Mrs. Iida was already outside to meet us when we arrived at the hospital, her arms wide open. Gently, Tenya placed me back on my feet before running into his mother's arms, embracing her tightly.

I took a step back out of politeness, looking away as the two cried. It was a bitter feeling for me. I hated that I could feel jealousy bubbling up inside my heart as I watched the pair. Warm hugs from a mother was something I sorely lacked.

Tenya's mother ran her hand through his hair while they hugged, her whole body trembling as she did so. Tenya's broad shoulders also trembled as he held onto his mother, as if she was his lifeline. The two of them stayed like that for a while before Mrs. Iida broke their hug, wiping her eyes with her palm before walking towards me.

Softly, she grabbed my hand, holding it gently in both of hers. She tried to smile at me, but just seeing her pained expression made me feel awful for having selfish thoughts.

"I had hoped the next time we'd see eachother it would be to celebrate good news," She laughed, sounding bitter and worn out. "But I'm glad you came with Tenya."

I awkwardly squeezed her hands, hoping that she could feel my sincerity.

"Of course," I reassured her. "I wasn't going to let him come alone, it was the least I could do."

Mrs. Iida smiled again, but this time I think she was just a tiny bit relieved.

"Follow me," Mrs. Iida said, turning to walk towards the emergency department doors. "Let's go see Tensei."

Tenya and I followed silently behind her, walking side by side. I glanced up at Tenya, his eyes were red and puffy, and his tears had stained his face. But I could tell he was trying to collect himself, unsure of the state his brother would be in.

My gaze fell to the floor, but I quickly raised my head again as I felt warmth spreading through my hand. Tenya held my hand in his, his eyes watching his mother's back.

We stayed that way for as long as we could, but we were soon forced apart.

"I'm sorry but the patient is in critical condition," A nurse dressed in white sighed, glancing at me. "Only direct family is allowed past this point."

Tenya squeezed my hand tighter, his jaw clenching in frustration.

I lightly tapped his shoulder, attempting to smile when he turned to look at me. "Go on, I'll wait right here."

Tenya opened and closed his mouth several times, scrambling for the right words. I simply shook my head, pulling my hand away.

"Hurry up and go," I urged him. "I'm not going anywhere."

He paused for a moment before nodding, his eyes glistening with tears.

The nurse quickly gave Tenya and Mrs. Iida their visitors pass and guided them through a set of double doors, leaving me alone in the hallway.

I leaned against the wall, staring at the ceiling, countless emotions and thoughts creating an endless pit of noise in my head. There was so much swirling around in my brain that it all sounded like white noise, impossible to analyze or comprehend.

I felt a droplet roll down my chin and I sank to the floor, burying my head in my arms. Now I could remember this feeling, it was something all too familiar.

I was useless, so frustratingly useless. Yet again there was nothing I could do. Yet again I was a helpless child, incapable of helping myself, or anyone else. Yet again I was an outsider, forced to act as a spectator in the lives of those I cared about.

I flinched, tasting something metallic in my mouth. Gently I touched my lip, and my fingertips were stained red. I flinched, and pain spread through my lower lip.

I cried harder, doing my best to muffle my cries as I hugged my knees to my chest.

Coming to the hospital with Tenya wasn't the least I could do for him, it was all I could do for him. I didn't have a quirk that could get us here faster like his, or a quirk that could heal Tensei's injuries like Recovery Girl. I wasn't strong and reliable like Tenya, or kind like Midoriya.

I was just me.

A sad girl with a quirk that turned scraps and junk into something new. A shallow person who didn't have any inspiring goals or motivations.

Was I even doing the right thing? Was going to U.A. a mistake? Could I help anybody?

I even had the audacity to be jealous of my closest friend despite all the pain he's going through. Right now it didn't matter that my mother never showed me affection, I was supposed to be here for Tenya.

But there I was, sitting on the floor.

Completely alone and absolutely useless.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder, causing me to jolt up. I scrambled to my feet, violently wiping my eyes with my forearm.

"Are... Are you alright?" A male nurse asked, his voice very quiet.

I shook his hand off my shoulder, crossing my arms. "I'm fine, just waiting for someone."

The nurse smiled softly, an understanding look on his face.

"There's a bathroom just down that hall to your right," The nurse whispered. "Just so you know."

I scratched my cheek, a little embarrassed, mumbling a reply under my breath. "Thanks."

The nurse nodded and walked off, probably getting back to work.

I headed for the bathroom he mentioned, relieved that it was a single occupant bathroom. I headed inside, locking the door behind me and turning the cold tap on all the way.

I cupped my hands underneath the faucet, splashing cold water on my face several times to cool down. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, watching as the miniscule amount of makeup I was wearing dripped down my face. I scrubbed any remaining makeup off before turning off the sink, once again looking at my reflection in the mirror.

My eyes were a bit red and puffy, but hopefully not too noticeable.

A sharp 'SMACK' rang through the washroom as I slapped both of my cheeks, my hands stinging from the smack.

"Get it together..." I mumbled, gripping the edge of the sink.

Now wasn't the time to be feeling sorry for myself, I could do that later. For now, I had to focus on being there for Tenya.

He deserved to cry more than I did.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I lost track of how much time passed, but it was a long time before Tenya came back. His eyes were still red and puffy, but there was something else in his eyes other than sadness. He seemed angry- no, more than angry, livid.

I wanted to ask him how Tensei was, but I couldn't find the words. I didn't want to upset him by asking, but I didn't know what to say to make him feel better either.

Instead, Tenya spoke first, but not about his brother's condition.

"It was Stain," Tenya growled, his fists clenched. "The Hero Killer."

My eyes widened.

The Hero Killer? Did that mean Tensei was...

I tugged on Tenya's sleeve desperately. "What about Tensei? Is he...?"

"He's alive," Tenya answered, his expression changing to anger. "But he won't be able to do hero work anymore. The hero Ingenium is..."

"Did you talk to him at all?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I did," Tenya nodded, his brows furrowed. "He told me to take his hero name."

I looked at him in shock. Taking his brother's hero name must be a huge shock for Tenya. It just furthers the reality that the old Ingenium is no more.

"Thanks for coming, Tora," Tenya said, breaking me out of my thoughts. "My mom said she'll drive you home."

"I'll thank your mom for the ride," I replied. "And of course I came."

Suddenly my phone rang, startling the both of us. I fumbled for it in my pockets, checking the display.

I laughed awkwardly. "Actually we need to make one more stop."

'Incoming call from: Shoto Todoroki'

A/N

This chapter was a bit difficult to write because putting feelings into words can be difficult, but I kind of drew on my own experiences which made it easier. Tora's personality and thought process is very similar to my own, I think the only major difference is that I'm more of a logical thinker and Tora thinks with her feelings. Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed the chapter!