Me: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—

Newscaster: Breaking news: Ara is once again fluctuating between regret and satisfaction over a new fic. Her old multi-chaptered fics are protesting, while her fic ideas in the backburner are cheering for the newly-born story. We'll be back after she stops crying.

Ara: You people from Tumblr. You know what you've done. I'm ready to drag y'all with me in eternal suffering.

Anyways, here, have an AU where everything's the same—canon storyline happens and shit—except Toshinori is actually the dad working abroad whom Izuku's known his entire life—and he has no fucking idea said dad is actually the greatest hero ever. This is the Dad Might AU wherein Izuku is All Might's biological son, Yagi Toshinori is actually "Midoriya Hisashi", and Izuku has no clue about all of this. :D

Important Stuff to Note:

1) This is an AU of many names but it is officially called Secret Child AU, just to make things easier.

2) I am mainly writing this for the manga peeps, as most of the POVs are from Toshinori and thus, this is heavy in spoilers. Read at your own risk. 'Cause you know, I'm ready to drown several bitches with fluff and angst of this.

Cross-posted in: AO3 (honestly, you're better off reading there since my links work there)

Disclaimer: I could never claim to own BnHA—only this burning desire within me that clamors to drag an entire fandom into the hell that is Actual Dad Toshinori.

Your True Name Is

Chapter 1: In the Blink of an Eye

"I… I can't stay…"

But a shaky hand shot out and gripped her shoulder—in desperation or fear neither was sure. The other soon followed and mirrored its pair, and it was no longer unsteady.

"Yes… Yes, you can."

It was almost as if the gulp could be heard in the silence. "We… It can work. I promise. I'll protect you."

She shook her head and brought her hands up to hide her tear-stained face. "No—No, you'll be—"

"Please."

In the silence of the cold and stagnant night, the sudden hug sounded like a crumpled thud, but the two standing by the gate—all alone and lost in their own fears—hardly heard it as they shared the warmth between. She gulped a silent sob—his large stature was engulfing her as if to shield her from the rest of the cruel world—and he hugged her tighter, trying to fight back the pain blossoming inside.

"I can't lose you." His ragged whisper was too loud against her ear, and she couldn't help hiccuping as she heard the barely-masked desperation in the words.

"Both of you."

"Yagi-san? Yagi-san?"

Toshinori jolted out of his daze and turned to the man in uniform.

"We're finished with bringing up the smaller boxes. Do you still need help with unpacking?"

"Ah." Toshinori blinked, then frowned. Unpacking? Nedzu probably told the movers that he wasn't supposed to strain himself… No, wait—Recovery Girl probably did.

Honestly...

"No, it's fine. I can handle things from here. Thanks for the help, guys!" When the young man only looked uncertain, he flashed him a grin and patted his thin bicep, hoping he wouldn't start coughing. "Really. I may look like this, but I can pack a punch!"

That, at least, got him a chuckle.

Finally, the team of three men waved him goodbye and left with their truck, and Toshinori heaved a sigh of relief and turned towards his new apartment. It wasn't newly-made, by any standards. The landlady had been renting the place out for nearly ten years now and it only had a recent renovation that made it look brand-new. But it was going to be Toshinori's—All Might's—base of operations now that he was permanently back in Musutafu City, and he was just going to have to play the part of a newcomer to keep up with the charade.

"Are we there yet?"

"Almoooost… now… open your eyes!"

"Oh… Toshi… I-Is this…?"

"Aha ha… I know it's kinda sudden…"

"Yes, it is. We're barely a week into our marriage, you ridiculous man!"

"Ha ha, I know, I know… but, uh, we talked about moving somewhere and starting a new life and well… why not in the same city as U.A.? At least my friends will be nearby, and well, there are some really nice schools for our baby—"

"Who is still a month inside me, may I remind you?"

"Ow, ow! What? I like being prepared!"

"And you do that by already buying an apartment without me?"

"Alright, alright, I may have jumped the gun on this… but do you like it?"

"Haaah... Well, we might as well use it."

"… So you're saying you do like it."

"Yes, Mr. Overexcited—"

"Hey!"

"—I love it."

Toshinori blinked. A bird had flown to the gate and sat on the wall, getting his wandering attention. He sighed and shook his head, walking inside past the gates.

It's been years.

It's been years, yet he still knew this city like the back of his hand, and so he tried not to think of how far his new place was to his old one.

He tried not to think of the family still living there.

Fortunately, his phone's ringing saved him from his thoughts quickly turning morose. He found that it was his work phone that had the call. "Hello?"

"Have you moved in okay, All Might?"

Oh. He hadn't checked who was calling. How distracted was he, exactly? "Ah, Principal! Yes, the boys were a big help, so thank you very much. But I can unpack on my own, as you well know…"

He heard Nedzu laugh. "Recovery Girl was adamant you don't tear open any old wounds during the move. I am powerless against a caring doctor, regardless of her minor worries."

So was Toshinori, unfortunately. "Well, anyways, thank you for taking care of everything, sir."

"You're finally going to teach at our school, so of course we'll handle things for you! How are you adjusting so far?"

If the hero was being honest, he's been feeling awfully conflicted ever since he arrived.

"I'm… okay, I guess." Toshinori cleared his throat. "I mean, I've never frequented this part of town much back then, so things feel pretty new to me, but once I go shopping, I'm sure I'll keep… reminiscing."

He was just at his gate and already he was recollecting events from several years ago.

"Take care not to get into an accident, then. Recovery Girl will most likely confine you to the faculty break room if you do."

Toshinori laughed, but he knew that was possible and couldn't help doing so out of fear.

"… Have you told her of your arrival yet?" asked Nedzu.

He quickly sobered up. He knew who the principal was referring to. "I… did tell her beforehand, but she doesn't know I'm here yet." Toshinori couldn't calm himself down just yet for that one call.

"I see. Best do it soon, then. It wouldn't do to frighten her out on the streets."

Toshinori chuckled at that. His wife was hardly frightened of his drastically-changed appearance nowadays, but it would be a good idea to tell her immediately. She'd be mad at him for holding the big news out on her, and he could never really bear for her to be mad at him.

"Well, I'll leave you to it, then, All Might. Just call if you need anything."

"Of course, sir. Thank you once again. I'll see you tomorrow after my check-up."

"Yes, take care, All Might."

Toshinori ended the call—and couldn't avoid seeing his wallpaper.

It was just a picture of a child's doodle, a large and imposing stick figure in squiggly lines of yellow, red, and blue crayon, but Toshinori could clearly understand who was being depicted—and he smiled at the sloppy words of "My Hero" on it. Taking out his other phone—the one that was exclusively for personal matters and another identity—he opened it up to see its own wallpaper.

Three stick figures, all with black hair. Two adult ones holding hands with a kid one between them. Toshinori smiled as he looked at the tallest named "Daddy."

Then his eyes shifted to the little stick figure with curly squiggles.

He… hadn't left his good morning message to his son yet.

He can't skip out on that—no matter how subdued he's feeling right now.

Pocketing his work phone, Toshinori took a deep breath and went inside his new apartment. He moved a few small boxes around before finally flopping down on the uncovered couch and pondering what to say. Back then, he would only say hi and good luck to his son for the day ahead, and it was enough since the two of them had video calls before the boy slept. But ever since… ever since Toshinori got badly injured, he couldn't show himself to his family anymore. His wife hadn't cared and visited him in the hospital the moment she could, but his son never knew what truly happened—only that his father working overseas could no longer do video calls or visit home.

It hurt both of them—and it still did—but they somehow managed to make do with just texts and calls for the past five years. But Toshinori found that it was never enough.

So ever since then, Toshinori made sure to leave longer and more meaningful messages for the day. It would never make up for his absence, but at least it would let his son know that he was still here trying to be with him in his own way.

Because Toshinori couldn't just endanger his family like that—not while he's All Might, the world's Symbol of Peace.

Finally deciding to leave some questions for his son about how his studies were doing and telling him something hilarious he did at "work" last night, Toshinori typed, making sure to double-check his words and keep up with his cover. He was supposed to be in America, so he always ended the message with a note of whether he's going to turn in for the night or do an all-nighter, and he never fails to add a reminder for his little boy to tell him about his day later.

This time, Toshinori says he's staying up and leaves his phone on. If his boy decides to be talkative today, he might as well have some company while he unpacks.

Standing up, Toshinori thumbs his phone's screen, wondering if he should already call his wife or get started on a bit of his luggage first—when suddenly, the gadget vibrated with a familiar ring and he opened it up to see a quick reply from his message.

dad i saw another villain get apprehended by some pros! a cool heroine named Mt. Lady made her debut today! she has gigantification!

Toshinori smiled softly. If this was a call, his son would be gushing so fast by now.

aren't you supposed to be at school?

yeah but DAD! GIGANTIFICATION!

Toshinori snorted. No doubt he'd be scolded by the teacher for being late again. He shook his head and decided to start unpacking. He can make that waiting call later after his boy's first period class starts. He could never bear for his wife to be mad at him, yes, but there were just some days when he somehow could.

As it turns out, Toshinori would make that call much, much later. He was just far too wound up to sit down and tell his beloved where he currently was.

Of course, that meant she would be so mad at him and probably ignore his texts for a while, but getting to listen to her adorably-annoyed voice later seemed something strangely great to look forward to amidst the churn of dread and anxiety inside Toshinori right now.

During the course of the morning, he somehow managed to get the kitchen entirely set up while he remembered bits and pieces of his first apartment in the city and his son entertained—distracted—him with sparse texts here and there. But once eleven o'clock rolled around, he belatedly realized that he hadn't bought any food at all. He could skip the meal—he had breakfast anyway—but Recovery Girl would find out tomorrow, and then so would his wife.

The landlady—an energetic old woman, as she appeared—had nicely handed him some flyers for restaurants and stores this morning when he arrived. Toshinori could've just had lunch delivered, but looking outside his window, he decided that a walk around the area would be far better. He needed to get away from his crowding thoughts.

And so here he was now, trying to decide which ramen shop to go to. Technically, his stomach wasn't fit for normal consumption anymore, but he doesn't have to finish a bowl in one sitting—Toshinori was planning on take-out—and there were lots of healthy variations on the dish for him to be able to handle. The walk, taking around ten minutes, surprisingly took him to a familiar marketplace, so he figured he could do some shopping afterwards and continue to set up his bedroom back home. Unsurprisingly, the walk around town had also resurfaced some old, precious memories with his family that currently left him in a state of emotional turmoil.

In the midst of people on early lunch-time rush outside the street of restaurants, Toshinori honestly couldn't tell if he wanted to be nervous or depressed about being back in Musutafu.

Calm down, you idiot! It'll be fine. There's nothing to be guilty about. The walk had relaxed him, for sure, but it had also apparently made things worse. Now he was questioning his decision to move back here.

No. You'll be fine. You've been doing this for years! he reminded himself sternly. This is for their safety. And they will be safe. Nobody recognizes you except for the people who know you. It's practically a whole new identity here, if you think about it. Not even Izuku would be able to tell it's you!

And that was the thing: his own son wouldn't be able to recognize him.

Toshinori tried not to dwell on it. He's done enough of that a year after he first got out of that hospital five years ago, when it was apparent that his health was rapidly declining. He should be thinking of the bright side—that as long as his family was away from him, they'll be out of danger.

But it was also the painful distance that was pressing down on Toshinori's throat, and it was taking all of his will to not try to visit his wife right now.

Maybe… Maybe I should make that call now. He should've done so hours ago.

Retrieving his personal phone, he opened his contacts and was searching for the cherished codename, when he spotted a familiar sight up ahead that gave him an idea and quickly turned his thoughts to a lighter topic. Toshinori had to school his voice into nonchalance before making the call.

He didn't get to talk first, though.

"Yagi Toshinori, do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for you to call me?!"

But Toshinori barreled ahead. Her pissed-off voice was like an immediate balm to his soul and it's been a while since he last did this. "Hey, Honey! So which street was that ramen place you and Izuku tried last Christmas again? I've already went past the market but I can't seem to find it."

He quickly shut his mouth, trying not to smile even though she couldn't see him.

"… I'm hanging up."

Toshinori barked a laugh out loud—which unexpectedly devolved into half-coughs. "I'm sorry! I-I'm sorry! I'm teasing! Y-You know me!" If she was here, he'd be trying to cuddle with her already.

"Oh, and you think worrying me to death can be a joke?! I've been on edge all day, you frustrating man! N-Now look, you're coughing again!"

Ahh… Toshinori smiled ruefully, wiping an eye. She's about to cry… Inko always had been a crier.

"I'm sorry, Honey. I really am. And I'm fine. But you know… You can always call to check up on me. I've never told you not to." In fact, he's always encouraged her to do so; if he didn't answer immediately, that meant he was in deep trouble and she could call for help for him.

He could hear a sniff and a harrumph on the other end of the line. "You know I don't want to interrupt you with your work. It's bad enough that you bring both of your phones while you're out. I keep telling you to leave the green one at home…"

Toshinori's eyes suddenly looked to the ground. I haven't been home in five years, Honey.

"But then I wouldn't be able to text you and Izuku whenever I want, would I?" he quipped instead.

He smiled now, softer this time, as he stopped by the sidewalk and listened to his wife lecture him about the hazards of his personal phone and not calling her at once. Despite being forced to stop his visits to his family years ago, she never failed to mother him into things through calls and texts—whether it was about taking better care of himself or making sure to call her about his arrival in town.

"I know, Inko. I know," he placated, closing his eyes and smiling—just letting himself get lost in her voice. It was strange. Coming back to this city had made him all emotional again and hearing his wife should've worsened that, but instead, she half-mended his stinging wounds and the bittersweetness of it all only made Toshinori appreciate her more.

There was a sigh. "… So you're finally here," stated Inko in a soft hush.

"Yep." Toshinori chuckled. "I'm near that park where Izuku lost his first baseball. Remember that? He was trying to do a homerun and he actually did it!" They had to buy a new one for him. Toshinori had encouraged the boy to try joining his school's team, but his natural shyness took over and Izuku had ended up joining the library committee instead.

"You sure about this?"

"You know that was just a lucky hit, Dad…"

"All homeruns are. What's important is that you hit it."

"I think I'm better at hitting the books."

"Hmmm. You know what? You're right. After all, I've never seen anyone hungrily read the news about All Might like you do. Now that's a winning sprint in nerd form!"

"Daaaad!"

"… How are you feeling?"

Toshinori blinked, then sighed as he tiredly rubbed the bridge of his nose. This was the second time this question was asked. They all knew that this wasn't just an ordinary move. But unlike with Nedzu, Toshinori couldn't really lie to Inko. "Honestly? I don't really know…"

When he had recently voiced the necessity to start hunting for a successor to his power, Nedzu had once again happily suggested that he become a teacher at U.A. to look for prospects amongst their students. After all, U.A. was the best hero school there ever was, and what better place to look for the next wielder of One for All than the best hero school in the country, right? Add in the fact that Toshinori needed another secure location for him to retreat to because of his slowly-dwindling powers, and U.A. was most definitely the perfect place for the next phase in his future.

But all of that meant going back to Musutafu City.

All of that meant possibly getting to see his son out on the streets, but never getting to come near him because of his secret.

It was a whole new level of torture… but Toshinori knew it was necessary—for both him and his family. So despite his mental preparation, it wasn't really surprising to find himself so emotionally keyed up the moment he moved in.

"It's alright, Toshi. It's to be expected."

Toshinori sighed quietly. "He's turning fifteen soon…"

"And he'll get his father's present just in time, like he always does. Nothing will change," reassured Inko gently, trying to lighten the mood. They've been bracing for this day ever since Toshinori decided to take up Nedzu's offer, but despite the seemingly-normal transition, nothing about the situation was ever normal.

Nothing about their family was ever normal.

And his little boy had nary a clue.

If Toshinori had to be honest with himself, it's the fact that nothing will change that was really bothering him. Izuku was already going to enter high school next year, but he didn't even know the biggest fact about his own father. Technically, Toshinori should be glad. That's how it should be. He, Inko, and all their friends made sure of it.

But sometimes, I just wish it weren't so.

"I…" The hero cleared his throat. "I should go." Standing out here with so many strangers peering at his appearance was starting to unnerve him. He still couldn't get used to it.

"Of course."

"I, uh, still need to buy lunch and my groceries."

"I'm sure you do. Go and eat, then. We can talk later."

Toshinori bit his lip, trying not to feel disappointed at her patient voice. He desperately wished Inko would try to coax him to talk more—Lord knows there was so much he wanted to get out of his system before it bubbled over—but he knew privacy was a luxury she couldn't always afford. They were lucky enough she had times for herself that she was able to call Toshinori's name without anyone raising an eyebrow. Most of the time, she had to use endearments for him whenever Izuku's around. After all, as far as his son knew, his name wasn't "Toshinori."

Another fact that had to be a secret.

"Yeah, I'll… I'll call you later." He paused in thought. "… Are you free later?" She might have visitors—or plans of her own. He always had to remind himself that just because she constantly checks up on him didn't mean she didn't have a life separate from his.

Inko huffed exasperatedly. "I'm a mother of a teenage boy, a housewife, and the owner of an online crafts shop. Yes, I'm free, Toshinori."

"What? You know I don't wanna interrupt your work," he retorted back her own words, grinning.

"But unlike you, I can talk while I work."

"That's true, I'll give you that," he amended, stifling another cough.

"Alright, don't forget your medicine. And base your shopping list on that new meal plan I sent you, okay?"

Toshinori chuckled, the sound rumbling deep within his chest. "Yes, dear." Always the worrier.

"And Honey?"

"Hm?"

The line had remained silent for several seconds that Toshinori wondered if maybe the call had accidentally been disconnected. But then he heard a rush of air crackle through and…

"… Be careful, okay?"

Toshinori pressed his lips together, memories of blood and pain and Inko's tears all blurred through from his mind's eye, and he took a deep breath before smiling earnestly. "I will. I love you."

"… I love you, too."

When Inko ended the call, Toshinori released a heavy sigh he didn't realize he'd been holding. He had always been careful. Maybe a tad bit reckless, but there had been his family to come home to later and the world to save tomorrow for him to always be careful.

But then one day, his anger got the best of him—and he ended up half-dead, his wife guilty, and his son forced to say goodbye to his father without knowing the truth.

Toshinori shook his head, securely pocketing his precious phone. The past was the past. No good was going to come out of him beating it senselessly—nor was time going to rewind for him to right his mistakes. Doing so would mean going back to the very start of this circumstance, and the world may hate him for it but he's never regretted that night with Inko. He would never regret that.

After all, Izuku was the result.

The only thing he can do now was to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Inko had made him swear back at that hospital that he was going to last for as long as he can, if only for their son. The oath came with real threats from her, of chaining him to the bed if he so much as push his limits—to which Toshinori couldn't help quipping a sly flirt with, much to his wife's consternation—but he didn't need the threats for him to be motivated to stay alive. His own son was living a normal life—as normal as someone like him could be—and by god, Toshinori was going to make sure it stayed that way.

If he had to move back into this city full of precious and bittersweet memories to do that, then so be it. The opportunity to make sure Izuku's dangerous aspirations didn't kill him was somewhere out there, and if Toshinori could at least keep his son safe just a little bit longer, then he wouldn't mind his heart hurting.

Lunch take-out became dine-in for the first half and Toshinori's still amazed at how it happened.

After his phone call, he quickly arrived at the ramen shop he had been asking Inko about—really, he had already spotted it and was just teasing her—and he soon finds out that the owner was a very charming old man who likes connecting with his customers. He suddenly remembers Inko's happy account of their visit and the mention of a kind owner.

Since he was posing as a newcomer to the city, Ougi-san was doubly courteous and hospitable to him, carefully asking about what nutrients his obviously-sick body would need—Toshinori had a violent coughing fit when he was about to order and the old man had graciously attended to him, learning of his condition—while describing all the hotspots Toshinori should see and visit his first week here. Toshinori ended up eating at the counter while Ougi-san regaled hilarious and interesting tales about the community and his experiences with his restaurant. He even mentioned being an old friend to Sakaki-san, Toshinori's landlady.

He couldn't finish all of the meal, though, but the staff had been nice enough to wrap it up for him to take home. Ougi-san even gave him a recipe for a soothing soup and recommended some brands of tea for him. He left the ramen shop in higher spirits and miraculously, a sightseeing detour around the area only left him happier.

Now he was at a convenience store in a more urbanized part of the city, doing some grocery shopping. It was just supposed to be grocery shopping, but somehow Toshinori couldn't help but hum under his breath.

Rummaging through shelves of local snacks, the tall blond man cheerily fetched item after item on his list to be bought. It was strange, but now that he had talked with Inko and met kind people, things felt a whole lot better. Maybe not the best that it could be, but hope was already blossoming inside him. He didn't feel his daily frustration with his weakening power right now, and every familiar sight in town had only reminded him of nice memories. He would savor this moment of peace for all it was worth.

Other shoppers had given him a wide berth the moment he entered the little convenience store, but Toshinori hardly noticed. He was far too happy to take account of the usual odd stares directed at him. After all, he was finally going to be near his family again.

Toshinori paused, a pack of rice crackers on hand. His smile, soft and nostalgic, quickly turned rueful as he finally set the snack down on his basket with a dull crunch.

He couldn't come near them, exactly.

But that was fine. As long as he could see that they were okay, it was fine.

Toshinori tried to hold onto his cheer, going to the next aisle. A flash of yellow caught his eye.

"Dad! Dad! Star Crunch has… has… a little All Might action-figure!" said a bouncing and panting six-year-old Izuku, his hair fluffing up with him.

"Oh?" Toshinori took the offered cereal box, and peered at the toy attached to it. "Want to buy this, then?"

Izuku suddenly looked shy. "U-Um, well, if it's okay…?"

Toshinori laughed, ruffling his hair and putting the box alongside their other items on the cart. "Of course it is! Just don't tell your mother." The boy already had so many All Might toys and Inko would only scold them.

Izuku looked torn between looking scandalized and looking excited. "W-We're gonna lie to her?!"

He had legitimate reasons to be worried. His mom could be pretty scary when she wanted to be. But Toshinori could only afford to be absent today, and so he was going to spoil his little boy no matter what—even if he incurs his wife's wrath. "Nope. We're just not gonna tell her."

"But isn't—isn't that lying, Dad?" protested Izuku. "I don't wanna lie about All Might. He'd be dispo—dis… appointed in me."

Toshinori warmly smiled. If only he knew. "You know what? You're right! All Might wouldn't like little boys like you lying, huh? So then that means you'll tell Mom about the toy?"

Izuku gulped and nodded in determination. He really wanted it. "L-Leave it to me, Dad!"

Toshinori smiled as he studied the box of cereal. It was the same brand he remembered, but they had a different hero toy this time. When they went home that day, Inko had only sighed and lightly reminded Izuku that he already had so many action figures. But Toshinori could easily see that she was proud that Izuku was being honest with her.

Though, he and Inko had expressed guilt about that when they had tea alone later that night. Their own son hadn't wanted to keep any secrets from them, but there they were, hiding the biggest secret of all from him.

Toshinori sighed, putting the box back into its place. There was nothing they could do about it. The best they could hope for was that once the time comes for them to tell the truth, Izuku would understand.

He's a smart kid. But that doesn't mean he doesn't get hurt.

Toshinori decided it was high time he went home—back to his little apartment with all those boxes. He still had much to do, and he planned to finish setting up before visiting U.A. tomorrow. Izuku would be home in a few hours, too, and he was itching to talk to him again. At least Toshinori had the excuse of needing a chat to "stay up."

After checking out at the counter with several ingredients plus a few snacks, Toshinori moved to step out of the store—when suddenly, a scream and a shout reached him outside. He coughed with a frown, and hurried towards the exit.

"—Normally, someone would come right away," he heard one of the young bystanders comment.

"This guy's taking advantage of the chaos from this morning," another said.

Was there another villain around? Toshinori looked to where they were all staring at, and sure enough, a hulking villain who looked like he was made out of green sludge was quickly running away with some money fluttering behind him.

Izuku had mentioned a villain apprehended this morning. Was that the chaos they were referring to? No hero was turning up at the moment, so perhaps they're dealing with another incident right now. Should he step in?

"There are tons of people around who don't know what to do with their Quirks," continued that bystander. Toshinori agreed as he looked around. There were several people on the street, but not one of them tried to run after the thief. They all seemed frozen in fear and confusion, despite the probability that half of them had Quirks that could stop the villain if they tried.

Toshinori clicked his tongue. Society has become spoiled and complacent with the existence of heroes. Rarely does anyone bother taking action anymore. But sometimes, it was for the best. There were situations wherein it was just too dangerous to dive into without the skills needed.

He reached for the power of One for All inside of him and let himself transform. Recovery Girl was most definitely going to chew him out for this, and so would Inko once she hears of the news, but he just couldn't stand by and watch. Regardless of the fact that there were other heroes who can take care of the situation, he was here now—and who was he to call himself the Symbol of Peace if he was just going to wait for someone else to do his job?

He chuckled to himself. Geez, old boy, this is why you get in trouble with your wife.

One of the bystanders sighed. "There's no end to them."

"There is an end."

The people who had been watching the thief get away, including the men who had been commenting before, now swivelled around and gaped at the towering form of All Might.

"Why?"

Toshinori slowly walked towards them, and in the distance, he pinned his gaze onto the escaping villain. It must've noticed him, because it suddenly jolted and ran faster. All Might grinned confidently.

"Because I am here."

What soon followed was probably the longest chase Toshinori has ever done in his entire career.

The moment he leaped into the air to go after the villain, it quickly scurried towards a nearby drainpipe and slipped in to escape. Toshinori had expected as much—people with liquid-form Quirks would always resort to fleeing to hard-to-reach places to deter their pursuers—and he understandably cursed in his head as he searched for a way to draw the thief out into the open. Fortunately enough, the villain had to abandon a body behind—did it have a possession Quirk?—before it could try to hide, and the time it lost gave All Might enough time to locate a manhole to fit through.

It was a really tight fit but luck was on Toshinori's side.

It was a strange chase, to be sure. The villain was quite slippery—no pun intended, really; he couldn't grab a hold of it—and numerous times had it tried to mislead All Might into the wrong pipe. He had to take and guess several paths that would at least give him a glimpse of the green sludge pouring out from the villain, and he couldn't really sprint throughout it all. At one point—when Toshinori noticed with alarm that he had already spent an hour looking for his prey—he just had to alert the authorities about the thief he was tracking down because chances are, he wasn't going to catch up to him with all of the different underground pathways that they could take. At least with him slowing down, the villain would catch his breath sometime soon, and his guard would let up—giving any hero the perfect opportunity to nab him.

It took a few more hours of Toshinori coming back up and asking pedestrians about the villain before he found a light trail of sticky money on the ground and renewed his chase with fervor. It was a miracle his groceries were still intact.

My time's almost up… But he pushed through, entering another manhole and shocking the villain into another run. It went ahead of him, making several turns, but the paper bills that had gotten stuck on it were now giving away its directions. Soon enough, another opening overhead told him of an ensuing struggle—he could hear slime and muffled screams echoing above—and All Might didn't hesitate to blast his way out of the manhole, hardly caring where the heavy cover landed.

When he saw the sludge villain wrapped around a violently-squirming hostage—a child, he realized with horror, as he noticed the familiar long-sleeved cuff of a gakuran—it wasn't hard to reach for his righteous fury and bellow his famous words of hope.

"It's alright now, young man." All Might stood tall and proud, a hint of an enraged smirk on his lips if anyone who knew him looked closely enough. "I am here."

This slimy bastard had wasted three damn hours of his afternoon on his very first day, and had the gall to attack an innocent student. There was no way he was going easy on the thief now.

The villain was getting desperate. It quickly launched a sludge whip at him, but Toshinori foresaw it and ducked on time as it hit the wall of the bridge they were under. He lunged forward, ready to attack, and when the villain extended another whip at him, All Might extended a foot, suddenly putting a brake on his movement. Curling his fist, he used his remaining momentum, letting the air ripple around his arm.

The second whip was coming.

"Texas… SMASH!"

A destructive force of wind followed the path All Might's fist had cleaved straight through, and it ripped the oncoming sludge to little blobs before hitting the villain head-on. It tried to resist the force, but soon succumbed to the wind pressure with a scream, and its hostage was quickly freed from its deadly grasp.

Toshinori choked as his heart stuttered.

They were under a bridge and the bright light from the villain and the child's end was quite striking. So perhaps that was how Toshinori had clearly seen it.

The head full of messy green and black curls.

The cherubic face of freckled cheeks.

Slowly-opening dazed eyes.

He didn't need to look closer to know what color they were. After all, he got them from his mother.

Inko tearily looked up him with a smile, a small bundle cradled in her arms.

"Toshi… I'd like you to meet Izuku."

"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!"

He saw his little son barreling dangerously down the stairs. Lunging forward, he quickly caught him on the last few steps before he could slip.

"You're home!" crowed Izuku happily.

He couldn't find it in his heart to admonish him.

"Yeah!"

Triumphant music played on the news as a clip of his superhero alter-ego successfully apprehended another gang of criminals.

Izuku turned to him in excitement. "You know what, Dad? I'm gonna be just like him! He's so cool!"

When Izuku turned back to the television, he slowly ruffled the boy's locks—wishing with all of his might that Izuku would change his mind someday.

"… Dad?"

He could clearly hear the fear in Izuku's voice—but bless the boy, he was trying to keep it in.

For him.

"D-Don't worry, Dad! I-I'll be fine! I'll take care of Mom! Just…"

The line went silent, and he had to smother a sob so his little boy wouldn't hear—wouldn't know how much he's really hurting.

"J-Just please… please promise you'll keep calling? Please…?"

He half-laughed, half-cried. "Of course… Izuku."

It was as if time had slowed down.

The green-haired boy—a young man now, Toshinori weakly remembered—blearily stared at his direction in the distance. Toshinori gasped sharply as he noticed the ground. "IZUKU!"

Before he knew it, he was already on the other end of the tunnel, cradling the teenager in his arms. He was so big now.

"Izuku?! Izuku!"

The bag of groceries lay forgotten on the asphalt. He raised a meaty hand and checked for any injuries, before laying two fingers on the neck and looking for a pulse.

Toshinori practically deflated in relief as he realized that he was just knocked unconscious. But the surge of parental protective instinct was still crawling up his body like One for All did, and as All Might gazed down at the sleeping face by the crook of his elbow, he let his arms hug the boy just a little bit longer—a little bit tighter.

His boy.

His son.

Midoriya Izuku, his only child that the world wasn't supposed to know.

A near-death encounter with a nefarious villain wasn't what Toshinori had been hoping to be their first meeting after five years... but thank god he made it in time.

To be continued...

A/N:

Once upon a time, one of Tumblr user athanatosora's Dad Might and Mini-Deku comics crossed my dash. Me, having never watched nor read BnHA yet, thought they were actually father and son.

They weren't, and I cried, but I quickly recovered.

But the idea of Toshinori keeping his hero identity from Izuku got stuck in my head, and things only intensified as I got sucked into the Dad Might fandom and the Toshinko fandom. I was planning on writing this months ago, but I reassured myself that someone's probably thought of this already. (Ahahaha, I was so wrong.)

Fast-forward to the middle of May, wherein I found a beautiful fanart of an AU where Toshinori, Inko, and Izuku are a real family. I screamed. This was it. Surely someone had written the fic idea I was thinking about and the people on the post might be able to tell me where I could read it, right? Surely someone had been inspired to translate the fanart into fanfic form, right? I posted my dilemma—and in doing so, posted my idea, as well.

I had actually dug my 50th grave. Tumblr user harunnn was so happy with my input and before I knew it, prolly half the Dad Might fandom cried over my idea. It was a mistake to open Tag Viewer. They were now looking for the fic, as well.

So I thought to myself as I gave in to my impulses and started writing the first part, "Either I let us all suffer waiting for someone to write it—or I suffer writing it myself and instead let them slowly suffer waiting for every chapter."

So one week later after that post exploded, here we are now. :D

Anyways, as I've said before, this pretty much follows the canon storyline—but now, Toshinori is pretending that he doesn't know Izuku and doesn't want to lift him up into his arms. Toshinori and Inko also pretend that they don't feel the urge to kiss. :D Can you now imagine the USJ Invasion Arc? The Sports Festival? The Kamino Ward Incident? Whooo-boy, I'll surely have fun writing those.

Also, Izuku has several loving "extended family members" who occasionally visit him and his mom—and he doesn't realize they're all looking out for him while Toshi's not around. Two have already been revealed in that Tumblr post, while one is a prized secret of mine. (tho sharp readers will quickly realize their identity in a few more chapters)

The canon dialogue I'm using is lifted from Horriblesubs'... subs. The scanlated manga I've read doesn't show the honorifics, but I like showing the honorifics and so I'm relying on the anime. To fit the AU, I've added my own headcanons and some dialogue will change or be added in canon scenes. One example is everything about Inko's backstory ('cause young Toshinko is canon in this AU), and how Toshinori will handle the rooftop scene ('cause he loves Izuku too much and what do you mean he won't try to comfort the boy). Also... expect Izuku to be confused about things Toshinori's accidentally reminding him of. :D

To those who mentioned in the tags of that fanart post about thinking to try writing this AU:

Actually, I don't mind if you try your hand at this. XD (like c'mon i've been waiting for someone else to do this) I haven't said every plan I have for this AU so we could diverge from several different plot points. In fact, I'm waiting for someone to do a Secret Child AU version where Inko actually kept Izuku's existence a secret from Toshinori. ;) [update: holy shit this fic has been posted on FFNet already kyaaaaaa] Go ahead if you guys have already started writing your versions of my fic.

Well, this got long. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this short introductory chapter. I'm trying a new update habit where I write short chapters to update frequently, but considering how slow I am... Whelp. Just sit tight. :D