Chapter Text
Sunlight poured through Izukus window, just enough to bother his peaceful slumber. Tired, green eyes peaked open, only to be met with a phone screen. Izuku shifted under the sheets and realized he had probably fell asleep scrolling on some social app.
Today was the day. The day he moved across the world to pursue his dreams. Izuku would take a 13 hour flight with a group of other excited exchange students to study abroad.
It sounded magical to him. All he ever wanted was to see another part of the world that was famously known for poetry. Izuku only wanted to be a poet, he could settle down somewhere peaceful and write beautiful stories. Whether he ended up famous or not. He didn't really care.
Before he could do all of this though, he had to say his goodbyes. He swinged his legs over the edge of his bed and plopped down onto the soft carpet. His bright green pajamas caught the bright light seeping into his room and probably could've blinded him. His mother could be heard in the kitchen cooking breakfast for him and his sister.
Izuku had a little sister, Ichika. She was born soon after his mother, Inko, met a man with bright blond, almost yellow hair at a grocery store. His mother told him the older man had helped her with reaching for an item she simply could not reach. Bless her heart.
Izuku recalled that they had gone on small dates after that and before he knew it, the man was moving in with them. He introduced himself as Toshinori Yagi. Luckily the two bonded very quickly, as if he was his father in another past life. They went to the park together, he dropped Izuku off at school hear and there, and he even came to his middle school graduation with the biggest bunch of flowers and candy you could imagine. Izuku cried tears of joy that day, more than he think he ever had.
A year or two after that, his mother sat him down with Toshinori at her side. Izuku sat on their sofa while he twiddled his two thumbs together. For some reason he was nervous, scared he had done something wrong or even upset both of them.
“Izuku, we wanted to talk to you about something very important.” her words came off as if she was talking to a scared animal. Bracing her son for something she feared could startle him with. “I only found out yesterday night, and I just couldn't keep it from you.”
“It's o-okay mom, you can talk to me about anything.” Izuku could feel his nerves getting worse now, he had no idea what might be revealed.
“Well, you know Toshinori and I love each other very much, so much that…” Inko turned to Toshinori now, tears welling in her eyes and hands shaking. “I'm pregnant, Izuku. And I know this may seem sudden and it can be a big change for you and I, but I want you to know that your father and I will be with you every step of the way.”
Izuku was shocked. He had become to use to being an only child. For a moment, he didn't speak at all.
Soon enough though, tears began pouring down his cheeks. He ran around the large table set in between him and his family and hugged his mother. He sobbed into her shoulder until he could form a sentence. “M-mom. It's okay. This is g-great news!” Izuku knew this would be a big change, but he was also very happy. He loved the idea of being a big brother and getting to see his family grow. His father came around too, hugging both him and Inko in a tight embrace. Izuku would cherish this moment forever.
And forever swore to be the best big brother for Ichika. By now, she was 6 years old. And even more bright than him. She bolted around the corner at the sound of izukus footsteps towards the kitchen. She jumped like a mountain lion, bear hugging Izuku and burying her face into his neck. “Izuku! Mom is making the best breakfast ever for your big day! You won't believe how awesome sauce it is.”
“Oh really? Well I gotta see it to believe it!” Izuku said with bravery as he hugged and spun his sister around in the entrance. Eventually after the laughter settled, he gently placed Ichika back on her own feet with a ruffle of her hair. His mother had turned around by now from the sink and had the warmest smile on her face. She loved her kids and everything she had worked for to get it.
“Oh c'mon, you two. The food will get cold.” she spoke playfully, engulfed by the sappy atmosphere.
“I am here! And taking the pink chair at the dinning table!” Toshinori announced, clearly sparking Ichikas attention. She owned the pink chair and declared it was her princess throne.
“Oh no you don't papa!” she ran full speed towards her dad and demanded he give her back her cherished spot.
Izuku giggled at this. Wishing this moment would forever last. He began his way towards the island of their kitchen and grabbed a plate to place his assortment of food on. His mother came by a planted a kiss on his cheek. “Are you excited sweetie? For today?”
“Of course mom, I'm definitely nervous though. What if I don't make any friends, or can't find anything inspirational?” Izuku frowned at this, the last thing he wanted was to be some loner in a completely foreign country.
“Izuku, If I had a year to make friends, I would've had an army by now. But work sucks.” Inko encouraged Izuku and rubbed his shoulders. “If I were you, I'd find a pretty Italian girl even.” she teased. Izuku was 20 now, and still blushed at the thought of love or having a partner.
“Mom, t-this is strictly for school. A few friends could be nice, but my w-writing is above all else.” he rambled for a another good two minutes about how important his dream of becoming a poet was. Also while simultaneously picking his food out.
“I know honey, I know. I'm just teasing you. Promise me though, that you'll meet some good people and have fun for me, okay?”
“I promise, mom.” Izuku hugged his mother once more, scared of the fact it would be one of the last times he could for a very long time.
✦
Izuku’s family had finished breakfast after he told them all about the cool facts he found out about Italy. How it was beautiful and could completely re-shape you into the best “version of yourself”. This confused Izuku, but he didn't pay much attention to it. “Well I should start getting ready right about now, my flight leaves in 2 hours.” Izuku stated as he stood from his seat.
“Good idea my boy. I will move your luggage bags out here for you” Toshinori gave him a nod of approval.
“Thanks dad.” Izuku’s heart melted at the kind gesture. He melted at any form of kindness.
✦
Now that he had finished showering, he had to settle on a comfy plane outfit. He debated this and pictured every outcome in his head. He ended up settling on a dark green hoodie with gray sweatpants. He stepped into his favorite pair of red sneakers and put some light jewelry on to compliment everything. Taking his carry on and phone, he followed along with his family to their car. Everyone soon settled into her seats, even if figuring out how to organize Izukus luggage was a nightmare. He was sat to the far left of the backsteas with his sister sat closely next to him.
Ichika scooted closer and rested her head on his shoulder. Izuku noticed this and held her two small hands in his one hand. Though his heart broke as the sight of her shaking slightly and sniffling. “Ichika? Are you okay?” He whispered down to her, worry consuming him.
“Please, r-read this once you get on your plane.” she pleaded as she handed him a folded up paper. It had a small heart on top covered in pink and purple glitter.
“I promise I will.” Izuku promised her like his life depended on it. His sister always had trouble talking about her feelings. She got bullied slightly at school but always faced it with boldness. She would yell or snap at bullies to “scram” or “is that really the best you got? Dingus!”. So, he knew this letter was important and stuffed it into his hoodie pocket.
For the rest of the car ride, he stroked her head softly until she fell asleep since it was still early.
He prayed she would be okay while he was away in Italy for a year.
✦
The airport came into view from Izukus window. It was large and cars poured in and out. He saw families hugging and couples kissing as people reunited. He hoped that he would get to feel that relief when he came back to the only family he had ever known.
Carefully, everyone unpacked the car and grabbed izukus belongings. Everything after that went smoothly up until TSA.
“So what’s this on your hip? A weiner?” Ichika asked menacingly to the security officer. He laughed and soon explained her that it was just a device that held some medical supplies. Inko had to drag Ichika away out of embarrassment.
✦
They reached Izukus gate which had all the other students who were also waiting for their life to change. He saw the students who were in the same position as him. He felt not so alone for once.
“Good morning, passengers. If you are boarding the flight at gate F24, please prepare to line up.” The flight attendant called over the intercoms.
“Oh Izuku, I’m getting so nervous for you!” His mother spoke up finally. “We’re truly going to miss you so much, nothing around the house is going to be the same” Inko dropped her shoulders and held onto Toshinori tightly.
“I’m going to miss you guys more.” Izukus voice cracked. He was about to bawl his eyes out. He wouldn’t be there to take care of his sister like always, or helping his mom cook while discussing their days, or learning life-lessons from his dad. It all felt like too much for a second. “G-group hug?” Izuku choked on his words, speaking through tears. He had finally broke open and was preparing for the newest chapter of his life.
“Of course” The rest of his family exclaimed through tears as well.
It was a long hug. Ichika wrapped her small arms around his leg and never let go, while his parents hugged him from above and cried. Inko let go first and stared at the sight. The sight of her beautiful family that she could’ve never dreamt of. She looked at izuku with understanding and approval.
Next his father let go, patting him on the back. He looked at izuku as if he was the proudest father to grace the planet. “I’m gonna miss you kiddo.” Izuku cried harder.
“I’m gonna miss you to, dad”
Finally, he looked down at the small figure locked around him. She wasn’t crying, but her hands were trembling around his thigh. Izuku picked her up and held her in his arms. She stared at him, with the biggest frown on her face and her eyes were teary.
“Please don’t go, not yet.” She pleaded. Grabbing hold of his hoodie and quickly hiding her face in the collar, not wanting the world to see them.
“I have to, Ichika. Do you wanna know a secret?” He turned his head to whisper into her ear. “I’m gonna miss you the most, you’re my favorite little princess. And you’re gonna be just fine. I’ll make sure to bring back all the sparkly dresses I find for you. And maybe a crown if you’re good for mom and dad.” He held her much tighter now, reassuring her everything would be okay.
“You b-better. Or I’ll feed you to my hamster-“ she paused, lifting her head to his level. “I’m gonna miss you the mostest too.”
Izuku giggled and stared at her humorously “that’s not a word”.
Ichika jumped out of his grasp and crossed her arms. “Whatever, don’t miss your flight.” She wiped her nose and straightened up like a big kid.
“Group 3, please line up and prepare to board.”
“That’s my cue, I love you all.” Izuku told his family. Turning around with his carry on and heading towards the entrance to the plane. “Or should I say, Ciao!”
His family giggled at this gesture. Ciao meant “hello” and “goodbye” in Italian. It’s meant to be used with people you’re close with. And these people were the center of Izukus life.
Seeing them smile was all the courage he needed to finally get on that plane. He showed the check-in his ticket and headed down the hallway with the other students. He found his seat towards the back of the plane and slipped his carry on under the seat in front of him.
✦
Once everyone had settled into their assigned seats, one final passenger was confused on where her seat was. She appeared clumsy, but equally bubbly.
“Oh, hello! I believe my seat is the one tucked next to yours? God it’s my first time on a plane, is it obvious?” The young women, who seemed to be the same age as Izuku had short brown hair and eyes to match. Her pink carry on squished him a little as she brushed past him to reach her seat.
“It’s not all that obvious, don’t worry!” Izuku exclaimed loudly.
Finally they settled back in and buckled their seatbelts. “So, are you excited?” The girl turned to him. “Even if we are gonna be away from our families for a long time.” Her expression grew less bright.
“I am, I really am. I’m going to major in Comparative Literature while I’m here.” Izuku made sure not to ramble too much about it, but he failed miserably in the end.
“W-wow, that’s a lot dude. Seems like you’ve got everything figured out. Sorry, did I catch your name by chance?” The girl next him softly spoke.
“Oh, I’m probably rambling, sorry. It’s Izuku Midoriya.” He said, scratching his head.
“I’m Ochako Uraraka, nice to meet you, aspiring poet.”
They both laughed a little at this, maybe Izuku would make a few friends after all. “Well I appreciate you listening to what I have to say, but if you could excuse me for a second. My little sister wrote me this letter and I should read it now so I don’t forget later” he said nervously.
“Of course! That’s really sweet of her” Uraraka said with a smile.
“She’s the best.” Izuku smiled back before he turned his head towards his lap and pulled out the cutely decorated envelope. He peeled back the glitter glue heart and slipped out the paper folded in half. He slowly unfolded it, tucking the rest back into his hoodie pocket.
The top read, To the best big brother ever, from Ichika.
Izuku panned his eyes down and nearly broke down in tears again, but pushed through so he could read the full thing.
“I hope you read this as soon as you said you would, I really tried my best for this. I even paid more attention in my English class so it would be super dooper special. I hope you have the bestest year in Italy Izuku and you get to eat all the yummy pizza and I hope you get to meet someone special. Maybe it’ll be a friend or someone super super special that you can kiss on the mouth. Ewww gross, older people do weird stuff. I’m gonna miss you so much and I can’t wait for when you get back so you can tell me about all the cool stuffs you did. I wanna be the first to hear about it. Because I’m a princess duh. I love you big brother, so so so so so so much. And you make me the happiest little sister ever!!!”
Izuku was sobbing now, hunched over in his seat. Uraraka handed him a tissue, not judging him. Family means a lot to people, and she knew that.
Izuku grabbed the tissue and blew his nose, followed by him wiping his eyes with his sleeve. “Thank you. I get emotional over this kinda stuff.”
“I get it. Being emotional isn’t a bad thing Izuku.”
Izuku ended up crying even more at her kind words, at least he would sleep for most of the flight.