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Sunset
“Every sunset is a journey, a journey to remember the memories of the past.”
--Mehmet Murat ildan
They sat outside on the balcony after dinner, just the two of them, watching as the ruddy glow from the sun faded and the stars gradually twinkled to life. A cool breeze blew through the space between them, narrow enough that Izuku could reach across the touch the old hero. Still, close though they were, they might as well have been across the globe and decades apart as far as All Might was concerned.
Midoriya Inko had remained inside, washing dishes, and had suggested that they go out and enjoy the evening while she got dessert ready. All Might had always enjoyed the sunset, and Izuku was partial to it as well. He had so many memories of sunsets and evenings with this man. All Might had once handed him his entire future in the middle of the street at sunset. And Izuku had realized that he loved the man like a father on the beach under the moonlight shortly after Kamino. Always so much blood in their past. But love and hope as well.
Izuku wished they could still share those memories.
Even just one.
All Might sighed gently at that moment, and Izuku glanced over at him. The old man’s eyes were closed as the breeze gently ruffled his fine silver hair. There was a faint smile on his gaunt, lined face. He looked so peaceful that Izuku found himself smiling gently as well. “What are you thinking about, All Might?” he asked quietly.
The old man’s brow furrowed a bit at the use of his hero name, but his smile didn’t fade. “I--Nothing. I was... just thinking.”
“About what?”
All Might coughed weakly into his hand, then brushed it off on his black pants. “Nothing. Just... things.”
“Oh.”
They remained quiet for a long moment before All Might spoke again. “How is your father, Young Midoriya?”
Izuku started at that, glancing back over at his mentor, unsure how to answer that. Midoriya Hisashi had left their family years ago. Izuku had no idea if he was even still alive. Then again, All Might could have been referring to himself just as easily, misplacing the connection.
“He’s… well I hope,” Izuku replied carefully. He studied the man critically. Despite his small smile, there was a sadness to the old man’s face that caused Izuku’s heart to ache. He’d do anything to ease it, even for a moment. And so, with this thought, he scrambled for a way to discuss the one topic that had brought a smile to his face that evening. “How’s… your son, All Might?”
Slowly, the old man’s eyes opened, and he turned to face Izuku, the blue eyes so vibrant and alive that for a moment Izuku almost forgot how different things had become. “I…” All Might began, his brows furrowing as he tried to find the right words--make the right connections. As though this response really mattered. He fell silent after a moment, a small frown creasing his face as he leaned back thoughtfully, closing those vivid eyes again. “My son…” he murmured.
Izuku took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for bringing up--” he began, but then a small smile curled his lips, stopping the younger man.
“His name is Izuku,” All Might finally said quietly. “Have you met him?”
A small tear tracked down Izuku’s cheek that he quickly wiped away. “Yeah. I think so. Why don’t you tell me about him?”
All Might’s smile grew. “Oh, he’s a good boy. He’s a Pro, you know.”
“Really?”
“Best hero in the world.”
Izuku chuckled at that, thinking of a few of his classmates’ amazing skills and capture records. “Oh, I doubt he’s the best,” he replied. Then he added mischievously, “Anyway, I hear that All Might was the best.”
The old man snorted forcefully and waved his hand dismissively at that as though the very idea was ridiculous. “Not even close.”
Izuku fell silent.
“My boy is stronger than he ever was. He saved All Might himself, you know. During the…” He paused, concentrating carefully before finally adding, “Well, more than once. My Izuku is the best.”
Gently, Izuku whispered, “Why?”
All Might smiled warmly. “He’s just… better. He’s whole. I don’t…” He waved his hand as though trying to sort the words in the air to pull one to him. “All Might was broken. My boy…”
“There’s nothing wrong with being broken,” Izuku whispered.
“But my boy fixed him.” The old man pounded his chest lightly with his gnarled fist. “His heart. He fixed it.”
And suddenly Izuku understood what the man was saying. Tears tracked gently down his face.
All Might looked over, and, seeing the tears, reached gently over to Izuku’s hand and grasped it tightly in his own. “Why are you crying, my boy?” he asked. “You saved me.”
The dam broke at those words, and Izuku just let the tears fall, smiling at the man who was his greatest hero, as well as his father. “I love you, dad,” he whispered.
All Might just squeezed his hand, his expression warm and at peace. "You, too."