Prompt: This is part 2 to Izuku is Drafted. It's been a hot second, so I recommend going back and reading the first.Pretty much, Izuku comes back from hell. This was requested a while ago, but it sort of slipped under my radar, so here we are. I believe they wanted me to go through Izuku's trauma from war, but that would simply take a lot. Therefore, I decided to just deal with his trauma and his family reunion at the same time.So let's do this!

Warnings: Dissociation, Dark Thoughts, Suicidal references, Self Worth Issues, overall negativity, grammar issues, and probably more

- - -

Finally, after two years of bullshit, I am free.

No longer do I have to do whatever the government wants. I don't have to wonder if I am going to be dead before tomorrow anymore.

Well, I still do, but my chances are much higher.

I am finally leaving the field. The war is over with us obtaining the "win."

I don't consider the lives we lost a win. Did we have to sacrifice lives like things rather than people? Was this worth getting China to follow our ways?

Was this pain and suffering worth it?

In my opinion, no. However, I can't change the past. All I can say is that I tried my best to prevent as many deaths as possible.

"You sure you don't want to stay in the military, Midoriya? You seem to thrive here! The numbers you racked up are incredible!" One of the men say as I am packing, and I bite my tongue to prevent snapping at him. I really don't want to think about it.

"I have work back home. I'm not going to sit around waiting for another unnecessary war."

"I'm not shocked, but I don't blame you. You just went through your second war as a leader, and you're only 20!"

"Yes," I face the man with a blank face, "And I hate it."

Yeah, the bitch ran off after that.

Of course, one of the government officials decide to replace him, "Midoriya, would you mind waiting another day-"

"I do mind actually."

"But what about your ceremony?!"

"You can get a body pillow to replace me for the meager price of 100 dollars, something a government should be able to pay. I don't give a fuck about the rewards I have gotten."

Thankfully, one of the guys interfere, "You're not going to get Midoriya to go, so you might as well."

I sigh, muttering a thank you as I finish packing.

Two years, and I finally get freedom.

Well, technically two years and a month. For some reason, I was wanted here in China for negotiations, so I had to wait another month before going home.

Bitches.

I throw my bag over my shoulder and leave the room that I have been trapped in for the last month.

"Someone is excited to leave," I hear someone say as I walk past, but I ignore them. Most of the hoes here are government officials. They don't know what I've been through. They don't even know what a regular soldier went through, let alone one that had thousands of lives on their name.

I don't even bother to say goodbye. I just get on the plane back to Japan.

I just want to be home.

- - -

It has come to my realization that I should have probably have told someone that I was returning. It slipped my mind, not that I am surprised by any means. Keeping up with communication was torturous for me, and there would be times I would just skip because I couldn't handle it, even if I am just writing. I tried video calls, but I decided that I didn't want them to see the mess I am and constantly thinking of what I have to do, something they respected. It was draining just to come up with topics that don't involve my hell. I deny they would want to read about a group of men who got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I digress, I should have done that. No excuses.

I am off the plane, and I am trying to figure out what to do. Should I text them and let them know that I am here? Go to a hotel first then do that? Call them? Maybe show up to one of their places? Fuck, what's the most logical way of doing this?

I settle on just going to UA. That's where I was before, and everybody should be there now unless something as changed. I deny anybody is retiring before 35 (unless forced), and Mom should still be there as well since she is a home economics teacher there.

UA it is.

Walking there is not fun, though. I considered taking a taxi, I swear. And then I decided that I needed to work on my legs and decided to walk there. Walking itself isn't an issue. I ran on a daily basis from bullets and quirks for the past two years, so walking is nothing.

It's just the media recognizing me. You would think that with shorter hair that they wouldn't recognize me, but nope. They did. I wasn't even wearing a military uniform. I was wearing casual clothes. I even wear glasses now for fuck sakes. I should have blended in.

Either way, I ran.

Imagine learning that someone is back through the media. Shouta would (and I would let him) kill me.

As it turns out, I got lost. I shouldn't be surprised. You would think that being on the field would improve that. Yeah, that's a dream come true. I had to ask for directions and then go from there.

Thankfully, I make it to UA. Now, will Nezu let me in or is he going to be a little rat bitch about it?

I step in through the gates with no issues. Okay, so not a little rat bitch.

Speaking of Nezu, I should probably going to him first. He can provide me with a decent idea of what the hell I should do. I think of a careful strategy of how to get past everybody before actually implementing it. I know I should just let the seeing happen, but I rather not freak one of them out in the middle of the school. It would get attention I give zero fucks about.

Somehow, I made it to Nezu's door. Go me. I knock, wait for him to yell to come in, and do as he asked.

As soon as his little beady eyes landed on me, Nezu perks up, "Izuku! It is a pleasure to see you! I did not know you were coming!" It's nice to talk to someone who calls me Izuku instead of Midoriya, even if it is Nezu.

I shrug as I make my way to one of the seats and sit down, "Yeah, I told no one. Unintentionally, mind you. It slipped my mind."

"So nobody knows that you are here except me?"

"Correct. I was supposed to be here a month ago, but God fucked with those plans and made me deal with China a bit longer."

"I assume that all is finished then?"

"Yeah. I no longer have to deal with this bastards, though they really did try to convince me that I am a good asset there."

"You would do amazing anywhere, Izuku."

"True, but I have my life to start again."

"I assume you mean becoming a hero?"

"No, becoming a chef- of course becoming a hero."

"I am aware. You have everything you need to become one, so there is nothing holding you back now. However, I recommend waiting for your mental health."

"I'll consider it. Is the squad and family here?"

"They are. They are currently teaching while Eri is at school, but the final bell is about to ring. If you go now, you can surprise them there."

"Is that what I am supposed to do?"

"You are going to surprise them no matter what since you decided not to tell anybody. However, that is what I recommend. Your dorm should be the same way as it was two years ago, so it gives you time to drop your luggage off there as well."

"Damn, you're just going to allow me to move back in like that?"

"Of course! I would not want to separate you from your friends and family, and if you decide you don't want to go into hero work immediately, you can work here for the meantime if you would like."

"Something tells me you are only after the second part."

"No no no! That is just an added benefit."

I roll my eyes while standing up, "Keep telling yourself that. Anyway, I should head out if I am going to pull through with your idea. Thanks for allowing me to stay."

"Not a problem! Just be sure to take care of yourself and I will be happy."

Yeah, how am I supposed to respond to that?

Simple: I don't. I just head out.

I sneak my way to my dorm to find that it looks just like I had left it except maybe a bit dusty. Not surprisingly. Cleaning is going to be a high priority is seems. I also don't like how the living room is an office. It was fine then because I was doing cases here, but after everything, I actually want a living room.

The things war does to you.

I drop my luggage off at my room, remove my robot arm (finally), and I hesitantly head to the dorm living room. Thankfully, nobody is here.

Should I sit on the couch and wait-

What am I talking about? That was never an option.

Instead, I move to the kitchen and look to see what they have. After some searching, I find the ingredients for hot chocolate, and I am saying those are free real-estate and taking them.

I find myself nearly absorbed in the process. Making hot chocolate is much more relaxing than preparing for a fight to the death. You would have to be stupid to think otherwise, but it's sad that it's a thought that goes through my head in the first place.

Anyway, I use the word nearly because I quickly notice when someone is coming in.

I spin around to find Snipe, who looks back at me with shock.

"Well, I'll be damned, you're back," Snipe states.

"Uh-huh. You didn't get rid of me this time," I respond.

"Great. I'm shocked nobody is here. Did you tell em?"

"Nope."

"Still a dumbass."

"I simply forgot, sir."

"How in the hell did you forget to tell anybody that yer coming home?!"

"I have no clue. Do you want hot chocolate?"

"Nah. Kayama and Yamada should be here any minute, and I rather not hear that ruckus."

"And you think that you're going to get yourself drunk before they get here?"

"I'm tryin."

Well, I don't really get a chance to question it further since Snipe retreats to his room. I didn't want to talk to him anyway, so that works for me. I just focus on making my hot chocolate.

It's calm for a few minutes, but then I can't help but be anxious. I know they're my friends, my best friends, but there's a lingering fear that they just don't care anymore. I would understand why since my communication skills went to shit while there.

I know. It's illogical. Yet, my brain can't seem to get that thought out. Like, what if I say something wrong?

How much have I even missed-?

"But he wrote about spiders, Nem! Spiders! He could have wrote about anything, and he wrote about spiders!" Hizashi's voice suddenly bursts out as the door opens. I can't help but put down the spoon I was using to stir and face them, not that they notice me yet.

They look the same as before they left, and I can't help but feel relief. It's so nice to see them, and a small smile nearly appears on my face. Nearly.

"Hey, if the kid likes spiders, let him write about spiders," Nemuri simply explains as she closes the door behind them.

Hizashi huffs, "Sure, but I hate spiders!"

"That sounds like a you problem."

"And I thought that you loved me!"

"I do! But you told them to write about anything, so you put yourself in that hole. Might want to consider-" Nemuri is approaching the kitchen when she locks eyes with me. A gasp escapes her as she runs with a smile, "Izuku!" She tackles me into a tight hug, and I instantly reciprocate it if awkwardly. It's been so fucking long.

"Huh?" Hizashi questions as he approaches. As soon as he sees me in Nemuri's arms, he screams with his quirk on, "IZUKU!" He doesn't hesitate to join the hug fest.

And I smile. When was the last time I smiled? Been so fucking long. I could not tell you.

Oh, I should say something, huh?

"I'm alive, bitches."

Giggles and laughs escape from them, and it's nice. It's not from something sad like a death joke. I mean, this does count as a death joke to some extent? I rather not think about it.

Nemuri is the first to pull back, keeping her hands on my shoulders as she looks over me with tears in her eyes, "You've certainly matured. I'm so glad that you're not bald. Decent length for something who served in the military, actually."

I scoff, "You think that I would let them cut it all? They can suffer." The thousand pushups a day was completely worth keeping my hair. They actually ended up giving up at the first half a year mark, so that worked out well for me.

"That a boy," Nemuri laughs between tears of happiness (at least, they better fucking be). I would offer a handkerchief, but I don't have one at me at the moment. Thankfully, Hizashi, who is still hugging me from behind, offers her one, "Thanks, Zashi."

"No problem!" Hizashi says.

"I didn't think you would be one for surprises in this case, Izuku. You caught me off guard. Making a grown woman cry!"

I roll my eyes, "That sounds like a you problem. Also, that was unintentional. I sort of forgot to mention it? Sorry, though I sort of just got on the plane and left to some extent. Like, I didn't have an exact date. I knew I would be returning home this week, but I wasn't sure when."

Hizashi lets go of me and joins Nemuri at her side, "Seems odd you didn't get an exact date. Though, it's odd you didn't return home at the same time as the rest of the men."

"They wanted me to act like their pretty little trophy. They wanted me to stay an extra day for awards, but I told them to go get a body pillow of me and left." Both of them burst out laughing.

"That sounds like you! I'm shocked nobody killed you for being so stubborn." I shrug. It didn't take long for them to just give me a high ranking due to my experience. I outranked most people, so they had to deal with it. No point in someone lower than me trying to tell me to go bald.

Nemuri notices my works of art on the counter, "Of all the things you could do when you just got back and you chose to make hot chocolate?"

I nod, "I made some for y'all too, no worries."

"Honey, you're supposed to be relaxing."

"Well, I wanted hot chocolate."

Hizashi chuckles, "If the kid wants hot chocolate, let him make hot chocolate."

Nemuri rolls her eyes, grabbing a mug with one hand and my shoulder with another as the guides me from the kitchen. She then pushes me on the couch.

I gasp while sitting up, "You meanie."

"Just guiding you into the world of relaxation," She entertains as she offers me the mug. I take it gently, setting it on my lap since it's hot.

"I don't think pushing me around is going to get me to relax."

"Don't be so dramatic!"

Hizashi comes in with the two other mugs, offering one to Nemuri, "I mean, you did push him."

Nemuri glares at Hizashi, who just grins, "I will block you." Yeah, that grin disappears quick.

"Wait, no!"

"Then shush."

Hizashi huffs, taking a seat beside me, "Thanks for the hot chocolate, kid."

Nemuri takes the other side, "Yes, thank you, dear."

"Y'all are the children around here."

And we don't say anything for a while. Hizashi turns on the TV, so we just let that fill the air for a while. It's nice. Unfortunately, more teachers come in, but after a quick hey, they leave me alone. That's good, at least.

Then, my mood improves me when Mom and Eri come in. This time, I have a genuine smile as I stand up, ignoring Nemuri's phone that is stalking me.

Eri's eyes widen with excitement, "IZU!" She dashes up to me, jumping into my arm. I manage to catch her, swinging her around.

"Holy smokes, you've grown so much! The pictures really don't do justice," I tell her. It's so nice to see her, even if it brings up some buried feelings.

I missed part of Eri growing up. Two years. She's ten now and growing like a weed. Instead of spending time with her, I had to go around killing and capturing the other bastards forced into it.

Life is cruel. That was the hardest part of it all besides leaving the squad.

"Izu?" Eri asks as she pokes my cheek. Oh shit, I zoned out.

"Oh, sorry, I got distracted with my thoughts, sweetie. Did you ask me something?"

"No. You just zoned out."

"Sorry about that. You've been good while I have been gone, right?" Distract distract distract.

"Uh-huh! Mom says I'm doing super well in classes!"

"Well enough for ice cream tomorrow?"

"YEAH!" Someone has been around Hizashi too much.

I grin again, not realizing it slacked in the first place, "I have hot chocolate already made on the counter. How about after I say hi to Mom we enjoy some?"

"Yay, thank you!"

"No problem, sweets," I set her down, looking up at Mom, "Hey, Mom."

Mom immediately tackles me into a hug, sobbing, "I've missed you so much!"

I smile softly, trying to comfort her to the best of my abilities abilities gained from having to help frightened citizens, "I missed you too. How about heat up the hot chocolate and catch up?"

Mom pulls back with a smile, reaching up and cupping my cheek for a moment, "Of course, dear."

I get the hot chocolate done for them, much to Nemuri's annoyance, and we sit down at chat for hours.

However, after a while, I can't help but wonder where Shouta is. Is he okay? Has he gotten hurt? He should be back by now, right? Those thoughts certainly made it harder to focus on the conversation, but I tried my best because I want to know everything possible.

As if he felt my thoughts, Hizashi suddenly pulls out his phone and types something on it before showing it to me.

'sho is probably doing paperwork then heading on patrol. hes been occupying himself more with work since you left and then you not returning with the rest made it worse'

I slowly nod, ignoring the look of concern from him as I look away. I can't help but feel guilty. He's acting that way because of me. Shouta and I relied on each other heavily after everything, and we were just getting better about not being so clingy when I got drafted. I can say, on my side, that it sucked ass for a while. Still does even now. I struggled writing to Shouta the most out of everything because I didn't want to stress him out more. He's my best friend and brother. I'm not cruel.

Time seems to fly by because the next thing I know, we have eaten dinner and it's time for Mom and Eri to go back to the cabin. After some quick byes and promises for that ice cream tomorrow, they head out, leaving Nemuri, Hizashi, and I on the couch at around eight at night. Everybody else is in their room being antisocial, so it's just us three out here.

As soon as the door clicks shut, Nemuri faces me with concern, "Are you okay?"

I sigh, "I'm just concerned about Shouta. I didn't show it too much, did I?"

"Eri probably didn't notice, but Izuku, Sho is fine. You would be the first to hear from us if there was something wrong with him. He can take care of himself. He hasn't been going overboard on working. It's just more so than usual."

Hizashi adds, "I can vouch on Nem on that one. We wouldn't let him anyway."

I nod, "But how was he when I left?"

Hizashi sighs, "He could have been better. It wasn't a fun time, but it certainly could have been worse."

"I wish I didn't leave him. It was unfair on him. We were just getting to a point where we were becoming normal human beings after everything."

Nemuri inserts, "It was unfair on you too, Izuku. You should not have been allowed to go at all."

"That's life for me. When do you think Shouta is going to get home?"

"After two most likely. Are you going to stay up?" Hizashi asks.

"Do you really think that I am going to sleep when I still need to see him?"

"No offense, but you look like you could use it."

"I can use my quirk on you if you want," Nemuri recommends.

I quickly shake my head, "Please don't." I have terrible memories with sleeping gas. I know that it's Nemuri's quirk, but I don't like being put to sleep at all by outside sources of such. Nemuri seems to quickly pick up on that.

"If that's the case, do you want us to stay up with you?"

"You don't have to."

Hizashi says, "But we want to. We can have a slumber party!"

Nemuri's eyes light up at that, "Nevermind, you don't get a choice anymore. We're having a slumber party whether you like it or not."

"Pop off, I guess," I say while rolling my eyes once more.

That's what happens. The original plan was to play Just Dance, but I couldn't get myself into it. I end up watching them from the couch, drowning in my thoughts as they try to beat one another. At one point, they got tired and put on a movie instead. I can't tell you when that happened. I only know that it did at some point.

Time sort of blurred for me. Like, I tried my best, but it eventually became fuzzy for me. I know Nemuri and Hizashi tried to bring me back with their small touches or conversation. That didn't work well either.

Eventually, Hizashi turns off the TV and faces me, and I put all my energy into focusing him, "Shouta should be here soon. I don't know how he'll show up, so do you want to hide somewhere so that he can change before seeing you?"

I slowly nod as I stand up, trying to think of a good hiding place. Nemuri quickly realizes the problem as she grabs my hand and leads me to the kitchen.

"Here, bend down. He won't notice you," Nemuri tells me softly, and I follow her instructions, curling up with my back to the cabinet. She leaves me there, and I seem to go further into my thoughts.

Until the door opens, and familiar yet barely heard steps seem to echo in the room.

"Shouta, hey! How was patrol?" Hizashi announces.

The fuzziness went away in a snap when Shouta's voice reaches me, "Sucked. Shouldn't you two be in bed? There's still school." It is sad how much I miss just hearing his voice. That deep 'i dont give a shit about life' voice that comforted me through so many bad times. I relax slightly, keeping my presence near invisible as I just listen to him because he's alive, and that's all that matters to me.

Nemuri huffs, "Hey, we're adults! We can have a little fun!"

"Whatever. I'm going to bed-"

Hizashi interrupts Shouta's sentence, "Wait! We have a surprise! You just need to change."

"Hizashi, not today."

"Shouta, please. It's important!"

"I'm not falling for that again."

Nemuri's tone shifts to something more serious, "We're not joking, Shouta. This is important."

"Can't it wait until morning?" Bitch, I stayed up all night to see you.

"No. You'll be pissed if you wait until morning. Just go change."

Shouta sighs, and I hear him moving along with a door opening and closing. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a thumbs up that I nearly miss.

I'm going to see Shouta.

I'm finally going to see Shouta.

I can't believe it.

If I must be honest, I thought I was going to die on the field. Whether it be because of someone else or me, I don't know. However, I expected death. I felt it creep up on me so many times, yet I seem to narrowly dodge it. Luck is probably part of the reason I am here today.

Yet it's also why so many people aren't. They won't be having this moment with their family. Their family got a bland and emotionless message saying that the person who went for their family died on the field or disease or some other unneeded death. They might have got pity and some honor, but that's it.

As if that will replace the times they would have had with their family,

What did I do to deserve it? Why do I get to go back to my family yet those people had to die?

It's sick. It's so fucking sick-

Suddenly, I hear Shouta again, "Let's get this over with."

Nemuri chuckles, "This isn't one of those cases. Let me go get it."

Nemuri rounds the counter again, and I must look terrible as she is instantly at my side with a soft whisper, "Izu, honey, what's wrong?" She reaches forward and rubs her thumb across my cheek as if to wipe away something-

Fuck, I'm crying. No wonder she is concerned.

I shake my head, forcing rubbing the tears away on my sleeve. I also notice the shakiness, but I decide to shove that away for now.

"Do you still want to see him?"

Even if I am an emotional mess, I nod. Wouldn't be the first time around him.

Nemuri stands up, giving me a gentle smile as she offers my hand. I hesitate for a moment, but then I take it and stand up to reveal myself.

I instantly face Shouta's direction to see his eyes widen for a moment like he has been shocked. Then, a hand clasps onto the lower part of his face as I see tears start to show.

"Izuku," Shouta softly says with relief. He doesn't seem able to move, frozen in place.

I still can't believe I am here. I know I saw everyone, but I never had that emotional attachment with them as I had with Shouta. We've just been through so much together that everyone is aware that there is a stronger relationship compared to everyone else. Probably compared to other families.

I am unable to help myself. I raise a hand to my neck, checking for a pulse to make sure I am not in a dream or purgatory.

My pulse is still there. I'm alive. I'm alive and able to see Shouta.

Shouta watches me with a close eye, and that's when he unlocks. He opens his arms to offer a hug.

I don't hesitate to run at him like he is going to disappear at any moment and tackle him into as tight of a hug as I possibly could. Shouta uses one hand to rub my back slowly while another tangles through my hair.

And it takes everything not to just break down right there.

Of course, Shouta is asking for it otherwise as he heaves through his near silent quiet, "It's okay, Izuku. I'm here now."

It was in an instant that I start sobbing against, clinging to him, afraid that if I let go of him that all of this will disappear and that I will be back on the battle field.

Through it all, I whimper out, "I missed you."

Shouta somehow doubles his efforts in comforting me from that alone, "I missed you too."