Chapter Text
Stress isn't good. Anxiety doesn't feel good. After a few years of slowly climbing hero ranks, Izuku Midoryia has finally reached the top 5. The amount of trauma this generation of Heros has experienced within the last 7 or 8 years, is truly astronomical. Izuku never thought he would be looking for multiple outlets to let off steam. Somewhere to focus his frustrations and failures. Hook ups were nice, but extremely unsafe as a rising hero. It's not like he could just take home anyone from a dating site or bar. And he would rather die than try to enter a friend's with benefits with someone. He gets too attached and would never be able to stay within the "friends only but with sexual benefits" line. He would start treating it as an actual relationship. Not intentionally, its just who he is.
So here sits Izuku Midoryia at his laptop. Looking for alternative methods of stress relief. He has done a few different combinations of things. Spa trips, boxing lessons, shooting ranges, different hobbies. He took the swimming lessons with Iida and ochako at the pool facility that Tsu teaches at in the summer. He tried wood burning with Tokoyami once. That ended exactly how you think it would. He even tried music, wine, and paint nights with Momo and Kyoka. Although they were lots of fun, none of them provided the relief he was looking for.
"Come on Google. Don't fail me now." Izuku says as he sips from his hot mug.
This is the first time he has looked entirely online for more ideas. Before he had simply consulted his friend's and superiors. Internet rabbit holes are always either really good or really bad for Izuku. He hopes this time for the better. After a few vague searches online, he came across a therapist's blog with an article titled "Methods of Dealing with Trauma." That sounds promising.
He clicks on the article and reads through every word. The article mentions creative outlets, meditating and relaxation, writing things in a book and then burning it. All things he has heard before. The bottom of the page has a second article listed by the same therapist called "Coping Methods to help heal your childhood."
He clicks on the second article. It doesn't sound exactly like what he is looking for, but it doesn't hurt just to read through it. This one lists activities to help clear the mind of adult pressure. Puzzles and building blocks? Coloring books and play-doh crafts? These are kid things.
The link underneath the activities says something about age regression. Like pretending to be a kid? How could that help. Curiosity gets the best of him. Izuku is weak to the prospect of new knowledge. So further down the rabbit hole be goes.
"Age regression?" He whispers out into the quietness of his apartment.
"Age regression is primarily used as a coping method for adults struggling with adulthood. The innocence and lack of responsibility that comes with being regressed can sometimes help give the overwhelmed adult mind a break." He continues reading.
The article's details has everything that Izuku is looking for. But age regression? Until now, he had never heard of it. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea? Just to try it once and see where it goes. He has nothing left to lose and possibly a fun coping method to gain. He jumps off his bed to grab a fresh notebook from his desk drawer and a pen. If he is going to give this new idea a try, then he is gonna do it right.
Izuku takes notes about age regression and ways to reach a regressed mind safely. The website also mentions that it is important to only regress in a safe environment if you are alone. It briefly mentions something about caregivers. Under that is another link. Izuku's curiosity wins once again.
"A caregiver is a trusted individual who watches over someone who is regressed. Sometimes a regressed individual may need guidance and help while in a young state of mind." He reads.
"Well I'll just have to be both." He whispers. He thinks he will be alright. The first time probably won't be as in depth anyways. If it goes well, he will figure out the next step.
With a few additions to his shopping list, he slips on his shoes to head to the store down the street. Some groceries, dish soap, juice boxes, a couple coloring books, crayons, and a stuffed animal. Midoryia chuckles at himself and the lengths he will go for some mental relief.
He walks through the store lost in thought and checking things off his list. If he doesn't bring a list, he often buys a dozen things he doesn't need and forgets the things he does. After his groceries are not-so-neatly piled in the cart, he grabs a small case of grape juice boxes. Green grapes are definitely a personal favorite. Next is coloring books and crayons.
Izuku sees the kid's book section and starts to feel a twinge of embarrassment. There are several cute storybooks and easy to hold wooden puzzles. He finds what he is looking for and picks out a Pro-hero and firetruck themed one. He grabs a box of crayons from the display next to it. The shelf on the other side of the aisle has a large row of stuffed toys. At first he doesn't think he really needs or wants one. Then he sees a 10 inch tall green t-rex with purple polka dots. Okay now he definitely needs one. Dinosaurs and bunnies are his favorites okay?
Satisfied with his collected items, he heads for the check out. The cashier doesn't even spare him a glance. Izuku thanks whatever God is out there for keeping it that way. He pays his total with a quick tap of his debit card and gathers his bags. 6 reusable bags, a brown paper sack, and a quiet walk home later. He is standing in his kitchen looking at his successfully acquired items.
Izuku sighs, "forgot dish soap."
He runs his hand down his face and writes dish soap on a sticky note. He sticks it to the wall next to his wallet and keys. Today's Izuku apologizes to the Izuku who is going to make a stop at the corner store after patrol tomorrow.