#mha sako atsuhiro | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

imagine-this-fandom · 2 years

Text

The Rescue: BNHA X Fem! Reader-Gentleman crow

The rescue intro: here

"(Y/n) why don't you adopt one of the pets here? They deserve a good owner and you could use some company! A good pet is just the thing to make sure you're not lonely!"

You stared at her in surprise before considering. After all, what did you really have to lose? Besides, you couldn't deny that the thought was appealing. To come home to an apartment with some life in it, someone waiting just for you. Someone who relied on you and wouldn't leave. Someone who wouldn't judge you.

"Alright! I'll do it! But I'll need some help picking them out... I've never had a pet of my own before."

She grinned and grabbed your hand, holding Izuku with her other one.

"I have just the one for you!!"

You followed her out into the main room, trying to keep the excited woman in your sights amongst the tall shelves. You tried not to cringe as your shoes squeaked against the linoleum, having not dried fully from the snow that had caked them earlier. The snow was still coming down outside, blanketing the world in white.

The contrasting color is what drew you in. His inky black feathers against a backdrop of white were quite dramatic. You tilted your head, mirroring the crow's movement as he watched you right back. You stepped forward, Inko's chosen pet forgotten as you approached the bird in his cage.

"Well hello there, little one."

The crow bobbed his head at you, fluttering over to a perch closer to you.

"Well aren't you a pretty bird." you cooed softly to him, admiring his pretty black feathers.

He took that opportunity to tip his head downward and spread his wings outward in a bow.

Your face lit up in delight at the display, smiling widely.

"Pretty" came the rough voice of the crow.

"Well, what a little charmer! I didn't even know crows could speak!" You curtsied back to the crow, eagerly reciprocating his polite gesture.

"There you are!" Inko smiled as she rounded the corner.

"I was afraid I lost you there." She paused, having seen the animal that had captured your attention.

"I see you've found yourself a friend all on your own." She almost looked hesitant to point out the bird. A strange almost grimace crossed her face. Not that you were paying all that much attention.

You ignored her unease and continued to mimic the bird's movements, making delighted noises every time he copied you.

Atsuhiro himself was pleased with the company, seeing as how the shopkeeper was rightfully wary when around the villains turned animals. Seeing a new face was refreshing. Especially one as lovely as yours.

"Is this little guy available?" you looked back to Inko, your choice already made and visible in the hopefulness of your eyes.

How could she say no when you were already so obviously smitten with the charming animal?

She forced a smile on her face. "Of course! Let me just double-check some paperwork and we'll get that finalized for you. " She nodded to herself before bustling off again, leaving you with Atsuhiro.

Beaming, you pressed your face against the cage.

"You hear that, charmer? You may be coming home with me! I promise I'll take good care of you, pretty bird."

He bobbed up and down happily, before echoing back “home”. While Compress thought he got the better end of the stick when it came to animals to be transformed into, being on the cusp of communication made the few words he did manage all the more frustrating. Occasionally, he could get out a word by himself, but it was much easier to echo back the words and phrases spoken to him. Still, you seemed enchanted with the few words he was able to get out and that was good enough for right now.

You chatted away to him about your apartment and all the fun things you would get for him, waiting impatiently for Inko to return with the paperwork needed.

Compress himself was quite surprised that the green-haired woman would allow you to entertain the thought of taking him with you. He was, after all, a prominent member of the league of villains. Surely knowing what she did, she would never allow him to leave her watchful surveillance. He was beyond shocked when she rounded the corner with supplies and paper to sign.

You took the pen, scanning the document quickly as you twirled the pen between your fingers. You were honestly surprised how quickly you had latched onto the idea of taking Atsuhiro home with you, but you weren’t going to question the happiness bubbling up in your chest at the idea of not being alone again. You were going to be the best companion that bird had ever had.

“And…. Signed! We’re all set!” You triumphantly set the pen down, already eying supplies for your new companion.

Inko chuckled at your enthusiasm, gently taking the papers and tucking them into a folder.

“I’ll get the supplies in order. He’ll have to go in a crate for transportation, so go pick one out.”

Compress watched you hurry over to the other section, eyes tracking your movements as a thrill of hope started to course through him. He was actually going to be able to leave the shop! He could use this opportunity to escape and search for a cure for his current condition. He wondered as to the quirk of this new person, and how her abilities could help or hinder him. He could almost hear shigaraki fuming from his cage at this new escape opportunity. While they could communicate a little, the distance from cages made it difficult to form any plans. Likely at the behest of their jailer. Still, he would make the best of this opportunity to free himself and his comrades. But perhaps a little break from scheming first.

~~~~~o(｀◇´)○~~~~~

Life in your apartment was more pleasant than Atsuhiro expected. He expected life in a cage, plotting his escape. What he got was so much better.

“Good morning, pretty bird. I have a treat for you.”

You hummed happily, offering him some apple you had cut up, gently scratching underneath his chin as he landed on your outstretched finger. The smooth black feathers were soft against your fingertips. His eyelids fluttered in delight at the gentle touch.

"Always so sweet, my dear ," he spoke, gently plucking the fruit from your grip."

"Yes, apples are really sweet. Would you prefer a more tart treat next time?" you questioned, going by the single word that passed the communication barrier.

Atsuhiro shook his head lightly in annoyance. So many moments lost in translation. Still, he was growing fond of you. You tried so hard to understand him even though in your eyes he was merely a black feathered bird brain.

You were so different from the people he was used to surrounding himself with. You were doting and kind. He gave himself leave to bask in the attention for now. He deserved a little bit of relaxation after all the time spent in a stupid pet store with both the heroes and his other league members. These past couple of weeks in your care were quickly becoming some of his fondest memories, not that he'd admit it. The little quirks that would have gotten you killed in the league's clutches simply endeared him to you further. You were kind and polite, treating him with courtesy, even though to your eyes he was an animal. He admired that in you but your softness was a weakness easily exploited. Or would be if he had his human form. For now, he was content to play the part of the silly pet as the cursed quirk kept him locked in this prison of feathers. Surely once he retained human form he would abandon you without a second thought in order to accomplish his goals

Or at least that's what he told himself when he found himself enjoying your attention and affection. The head kisses were certainly not growing on him, right?

~~~~~⋛⋋( ‘◇’)⋌⋚~~~~~

Atsuhiro perked up from his perch at an unfamiliar noise. You were yelling.

In the two months he had been living with you, he never heard your voice raised in anger. Certainly in frustration or pain such as when you had dropped a pan on your foot. But anger was a new emotion he had yet to see from you. Flying to the counter nearby, he watched you pace the length of the living room before whipping around and repeating the trek in the opposite direction, all attention drawn to the phone clasped to your ear.

You flexed the unoccupied hand, fingers gripping onto nothing but wishing to send the nearest object at the other member of the argument.

"Yes, yes, I know! I remember from the last time you called!" You paused, processing the words spit back.

"Are you kidding me?! This again? I'm not coming back! I was miserable. How can you-" You bit your lip, tears of frustration gathering and giving your fury a glassy sheen.

"Look, I'm happy here! Happier than I could ever be back there. I moved for a good reason. A fresh start! I'm doing well for myself. I've got a steady job and a nice apartment. Hell, I even have a pet!"

The voice on the other end gave you pause once more, the voice quiet but clipped, leaving no room for more argument.

The tears gathering suddenly gave way, creating twin trails down your flushed cheeks as the upset bubbled over.

"This conversation is over. I have to go take care of Atsuhiro, have a good night mom." You pressed the end call button before setting the phone on the coffee table with a clatter.

Compress watched as both anger and sadness flitted across your face in equal measure. It wasn't an expression he was used to seeing on you. It was beautiful but heartbreaking. It made his chest ache to see the tears sparkling on your anger flushed cheeks. Taking flight, he landed on the shelf near your shoulder, letting you notice his presence.

"Hey there charmer." You gently offered him your finger to step on and brought him close to you as he obeyed the silent gesture.

"Oh dear one, what are you crying over? Who hurt you?" He pressed his head against your chin, nuzzling against you to provide some comfort.

You gave a watery smile, stroking the downy feathers on his head.

"I'm okay buddy. Just a stupid argument with my mother. I'm alright."

Your voice wavered a little with emotion, but Atsuhiro was helping you to relax. His concern and comfort were like a soothing balm to the upset still stinging your eyes and tightening your throat.

You never questioned his intelligence but you were glad for it now more than ever. He was your shield from misery and made your bad feelings disappear as if by magic. He was all at once a comfort and a friend as well as the most important being in your life. You kissed the top of his head and sat on the couch, holding him close.

"Thank you, charmer. I don't know what I'd do without you."

That night was the catalyst for Atsuhiro. He didn't know it then, but he was going to do everything in his power to never see sorrow or anger on your face again if he could help it. You were his darling and he was determined to make you happy. The care he felt that night as he snuggled against you was foreign but not unpleasant and he would grow to crave it.

~~~~~♩⋛⋋(･◇･｡)⋌⋚~~~~~

Atsuhiro never did get around to searching for ways to escape. He still longed for his human body though. While he enjoyed spending time as your bird, he hated how limited this form was. He wasn't able to speak to you, not properly that is. His rough bird call could only get out a couple of words if he focused. And never the ones he wanted which made communicating with you difficult. But you were patient with him and while you never truly understood him, you listened when he tried to talk. The number of times he tried to tell you he was human was discouraging. No matter how he tried, the words stuck in his throat, and what did escape was unintelligible. He missed his voice. He missed himself. While he was undeniably himself under all the feathers, there was so much he couldn't do now that was tied into his idea of who he was. Stripped of his quirk and his very identity. Still, if he was to spend forever in this body, at least he had you to care for and care for him in return.

At that moment, you were in the kitchen preparing dinner. You had the day off and had spent it watching Disney movies while cleaning and hanging out with him. You hummed softly to your playlist shooting compress a smile as he perched on the edge of the sink.

The song faded out as a love song took its place, gentle piano and trumpet floating through the kitchen as you focused on the ingredients on the counter. Atsuhiro watched as you began to lightly sway to the music, mumbling the lyrics to yourself as you seasoned the food.

Compress found himself entranced as the afternoon glow illuminated you in gold light. You were stunning in a way he had quietly thought about but never admitted to himself. The beautiful chords as the song progressed paired with your sweet voice made him stop and listen. Your voice washed over him with warmth and affection and at that moment, he wanted nothing more than to pull you into human arms and twirl you to the music. He allowed himself to imagine it.

He was human again and he pulled you to him, your eyes on his dark ones. Your hand perfectly fit in his as he twirled you to the music, pulling you against him so your back rested against his chest. He savored your warmth against him before twirling you once more, this time bringing you back to face him with his hand finding its place on your waist as he began to waltz you through the kitchen. You rested your head against his shoulder, humming to the music as he swayed you gently. As the music slowed to the end, he dipped you gracefully, getting lost in your soft loving expression. He memorized the look in your eyes and the soft smile only for him. He bent to close the distance, lips ghosting over yours...

He was pulled out of the daydream by the oven timer going off.

He gave a surprised squawk and nearly fell off his perch.

You giggled, the sound bringing him back to the present.

"You alright there, pretty bird? Get a bit distracted?"

His throat was dry and he ruffled his feathers in annoyance, trying to get his bearings back. He gave an indignant caw and flew out of the room, trying to distance himself from what he was feeling. He couldn't be falling for you, right? That would be impossible. But yet... He yearned to finish what he started in that daydream. He felt his nonexistent fingers tingle, his human form just out of reach but inaccessible. he had fallen for you without even realizing it himself.

~~~~~( ˘◇˘)~~~~~

Atsuhiro was acutely aware of his feelings now. He had to actively hold himself back from bristling when you talked about guys at work or an attractive actor when you watched tv together. It was made worse when you would poke fun at him with that cute smile and tell him he was the only man for you. Oh if only...

He looked up excitedly as he heard the lock click on the front door, fluttering to the entry table to greet you. He dipped into a low bow as you came in, making a chittery purring noise.

You grinned at the display, dipping your head back at him to imitate the bows. Compress always bowed in greeting to you, but this was more of a dance, especially while paired with the rattling call that dropped from his beak. It was a kind of clacking sound that he used when he was very happy. You had looked it up when he did it for the first time because you were concerned about it. Now, you could see that this was a harmless behavior.

"Awwww, are you flirting with me, pretty bird? Look at you all manners and coos."

"Oh my darling, give me a human form but once more and I'll show you flirting."

He shook his feathers so they puffed out. If crows could smirk, that very expression would adorn his face. How he loved teasing you and imagining your reactions if he had been human. Would you have blushed? Perhaps gain that bashful smile that you used when you got to a super romantic part in a book you were reading?

He made a soft chirping noise and hopped up your arm, settling beside your face and nuzzling against your neck.

"Such a hopeless romantic, my pretty girl." He sighed, relaxing into your touch as you began to stroke his head. "One day, one day I will be able to properly sweep you off your feet."

"Okay, okay charmer!" You giggled, petting him happily. "Now how about you settle down, hmm?"

You set him on your shoulder as you began to put away your work gear. Humming to yourself as you bustled around the apartment.

The cozy mood was broken by your cell phone going off. Compress watched with sadness as your happy mood evaporated upon seeing the caller ID.

You gave him an apologetic smile and set him on the living room counter before disappearing into your room to take the call.

He knew that when you emerged, you would be tired and upset from the constant needling from your family. While he wished he could tell them off for you, there was no way for him to help you in this form. All he could do was offer comfort and his presence once you had hung up.

This call pattern repeated for several days before the calls stopped coming. You seemed so much happier and freer than before. While he was pleased that you were doing better, the sudden lack of phone calls seemed odd to him. He kept that unease tucked away so he could enjoy spending time with you free of distractions.

You were happy to be off the hook but your hasty words to get your mother off your back would come back to bite you sooner rather than later.

A couple of weeks later saw you relaxing with Compress, feeding him berries while you watched the latest magic show you had found for him. He seemed especially excited for them, so you were quick to make it a tradition to watch them together. Your phone rang and you gave him a tight smile and disappeared to your bedroom.

Your words were subdued at first before they rose in volume and urgency.

After a moment of silence, the door to your room swept open. Atsuhiro glanced up to see you a whirlwind of anxious energy.

"They're early! How can they be early?" You were muttering, pacing frantically your face awash in frightened and upset expressions. You paced and then looked around the apartment frantically before beginning to fidget and clean, picking things up and setting them back down as you panicked.

"They said they'd be here in a couple of hours! And they could be here any time now... Oh, oh this isn't good."

You slumped onto the couch with a frustrated groan, hands going up to rub at your eyes.

Atsuhiro fluttered over and perched on your shoulder, nuzzling his small head against your chin, trying to comfort you as best he could.

"Now what's bothering you, my darling?" he asked, hoping his intent shone through the one word he was able to get out.

He cawed quietly, gently pressing his beak against your neck so you paid him more attention.

" I messed up,” You said, stroking the feathers on his head with one of your fingers, the soft texture relaxing you slightly. “My parents are coming to town. They said they wanted to meet my boyfriend. They wouldn't leave me alone about coming back home and how stupid it was to be living alone in a different country, so I had made an imaginary boyfriend to shut them up! It was easy to ignore and make up excuses before…” you swallowed nervously and pressed a kiss to the crow’s head.

“Well… they want to meet him. But this time, they flew here to make sure I couldn’t avoid them.”

Compress made a low sympathetic noise, eased from the slight burn of jealousy at your imaginary boyfriend. This was certainly a dilemma you had woven for yourself. From what he'd overheard over the phone calls, your parents were not going to take no for an answer. They didn't approve of your choices but still felt like they could control your life even in another country. And now they were coming to visit and catch you in your lie. This was not going to be pretty. The misery you exuded was almost palpable. He offered what little comfort he could as you cried quietly, uncertain how you were going to fix this.

~~~~~⋋( ◕ ◇ ◕ )⋌~~~~~

It wasn't long before the dreaded guests arrived. You did your best to remain calm and deflect their questions, watching their reactions with thinly veiled distress.

"I wasn't expecting you so soon. If I had known you were coming I would have spruced the place up more and ensured my love would be home. He's at work at the moment."

Your mother furrowed her eyebrows, not impressed with your excuse.

"Oh? And what does he do? You never did tell us much about this mystery man of yours."

You swallowed nervously.

"He's uh, he's a local hero. Not very popular yet so you won't have heard of him." You flashed a bright smile that bordered on painful.

Atsuhiro couldn't bear to watch you flounder, wishing there was something he could do to help. A strange burning sensation traveled through him as his anxiety for you grew. He could tell that the longer this went on the more upset you became. Your lie was unraveling before your eyes and so too was the peace you had made for yourself in your home in Japan.

As much as he longed to comfort you, he could do nothing to help.

"What a quaint little apartment. Did your boyfriend help you get it? You say he's a hero. If he's not well known, how can he afford to take care of you?"

The questions and tension were getting to you. As your mother questioned every little detail you gave her, digging you further into the hole of the lie you told. You barely registered Atsuhiro flying into your bedroom. You were glad at least one of you would be able to escape the interrogation.

Unbeknownst to you, Compress was facing some discomfort of his own.

Atsuhiro felt an almost bubbly feeling envelop him. Liquid light flowed through his veins, tingles spreading all over him. The sensation was just bordering on unbearable before it all stopped. He sucked in a deep breath eyes snapping open to a view much different than the one he had just had.

It was with awe that he realized his human form had been returned to him. Flexing his fingers, he carefully brought them up to his face, feeling the smooth texture of skin instead of feathers. He was human once more. And, judging by the draft that assaulted him, he was also naked. He stood, carefully getting used to his longer limbs and the balance that had to be relearned.

He cautiously focused, summoning up his quirk. All these months without it had grated on him. Having so much disappear from his grasp in the span of one day had been a horrible experience. He gasped raggedly as the coin he’d found on the floor suddenly was replaced with a shining blue sphere.

He would have laughed out loud if not for the sudden reminder of where he was. The muffled conversation could be heard from the adjacent room, your voice sounding anxious and uncomfortable.

He focused and drew up one of his marbles. A gross practice, but useful nonetheless. Luckily, he always had a spare change of clothes compressed should he need to do a quick change and throw his enemies off his trail. This served him well as he rapidly decompressed it and pulled it on. He couldn’t meet your parents in the nude, after all, what kind of impression would that send? Besides, as confident as he was, he’d rather meet you in his human form with an appearance befit of a gentleman.

He tousled his hair, reluctantly leaving his mask and balaclava behind as he approached the door. His hand hesitated over the knob for a brief moment before he opened the door.

“Ah, darling!,” he strode into the room, taking in your shocked expression before sitting beside you and taking your hand offering a wink before facing your parents, “ Sorry about being late, I had wanted to surprise you, but it appears you were expecting company.” He offered his hand to your parents.

“Sorry for the intrusion. You must be (Y/N)’s parents.”

You continued to watch the stranger in absolute disbelief. Not only was this strange man inviting himself into your home, but he was also charming your parents into believing your lie, which you were quite certain he had no reason for knowing in the first place.

You let him talk for a while, trying to get your bearings. The idea of letting the ruse continue was very tempting, but you were also slightly terrified. Who on earth was this man?

Compress noticed your discomfort, and without missing a beat squeezed your hand lightly in reassurance. His thumb smoothed over your knuckles and you began to debate if he had some kind of calming quirk as you felt some of the tension leave you, but you quickly dismissed that thought at the remembrance of your own canceling quirk.

“I’m dreadfully sorry to ask this after you’ve come all this way, but might I steal (Y/N) away for a moment? I do believe my coming in unannounced after my absence as well as the influx of family has quite overwhelmed her. I merely ask for a moment of her time in private.”

Compress smiled sincerely at your parents as he asked, shooting you a concerned and pitying look. Your parents, already enamored with him, nodded their agreement. They declared that they still needed to go check into their hotel, so they would leave you both to reconnect.

As soon as the front door swung closed, Compress was facing you and fussing over you.

“Oh darling, I’m terribly sorry for startling you so.”

You put up a hand to slow any more fretting questions.

“Let me make this clear, I have my phone primed to call the police, so you’re going to cooperate and tell me what’s going on right now, you hear me?”

Shock filled his face before a wide grin took its place.

“Ah, darling, how I love your fire, what a joy to experience it firsthand.” He swept off his hat and bowed to you.

“Very well, my dear. My name is Mr.compress, however…” He looked up at you, taking your free hand and pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles, “You may know me as Atsuhiro, or would you prefer a more personal moniker?”

He quirked an eyebrow, mischief shooting across his face as he straightened.

“ I do recall you seemed fond of calling me ‘charmer' and 'pretty bird’, though the phrase only partially fits now…"

You watched, mouth agape as you began connecting the insane dots.

“That’s a pretty poor joke, stalker boy.” You grit out, suddenly angry at his cocky attitude.

Compress paused, expression softening.

“I do assure you, my dear (Y/N), what you’re considering is possible, and was what occurred. I will answer any question you have, for I would do anything to ease the mind of my beloved.”

“Beloved? Sir, what you’re implying is insane. You’re trying to tell me, that you were my bird for the better part of a year? That call button is looking very tempting at this point.”

“Ask me anything, and I will answer to the best of my abilities. I assure you, I would not lie to you, of all people. After all, it is you who saved me time and again, you were the one who rescued me from that pet shop after all. You enchanted me on that first meeting, curtsying to a simple crow, how charming.”

You pulled your hand away from your phone at that last couple of words. How did he know about your meeting with your beloved pet? Sure, many could guess where you got your bird, but no one except Inko would have known about your first interaction.

“If you’re my pet, then how are you human now? That should not be possible.”

Compress chuckled, although the laugh did not hold much mirth.

“That was the result of an unfortunate quirk accident. On an outing, I crossed paths with the caster and he was affected by a new quirk-enhancing drug. Caught in the crossfire with him and the heroes, I was struck with the unpredictable quirk.”

You didn’t notice you had relaxed next to him, listening intently.

“And that turned you into an animal? Why didn’t it wear off sooner?”

“Now that, my dear, is the question! Why now?”

He sat beside you, excitement beginning to build as he broached his theory to you.

“I believe it’s all because of you. In my time in your home, I have come to care deeply about you.”

Your cheeks darkened at the casualness of his confession. While you knew him as a bird, seeing Atsuhiro as a human, and a very attractive one at that, made the statement all the more flustering. It didn’t help that he chose that moment to gently tilt your chin up with his thumb and forefinger.

“And that care, that love, was what made it possible to shift back. I noticed your earlier distress, and would have done anything if I could comfort or fix it for you.” He grinned, “My being human, would have been able to help the woman I love. And thus… I was able to come back to my true form.”

You melted a little in his grip as you stared into his brown eyes, overwhelmed, but also charmed. He seemed to love you… and his story didn’t seem as far-fetched as you would have originally thought. Still, it would take some time.

You firmly took his wrists, holding them in place as he moved his grip to cup your cheeks, thumbs lightly brushing your cheekbones.

“Alright, say I believe this story… It doesn’t change the fact that I only know you as a bird. If this is to work, we’re going to have to go on some dates. I need to know about Atsuhiro the man, not the bird.”

He grinned and kissed your forehead.

“I'd be absolutely delighted”

You let yourself smile, leaning into his touch. This could work. While this was a new experience for you, there was magically no doubt that you would easily fall in love with this fascinating man.

135 notes · View notes