a/n: So much Iida in my inbox lately and I am NOT complaining. Tenya would absolutely be there for you babe, just like I am! I hope some angsty fluff helps you feel a little better.

cw: toxic family relationships

Your relationship with Iida was new, almost brand new, but you couldn’t get enough of it. It had been obvious to everyone but the two of you that you had crushes on each other, and after your friends pulled some strings and pushed the two of you together, you’d started dating only a few weeks earlier. As your connection continued to bloom, you loved learning about each other and just being happy spending time together in general.

On a walk through the park one beautiful afternoon, the topic of conversation worked it’s way back around to classes and homework. While you were both students at the top of your class, there was one concept that you just weren’t grasping, which you divulged to Iida.

“I did think the way our teacher explained it was a little strange. Maybe I could help you study and understand it a little better,” Iida offered with a smile. That’s what you liked so much about him, the way he was always trying to do the right thing.

“Thanks, that would actually be a big help,” you said, taking his hand in yours.

“No problem. Actually, we’re not far from your house, right? If you have your textbook, we could go work on it now.”

You bit your lip, worried and hesitating. Iida hadn’t been to your house yet, and for good reason. You weren’t sure you wanted him to meet your family, now or ever. “I don’t know...” you stalled.

“It’s no problem at all, y/n,” Iida assured you, unaware of your hesitations. With the look in his eyes beaming at you, how could you say no?

The two of you walked together to your family’s home, which was near the park, and bashfully, you invited Iida inside. As he took off his shoes, a blush fell over his face. “Is anyone else home?” He asked.

As if on cue, your brother appeared from around the corner. “Ooo, y/n has a boyfriend!” He teased.

“Yeah, I do,” you replied curtly, hoping to cut off the conversation.

“Tch, don't know what any guy sees in you,” he muttered before disappearing again into the other room.

You pressed your lips hard together before pulling Iida up the stairs and to you room. You shit the door behind you; who cared what anyone thought you were doing behind closed doors. You had to keep everyone else out.

“Are you all right?” Iida asked, shifting nervously by the door.

You took a deep breath and tried to put on a brave face. “Yeah, fine. I’ll get my textbook.”

The study session started out fine, and you actually started understand the concept much better, but your mind kept drifting back to what was said at the front door, leading your thoughts down a darker path than you wanted to travel. You should be enjoying this, but in this house, when you knew what they thought of you, it was nearly impossible.

“Y/n?” Iida asked again. “I don’t want to pry, but you seem really upset. Was it... something I did?” The genuine upset you read on his face broke your heart. As much as it was going to hurt, it couldn’t be worse than letting him blame himself. You had to come clean.

You touched Iida’s cheek lightly with your fingertips. “No, it’s just... my family, my dad and my brother, it’s like they never stop criticizing me. You heard what he said before. Well, it’s like that all the time.” Tears squeezed out of the corners of your eyes, and your voice cracked as you spoke. “Nothing’s ever good enough for them. That’s why I was worried about bringing you here. Because now you know what kind of pressure I’m under, and you shouldn’t have to put up with me either.”

Immediately, Iida pulled you into a hug against his broad chest. You sniffled into him. “I could never see you that way,” he promised. “And I’m sorry they don’t see the good in you. You don’t deserve that. You got into the best hero school there is, and you’re wonderful to your friends, and you make me feel so secure. You’re a great person, y/n. That’s why I want to be with you.”

After he held you for a while, you finally pulled away and dried your eyes. “It’s just hard, you know? When I hear it all the time that I’m a failure, it’s hard not to believe it.”

Iida leaned in then and kissed you softly on the lips, lingering in the most patient way. “Well then,” he concluded, “I’m just going to have to remind you every day why that’s not true. And I’ll always be here for you if you need to talk.”