Work Text:
The sun was setting over the high treetops of the village Musutfu. The forest surrounded the village from all sides, the Takoba River flowing right past the small town. The Midoriya household sat at the edge of the village, the back end of their home facing the woods. Izuku sat on the back steps of the house between his father and his uncle. Mom stood a few yards away. She was hanging the washings up to dry.
Uncle Toshinori sat next to Izuku as he worked to re-string his bow. Dad sat next to Izuku, writing in his leather-bound book. Izuku peered over to look at the book in his lap. The journal was thick with gold-leafed paper. His father’s loopy handwriting covered the page. Izuku himself was a little too young to really read just yet. He just thought it looked pretty there on the page.
“Need help Inko?” Toshinori asked as he pulled the string taught.
“No, I’m fine!” Mom called back. “Finish your bow! You boys are heading out in the morning, aren’t you? You’ll need that bow if you intend to catch us anything worth selling.”
Dad looked up from his book “She’s got a point, Tosh,” he said. “Our last hunt was underwhelming at best.”
“I know.” His uncle managed to get the bowstring on correctly. He gave the string a test pull. “That should do it. It’s getting warmer. More deer should be out and about tomorrow.” He looked down at Izuku and gave his head a ruffle “A few more years and you’ll be coming with!”
Izuku smiled “But I wanna come tomorrow!” he said “Dad please I wanna come!”
His father turned his attention to Izuku “Oh kiddo, not this year. You’re still a bit too little. Maybe next year!”
Mom made a sharp squawking noise “Hisashi!” she called, putting her hands on her hips “Izuku will not be going with you two until he is at least 12!” Izuku cried out. That was so far away!
Dad laughed “Sorry bout your luck kiddo.” He smiled and smoothed some hair from Izuku’s face “But the woods are dangerous. Full of wolves and Fair Folk.” At the mention of the Fair Folk, both Toshinori and Mom rolled their eyes each of them making a groaning sound “Oi!” Dad said, “It’s true!”
“Not this again darling,” Mom said “I love you very dearly but there are no such thing as fairies.”
Toshinori put an arm around Izuku and leaned in to whisper “Your dad is a crazy man Izuku,” he said with a wink.
“I’m not crazy,” Dad said and snapped his book closed “I’m right. And one day when I prove to you both I’m right, well.” He laughed “Inko my love, you can make me apple pie.”
Mom smiled at that “I can make you apple pie anytime you like.” She looked up at the sky. “It’s late. Hisashi can you tuck Izuku into bed? I need to get this laundry up.”
“I can help, look I’m all done with my bow,” Toshinori said. He stood and put his bow down. “Night Izuku. I’ll see you in a day or so.”
“Oh good. Good night baby!” Mom called.
Dad hesitated. Izuku watched as his father looked forward. Toshinori began to help Mom hang up the wet linens. They smiled sweetly at each other. The bridge of Mom’s nose turned pink. Dad’s fingers clenched. He was frowning. His frown vanished at once and turned into a silly smile. “Come on Izu!” he stood up and scooped Izuku up, turning him upside down.
Izuku fell into a fit of giggles as his father carried him inside. Their cottage was small. He took Izuku to the tiny bedroom. He helped Izuku change into his nightgown and laid him in the bed. “Daaaaddy!” Izuku whined “Tell me about the fairy princess! You said you would!”
“Hmm?” Dad asked “Oh! Izuku you shouldn’t call them fairies. It’s not nearly as dignified as they deserve. Call them their proper names. Fair Folk or Fae.” He smiled softly “But if you want to hear the tale...”
He nodded sitting up. Dad gently pushed him back to lying down “Tell me!”
“Alright, alright.” Dad grabbed a small wooden stool and pulled it up to Izuku’s bedside. He sat on it and opened the leatherbound book in his lap. “It was a long time ago. I was 18. I was out hunting with my brother-”
“Uncle Toshinori?” Izuku asked.
Dad frowned “Well Izuku, Toshinori isn’t my real brother. He’s a very good friend. Keep calling him your uncle but we aren’t kin. I love him as if we were though. No Izuku a long time ago I had a little brother. He and I went hunting together. And the last time we went... Things got odd. We found ourselves wandering along the path of the Underbrush.”
Izuku’s eyes got wide “The Underbrush?”
“Yeah,” his father’s voice had taken on a soft and misty quality. “It's where the Fair Folk call home. It’s a funny place. It’s where lightning bugs go to hide when the sun is out. It’s where your missing stockings vanish too. It’s a place where the trees are so tall and so thick that the sunlight can’t quite reach the forest floor.” His words made goosebumps rise all over Izuku’s body. “Yoichi and I had found ourselves right on the edge. We were supposed to stay together but... I heard something.”
“Heard something?” Izuku asked.
He nodded “Singing. I heard a lovely voice. Soft and sweet. Like a windchime on a summer afternoon. It sent shivers down my spine. I followed it. I didn’t say a word to Yoichi just... walked off to find the source of the music. I followed it to a stream. Next to the water was a beautiful woman. Almost as beautiful as your mom. She was tall and pale with a head of icy blond hair that reached her ankles. I still see her short blue dress. She had sat on her knees by the river singing her song.”
He pulled his cover up close to his face. “What happened?”
“She saw me. I was gawking like a fool. She turned to face me with these big gray eyes. They were like ice. Beautiful...” he trailed off “I could tell something wasn’t quite right about her. She wore a necklace around her neck. A single blue gem in the shape of a teardrop. The lady beckoned me closer. And like a gentleman, I went. We sat by the riverside and she spoke.”
“Why are you in these woods?”
“Hunting game, ma’am.”
“I see... You should stay away. My fiance is hunting in these woods. He does not care for humans. Stay here a while. Until the sun has fallen behind the trees.”
Izuku’s eyes widened “Fae don’t like humans?”
Dad shook his head “No no, they love us. Perhaps a bit too much. The good lady’s fiance was a minority. She and I sat there on that riverbank talking. She told me she was a princess. That she was to be wed in the next evening sunset. An arranged marriage between two fae villages. I sat there with her and let her talk for hours and hours. Eventually, the sun had set and she stood. She told me words I would never forget. She took my hands in her own little ones and said these words.”
“You sat here with me and allowed me to tell you all of my woes. I am now in your debt. Allow me to relieve myself of it with these words of advice. You have met me, it is likely you and your kin will find more of us Fair Folk so be warned. What makes a decent Fae and a decent Man are not one and the same. Fair Folk abide by the old rules. If you follow these you will always find success in our dealings.
- Never be rude. We Fae hate rudeness in all forms.
- Never accept a gift. To do so would put you in our debt. That is not a place a man ought to be.
- Never accept thanks. To accept a thank you is to accept a gift.
- Never eat our food or drink. It can alter your mind.
- Most importantly never, ever give a Fae your true name. To do so is to give them control of you.
“Go the way you came. Do not stray from the path. You will make it home safe. Our meeting is done. May our paths or those of our kin... cross again.”
“Then she smiled at me and vanished into the woods. I went the way she told me and I made it home safe and sound. Yoichi... he never came home. I don’t know what happened to him. I mourned him. And I still think about the Fae Princess. I wonder about her wedding. I wonder if her words meant something. The paths of me or my kin... I think Yoichi was spirited away. I still think that princess is out there...”
Izuku looked up at his father with wide eyes “...Is he okay? Yoichi?”
Dad hummed, closing the book. “I dunno, I think so.” He reached down and tucked Izuku in “I feel him right here,” he patted his chest over his heart “Yoichi is out there. Someday he’ll come home with all kinds of tales of the Underbrush.” He kissed Izuku’s head “No need for you to worry though. If you follow the rules the Princess gave me, you’ll be safe.” he patted the book “They’re right in here.”
He smiled at that. “Right...” he cuddled up in bed “Night Daddy...”
“Good night kiddo. I’ll be gone when you wake up but I promise your Uncle Toshinori and I will be back. Safe and sound. Speaking of... I need to go check on them.”
Izuku smiled and looked at his father. Tall with white hair. He wore a simple dark green shirt with silver buttons on it. He waved and allowed himself to drift to sleep.
***
The next morning as promised Dad and Uncle Toshinori were gone. But a few days later Toshinori emerged from the woods, bleeding from his side. Chilling words left his lips. Ones that still, years later, sent shivers down Izuku’s spine.
“Hisashi was taken by fairies.”
***
A month went by. Izuku followed his mother as they walked around the market. They were selling leather that Mom had made from the skin of dears Uncle Toshinori had killed. His recovery had been hard, but... they had to eat. Or so Toshinori said.
Mom walked up to the tanner’s booth. The tanner was a surly man with dark hair. He looked up at Mom after she’d interrupted his nap. “Excuse me,” she said “How much would you give me for these?”
He looked up at her, then the leather in the basket. He considered a moment. Then his eyes fell on Izuku. Izuku hid behind his mother’s leg. Finally, the tanner spoke “10 copper pieces.”
“That’s very generous of you,” Mom said. She put down the leathers and collected her pouch of money. “Come on honey, let's get home. We have to cook dinner tonight.”
As they walked away from the stall Izuku spotted Kacchan. His very best friend. Kacchan was the son of a very popular merchant. They had one of the biggest houses in the village. His mother practically ruled the market’s gossip chain while his father made quite a bit of money. He waved to Kacchan. Kacchan did not wave back.
Kacchan’s mom leaned to a friend and whispered loudly “She’s still letting him live in the house with her and her son,” she said, “It’s not a good look.”
Mom gripped his hand tighter trying to lead him away, but the woman next to Kacchan’s mom spoke “With her husband dead how else is she supposed to eat?” Izuku frowned. Dad wasn’t dead. He was stolen. They had no idea what they were talking about.
“I’m just saying I might not let the man who obviously murdered my husband near my son.” She reached down and patted Kacchan’s head. He smiled into her skirt. “But then again I wouldn’t be fucking him either.”
Izuku wasn’t sure what that word meant. But he didn’t like the way she said it. Mom kept her head angled down at her feet, trying to keep her breathing even. Izuku just let her pull him home.
***
Izuku sat on the back step of the cottage by himself. In his lap, he had his father’s journal. He couldn’t read. Not very well at least. But his father’s journal wasn’t all words. The leatherbound book also had delicately drawn pictures. Mostly of plants and flowers. They had text around them but Izuku couldn’t make out more than a few words.
There were also pictures of a woman. She was pretty. Long hair and soft features. Izuku was reminded of the story Dad told him. The Fae Princess. There were a lot of drawings of her.
“What are you doing Izuku?” Toshinori asked. He had just come out of the back door of the house.
“Reading,” he said looking back over his shoulder with him.
Toshinori sat next to him and looked down at the journal. “Oh yeah, those are your dad’s notes. He liked writing about the plants we found on our hunting trips sometimes.” he pointed to the odd-looking plant on the page “I remember him telling me about that. I think he called it Aloe Vera. It helps with burns. I burnt my hand one night a few years ago while starting a fire. He fixed me up. The insides are like jelly. It feels good.”
Izuku blinked “Wow really?” he looked down at the art of the plant. Toshinori pointed to its name. “Aloe...Vera.” he read it phonetically. He supposed that character made the ‘Vuh’ sound. “Can you teach me to read?” he asked. “I wanna read all of Daddy’s journal. I can even write more while he’s away!”
“I can make you one of your own,” he said “I made this one for your dad.”
“Yeah! I want one!”
Toshinori gave his head an affection ruffle “Well let’s teach you to read and write in the meantime. Here, can you read that word?”
***
The leatherbound journal Toshinori made him for his 7th birthday wasn’t as fancy as the one his father had. But Izuku loved it all the same. He sat on the ground with both journals in front of him. He was trying to copy the information from one into the new one. He got a good grasp of many of the words. Even the hard ones.
Mom and Toshinori said he was very smart for his age. Izuku flushed with pride when they told him that.
He hummed as he wrote down the information about the flower Dad had drawn on the page. Doing this made him feel closer to the father he longed to see. It had been months since he’d been taken. He wondered if he was with the Fae Princess. Was he staying in a white Fae Castle? He hoped the weren’t feeding him fairy food...
“Deku!” Kacchan’s voice called. Kacchan walked across the yard to him. “What are you doing? Drawing pictures like a baby?”
Izuku looked up from his work “I’m making a copy of my daddy’s journal,” Izuku said, repeating the words Toshinori had said.
Kacchan rolled his eyes “What for? He’s dead.” he pushed the journal with his foot. Izuku grabbed his father’s and snapped it shut. He pulled it to his chest. Kacchan leaned down and snatched Izuku’s journal. “You’re just drawing flowers!”
“It’s called botany!” Toshinori had said the word before “My Dad loves plants. I want to keep writing for him while he’s away.”
“Stupid,” Kacchan said “Your dad is dead.”
He inhaled slowly “No. My dad was taken by the Fair Folk. But he’s strong and he knows all their rules so he’ll come home. It’ll just take him a while. The Underbrush is a hard place to get away from. But he’ll come home. Maybe he’ll bring my other uncle home too.”
Kacchan flipped through the book. “My mom says your Uncle killed him.”
“He did not!” Izuku snapped “Uncle Toshinori is sweet and gentle!”
“He’s not even your kin.”
“He’s as good as!” Izuku yelled “Besides your mom doesn’t know. She’s a...” he fumbled for the words his mother used. He wasn’t sure what they meant but Mom had said them with such a mean voice they had to be bad. “A stupid stuck-up bitch who sucks cocks well enough to get a sad man like your dad.”
Kacchan’s face burned red. He wasn’t sure if Kacchan knew what all the words meant either but he clearly knew enough. “I’ll kill you!” he dove for Izuku. Izuku squeaked. Kacchan punched him in the head. It hurt.
He fell over, gripping his father’s book. Kacchan pinned him to the ground. Izuku struggled in his grip, tears springing to his eyes. He bashed Kacchan upside the head with the book. It made Kacchan’s grip loosen enough for Izuku to slip out.
Once on his feet he turned tail and ran. He ran right into the woods, down the path Dad and Uncle Toshinori took when hunting. “THAT’S RIGHT!” Kacchan yelled after him “GO DIE IN A DITCH WITH YOUR FATHER!”
Izuku didn't look back. He kept running. His face hurt. He couldn't stop crying. Izuku ran and ran. His feet hurt. Eventually, he couldn't run anymore at all. He stopped, still on the path in the woods. He looked behind him. The village was well out of sight.
"...How do I get back?" he asked aloud.
It was late in the afternoon. The sun shone through the leaves on the path. Izuku looked up. It was a pretty sight. At least he was lost some place beautiful. He walked along the path. He listened. He could hear birds chirping. Wind blowing through the leaves. A small animal running into the brush. Crying.
Someone was crying.
He turned his head, listening for the cries. It sounded soft. Izuku crept along the forest path. The voice came from somewhere else. Izuku walked off the path and pushed aside a large branch of a bush. It was darker here. The light was still coming through the trees but not as well. The trees were taller. He could hear the stream.
Izuku crept along silently and turned the corner. The stream came into view. Sitting on the bank was a little boy around his age. He was dressed in blues. Izuku could only see the right side of his body. His hair was white and his eye was a sharp icy gray. Something about it was familiar.
“Are you alright?” Izuku asked.
The boy turned to look at him. His left side was just as striking. Red hair and a bright blue eye. The skin around it was burned, but healing. He had bandages in his lap “I-” the boy turned away “I’m fine!”
He frowned “You don’t look very fine,” he said coming closer. He glanced at the river. There was a large and familiar-looking plant there. “Does your burn hurt?”
“Huh?” he asked looking back at Izuku. “My- I- Yes. It... it hurts a lot.”
Izuku smiled and got close to the plant “You’re in luck. This here plant,” he started and pulled out a large thick leaf. “It’s just what you need. Aloe Vera. I read about it,” he sat down next to the boy and set the leaf down. He pulled open his father’s journal and flipped to the right page “See! Tr...treats burns!” he read, his finger pointing along with the words.
The other boy had stopped crying. He looked down at the book “Oh. This book is...”
“It’s my dad’s journal! He knew about bot-botun...”
“Botany?”
“Yeah, that!”
“Oh,” the boy said “I see. Like a healer. Okay. Do your magic, healer. I’d like my eye to stop hurting.”
Izuku smiled “I sure can! I’ll be your healer!” first he rinsed his hands in the stream. Then, he broke the large leaf open. It took a little work but he squeezed the jelly out. “Close your eye,” he said and rubbed the aloe into the burn. “How does that feel?”
He considered a moment “...better. It doesn’t hurt so much.” He lifted his hand up “I give you my thanks.”
“No need!” He smiled brightly “I just like helping.”
“Please,” the boy said “I have to give you something. I am in your debt. I do not wish to be.”
Izuku laughed “It’s okay. You don’t owe me anything. You needed help. I like helping! But tell you what how about as a thank you, you dry your tears?”
At once the boy lifted his sleeve and wiped the stray tears from his face. “You did me a great kindness.”
“It was nothing.” Izuku smiled “I’m sorry you’re burned though. That looks painful. I wish I could do more to help you-”
“Shouto,” the boy said “My name is Shouto.”
Izuku nodded “Okay! Shouto my name is-” Izuku wasn’t sure why but he hesitated. “Deku. I’m Deku.”
Shouto hummed “I see.” He looked down at the stream “You are very kind Deku. I am not given kindness often.” He glanced back at Izuku. “How did you find yourself here? This place sits in between. We shouldn’t linger here.”
He looked around “It’s so pretty though,” he said softly. “I heard you. You were crying so I wanted to come and make sure you were okay. Well-” he rubbed the back of his head “I heard a person crying. But you’re the person!”
“I understand.” Shouto “Well you did help me...” He looked at Izuku “Will you stay with me a little while longer?”
Izuku scooted closer until their legs brushed together. “I can stay awhile. I’m hiding from someone anyway so I don’t mind being here.”
“I’m hiding too,” Shouto confessed. “My father doesn’t like it when I cry. Mother hasn’t come home but it hurts so much... I want to see her. I don’t care she hurt me...”
He hesitated but bumped his shoulder into Shouto. “Your mom hasn’t come home?” he asked “My dad is missing too. I think he was taken.”
“Taken? By whom?”
“The Fair Folk,” Izuku said “They take humans sometimes.”
Shouto was quiet “Aye,” he said “They do. They take humans they like. If your dad was taken by a Fae then it means a Fae liked him so much they had to have him.” Shouto looked him over “All they need is your name. Deku,” he said.
Izuku hummed “He knows better though... Maybe the Fae Princess learned his name,” he said “But he’ll come home. My dad is smart and strong. He misses me and Mommy... And Uncle.”
“He sounds nice. I wish my father could be taken away.”
“Is he mean?” Izuku asked. Shouto nodded. “I have a mean person in my life too. His name is Kacchan and he said my dad is dead. But he doesn’t know. He’s just a mean bully sometimes. We used to be friends but now he’s not my friend. I wish we still were...” He looked at Shouto “Did your father hurt your face?”
Shouto lifted his hand “No. That was my mom. But it wasn’t her fault. My dad is a bad person. He’s powerful and mean... He drove her to it. I don’t blame her. I just want to see her again and tell her it’s okay...”
Izuku took Shouto’s other hand “Well someday... You’ll be with your mom. And I’ll be with my dad.”
“Shouto!” a distant voice called.
Shouto turned to Izuku “You should go home. I don’t want you to be caught.”
He tilted his head “Huh? But I’m lost!”
Shouto lifted his hand and pressed a kiss to the palm “You did me a great kindness, Deku. Go back through the bush and trust your legs. You will make it home. But... Someday might I find you again?”
A blush settled on his nose “Sure! We’re friends now!” Izuku said, “I’ll see you again soon!” They both stood up and let go of their hands. “Bye Shouto!”
“Goodbye, Deku... My friend.”
Izuku waved and turned tail. When he got home that evening the sun had set. His journal was left on the ground where Kacchan had attacked him. That night in bed Izuku wrote about the strange boy he met in the woods.
***
13 years later.
Izuku woke with the rising sun. He yawned as he got out of bed. He walked across the small room to the small basin of water and washed his body off. Once clean and fresh he dressed for the day. A simple cream shirt and brown pants. He grabbed his boots. He lifted them up to his face. The sole on the right foot was worn to near uselessness. “Damn...” he mumbled. He’d have to get a new pair.
Once dressed he walked downstairs into the main area of the house. Mom was already up. She was frying eggs in the skillet. “That smells good,” Izuku said.
“Thank you, baby!” Mom said, “I thought I’d make you something before you went out for the day.”
He smiled and sat at the small table. “That’s kind of you. I shouldn’t be gone too long. Just selling some leather at the market.”
“Still,” she laid a plate in front of him “I hope it sells well. You’re nearly 20. The dowry chest is nearly empty.”
Izuku sighed “I know.”
“Are you still sweet on the blacksmith’s daughter?” she asked ruffling his hair “I see the way you look at her in the market.” Mom grinned at him “She’s a sweet girl that Ochako. You’d make me such cute grandbabies!”
“Moooom,” Izuku complained as he began to eat “Look I got this. I’ll do some saving up. Soon I’ll have a proper dowry for her father to get her hand. I just need to do more hunting. I’m heading out tomorrow morning.” He quickly finished his meal “I gotta head out.”
Mom smiled at him “Good luck baby!” she said.
He grabbed the leathers and placed them in the basket. “Thanks for breakfast!” he called to her as he ran out the cottage door.
The village was cool in the spring morning. He walked to the market. It was still early so the stalls were still setting up. Izuku’s eyes scanned the crowd before he settled on the tanner. “Mr. Aizawa!” he called “I have some more quality leather for you today!”
Aizawa glanced up from his work. He was laying out his work “Ah, Midoriya,” he said “How many pieces today?”
“Four large ones and six small ones.”
That made his eyes widen “Midoriya you just had three large pieces a few days ago. You could have only gone hunting once between now and then. You killed four deer in one trip?”
He nodded “I did! Hit one right through the eye too. I’m practically drowning in antlers. And I sold most of the meat to the butcher.”
“Saving up?” Aizawa asked.
Izuku smiled, a flush on his cheeks “I mean. I’m nearly 20...”
“I see. Well... I’ll ve you 2 gold pieces for the lot.”
His eyes widened “Sir!” Izuku cried “That’s so much! You don’t need to-”
Aizawa hushed him taking the leather from the basket “It’s quality work Midoriya. I’ll be able to make something good with this. Keep this up Midoriya and you’ll be the town’s favorite hunter. You’ll get a good reputation.”
Reputation... Izuku’s family didn’t exactly have the best one. He himself was mostly spared but... His mother and uncle were not. “Right...” he mumbled.
“I think though,” Aizawa said leaving the largest leather piece in the basket “Sell that one to the blacksmith. It’s thicker. I daresay they’ll pay a better price for it.” He handed two gold pieces to Izuku.
Aizawa was too kind. He’d always been kind to Izuku and his family “Thank you, sir.” He bowed his head “You’re a very kind man.”
“Don’t tell people that.”
Izuku smiled at him and waved. The blacksmith’s stall was just outside their store. Izuku ran down the street. The Uraraka Blacksmith’s stall was rather large. They had a lot for sale. The word was they were struggling but their daughter Ochako was... courting age. Speaking of her, she was the one working the stand that morning. “Oh! Deku! You’re up early.” Ochako said with a sweet smile.
Uraraka Ochako was Izuku’s dream girl. She was sweet and kind. She used the nickname most of the village called him these days but when she said it... She made it sound so sweet. She even said she liked it because it sounded good. Like ‘I can’. “Good morning Miss Uraraka.”
She giggled “Deku there’s no need to be so formal. So! What can I help you with here at Uraraka Blacksmith? Here to buy something?”
“Selling actually,” he said holding up his last piece of leather “Mr. Aizawa said your dad might have a better use for this than he would.”
Ochako walked around the stall, held out her hand, and took the leather. “Oh wow. This is a really good cut. The buck this came off of must have been huge! This by itself has got to be worth at least 2 silver pieces.”
“Oh!” Izuku blushed “Well uh- would that be an okay price to buy it?”
“I don’t think my father will mind.” She looked at Izuku and leaned up toward him “I have a feeling he’ll be getting it back soon anyway.”
“Well, uh...” Izuku stuttered. She wasn’t wrong. Once Izuku had enough money saved up he was planning on offering up a large dowry for her hand. There was a large calf on the Kirishima farm that was up for sale. The calf would likely grow very large and give a lot of milk. It would make a fine dowry. That and a few leather pieces and 10 gold coins would be a perfect dowry for someone so lovely as Ochako. “I hope he does!”
Ochako giggled and took the leather. She handed him 2 silver pieces “I hope so too. Midoriya Ochako...” she whispered “It has a ring to it, doesn’t it?”
If Izuku wasn’t blushing before, he certainly was now. “Well!” he cried “I have a lot of work to do to get-”
“Oi!” a loud voice called. Izuku winced. Kacchan stomped around the bend and behind him Kirishima Eijirou. “Round face,” he called “Are my horseshoes ready yet?”
Ochako frowned “Yeah yeah. Your fancy horseshoes are all set. I’ll go grab them from the shop. Thanks again for the leather Deku.” She smiled up at him before tossing the leather over her shoulder and entering the shop.
As soon as the door closed behind her, Kacchan grabbed a fistful of Izuku’s hair. “Deku,” he growled “You’d best not be making eyes at fair Ochako. You’re the bastard hunter, she’s a young lady with better prospects than to live off your meager coin.”
Izuku reached up and grabbed his wrist to try and alleviate the pain “K-kacchan!”
“I mean it Deku,” he growled “You’re nothing compared to her.”
He looked up at Kacchan, then to Kirishima. Kirishima refused to meet his eye, guilt clear across his face “I...” he swallowed “My business with Miss Uraraka is strictly professional.”
“It had best stay that way or I’ll string you up in the center of town. You and your murderous Uncle and whore mother.” he dropped Izuku “Get out of my sight.” Kacchan spat on the ground at his feet.
Izuku didn’t hesitate. He took his money and walked off. Kirishima gave him a small wave once he was sure Kacchan wasn’t looking. As he got farther from them Izuku cursed under his breath “I hate him sometimes...” he mumbled.
He kept his eyes on his feet as he made his way home. He had some house chores to do. He wanted to make sure his bow was taught for his hunting trip in the morning. Kacchan wasn’t about to stop him. Ochako would make a lovely wife and Izuku was more than capable of providing for her. Maybe they could leave Musutafu together?
But then who would his father come home to? He couldn’t leave his mother or uncle behind. Perhaps he would stay. Maybe Kacchan would leave him alone once he was properly wed. Izuku snorted. Yeah right. The only way Kacchan would leave him alone is if one of them died.
He walked up to the front steps of their little cottage. Toshinori was on the steps, working on Izuku’s good hunting boy. “Uncle?” he asked.
“Yes, my boy?” Toshinori asked, not looking up from his work.
“What are you doing?”
He finished and held up the bow “Just making sure your bow is in tip-top shape. Your mother tells me you’re trying to catch the eye of a fair maiden. I know you’ll need to work hard to make enough for a dowry. Or else you’ll end up an ugly old bachelor like me.”
Izuku laughed softly. He took the bow and looked it over “It looks great. Thank you.” He sat next to his uncle “Is that why you don’t have a wife?”
Toshinori frowned “Aye,” he said “I was dirt poor. I had my sights set on a lady. She made an apple pie something wonderful, and had the softest eyes...” he trailed off “But that was a long time ago. No use dwelling on the past my boy. But I know I shall make sure my dear nephew gets himself a bride.”
He smiled “You’re a good uncle.”
“Even if we aren’t kin?”
“You’re my kin,” Izuku said, “In all the ways that matter to me.”
A look crossed his uncle’s face for a moment. Then in a flash, it was gone. “Thank you, my boy.” He ruffled Izuku’s hair. “Come on then. There’s word to be done.” They stood up together, ready to take on the chores.
***
In the morning Izuku was the first awake. Long before the sun. The world was still quiet. He made his way out of bed and dressed himself. He wore his usual clothes this time a simple green waistcoat his mother had made him. It was warm and comfortable. He grabbed his boots “Hope you don’t bust on my hunting trip...” he mumbled to them before slipping them on.
Once ready he made his way downstairs. He fixed himself a simple breakfast before grabbing his supplies. He left a note for his mother and uncle before he took his journal. Then, out the door he went. He walked down the back steps and into the woods.
The forest was always the most peaceful in the morning. He walked along the path, more quiet than a mouse. He listened to the soft sounds of the woods. Animals, streams, wind... It was nice. The dark morning air was cold and smelled of dew. He walked about a mile when the sun finally began to rise over the trees. If he was able to catch about four bucks a day he should be able to secure a dowry for Ochako long before his 20th birthday.
A twig snapped in the distance.
Izuku pulled his bow out and loaded an arrow onto it. He ducked low and held his breath. The leaves of a bush seemed to part as a great beast stepped out into the forest several yards beyond Izuku.
A white stag.
He almost couldn’t stop the gasp that threatened to spill from his lips. It was a beautiful creature. It seemed to glow against the morning light. Its antlers were large and majestic. There was only one flaw on the buck. A single red mark around its left eye. Even with it, its fur was probably enough to sell for the Kirishima calf. Or hell the fur itself could make a handsome dowry. Izuku had to slay that beast.
He crept along, stalking the creature. It walked with an almost regality to it. The king of the forest himself almost. It was almost a shame he’d have to slay it. It was so elegant... Izuku followed it to the stream. Izuku watched as the large stag strutted to the water and dipped its head down. It sampled from the stream.
Izuku held his breath and drew back his bow. A clean shot through the neck would have to do. He let the arrow go.
In a flash, the white stag was gone. In its place a man. He held the arrow Izuku had just fired. He was tall and slender. His hair was long and half of it white, half of it red. He wore an elegant blue outfit with a single earring in one ear. A blue gem in the shape of a teardrop on the end. He inspected the arrow “I should kill you for that-” he turned his gaze. His eyes were mismatched. One icy gray, the other bright blue with a scar around the eye. “Deku?”
A memory crashed into Izuku’s brain. “Shouto?” he asked softly.
The little boy whom he had helped in the forest years ago. The one who he had found crying by the stream. Izuku had just seen the stag turn into him. What was going on? Shouto dropped the arrow “You’re here. I found you- or rather you found me.” He approached Izuku, reaching down and grabbing him by the hand. Izuku squeaked and dropped his bow. Shouto looked down at him with wide eyes “Deku... My friend.”
Izuku found he couldn’t speak. He was so confused. The white stag was Shouto? Did that mean... Was Shouto a Fair Folk? Was Izuku in danger? Suddenly he was very glad that child him had the foresight to not give up his real name. Perhaps he should be more shocked. Or afraid. But it was as if a spell of calm had settled over Izuku. Shouto was a Fae. Simple as that. No need to fuss, some deep part of his brain said. Then wait- “...Friend?”
“You remembered me, didn’t you? You said my name. Ages ago when we were children we met not too far from here and you gave me such kindness,” Shouto said “I never forgot that. You were my first friend.”
“Oh,” Izuku blinked. Shouto was pretty. Perhaps prettier than anyone he’d ever met. He smelled like flowers. “Uh... Yeah! I remember you. I put al-”
“Aloe Vera. You’re a healer. Or you were as a child.” He looked down at the bow “Seems you’ve had a career change.”
He flushed “Right- yeah. Sorry about the whole... Almost shooting you thing.”
Shouto hummed, “Think nothing of it. You are a hunter. I looked like game.”
“Very lovely game. For a moment there I was sure all my troubles were to be behind me! A large white stag’s hide would have made my life a lot easier.” he laughed “Well I’m very glad you were able to stop my arrow. I’d have probably cried for ages and ages once I realized you were well... you!” He looked up at Shouto.
“I see... Why would you need a stag’s hide?”
Izuku rubbed the back of his head “Well uh... I’m nearly 20 now. I’m not sure how it works for Fair Folk such as yourself but... For humans that’s around the age we begin courting. I’m saving up for a dowry on a lady I’d like to make my bride. So for the next few weeks, I’ll be out here nearly every other day hunting.”
Shouto’s lips pursed into a thin line “Ah. So you’re here. Hunting?” he asked looking around “It’s rather the same for Fae. I myself am looking for a bride. A few weeks you say...” his expression shifted. Shouto’s face was rather hard to read. “I see... Well. I suppose I might come out to see you more then.”
“Huh? Oh sure!” Izuku said “I wouldn’t mind. Oh uh-” he looked up at Shouto with determined eyes “Shouto, my father was taken by Fae not long before we met-”
“I remember. I do not know who has him.”
His hopes fell “Oh...”
Shouto frowned “But... Perhaps I could look into his whereabouts?” he asked.
Izuku smiled brightly “I’d love that!” he said. “Th-” he cut himself off. “So how have you been?”
“Well,” Shouto said and motioned for Izuku to sit on the bank of the river with him. They sat together on a rock. Shouto sat gracefully. “How have you been these last few years?”
“Alright, I suppose. Me and my kin have been poor but we make it work. I hunt. I take care of my mother and uncle. Well. Not my real uncle. Toshinori and I aren’t kin but... he’s as good as. My real uncle was fairied off a long time ago. Maybe he and my dad are together?” He looked at Shouto “What about your mom?”
Shouto’s shoulders slumped. “Gone.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Izuku put a hand on his shoulder. “You strike me as a kind man Shouto. I hope she returns to you. Hopefully, before you find a bride.”
“Perhaps,” he said “But we-”
The sound of a twig snapped in the distance. Izuku stood up, his bow in hand. “Shh,” he said quietly. He crept off toward the noise. Shouto followed him, silent. Around the bend of the stream was a handsome buck. It wasn’t white but it was large. Izuku drew his bow.
Shouto placed a hand on his back.
Izuku fired.
The arrow pierced the creature right in the chest. In the heart. It gave a cry before falling over dead. “Oh wow,” Izuku said “That was a good shot.”
“You’re very skilled, Deku.”
“I appreciate that!” Izuku said. “Well, I suppose that means I should get back to hunting. I’ll need to keep bagging bucks like that if I hope to get Miss Uraraka’s hand! But I do hope our paths cross again.”
“They will. Rest assured. I’ll keep my eyes out for your father and uncle.” Shouto glanced down at his boots “Your shoes look like they’ll break.”
Izuku looked down “Aye, I’ll find the time to repair them. Eventually.” He walked over to his buck. “If I take this to my normal hiding spot...”
Shouto hummed “I’ll see you another time, Deku.”
“Goodbye Shouto!” Izuku waved. He watched as the Fae turned back into the form of a white stag. He galloped off.
***
Izuku walked back to the village, four buck carcasses on his shoulders. They were heavy but Izuku was strong. He’d ended up a little further than the path behind his home. He was on the edge of the Kirishima farm. Ah well, it wasn’t a long walk. The last of the sunlight was fading as he walked along the back fence. He could see the cattle in the field. Even the baby calf that Izuku had his eyes on.
He passed by the stable. He paused. Someone was heading into it. Izuku hid himself in the shadows. He was quiet as if stalking a prey. Izuku listened.
Two men were walking to the stables. One was Kacchan, the other Kirishima. Kirishima had a lantern in his hand but its light was out. But even under the low light of the new night, he could see their faces were flushed. Drunk most likely. “Katsuki,” Kirishima whispered.
“Shut up Eijirou. Do you want your father to hear us?” Kacchan asked.
“Ah, nah.” Kirishima smiled at him. “It’ll be fine. The house is far enough away they won’t be able to hear us from here.”
Kacchan grinned. “Did you keep the good oil out here?”
“Yeah, the stable boy nearly found it so I had to hide it.” He took Kacchan by the hand “Come on. Been thinking about you all day.”
“I’ve been thinking about you... You gonna ride me like a good boy?” Kacchan asked him. Kirishima blushed as dark as his hair “You were being such a tease at the pub. Now come on. Get in there and take your clothes off. Let me see that body.” Then, Kacchan kissed him.
Izuku’s eyes grew wide. Kacchan pulled Kirishima closer. Izuku could see his tongue slip into his mouth. They both moaned softly before they pulled back. Kacchan reached around and groped his ass. It was... dare Izuku think it but... Hot.
Kirishima giggled in return and they vanished into the stable together.
He ran from the spot. Kirishima and Kacchan were... they were- well. Izuku supposed it was none of his business. Even if Kacchan was an asshole they had been friends once. If Kacchan wanted to go around kissing men that was on him.
But something about the image of two men kissing stirred something inside Izuku. He had been aroused. Not because it was Kacchan and Kirishima. No but just the idea of two men like that? He’d never considered it. What would kissing a man be like?
As he walked home he pictured a mismatched gaze and the smell of lavender. Soft pouty lips on him. A deep voice not saying Deku, but his true name. Izuku.
He shook his head. “I really need to get this dowry...”
***
Izuku got up in the dark morning light. As he got dressed for hunting he stopped by the small mason jar he had on his window. He counted the coins inside. He was getting close. The calf had a sale price of 40 gold pieces. Just a few more weeks of work and he would have it.
“Ochako...” he whispered “Hold on just a while longer.” he grabbed his boots. The sole was about to break. He needed to repair them as soon as possible. They could break while hunting but he didn’t have the time or the money to fix them.
He left the room and once fed, Izuku set off for the forest.
He hummed to himself as he walked along the path. He tried to keep his mind off of Kacchan and Kirishima. Instead, he focused on the day ahead of him. He was to hunt deer. Skin them, and sell the extra. He thought about sweet Ochako and her soft smile.
“Deku,” a soft voice said pulling him from his thoughts. Izuku whipped his head around. Shouto stood behind him. He looked just as pretty as he had the last time they’d seen each other. If not more so. His long hair had intricate braids in it. In his hands, he held a small box. “Hello.”
Izuku let out a sigh of relief “Oh Shouto, you scared me!” he said “I didn’t hear you coming at all.” he looked at the box “What’s that?”
“It’s for you,” Shouto said pushing it into his hands “A gift.”
Never accept a gift. To do so would put you in our debt. That is not a place a man ought to be.
“Oh... That’s very kind but I couldn’t accept that!” Izuku smiled “I appreciate the offer though-”
Shouto opened the box. “I noticed your shoes were falling apart. And you’re trying to save up money. I thought these could help.” inside the box was a pair of shoes. They weren’t exactly boots but they were made of leather. Bright red in color. They were stunning. “Perhaps do not think of them as a gift but me repaying you for your kindness as children. Fae hate to be in debt. This me repaying that debt.”
Right... They did, didn’t they? If this was a repayment rather than a gift then Izuku should be in the clear to accept them right? He looked down at his old boots “They are very lovely...”
“Here,” Shouto pushed Izuku to sit on a log. He dropped to his knees and set the box down next to him. He pulled Izuku’s boots off. He held Izuku’s stocking foot in one hand as he pulled out the red shoes. He moved his grip to his ankle and pushed it on. The shoes were a perfect fit. He tied the laces carefully. “There. How does that feel?” He stood up and took Izuku’s hands and made him stand.
The shoes were soft. Almost like walking on clouds. They could keep his feet warm. The sole was flexible. “Oh... oh wow.” He turned his ankle to see the shoe more “These are amazing.”
“I’m glad you like them,” Shouto said. He was still holding Izuku’s hands. “I had an expert Fae craftsman make them just for you.”
Izuku blushed “Sh-shouto! You didn’t need to do all that-”
“But I did,” Shouto said. He let go of one of Izuku’s hands. Instead, he put it on his waist “Deku, you had a profound effect on me. That small amount of kindness you showed me when you soothed my pain changed me to my core. I have thought about you a lot since that day. I still don’t think a simple pair of shoes is enough.”
He smiled, leaning back slightly. “Shouto, I was happy to help. Honestly.”
“I know,” he said, “you’re a very good person.”
His blush only grew darker. “Shouto...” he whispered. Izuku suddenly seemed to realize how Shouto was holding him. More so like a lover than a friend. It was... nice. His hands were large and warm. Izuku looked up at his face. Shouto was gorgeous. The most elegant features he’d ever seen. Even fair Ochako couldn’t hold a candle to his beauty. Izuku pulled away, covering his face with his hands. “Well... The shoes are very nice.”
Shouto let him go. “I’m glad you like them.” He looked around. “Would you like me to go on your hunt with you?” He motioned to his back. Izuku just noticed he had a white bow on his back.
“...Sure!” Izuku said “Why not? You’re certainly quiet enough. Plus I was with you the last time I nailed that huge buck. Maybe you’re my good luck charm?”
Shouto hummed “Perhaps. Well. Lead the way. I shall follow.”
***
Izuku walked down the path towards the village. He carried three bucks on his shoulders as Shouto walked next to him carrying three more. “My god!” Izuku laughed as they walked “I don’t think I’ve ever had such a good day!” The two of them had spent the day together. It had been... well. It had been downright lovely. Shouto was wonderful company. Quiet and smart, but just a bit funny when he wanted to be. He couldn’t remember the last time he enjoyed being with someone so much.
“I agree. You did very well for yourself.” They reached the edge of the forest. Izuku’s cottage was a few yards away. The lights were on. Shouto followed Izuku to his meat house. They laid the deer down.
“I couldn’t have done it without you!” Izuku cried. “I had no idea you were such a good shot.”
Shouto gave a tiny soft smile. “I was trying to impress you.”
“Well,” Izuku began, “I’d say it worked. Consider me, very impressed.”
“Might I go hunting with you again?” he asked. “I rather enjoyed spending the time with you.”
Hunting with a Fair Folk. If Dad could see him now... “Sure!” Izuku said, “The day after tomorrow I’m going again.”
“It’s a date then,” Shouto said.
“That it is!” Izuku smiled. They walked out of the shack. “I’ll see you then!”
Shouto waved and walked off to the woods. “See you.”
Izuku watched his back retreat into the dark forest. He was going to see him again. That was exciting. He hummed softly to himself as he walked up the back steps into the house. The main living area was empty. He poked his head into the kitchen. Mom was at the stove, stirring a pot of stew. Behind her, Toshinori.
He had his hands on her waist, his head down to whisper in her ear. “Smells nice...” Toshinori said softly.
Mom giggled “It's your favorite,” she said “Bought some extra onions to make it the way you like it.”
“I look forward to the taste.”
Izuku’s grip on his bag tightened. “I’m home!” he called, trying to be loud. They separated at once. Toshinori turned around, his face pink. “Smells good, is that stew?” Izuku asked, ignoring the fact he’d just caught them in a compromising position.
“Oh uh-” Mom started as she stirred the stew “Yes- uh... yes! Stew.”
“How was hunting?” Toshinori asked quickly.
Izuku forced a smile on his face. “Long and tiring. I hunted 6 deer. You know what, I’m actually very tired. I think I’m gonna go to bed. You two eat without me.” He turned and left the room.
He closed the door to his small bedroom with a sigh. That had looked... Romantic. Izuku was not a fool. He couldn’t stomach the thought. Sure, Dad had been gone for 13 years but it wasn’t by choice. He was coming back someday. Izuku had made the choice to stay here to wait for him but if they wouldn’t...
Maybe he was reading into things. It wasn’t like they were kissing. They were friends! They raised him. It was natural that they were close. Maybe he shouldn’t have left the room like that. Izuku sighed and walked over to the bed. He pulled the old leather book out of the nightstand.
His father’s leatherbound journal with the gold-leafed paper. He opened it up. His loopy handwriting on the page looked so old. Izuku let his fingers trace over the words. “You’re gonna come home...”
He flipped through the pages. He found an old passage, the page had a delicate drawing of the Fae Princess on it. Izuku looked at her face. It looked... familiar in a way. The shape of her eyes, the curve of her jaw. Dad’s drawing had brought her to life on the page.
He closed the book with a snap. He laid on his back and cradled it to his chest. Tears formed in his eyes. “You’re gonna come home... You’re coming home...”
Izuku stayed like that until he fell asleep.
***
In the morning Izuku did not say hello to his mother or uncle. He simply left the house for the market. He had his leathers that were ready from his hunt a few days prior. He walked quietly, his mind still thinking about the day before. He’d have to keep a closer eye on his mother and Toshinori. Remind them that Dad was-
“Oh!” Ochako cried. The two of them had just about crashed into each other. Izuku put his hands on her shoulders to steady her. “Sorry about that Deku,” she said “Totally wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
“It’s fine,” Izuku said “I wasn’t either. Are you alright?” he asked, looking her up and down “I didn’t hurt you?”
She shook her head “No I’m okay! Thank you for asking though.” He let her go “Sorry my head is just all over the place. My dad made a mention of me getting married soon and it just really threw me off.”
Ice hit his veins “Oh? Do... do you have someone that’s caught your eye?”
“I mean...” Ochako looked Izuku up and down. “I have a few. But ultimately... The family business isn’t doing too well. I know my father needs someone to take over. And we need a good dowry. I have to do what’s best for my kin.”
“I understand,” Izuku said at once. “I’ve been working around the clock for... My kin.” He held up his basket. “I’m working to buy the calf on the Kirishima farm.”
Ochako hummed. “That’s a fine animal. It would pay for itself in a few months once it’s of age to give milk.”
“That was my thinking exactly,” Izuku said. “As well as some coin upfront. Maybe a jewel.”
She smiled. “That would make a fine dowry...”
“Aye, I dare say it would.” Izuku looked back down at his dowry. “But if you’ll excuse me Miss Uraraka. I have a calf to save up for.”
“Aye, I dare say you do.”
***
Before Izuku left the house he checked his mason jar. He was getting closer and closer every day. He kissed the jar and set it down. “Soon... Our life can start.” Soon Izuku wouldn’t be the town pariah. Soon Kacchan would leave him alone. Soon he would be happy. He put on his red shoes and left his room.
Izuku left the house without a note. He was still in his feelings about anything going on between his mother and Toshinori. He had no interest in facing them. Instead, he was excited to see Shouto again. Despite everything his friend gave him a feeling of peace. He would spend today in that quiet soft company.
He walked the forest path for a way before he found the young Fae in his path. Shouto was dressed as he normally was. He stood in the path holding a basket. “Good morning, Deku.”
“Good morning Shouto!” Izuku said, “I’m happy to see you.”
Shouto’s nose turned pink. “I’m glad. I’m very happy to see you. How are your shoes?”
He looked down at the red shoes. “Wonderful. My feet have never felt so good!”
“That makes me happy. Did you eat breakfast?”
His stomach growled. “No... I sorta left my house in a hurry. I’m not too thrilled with my mother or uncle right now.”
“I see,” Shouto said and motioned for him to follow. “Why don’t we stop and have breakfast together and you can tell me about it?”
Never eat our food or drink. It can alter your mind.
“Oh uh, you don’t need to feed me. I can find a rabbit or-” Shouto simply tugged him off the path. They were suddenly in a clearing. The sun was rising up over the clearing as huge lavender flowers swayed in the morning wind. “Oh, this is so pretty...”
Shouto hummed “Yes, I rather think so too.” He pulled out a large blanket from his basket and with a quick whip he laid it out. He sat down and patted the space next to him. Izuku sighed and sat. He was prepared to argue more. Shouto opened the basket and began to take out the food. Bread, cinnamon rolls, grapes, pomegranate, honey, jam, meats, goat cheese... Izuku’s mouth began to water. “I hope you’re hungry. I brought quite a bit.” He picked up a slice of bread and spread jam on it “It’s razzberry. I bought it from an artisan.” He held it up to Izuku’s mouth “Now say ahh.”
He shouldn’t, he should politely decline and- “Ahhh,” Izuku said, opening his mouth for him. Shouto placed the bread into his mouth. Izuku bit down. Flavor exploded on his tongue. “Oh my god,” he whispered as he chewed and swallowed “Shouto that’s so good!”
His friend gave a soft smirk, rather like the cat that ate the canary. “I’m glad. Here, have more.”
Izuku eagerly opened his mouth for more. He took a larger bite of the bread and jam. “Mmm...” he groaned. His eyes rolled back into his head, his toes curling in his shoes. “That is so delicious.”
“And that’s just the jam. I brought a little something special as well,” he said and produced a bottle of cider and two glasses “Apple cider. The apples are from the royal orchard. They ferment for a month before they’re mixed with sugar imported from the outer circle of the Underbrush.” He popped the cap of the bottle and poured them glasses “Here.”
Izuku took the glass “Well... Since we’re eating so fancy maybe we should make a toast!”
“Oh? To what?”
“Well... We’re both young bachelors trying to find our brides. Shall we toast to our future weddings?”
Shouto smirked “Alright. A toast. To our future wedding.” They clinked their glasses together. “Cheers.”
He took a sip of his cider. It was incredible “Shouto... I think you’ve ruined me,” Izuku whispered “This food is so good.”
“I can bring you more,” Shouto said “Here why don’t you try some grapes?” he picked up a cluster of them “Open,” he ordered.
This time Izuku didn’t hesitate. He opened his mouth and allowed Shouto to feed him. He bit down on the grapes. Just like everything Shouto had given him, it was divine. He swallowed. A sort of odd feeling had taken over his brain. It was sort of like being drunk. But better. Izuku felt loose. He felt silly. The sensation of his clothes suddenly felt nice. The blanket he was sitting on. The feeling of the red shoes Shouto had gifted him... “You haven’t really eaten,” Izuku said “Can I feed you too?”
Shouto smiled, a bit larger than Izuku had ever seen him do. It was dazzling. “Go ahead.” He held up a pomegranate. Izuku cracked it open with his above-average strength. He scooped a few seeds into his hand. How could he feed them to Shouto? Shouto however seemed to know. He took Izuku by the wrist and moved his hand to his lips. Izuku watched with bated breath as he licked the seeds from his fingers.
The feeling of Shouto’s tongue on his skin was electric. His smooth wet tongue slid over his fingers. The wetness of it, the heat of his breath... He pulled Izuku’s fingers into his mouth and sucked the juice from them. His eyes screwed shut. It was a downright erotic sight.
Izuku watched, slack-jawed. The remnants of the juice long gone. It seemed Shouto was enjoying the taste of him. He briefly wondered if Fae ever ate humans. The thought was pushed from his mind as he stared at the pornographic sight of Shouto sucking and licking his fingers. He pulled them from his mouth with an obscene pop. “Delicious,” Shouto said, looking Izuku in the eye.
He was hard.
Izuku was painfully hard. He hoped Shouto couldn’t see. He sat up differently to hide the bulge in his pants. “I... I’m glad,” he choked out.
Shouto still had a grip on his wrist. He licked Izuku’s palm “Your skin has a sweet taste.”
“O-oh?” he asked.
“I like it. You should feed me more. Or I can feed you more.” He looked down at the spread “We do need to get all this food eaten.” Shouto let him go and picked up the pomegranate. He scooped a few seeds onto two of his fingers. “Here,” he said “Your turn.”
Before Izuku could argue, two smooth fingers were thrust into his mouth. The taste was incredible. Izuku relaxed and began to lick the seeds off his fingers. “Mmm...” he groaned in delight. His mind felt even stranger. Everything was spinning but it wasn’t bad. His ears felt like they were full of cotton.
Shouto pulled his fingers from his mouth. A thin line of saliva connected them to Izuku’s lips. “Can I try something?”
“Sssure,” Izuku slurred out.
Shouto scooped up more seeds. This time he laid them over his own tongue. He then cupped Izuku jaw and swooped down like an owl, and Izuku was a rabbit. That slick tongue was in his mouth feeding Izuku.
The combined sweetness of the pomegranate Shouto’s mouth was enough to make Izuku groan. He swallowed it all, but Shouto’s tongue stayed. It explored his mouth, tasting Izuku. He whimpered softly. They broke apart. Izuku panted his tongue hanging out of his mouth “Wow...”
“How was it?”
Izuku considered a moment. His brain still felt odd. Like he couldn’t get his words together properly. “...Yummy.”
A smirk worked its way onto Shouto’s handsome face “Do you want... More?”
“Yes please...” Izuku said dreamily.
Shouto didn’t get any more pomegranate, simply leaning down and taking him again. Izuku lost track of time as they lay in the field. He let Shouto ‘feed’ him for hours.
***
Izuku woke up with a start. His mouth was dry. He sat up in his bed, looking around frantically. He was in his bedroom. It was dark. What was going on? He stood up. He was dressed from hunting. His shoes next to his bed. “What-” There was a note on his bedside table. He grabbed it and pulled it up to his face.
Deku, you fell asleep in the meadow. I think you had a little too much hard cider. I got a bit tipsy myself. We’ll try hunting again in a day or so. You hunt every other day, yes? I’ll be waiting for you.
It was after dark when I brought you home. I think your mother and uncle had already retired to their bedroom so no one saw me when I crept into your house.
I shall see you in 2 days' time.
Yours, Shouto.
He sighed in relief. He’d just gotten drunk. It sucked that he missed a day of hunting. He couldn’t remember much of their day together. Just a lot of eating. Fae food was something else. He sort of wanted more. A brief memory of him and Shouto... Kissing, entered his mind. But surely he had made that up?
He was probably still thinking about catching Kacchan and Kirishima kissing. It was making him think about doing that with his only real friend. He shook his head, clearing the thought from his mind. “You’re imagining things...” he whispered. He wasn’t sure what time it was but he wasn’t tired. Maybe he should go down and do some work on his leathers?
He put his shoes on and left his bedroom. He glanced at the old clock in the main room. Past one in the morning. Maybe he should just stay in bed? He didn’t feel tired though. He wasn’t hungry either. He just felt restless.
“Nnngh-” a voice whispered, “Harder...”
Izuku froze. His head snapped to his mother’s bedroom door. He silently slid across the floor. He pressed his ear to the door.
“Ahh- Inko!” Toshinori cried out “When you clench like that I can’t-”
“Toshinori harder!” she begged.
He flung himself away from the door. Izuku felt sick. Ill- he was going to vomit. He did vomit. Izuku spewed his guts onto the floor. He whipped his lips and ran to his room. He grabbed his bag. He stuffed his mason jar and his father’s notebook inside it. He couldn’t be here. Not right now. He couldn’t do this.
He fled from the house. His feet hit the ground and he ran into the village. He wasn’t sure where he was going. But anywhere but that awful house. Those people didn’t care about Dad. They weren’t waiting. How could they claim to love Dad if they were betraying him like that?
What would he say? When he found out someone he considered kin and his wife were... Doing that. His stomach turned at the thought.
His feet had led him to the Kirishima farm. Izuku was suddenly exhausted. He hadn’t been before but now... He walked along the fence. His eyes moved over the herd of cattle. He could see them lying in the field. He didn’t see the calf he had his eyes on. The stable he’d seen Kacchan and Kirishima hide in to have sex was lit up.
He walked closer. He didn’t hear sex noises. That was a good sign. The door was open. Kirishima was laying in a pile of hay, several bottles strewn around him. Izuku sped up “Kirishima?” he asked coming into the stable. “Are you alright?”
Kirishima was on his side. He was awake but his eyes were glazed over. Izuku walked over to him. “Hheeeey Midoriya!” Kirishima said “I’m glad you’re here buddy... Sorry man. Been a real diiiiick to ya. That sucks. I suck.”
Izuku got down on his knees “It’s fine. I know you and Kacchan are... close.”
“Yeah. We are. Were. Are. Dunno. I love him Mido,” Kirishima confessed “I love him so much it makes me hurt. My heart hurts.” He covered his heart with his hand “He loves me too. He just don’t wanna say. I can tell. When he makes love to me. When he cuddles me...”
“Kirishima I dunno if I’m really the-”
He was grabbed by the front of his waistcoat and dragged into the hay with him. “Katsuki is a big softie ya know?” he wrapped his arms around Izuku, the smell of alcohol thick on Kirishima’s breath. “He loves me so much but he can’t be with me. Cuz’ his mom wants grandbabies. So he’s gonna marry the blacksmith’s daughter. I gave him Betty’s calf. The good calf.”
Izuku’s eyes grew wide “What?”
“I just... gave it to him. I said ‘Anything for you’ and I just handed it over. You should have heard Mr. Uraraka. I was there when Katsuki gave the dowry. The calf, and... And-” he began to sob, pushing his face into Izuku’s neck “The calf and 100 gold pieces.”
He could feel his heart shatter. 100 gold pieces... That was more money than Izuku could make in several years of his life. He couldn’t compete with that.
Kirishima was sobbing, squeezing Izuku close. “And I helped! I helped him Midoriya... I gave him the calf and now he’s gonna marry her when he loves me.”
“...Did Ochako say yes?”
“She said yes! Of course, she said yes. Who wouldn’t say yes to Katsuki?” he asked “He’s so good-looking. And he smells so nice...” Kirishima looked at Izuku, his eyes glazed over “You smell nice Midoriya...” he mumbled “Like... lavender...” Kirishima’s lips puckered.
Izuku pushed him off. “Get off!” Izuku yelled. He stood up and got away from Kirishima. For his part, Kirishima didn’t follow. He grabbed the bottle of booze and chugged. Izuku grimaced and ran from the stable.
It couldn’t be true. Ochako had said she was interested in him. They were sweet on each other! Midoriya Ochako! She wanted him- he ran. His feet carried him through the village. He ran to the blacksmith. There was still a light on. Izuku walked along the back, looking through the windows. He had to find it-
Had to find her.
He tapped on the window. He rapped on it hard. It took a moment but the window opened. Ochako was looking down at him. She was sleep soft. “D-deku?” she asked.
“Tell me it’s not true Ochako,” Izuku begged “Just tell me it’s not true.”
His sweet Ochako sighed. “Deku... It’s late. We can talk about this tom-”
“NO!” Izuku yelled “NO I will not talk about this tomorrow. I thought- you said! You were sweet on me. I thought there was something... That we were-”
“Deku!” she snapped “You’re right. I am sweet on you.” Her face softened “Katsuki just had an offer we couldn’t refuse. The shop is saved and Mr. Bakugou is so wealthy. I had to do it. For my family. My kin. You understand that. You stand by your kin even though your uncle is a murderer.”
He was seething.
She leaned down, her lips ghosting along Izuku’s ear “You know Deku, I’m not married yet. And my father got drunk on the good wine. We could be very loud and no one would know.”
Cheaters. His mother. His uncle. Kacchan. Kirishima. Ochako. All of them sex-crazed cheaters! “Does love mean nothing to you people?” he asked, stepping away from her. “Loyalty? Kin?” he spat on the ground “You and Kacchan are perfect for each other.”
Ochako’s face turned red “Wha-”
“He fucks Kirishima Ejirou in the stables on the farm. I hope you enjoy your cow.” He turned his back on her.
“Deku!” She cried out. Izuku ignored her.
There was no one in this life that cared about Izuku. No one. No one who cared for tradition and love. There was only Dad and he was gone. Dad and-
Shouto.
His feet knew the way. They ran through the dark of the woods. He ran and ran until his feet came to a halt.
The woods were peaceful at night. The calm washed over Izuku as he wandered between the trees. “Shouto!” he called into the night. “Shouto, help! Please! Everything is terrible right now-”
Something caught his eye. Izuku looked and there between the trees was a white doe. It reminded Izuku of Shouto when they’d met a second time. When he’d taken on the form of a stag. It wasn’t solid, but sort of misty. As it walked it seemed to phase in and out of existence.
He was drawn in.
Izuku followed the doe through the quiet woods. The only noise was his own footsteps. He wasn’t sure how long he followed her. Minutes? Hours? Days? The doe walked on and Izuku followed.
The doe led him to a large tree. She turned to face him and bowed her graceful neck. When she lifted her head, her shape changed. She was a woman with hair down to her ankles. Her eyes were hollow, nothing but black spaces. She backed up and vanished into the tree with a puff of smoke.
Dig.
Izuku looked down at the spot where she had vanished. He didn’t have a shovel. His hands would have to do. He got down on his knees and began to dig with his hands. The ground was hard. The labor was grueling. But Izuku kept digging. Digging and digging. He pushed the dirt out of the way. He didn’t have to dig far. Soon he found something. Cloth.
He pushed more dirt aside. A hysterical feeling overtook him. He moved the dirt until he exposed it. It. The upper half of a body. A corpse. It was dressed in a dark green shirt with silver buttons. The shirt was torn right around his heart. Izuku leaned down. It looked like he’d been shot with an arrow. This... this man. He was-
Dad.
Izuku screamed.
He screamed and pulled at his hair. Tears streamed down his face “NO!” he yelled “NO! FUCK YOU! FUCK THIS!” he screamed “I can’t-” he looked back down at the corpse “Dad... dad please...” he begged “Please don’t be real-” he leaned over the hole. “How did... who-” he sobbed. Izuku laid back sobbing. “No-”
He lay there in the dirt next to the corpse of his father until the first light of the morning sun shone down on him. It was still dark when he heard it.
“Izuku?”
He lifted his head. Toshinori was standing there in front of him. He had his bow slung on his back, a lantern in one hand. It was nearly out.
“Tosh...” Izuku whispered. “Dad... he’s...”
Toshinori looked to the hole where his father’s corpse lay. “I know.”
Something finally occurred to Izuku. “You said he was taken by the Fair Folk.”
“Aye, I did.”
“He was shot with an arrow... You can see the wound on his chest.”
Toshinori nodded “Aye.”
He looked up at his uncle. The man he called as good as kin. “Toshinori...”
His uncle took the bow off his back “Boy, I love your mother. I have since we were but children. Her, Hisashi, and I. Your grandfather was a strict man. He gave Inko to Hisashi. He had a dowry I couldn’t match. He was smarter. But I was always better with a bow.”
Tears kept streaming down his face “Tell me a pretty lie.”
“Aye, I shall.” He grabbed an arrow from his quiver and loaded his bow. “Your father was taken by fairies. And so too shall you.”
Izuku closed his eyes, his voice hitching in his chest.
He expected pain. It did not come. “Ack-” the sound of an arrow fired. It hit the tree behind Izuku. His eyes opened. His uncle skewered on deer antlers. Blood dripping from his wound. The massive white stag shook him off before-
Shouto stood in front of Izuku. “Deku,” Shouto said crouching down. He cupped his face “He almost killed you!”
Izuku was sobbing. He threw himself into Shouto’s arms “It’s terrible! Everything-” he pointed to the grave “He’s dead. Ochako is engaged it’s... It’s all...” He couldn’t get his voice to work. He simply held Shouto close and sobbed.
Shouto stood up and pulled Izuku with him. “Let's leave this place,” he said. “We’ll go someplace soft...” he walked, carrying Izuku with him. He parted a bush. It was darker here. Cooler. He sat Izuku down on the bank next to the stream. Shouto reached into the stream and cupped his hands full of water. He brought them to Izuku’s lips. “Drink,” he ordered.
He drank the water Shouto gave. It was cold. He could feel it slither down his throat into his stomach. “Th-thank you...”
“Talk to me.”
He grabbed at his face “Shouto... Everything since I was with you fell apart... Ochako and Kacchan are engaged. She was the girl I was sweet on. Kacchan was... he tormented me. Kirishima is a nice man but he’s blinded by sex. My mom and Toshinori were... I heard them- they were... fucking. In Dad’s bed. And Dad-”
“Yes...” Shouto whispered “I saw that part. I’m sorry about that.”
“It’s not your fault...” Izuku looked down at his hands “You killed Toshinori.”
“I don’t regret it-”
“Thank you.”
Shouto looked up and met Izuku’s eyes. Izuku was crying and smiling “Huh?”
“He killed my father Shouto. He had to die. He would have killed me-” he laughed “And here you were. With your big antlers. You beautiful man!” he grabbed Shouto by the face and kissed him. “Shouto there must be some way I can repay you. I owe you everything.”
A dark look crossed Shouto’s face. “You... owe me?” he asked. His cheeks flushed. “What’s your name? I know it’s not Deku. If it had been Deku... I would have had you when I wanted you. When we were children you would have followed me deep into the Underbrush.”
“My name?” Izuku asked, “Is that all?”
“All?” Shouto laughed, pulling him closer “Deku you give me your name and you shall be giving me... Everything.”
Izuku laughed “Call it my dowry...” he kissed Shouto again. “Izuku. Midoriya Izuku.”
Shouto smiled. He kissed Izuku again. He stood them up before leaning in to whisper “Midoriya Izuku, you are mine.”
That was fine.
“Yours!” Izuku said.
“Mine...” Shouto began to pull him deeper into the woods. Deeper into the Underbrush. And so, it continued.
Izuku was taken by fairies.