Warning: This chapter enters dark discussion about Izuku's mental health. There is disassociation, arguing, and more. Please read with caution.

- - -

The walk to the teacher's dorm is nothing special. I run into nobody since it is three in the morning, but I appreciate it either way. I  would have no clue what to say if I was to meet someone on my walk there.

With my luck, they would put Shouta on my ass.

The same is said with the teacher's dorm. None of the teachers are that dumb to be in here this early in the morning.

Silently, I make my way to my dorm and go to unlock it when I notice that the door is already unlocked. They must have done that on purpose.

I open the door and enter my dorm.

I expect a lot of things going in. Shouta could have a trap ready to capture me. Mom might be waiting. Or it could be empty. That last one is absolutely preferred for obvious reasons.

None of those guesses are right.

As I close the door behind me, I haven't gotten a good look at the place yet. I wasn't planning on it actually. I was just going to go to shower and head to bed for once if I wasn't stopped.

However, I hear shuffling along with a soft, "Zashi?"

I spin around to face the noise, and I am unable to say a word when I find Nemuri wrapped up in a blanket on a futon. What is she doing here? I'm not against it, but it is unexpected.

Nemuri sits up, and she slowly opens her eyes to look at what should be Hizashi. When she sees me, her body language completely changes from tiredness to...I could not tell you. Worry? Something along those lines.

"Izuku!" Nemuri softly exclaims as she gets out of bed and scrambles to me. She doesn't bother asking when she pulls me into a tight hug. She holds me for a solid minute, and I still haven't come up with a reaction. However, I do lean into it. It's comforting. It's something I want. It helps me realize that people are there for me again.

Damn, I must really be fucked in the head if that thought exists.

Eventually, Nemuri pulls back, still keeping her hands on my shoulders. She looks over me, concern much more visible now.

"Izu, what's wrong?" Nemuri asks, her voice so gentle. It's not something I hear from her too often. In a way, it's similar to Mom's tone: that caring tone you expect from parents.

I respond almost awkwardly, unsure of how to answer the question, "I am fine right now."

"Alright, alright...let's start with something obvious: you're crying." Am I? I reach up to my face to find tears in my hand. Goddamn, am I becoming a crybaby now?

"Oh," I say. That's all I can say.

"Here, let's sit down," Nemuri starts to guide me to the bed. However, I stop before I sit down.

I desperately need to shower. I'm not continuing forward until the dust, possibly they, is off.

Nemuri tightens her grip suddenly, "Izuku, are you here?" I nod, "Okay, that's something. You zoned out. To be frank, I'm concerned. I know you're not one to talk about these things, but I can't help you unless I know what is going on."

I run a hand through my hair, "I know I look like shit right now, but can I please take a shower before anything? It will help, promise."

Nemuri nods, "Yeah. I don't blame you there. Here, why don't you go ahead and get in, and I'll leave your clothes outside of the door?"

"I'm capable of getting clothes, ma'am."

"I know, but there is nothing wrong with a little help, is there?"

"I guess."

I head to the restroom, and Nemuri calls out, "Be careful with that arm!"

"Will do."

Huh. It must look terrible. I haven't had a good look at it, nor do I plan on doing so for a while.

The shower doesn't take too long. I didn't want to stand too long given my legs hurt like hell and, by a glimpse, my arm looks raw. Never has a shower made me feel like a new person as it has today. As promised, Nemuri left some PJs outside of my door. After I get those on, I realize that she chose something that wouldn't be harsh on my skin.

I will forever appreciate that.

I come out to find not only Nemuri but also Hizashi on the futon talking. I don't get the chance to peep in what they are saying as, when I open the door, they face me. When Hizashi sees me, he sighs of what seems like relief.

Hizashi shifts to make room on the bed, "Hey, kiddo. How are you feeling?"

I shrug, sitting beside him, "Could be better, could be worse. I'm alive, and I consider that an achievement."

"Based on your reactions, I bet. Oh! I brought you something!" Hizashi jumps off the bed, goes to kitchen, and returns with a bowl of chicken noodle soup, "I didn't make it, so don't ask. It's from the store nearby. I was going to get you katsudon, but your favorite place is closed at three in the morning. Besides, chicken noodle soup is better for the heart, " He hands it to me, and I set it on my lap, "Seems to be the right choice too. You don't look so great."

"Damn, knock down my ego, why don't you?" I respond. It sounds off coming from me now, but I decide there's nothing I can do about that. Instead, I take a spoonful to eat just to enjoy it for a moment, "This is good, thank you."

Hizashi joins back on the other side of me from Nemuri, "Anything for you, kid."

For a couple of minutes, I don't say anything. I just enjoy the soup. I'm grateful Hizashi got chicken noodle soup over katsudon. I probably would have still ate it, but this is preferred.

Then, I realize something. Nemuri must have texted Hizashi to get him here. Does that mean Shouta is coming?

I mean, that makes sense. You can keep shit from the man, but that also means I will be dealing with him soon. I do care about Shouta, but goddamn, he will be overwhelming right now.

"Izuku, you're zoning out again," Nemuri points out, "What's going through your head?"

I decide to go for it since there is no reason to avoid it, "Shouta is on his way, isn't he?"

"Actually, no." I face her in confusion.

"Wait, what?"

"I only texted Hizashi that you were here. We haven't told Shouta that you are back yet. We have to eventually. We planned on doing that after you finish eating so you could at least have a few minutes before that."

"Then why haven't you?"

"He can wait a few minutes. Besides, your mental health is more valuable than a lecture, and Shouta is...well, he's pissed and might attack for a bit."

Hizashi intercepts, "He's worried. That's why he does that."

I put my spoon down, not hungry anymore, "I know that, and I know I did this to myself. However, I don't know how bad he is going to be," I turn my attention to Hizashi, "I just don't want to deal with it right now."

Hizashi sighs, "I don't blame you there. However, since your disappearance, he has been beyond worried about you. After talking to Principal Nezu, he went on a rampage to try and figure out where you were so that he can get you. Or, at the very least, be there to keep you company. Nemuri had to knock him out to get him to actually calm down. Shouta doesn't want you going through what he did undercover, nor does he want to lose you. It would devastate him if he lost you."

I knew Shouta was going to have a bad reaction. I knew that. I did not realize he would have THAT sort of reaction, though. I understand that he is my brother and parent and whatever and that's what he does, but I never stopped to consider that it would be that bad.

I run my hand through my hair, "I didn't realize it would be that bad."

Hizashi looks me in the eyes with so much compassion and worry that I consider looking away, "Izuku, when we heard that you were going to be on an undercover mission by yourself with practically nothing, we were all worried. This is not to underestimate you or blame you. You are the one to pull this off, and I know you did this to prevent us the trouble later on. However, we all know that you are're in the best place mentally, kiddo. You desperately need to take better care of yourself. You're sixteen. I know you think that you're an adult with how much you do, but you're not. You're a kid in training. I think the bigger deal, for me anyway, is that you're only sixteen once. You should be with your friends having fun. Not this. We care about you deeply, Izuku, and we don't want you getting hurt. We know that it's going to happen eventually, but we don't want you to suffer it if us adults can do it. Do you understand?"

I don't respond. How are you supposed to respond to that? I understand what he is getting at, but have I ever been a person to trust adults to do their job? No. If that was the case, I would not have gone on this mission. It doesn't help that I have already predetermined that my teenage life is gone at this point. If it wasn't, I would not be participating in hero meetings or such. And the worry... I don't know how to comprehend that. I know they are, but what am I supposed to do about it? Worry isn't as bad as other things, right?

The only thing I truly agree with is my fucked-up mental health. Considering what happened earlier, there's something wrong.

"Izuku, please. I am not asking you to agree with me. We both know we could debate that all we want. I just want you to understand where we are coming from," Hizashi pleads as he reaches for my hand and takes it.

I sigh, "Yeah. I get the idea."

Hizashi smiles, "Thank you. I'm trying not to drop everything on you considering who knows what Sho will bring up, but I at least want you to understand that. To be honest, he might help you realize more. He's harsh like that."

"Trust me, I know." Hizashi squeezes my hand and lets go.

"You look like you could use a hug. You mind?"

"Please."

Hizashi doesn't hesitate to pull me into a hug, and I wrap my arm around him while resting my head against his chest. My head hurts. Why can't life be simple?

I don't know how long we last until Nemuri interrupts us, "No offense, guys, but we should let Shouta know he is here. He gets off duty in thirty minutes, and if he finds out when he gets off, he's going to be pissed at all of us."

"You don't want to join in the suffering with me?" I ask as I pull back.

"No," Nemuri and Hizashi answer at the same time.

"No offense, but we prefer not to die today," Nemuri explains as she pulls out her phone.

I sigh, "Don't relate."

Hizashi pats my head in sympathy, "Don't call him, Nem. Just text him."

"If you think I am insane enough to call him, you're mistaken," Nemuri states. She types out a message and sends it. Less than a minute later, her eyes widen, "He's coming straight here."

"Um, what?" I question. Nemuri shows me her phone. The last message is from him that says 'on my way,' "I should have expected that."

Hizashi sighs, "Yeah. He really does care about you, Izuku. Just like you do him."

"I know, I know. Is there a chance of one of you killing me before he gets here?"

"No. This is something you did to yourself."

Nemuri puts her phone away, "If it makes you feel any better, the grave is already ready."

"Actually, that does," I respond. At least my body has a place to go.

"I was joking. I should have known you would like that."

"Mhm."

"You two are really treating it like this is Izuku's final moments," Hizashi softly chuckles, really trying to make light of the situation.

"Might as well be."

Nemuri nods, "You know how intense Shouta can be-"

Before Nemuri can finish, the door suddenly bursts open, and it takes everything not to react in any way from it.

Shouta stands in the doorway, breathing heavily from probably having ran all the way here.

In all honesty, he looks terrible. His hair is more ragged than usual. The bags under his eyes are darker. He just doesn't look good. Shouta looks more tired and stressed.

Immediately, we lock eyes, and I can not tell you what is going through Shouta's head. So many emotions are there, yet they are gone within seconds as he chooses anger for the situation. I just hope to God he doesn't see anything in me that will make my situation worse.

Shouta enters the room, closing the door behind him as he approaches. I can feel the tension trying to suffocate me, and that is something I have never experienced around Shouta. It's typically the other way around when I am away from him.

What is going to happen?

Finally, Shouta says something, "Hizashi, Nemuri, leave." His tone is calm. Dangerously calm.

Hizashi stands up without question.

Nemuri, however, questions, "Why can't we be here?"

Shouta faces her, glaring her down, "Because this is a conversation that I need to have with Izuku alone. Besides, "He looks at me, and anger seeps through as he says, "Izuku is able to handle everything by himself. That includes me."

Nemuri looks between the two of us with concern, saying nothing for a moment. Then, she sighs, "If it gets too bad, I'm stopping it." Shouta nods in acceptance. She stands up, turning her attention to me, "If you can't handle it, call me. Okay?"

I can't say anything. I simply nod. Nemuri takes that as an answer, and Hizashi and her leave my dorm to go to Shouta's.

Shouta and I don't say a word. How am I supposed to start this conversation? This is one of those instances where Shouta has to.

Shouta takes the chance to look over to see if I am injured in anyway. It's not long since he doesn't seem to want to show the caring part of himself right now, but it is long enough to make sure I won't die in front of him in this conversation. Then, he moves in front of my table to face me and leans against it, rubbing his face with his hands. He doesn't know how to start this either. It takes him a few minutes to put his thoughts together. Each minute that passes is another minute of suffering for me.

Finally, Shouta breaks the heavy silence, "What were you thinking, Izuku Midoriya?" I don't say anything, assuming this is a rhetorical question. He continues, "You went undercover by yourself without telling any of us where you were going. You didn't have a GPS for anyone to track you down to figure out where you are. You didn't even have a way to be contacted! The HC, the idiots who assigned you to this mission in the first place, couldn't get ahold of you if they needed you for something! To make matters worse, you didn't even give a time period for how long you would be there! Do you realize how stupid that is?! What if you died out there?! We wouldn't know unless we miraculously came across your body, Izuku, and that was unlikely to happen considering most people get rid of bodies without a second thought! You would be reported missing, leaving all of us wondering if you were even alive! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF, IZUKU?!"

Throughout his rant, Shouta lets his anger fester in him as he gets louder and louder with each statement until he is screaming by the end. I have never seen him like this. He has had his moments, yes, but never have they been on this scale.

As I listen, it takes everything not to cut Shouta off. I would understand his concern if I was going into a villain base or such, but I wasn't. I was going into a town where I would always be in the public eye. In fact, I was specifically instructed to stay out of trouble. If I was in visible danger, I probably would have considered saying no to the mission.

Anything mentioning my death or such doesn't stick.

I'm frustrated with this situation. Does he have that little faith in me?

Despite the urge to kick and shout like normal, I instead grip the sheets under me tightly and try to reason with him.

Every word that escapes my mouth comes out almost like a script, "Shouta, I was not going undercover in a place that was deemed dangerous. I was in public places constantly, decreasing my chances of getting into trouble. I was even told not to fight. The HC also knew my general location. I was never in any considerable danger. You are-" Shouta doesn't let me finish. He cuts me off.

"I am not doing anything! How was I- no, how were we supposed to know that?! We knew nothing! What you told Nezu wasn't even near where you were apparently! Besides, don't argue when I know you were in Deika City! That incident and you returning is too close to be a coincidence! You knew there was something wrong with that town, yet you went in as you did!"

I'm trembling, but I keep my tone in check still, "Nobody could have predicated that was going to happen. Nobody knew that was going to happen. I thought it was going to be a small yakuza or something like that." Of course, I did say that something with the League of Villains could happen, but the idea had no grounds to be confirmed. I'm not going to tell Shouta that, though.

"You should still be prepared in case such a situation is to occur! This is basic underground knowledge! Included in that is letting someone know that you are going to be gone, where, for how long, and how to contact them! YOU'RE SMARTER THAN THIS, IZUKU! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN OUT THERE!"

I finally explode, standing up to meet Shouta eye-to-eye, "IT DOESN'T MATTER NOW, DOES IT?! I AM BACK UNINJURED!"

"BULLSHIT! YOU CAN NOT TELL ME  AFTER SEEING THAT THAT YOU ARE OKAY!"

"BUT I AM OKAY-"

"NO, YOU'RE NOT!" Shouta yells at the top of his lungs, making me shut up. He looks me in the eyes, anger still there but worry starts to slip through since he quiets down, "You weren't okay before the mission, and you're certainly not now. I would have never allowed you to go on that mission or any mission at that time. I still wouldn't now because you need time to heal."

It takes everything to not turn from him as I scream, "YOU WEREN'T OFFERED A CHOICE IN ME ACCEPTING THE MISSION! I TOOK IT ON MY BEHALF BECAUSE THE HC ASKED ME TOO! IT WAS BETWEEN SOMEONE ELSE AND ME, AND I WANTED THE INFORMATION FIRST HAND! YOU NEED TO STOP ASSUMING THAT YOU CAN BE APART OF EVERY DAMN DECISION IN MY FUCKING LIFE! YOU CAN'T!"

That sparks Shouta's anger again, "AS A STUDENT OF UA, YOU'RE REQUIRED TO TELL THE SCHOOL WHAT YOU ARE WORKING ON SO WE CAN DETERMINE WHETHER IT IS OKAY FOR A STUDENT TO TAKE ON SUCH MISSION! ACCORDING TO YOUR HERO LICENSE, NEZU OR I CAN PULL YOU OR ANY STUDENT OF UA FROM A MISSION IF WE DEEM IT IS NECESSARY! WHY?! BECAUSE YOU ARE STUDENTS, IZUKU! YOU SHOULD NOT BE TAKING ON THESE MISSIONS! YOU SHOULD BE LEARNING IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR LIFE ON THE LINE!"

"WE BOTH KNOW I AM PASS THE LEARNING STAGE!"

"NOT IF YOU'RE WILLING TO GET YOURSELF KILLED FROM HALF-ASSED DECISIONS!"

"THEY ARE NOT HALF-ASSED DECISIONS! I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING!"

"WE WOULDN'T BE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION IF THAT WAS THE CASE!" I am too tired to be having this conversation. I just want to knock myself out and never wake up. I'm starting to prefer the times where Shouta and I would just beat the shit out of each other and never talk about our emotions. It was better. Less heart-wrenching. Yet, here we here.

"I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FUCK YOU WANT FROM ME, SHOUTA!" And that is the truth. Shouta is well-aware these are the type of decisions that I make. This should be expected.

"I WANT YOU TO TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A HUMAN BEING INSTEAD OF AN ASSET!" What?

"What are you talking about?! I do treat myself like a human being! I don't understand what you are getting at!"

"IF YOU DID, YOU WOULD NOT BE ACTING LIKE THIS! YOU WOULD KNOW WHEN TO STEP BACK! YOU WOULD KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN'T DO! YOU WOULD KNOW THAT PEOPLE WORRY ABOUT YOU FOR YOU, NOT BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU CAN DO! YET, THAT THOUGHT DOESN'T CROSS YOUR MIND AT ALL! YOU JUST FOCUS ON WORK THAT SHOULD ALREADY BE DEDICATED TO SOMEBODY ELSE, NOT YOU!"

"OH, I'M SORRY THAT I VALUE MY WORK! I PUT ALL THIS EFFORT IN TO PROTECT MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY, QUIRKLESS AND ALL ELSE JUST FOR IT TO BE SHOVED ASIDE BECAUSE OF WHAT?! MY MENTAL HEALTH?! DO YOU REALIZE HOW STUPID YOU SOUND?!"

Shouta's eyes widen, and I notice something off. I don't know what yet, but I have a feeling I will learn the answer here momentarily.

Shouta's tone softens, "Do you value me because of what I can do or because I am your friend?"

"Dumbass, I value you as a friend! I could give a damn about what you can do!"

"Then what about Hizashi? Nemuri? Your mom? Class 1-A?"

"YOU ALREADY KNOW MY FUCKING ANSWER, SO WHY ARE YOU ASKING THIS?!"

"THEN WHY CAN'T YOU SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT YOURSELF, IZUKU MIDORIYA?!" Shouta suddenly shouts, and, for the first time, I see tears running down his cheeks. He makes sure to look me in the eyes, and I flinch, "WE DON'T CARE WHAT YOU DO! WE JUST WANT YOU HAPPY AND SAFE JUST LIKE YOU DO US! DO YOU REALLY THINK WE ONLY CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO?!"

"I-" I try to stop him because I don't want to hear it anymore, but Shouta continues.

"ARE YOU WILLING TO JUST THROW YOURSELF AWAY LIKE THAT IF IT MEANS YOU DID SOMETHING FOR A JOB?!"

"YES!" I scream desperately, barely aware of what I just said, "IF IT MEANS THAT I CAN HELP PROTECT PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY YOU AND THOSE AROUND ME, I'LL DO IT!"

I look down, unable to watch Shouta anymore as my vision blurs from tears and my breathing picks up.

Shouta doesn't say anything. Or maybe he does but I can't hear him. Either way, the tension is so strong that I want out, yet I can't move.

Why can't I move? Why does my head hurt? Why can't I leave? Why did this hell have to happen?

It becomes harder to think, almost like I am in a haze. I can't focus on a single thought. It feels like I'm not there.

Suddenly, I feel hands on my shoulders, and I nearly jump out of them. However, they firmly hold me down.

I don't look up, but I feel the hands rubbing my shoulders gently. It's so difficult to, but I try to focus on it. Slowly, the buzzing (when did that appear?) I hear goes away, just leaving me beyond tired.

"Izuku? Izuku, are you okay?" Nemuri's voice breaks through. When did she get in here?

I don't look up. I just nod. In the background, I can hear reassurances from Hizashi, though I have no clue what he is saying or who he is talking to. I also realize that I am sitting on the bed again. I'm not surprised that I have been shoved here. I probably collapsed or fainted or some shit like that.

Nemuri sighs in relief, "Thank above. Alright, sweetie, I need you to drink some water. We don't want you dehydrated now."

In my sight, a glass of water appears. I don't hesitate to snatch it up and drink it. It's the best tasting water in my life.

When I finish, Nemuri takes it out of my sight and sets it aside somewhere, "Good. Do you want any more?" I shake my head, "Alright, so, I brought some wipes. Since you've been crying quite a bit, I thought that they might help you feel a little better. Do you want one or?"

I nod. I feel terrible, and I am willing to take any relief at this point.

I hear movement beside me as Nemuri pulls one out, "I need you to look at me, Izu," I follow her directions, and I notice that she has me facing a wall. She gives me a smile, reaching forward and gently wiping my face. I was expecting to do it myself, but I will let her entertain herself. The coolness certainly helps a little bit, and I don't feel like I cried as much despite feeling like I am going to explode at any moment. Eventually, Nemuri finishes, setting the wipe aside.

"Thank you," I softly say, but it slurs out. However, I think Nemuri understands since she nods.

"Do you need anything else?"

I don't say anything. I was in the middle of something, but what? Why is it so difficult to remember or even think?

Then, behind me, I hear Shouta's voice. It's deeper than usual. Tired. He sounds so fucking vulnerable, and I hate it. However, it reminds me of the argument we literally just had.

Fucking hell, did I say something wrong? Did I mess up? Was I supposed to say something else-?

Two gentle hands cup my face, the thumbs rubbing across my cheeks.

Nemuri softly speaks, clearly trying to reign me back, "Izuku, sweetie, I need you to talk to me. What do you need?"

Hearing Shouta behind me gives me the energy to snap somewhat out of my ruse.

My voice is still soft and broken, but it's much more coherent than before, "I need to talk to Shouta. I can't end that conversation like that."

Nemuri looks at me with concern, "Are you sure? You can take a break-"

I reach for one of Nemuri's hands on my face, grasp it, and plead, "Please. I'm not leaving this."

Nemuri sighs, withdrawing her hands with a smile, "I should have known. That determination is one of your strong suits."

I ignore her comment and turn around her find Hizashi in the kitchen, holding and comforting Shouta.

The haze disappears as a single thought comes to mind:

I did that to him.

My foolishness did that to him.

I have witnessed guilt in few situations, but feeling guilty was something else.

I don't know what to fucking do. Everything is so numb that I just want to drop, and I know that isn't the answer.

Anxiety grips me by shaking my form and trying to suffocate me, aware that I could be going into another argument.

Despite that, I stand on shaky legs and approach them because Shouta needs closure. We need closure.

I can hear Nemuri follow, but I ignore her to focus on them. They don't notice since they are absorbed in their comfort, and I understand. I don't want to break it, but it's needed.

I gather everything to speak.

"Shouta," I say to get their attention, and I nearly flinch at how weak I sound. When did I reach this point?

Instantly, they turn their attention to me with shock. Is this really unexpected?

Since they are looking at me, I can see Shouta's red eyes and blotty face from crying. If I had any words, they would be stuck in my throat, but those words are gone. I've never seen him cry. I've made him cry.

Focus, Izuku. You need to make amends-

Before I can consider my words, my distracted thoughts missed Hizashi moving away from Shouta and Shouta moving in front of me. When I refocus, Shouta is on his knees slightly to match height with me.

Slowly, Shouta reaches a hand past me, cups the back of my head, and brings me forward until our foreheads are touching. He gently massages the back of my head, slightly easing the pain whether he realizes or not. What is going on?

"I'm so sorry, Izuku," Shouta softly tells me, confusing me further. Why is he apologizing to me? It should be the other way around.

"You have nothing to apologize for. I made my choices-" I start to explain, but Shouta gently shushes me.

"I know. You're still in trouble for that. However, I believe many of us are at fault here as well," I try to speak up, but one look makes me go quiet, "Izuku, we made you believe that you are valued based on your abilities. Not for who you are. You believe that you need to keep going not because you want to but to keep proving your value, and you don't have to. We should have realized that we were pushing you in that direction, and I am so sorry. Izuku, no matter what you can and can't do, you will always be valued at UA not because of such but because of who you are. I don't think you realize how much people just want you there. They don't want you to do anything. They don't want your help. They want you there to do your usual trouble because you have this energy to bring everyone up around you.

You may be amazing at what you can do, but you're one of a kind when it comes to that, Izuku. We never meant to force you to believe that you have to do work to have a place as a human being. That mindset is what lead to your decisions. Whether you know it or not, people around you can influence you in that way. That is why it is so important that we recognize our flaws so that we can help you. We just want you here, safe and happy just like the rest of your class, kid."

That is so difficult to believe. I don't know what to think. I can't even tell him that he's wrong even when he is. What am I supposed to say?

"I'm so scared that I'm going to lose you, Izuku," Shouta says suddenly, causing me to look at him. He looks so tired and vulnerable, just like he did with Hizashi, "Hizashi and I had a friend in high school."

Shouta looks reminiscence, and I can't help but be intrigued. He's never talked about his past with me. But why is he bringing it up?

Shouta continues, "He was similar to you personality wise if calmer. He knew how to bring people out of their shells. Practically forced friendship onto me, but I believe it was for good reasons. He wanted us to form our own agency together. He was a great man and partner to work beside," Shouta sighs as misery takes over his features, "He died in a villain accident when he was your age, Izuku. That is why I am so concerned. I don't want to lose another close friend, especially you. You deserve to be happy and grow old. To do what you want to with life. I don't want that taken away from you because of your reckless decisions or for you to regret these decisions when you grow older. I know you're concerned for us, but we can handle it. Always have, always will."

Shouta pulls back for a moment and moves his hands to my shoulders, forcing me to look him eye-to-eye as he pleads, "Just let us take care of you, please, Izuku."

I don't know what happens within me, but something in me breaks.

A sob racks my body as I look down from him and bring a hand to my mouth to try and muffle the sound. Shouta doesn't let me as he straightens up and brings me to his chest in as tight of a hug as possible.

Shouta speaks a little louder to make sure he is heard, "It's okay, Izuku. We're right here for you."

That's all it takes for me to give in since my body collapses against his as I wrap my arm around him tightly. Shouta quickly grabs me up before I hit the ground and carries me bridal style to my bedroom. He sits us down on my bed, and I cry and scream for what seems like forever.

And forever, Shouta remains there, comforting me to the best of his abilities while rocking me back and forth. Nemuri and Hizashi also stick around as close as possible while offering physical contact when they can.

From there is a blur as I presumably pass out finally.