want to spend your gas on.”

“Trust me, man,” Hizashi answered and Shota could hear him smiling, “you’re worth it.”

They arrived at school pulling up to the parking lot. Kayama was waiting in their usual spot and ran over to meet them.

“Oh my gosh!!” She cheered tackling Hizashi as he closed the door to the car, “You got the car! It’s so ugly!”

“Hey!” Hizashi wriggled from her hug and her hands that forced his face near the deep valley of her open-buttoned shirt. “Go easy on her Kayama this is getting us to vacation destinations and drive-thru’s when you don’t want to go inside to eat! Right, Sho?”

Shota didn’t say anything just unbuckled his seatbelt and pulled himself from the passenger seat.

“Oh no,” Kayama cackled, “It’s great! It really suits you, Yamada!” She snorted trying to keep from doubling over in laughter.

“Yo!” Hizashi snapped. Shota watched the two playfully insult each other Kayama trying to rustle Hizashi’s hair out of place or keep him in a headlock while he complained she was being too brutish for a woman, or how she smudged his glasses. Oboro would do anything to be in his place. To have sat in the passenger seat instead while listening to loud old American hits with Hizashi.

“Sho! Help me out, man! Don’t leave me alone with her!” Hizashi called from up the stairs. The sun made his yellow-blond hair glow so much that Shota had to squint his eyes and lifted a hand. Kayama also waved for him to catch up lest he be mistaken for owning the ‘ugly’ car.

“Alright!” He answered with a smile, “I’m coming.” He started up the stairs to join the two for the rest of the day.

[set-forth-a-dream]

ANTI-CAPITALIST AFFIRMATIONS

i am allowed to spend my time creating things, even if they are not beautiful.

there is no such thing as a "real job." all forms of work are real and valid.

there is nothing that i need to accomplish to be worthy. i am already worthy.

doing nothing is good for my soul.

i am not defined by what i produce.

my worth cannot be measured by my paycheck, my job title, or a list of professional or academic achievements.

i do not need to monetize my hobbies, it is enough to spend time doing something i love.

i will not let society decide what success looks like. i can define what successful life looks like for me.

[set-forth-a-dream]

<a href="https://archiveofourown.org/

A long awaited chapter 7 to the KenUri story I’ve been doing just for fun. Thanks for waiting and coming by to check it out.

[set-forth-a-dream]

In 1 month I'll pick 1 random person who likes this post to win a package! But you can also buy one: <https://www.owlbugart.com/> I want to get out of the Etsy/Bigcartel/Online Storefront Business. I want to focus entirely on illustrations for clients rather than physical products based on anime. I have a lot of overstock from my projects through the years that are not selling. If you have ever liked my BNHA art and have ever wanted something that I've made, this is the best way to support me and get something in return. There will be 5 items in your package for significantly cheaper than any 2 of these items would be on their own. I am practically giving it away, because I really need the help. ;; I really appreciate any help or reblogs! If you don't like using BigCartel, you *can* get the same item on Etsy, but the fees sort of eat me up so I prefer using BigCartel! Thank you ^^

[set-forth-a-dream]

July 10, 2023 - (18:00 UTC)

The Archive is experiencing some issues (as many of you have noticed).

It looks like the Archive is under a DDoS attack causing the servers to fall over. Our volunteer sysadmins are working on countermeasures. Please be patient with us, we'll be back!

[set-forth-a-dream]

You guys!

Nana Shimura’s son was named Kotaro.

Okay? Right? Now stay with me:

And if you don’t believe Aizawa from MHA and Tatsu from Way of the House Husband aren’t AU brothers then I don’t know what to tell you 🤷‍♀️