A/N: Hello everyone! This is my first fan fiction for this fandom, and I am really excited to see how it goes! I honestly don't know how long this fit will be. It depends on how much motivation I get to write it, but I do plan on adding at least a few more chapters after this one. I guess it depends on the response I get, as a greater response make me more motivated to write.

This is a fic I had in my head ever since I started watching the anime and reading the manga. Izuku is probably my favorite protagonist of any series and he is just so endearing! I love the precious cinnamon roll, and try to preserve that as much as I can in this fic. The reason I love him the most though is because I believe he represents everything a true hero should be. He is self-sacrificing, humble, and will do basically anything to help someone no matter who they are and what grudges he may have against them *cough Kacchan cough.* This is also something that I will try to make extremely apparent in this fic.

I also bring out my concept on the hero rankings in this fic. In this AU, Hero Rankings get published every six months, and are compromised of a few different individual components. This will be expanded upon further in future chapters.

So without further adue, lets get this party started!

I apologize for any blatant grammar mistakes. This chapter is unbetad.


Chapter 1: The World's Greatest Hero

HEROES! Magazine: Japan's most trusted source for everything heroes!

NEW HERO RANKINGS!: Shouto Finally Trumps Gale for Highly Coveted #4 Spot! Uravity and Froppy Crack Top 10 for First Time!

For the past thee cycles, Shouto and Gale have been vying for the coveted #4 ranking, and for the most part Gale has gotten the best of Shouto. Today however marks the end of Gale's one and a half year reign on top as Shouto has finally bested him in the latest rankings! Many believe this could be due to the hero's most recent effort in—

"Hello sir!" A voice jolts him out of this reading. The teenager scowls, annoyed at the interruption as he looks up to the saleswoman at the stand he stopped at. "I see you are looking at the latest Hero Rankings! I'm SO happy that Shouto finally knocked off Gale! He definitely is a hottie that deserves the ranking of #4!"

He smirks at the lady. "Well you're not wrong." He can admit that Shouto is very attractive, and also deserving of the top spot amongst the 'mortal' heroes. He also may be a bit biased due to the fact that he knows Shouto very well since he's always hanging out with his big brother, but meh! That's not important.

"I KNOW! He's just so dreamy and the way that he uses his fire and ice is absolutely stunning!" He can't help but raise his eyebrow and shake his head at her obvious adoration for the dual quirk user. She seems to be laying it on a bit thick, and he finds it all quite amusing. That's mainly because he knows that Shouto is pretty shy and indifferent towards most people. Its almost as funny when he finds people who gush over Big Brother.

Almost. Nothing will beat people gushing over Big Brother. Mainly because the teen usually joins in with them and makes his brother extremely embarrassed.

Speaking of which…

"Oh! I see you are also wearing a Deku hat! Did you see the new article that they had on him?! Man I tell you, I seriously can't believe how much he's already done in ten years!"

The kid outright grins now, not aware of this pleasantly surprising new fact. He was originally going to get the magazine for Big Brother just for the article about not only one of the hero's best friends, but two: Shouto and Froppy! And lets not forget that it also mentions his wife Uravity. His brother would love so see those three finally getting the credit they deserve in the rankings. But now learning about this new article about Big Brother himself, the boy absolutely needs to get it.

He can't wait to see how his big brother will react to that article.

He stifles a giggle at that thought. Despite being the #1 Hero for the past 6 years running now—and with absolutely no sign of being dethroned anytime soon—he still is the same anxious, nerdy, shy boy that gets embarrassed at the tiniest compliment. There have been hundreds of articles on Deku at this point, but his reaction to all of them is still hilarious every singe time.

"Yeah, Deku is my favorite hero," the teen replies to her. This would come as a shock to absolutely nobody. Not only is Deku his big brother, but he also saved his life various times. Not to mention that he is far and away the most popular hero in Japan, arguably even more popular than All Might in his prime.

The saleswoman replies with a giggle. "For some reason that doesn't surprise me…" She gives his outfit a once over and he can't help the small blush that comes to his face. Not only is he decked out in a Deku hat, but he's also wearing a one of a kind Deku shirt that has the hero giving his signature grin with the words 'Have no fear! Because I'm here!' He even got it signed, although that was more to see Big Brother's reaction and to make his friends extremely jealous.

"By the way," she continues. "Did you read the part where he saved the life of a little boy while he was still a first year, BY HIMSELF?! I remember the event since it was all over the news and Yuuei got a bad rep for letting villains attack their students during a summer training camp."

His eyes widen at the girl's words. He has a feeling he knows where this is going…

"Apparently Deku went against one of the most powerful villains of that time: some brute named 'Muscular.' If I recall, he was still a criminal that was on the loose from his murder of the Water Hose Duo—" The boy winces at that information. "—and this guy was a part of this attack. But not only did Deku fight him, he managed to win and capture him, all while protecting the child! He didn't even have his provisional hero license at the time and he still went out of his way to save that boy!" She then sighs dramatically and gives him a dreamy grin. "Man, if that isn't a true hero I don't know what is."

The teenager looks down at that information, a sad smile on his face. Oh he knows that story intimately.

After all, he is the little boy that was saved that day.

Kouta quickly steels his expression and looks back up at the saleswoman with a grin. He gets some money out and gives it to her, grabbing another magazine off of the rack and buying two copies. "Yeah, he certainly is an awesome hero isn't he?" He pauses at her enthusiastic nod, taking his change. "Thanks Miss!" The teen gives the woman a wave before heading off towards his destination, now lost in thought.

Deku is an awesome hero. Heh. Awesome doesn't even begin to describe how amazing his big brother is. Not only did Deku save him from his parents' murderer that day, but he also saved him from himself. At that point, he was so bitter towards what happened to his parents he hated heroes and quirks in general. After learning what happens to those who repress their quirks, he knows how dangerous it can be, not only physically, but mentally. His big brother's actions opened his eyes and gave him the epiphany he needed in order to heal from the death of his parents.

But that's not even the half of it. The most incredible part of the story to him wasn't that Deku tore himself up to defeat Muscular against all odds. Although that is impressive, that's not what made Deku his hero. No, what made him his hero was the fact that Deku tore himself up and risked his life fighting Muscular in order to save him! Kouta hadn't given his big brother any reason to risk his life for him, and in fact made his stay at that summer camp that much more stressful.

He punched the guy in the freakin' nuts the first time he met him for god's sake!

Yet Deku still went out of his way and saved him regardless. That's what makes him a hero—Kouta's hero.

So with the knowledge that someone actually wrote an article revealing those events, he had to buy a copy of the magazine. He had to buy it not only for Big Brother, but for himself too. With everything that has been revealed about Deku's incredibly heroic career up to this point, this is the first article that details those specific events. Auntie Shino probably was interviewed for it. That's the only way he can think of that they would have gotten that story. He knows for sure Deku didn't say anything.

He snorts at that thought. Big Brother would never try to boast about doing something that he just thought was the right thing to do. It's one of the many traits that makes him the most popular hero in Japan by a landsli—

"Haha! Gotcha now kiddie!"

He drops the magazines he was carrying as he feels some guy's arm around his neck pulling him backwards towards his body. Kouta internally sighs, mentally berating himself for not paying more attention. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he was walking home on autopilot and unintentionally walked right into one of the back alleys in the shader part of the neighborhood. Luckily though, Kouta had one hand in his pocket where his phone is, and he is able to send off a quick text to the group chat with at least 10 pro heroes with his location before the villain adjusts his grip and slams him forward against a brick building.

He winces, trying to struggle out of the guy's hold, but the man just laughs and pushes him harder against the wall. He can tell from the villain's grip that he has some sort of strength enhancement quirk since the teen can't even budge him at all.

What is with my luck with villains with strength enhancement quirks? he mentally laments.

"Yes! You will be the perfect little hostage," the villain whispers to him. "The police are always more willing to give me what I want when a child is involved."

Kouta gulps. Normally he might have been able to a least stall for time for the heroes to arrive, but he was caught off guard by this man. Still, while he is starting to get nervous internally, he can't let this loser know that. "I wouldn't say that if I were you," Kouta retorts. "You have no idea who you're messing with. Do you even know who my big brother is? When he finds you he—"

"SHUT UP!" the villain cuts him off. He slams him against the wall once, and then another time for emphasis, making his face hit the wall with concussive force. "I don't care who you brother is! You better cooperate with me or else you will be seeing a lot more stars than you are right now! I'm not above hurting a child to get my way!"

Okay… Kouta thinks, coughing up blood dripping down his throat from his shattered nose. That was probably not the smartest thing to say when he's in the position of power. He continues coughing, wincing from the pain of that last slam. He really hopes that someone will come and help him soon, before this gets any worse. How did it get to this point already?

Eventually the villain slams him against the wall one more time before letting go. Kouta immediately slumps against the wall. He doesn't stay there for long though as the villain roughly grabs him by his favorite Deku shirt and pulls him up. Kouta tries to get a good look at his ugly face, but it's covered by a black ski mask. How cliche. "Yes! This is perfect!" the man exclaims. "With you looking like this, they will see how serious I am about my demands!"

The teen tries once more to struggle, but with his head aching the way it is as well as the the strength enhancement quirk the villain has, it only leads the villain to roughly turn him around and shove him forward. He pins one of the teens arms behind his back to prevent Kouta from stumbling as he is shoved forward. "Move forward before I have to do something even more dra—"

"Excuse me sir," a voice interrupts the criminal. A very familiar voice that makes Kouta relax instantly. He didn't even realize how scared he was until he heard that voice.

The villain roughly turns to face the new voice, turning Kouta with him since he's still in tight in his grip. "Yeah, what do you want punk?"

Kouta can vaguely make out the hero's figure at the end of the alleyway, although his presence is extremely comforting. The figure moves closer, blocking the exit to the alley. "I would appreciate it if you would unhand my brother and come with me."

Yes, he knows everything will be fine now.

Because he is here.

Deku.

His big brother.

The villain stupidly laughs his head off at that declaration. "What are you going to do about it? Your brother is a valuable hostage, and I need him to fulfill my goals." The villain then shoves Kouta hard against the wall once again. "So you get out of here before I harm your 'brother' even more!"

There isn't even an ounce of fear in Kouta's body as the villain makes his intentions known. He knows without a doubt that Deku will save him as much as he knows without a doubt that humans need oxygen to live. Instead of whimpering or shaking in fear, Kouta merely smirks as he feels the air charge with hostile intent. This guy definitely made a mistake by doing that. Big Brother already hates it when villains take hostages, but not only is this guy using a kid as a hostage, but it's his own younger brother to boot.

Apparently the idiot that took him hostage doesn't recognize the man standing in his way. Not that its that much of a surprise since the alleyway is dark and all he can see is the outline of a short, skinny looking man blocking his way. That will just make this that much more hilarious.

If Kouta wasn't in the position he's in, he would get out some popcorn while he watches this villain get his ass handed to him.

He can see the green lightning start to surround Deku as he activated his Full Cowl. The villain must realize who he's up against now as Kouta can feel him stiffen behind him. "Alright then," he can hear Deku reply. "I guess I have no choice then than to take you by force!"

Kouta doesn't even bother holding back his grin as he suddenly feels the villain release him and start running away. The teen immediately slumps against the wall and tries to catch the action as his big brother instantly catches up to the guy and slams the villain against the wall himself.

Ha! Take that! A piece of your own medicine!

"I may not be as fast as Ingenium or as strong as TentaCole or Sugar Rush—" Kouta can't help the snort that escapes from hearing that. Please. As much as Kouta respects those three heroes, Deku's definitely better than all of them. "—but I think it's safe to say I'm pretty quick and strong in my own right. You should just give up and come with me."

To the villains credit, he is able to get out of Deku's grip and leap backwards. "So you're Deku eh? The great 'Symbol of Peace!'" the villain responds sarcastically. Kouta sees him visibly bulk up, confirming his suspicions that he has a strength enhancement quirk. "I don't see what's so special about you! If that's all you got, then this should be a walk in the park!"

Deku looks over towards Kouta briefly, eyes darkening at seeing his injuries. The hero then turns his face back towards the villain and give him a full fledged Deku grin. The difference from his normal grin is palpable though. This one holds no warmth or kindness—just a promise of pain. "Oh don't worry," the hero states. Kouta winces at the falsely sweet voice of his big brother. "That was only 5% of my power. I was toning it down to prevent any collateral damage, but with your quirk, it looks like I might need 15% to actually subdue you."

And then he charges up Full Cowl.

The fight ends before it even began. While the villain was indeed pretty strong, Kouta could tell that he relied heavily on catching his targets off guard. Once in an actual one-on-one situation, he doesn't really have many fighting skills, especially against someone like Deku. It takes less than half a minute for Deku to take care of the villain and knock him out. It wouldn't have taken even that long if he could have used his smashes, but the fact that they were fighting in a side alleyway limited his options in order to keep the damage to a minimum.

Once he makes sure the villain is tied up, he rushes over to Kouta. While the teen grins up at his hero, said hero frowns upon seeing the younger's injuries. The man looks towards the villain again as if contemplating giving him more punishment before sighing and picking up Kouta as if he were a small child. This brings a blush to the teen's face, but he doesn't fight to get out of his grip. He knows a lost battle when he sees one.

"I'm so sorry I took so long to get to you Kouta," Deku starts. He walks out of the alleyway seeing a police car pull up and take the criminal in. The officer takes one look at the hero before nodding his head and driving off. They know that Deku will file the correct paperwork and statement tomorrow. One of the advantages of being the #1 hero. "I tried getting there as soon as I got your signal, but I was still too late to save you from getting hurt."

Kouta merely snuggles a bit against his hero to let him know it's alright. "Relax Big Brother," he retorts. They both wince at how nasally his voice sounds with the broken nose. "I know your agency is halfway across town and it would be a bit until you got there. I was just too stupid, not cooperating or buying more time. I think I was mostly pissed that this guy took me off guard and made me drop the magazines I'd just bought, so I had to be snarky back, you know?"

Deku snorts. Clearly he does know. "Kouta, you've gotta stop doing that! You're going to get seriously hurt one of these days! I mean look at you!"

"Please! This is nothing Eri or Recovery Girl can't fix." The teen looks away at the stern look he gets from his big brother.

"That's not the point! You shouldn't go around and mouth off to villains when they have you in a compromised position." He then turns the teen's head to meet his gaze. "I really hate seeing you get hurt, even if we have the means to heal it. It makes me feel like a failure as a big brother…"

Okay, ouch. That statement right there hurt ten times more than his multiple trips against that wall. "I'm sorry Big Brother…" He glumly replies. "I never think you're a failure as a big brother. The reason I feel like I can do that stuff in the first place is because I know that you will be there to save me if anything goes wrong. If anything, I've failed you as a little brother—"

"NO!" Deku replies vehemently. "You could never fail me as a little brother! I just don't like that you sometimes get yourself into sticky situations like this. It's not like you can help it… just promise me you'll be more careful in the future."

The teen nods before wincing at the pain that brought. He definitely has a mild concussion, but again, nothing that Eri or Recovery Girl can't take care of. "I promise I'll be more careful." Deku just gives him a small grin at that, the gesture making Kouta relax into his brother's comforting embrace. While normally he would probably protest getting carried home like a baby by his big brother—he is 15 years old after all—he admits that this is nice. Big Brother is the only one that he would allow to carry him like this.

"So, why were you out this way anyways?" Big Brother asks. "You mentioned buying magazines…"

"That's right!" he shouts, wincing at the noise. Stupid concussion. He definitely needs to think before he speaks. "I bought the latest HEROES! Magazine since it had the newly published results of the latest Hero Rankings! I was going to get you and Big Sister one since it had an article about Shouto making #4 and Uravity and Froppy making the Top 10!"

Not to mention the article on how you saved me the very first time.

He can see his Big Brother's face light up at that. "Lets get you home first and fix those injuries, but then I'll buy some more of those magazines for you okay?"

Kouta smiles and nods gently as to not rouse his headache before snuggling into his brother's arms some more. He closes his eyes and lets himself relax as they make their way back to his Big Brother's house. It's so nice that Uncle Mirio and Eri live next door from Big Brother and Big Sister because that just makes it that much more convenient for him to heal up. Eri truly is a miracle worker with her quirk.

He tries hard not to fall asleep the rest of the way back. He knows it's not good to fall asleep with a concussion, but Deku's embrace feels like laying on a cloud. He feels so safe and protected, not that he would admit it out loud in a normal situation. However, this is not a normal situation.

As he sees the house up in the distance, Kouta suddenly grins thinking of one thing:

His big brother's reaction once he sees that article about him.

He'll make sure he makes plenty of popcorn for that show.