●~Not All There Anymore |REWRITTEN|~●

|2| Unmoving, Always Smiling

Mrs. Tereko stood up angrily, meeting Izuku's glare. "This behavior is completely unacceptable-"

"This food is completely unacceptable!" Izuku shot back with a heavy glare. The Tereko woman's eyes widened in anger.

Before Izuku could even process it, his face was forced to the side and his eyes were blown wide as a red mark bloomed on his burning cheek. Ryuko stood up, his laughter forgotten.

"What the hell, Mom!?" Ryuko shouted, shoving Izuku behind him. Izuku didn't move his head, still in shock. "That was uncalled for! He's a fucking kid!" Izuku slowly brought a hand up to his stinging cheek, realizing he was shaking.

Izuku slowly slunk behind Ryuko, letting the taller shield him. Izuku knew it was cowardly, for gods sakes, he was the hero. But Izuku had to admit; he was scared.

Izuku only hunched his shoulders up more as the sound of the two shouting back and forth became louder. Izuku tugged on Ryuko's shirt, looking down at the floor. Ryuko turned, and with a final shout, grabbed Izuku's hand and walked toward the stairs furiously.

Ryuko stopped at the door to his room, leaning against the wall and sighing. Izuku hesitated, not knowing what to do. "Welcome to house Tereko." Ryuko said miserably, gesturing with his hands half heartedly. "Where kids leave more depressed than they came and the biological kid gets to assume the role of big brother." Izuku lowered his head in shame.

"I- I'm sorry. I should've listened to you." Ryuko shook his head with a smile.

"Nah. That was amazing. Just.... remember rule number two. Even if it is shit." Izuku laughed, hugging his arms. Ryuko sighed and stood up from his pose against the wall. "You should get to bed. Tomorrow is a school day."

Izuku nodded. "Thanks. I know you've played this role before, but.... happy you're my foster brother." Ryuko shrugged.

"Consider it an apology for telling you to fuck off earlier." Izuku shook his head in wonder.

"All that happened today? Wow." Izuku laughed humorlessly. "Life is shit." Ryuko pressed a hand to Izuku's shoulder.

"Well, when you have a panic attack, you're free to come in my room." Ryuko looked to the side bitterly. "And trust me, you will have a few." Izuku laughed again, shrugging.

"Don't worry. I'm used to those." Ryuko startled, looking at Izuku, who was smiling slightly.

"What..?" Izuku laughed yet again. He was beginning to think he was having a bit of a problem.

"Trust me, two villain attacks, a run in with two murderers, and watching your mentor die and then having to fight his killer causes quite a few panic attacks in the middle of the night. Also, suffocating isn't fun." Izuku walked into his room and turned at the doorframe.

"But thanks. Good night." Ryuko smiled sadly.

"No such thing as a good first night. But sure. Good luck with those dreams." Izuku smiled back.

"No such thing as good luck with imminent nightmares."

Ryuko nodded. "Touché." Izuku smiled and closed the door, sighing.