Chapter 14: recovery

The hospital trip was meant to be a short one. With Recovery Girl out on personal business, Aizawa hoped the E.R attendants would get Akane's torso wrapped up and send her home in a couple hours. Sadly, upon further inspection, there was more damage.

"Internal bleeding?" Aizawa demanded, openly seething.

"I'm afraid so," the doctor told them.

"Does that mean I have to stay?" Akane asked. Her voice was quiet; afraid. The last time she'd spent longer than a few hours at a hospital had…not been a fun time in her life. Needless to say, she was not eager to relive those particular memories.

Aizawa put a comforting hand on her leg over the hospital bed blanket. The nurses had insisted she get into bed and hooked up to an I.V once her injuries had been fully assessed. The E.R bay was long gone — it was all private rooms, now. He knew better than anyone that Akane wouldn't be enjoying this one bit. He vowed then and there not to leave her side until she was discharged.

She wouldn't need surgery, thankfully, but the doctors wanted to keep her for a couple days at least. Upon the news, Akane clenched her fists, a tremor visible even through her gloves. She wasn't safe here. She wasn't safe here. She wasn't safe she wasn't safe wasn't safe—

Aizawa held her hand; firmly, securely. He offered her a smile. "Hey, kid. Eyes on me."

She nodded, forcefully controlling her breath.

Aizawa took it quite clearly that she was not in a place to discuss details about what had happened — who hurt her, when, how often, and why — but the questions burned on his mind. He knew several culprits had been apprehended by Midoriya and Todoroki and escorted to the principle's office, but he hadn't had a moment to leave the hospital and interrogate them himself.

Once the doctor left, Akane turned her head to Aizawa. Her eyes plead, her body looking painfully frail in that hospital gown. An array of rapidly-swelling bruises adorned her exposed arms, making Aizawa's blood boil each time he saw them.

"Aizawa," Akane said, "I feel okay. Really." I don't need to be here.

Aizawa sighed. Dodging the underlying plea, he gave her wiry frame a gentle pinch. "I'm really not feeding you enough, am I?"

"Aizawa."

He forced himself to lock onto those desperate eyes, even though they made his heart wrench. "I get it, kid. Really. But what kind of parent would I be if I ignored the doctor's orders?"

"You ignore doctors' orders all the time."

"This is different. It's you." He leaned forward. "You're my responsibility. I failed you once, but I won't do it again. Never, ever again."

"You didn't fail me."

Aizawa gave her a look. "When did you last look in a mirror?"

"Firstly, ouch." And then Akane pursed her lips. She glared into her lap. "Secondly, this is on me. I'm the one who screwed up, okay? If you try to take the blame, I swear, I'll…I'll lose my mind."

Aizawa smirked. "Tough."

"What?"

He sighed, giving her hand another squeeze. "Let's just agree on one thing: we have both learned something from this crappy experience. Which means it will never happen again."

Finally, he elicited a smile from her, however small. "Agreed."

Having lost track of time, both Aizawa and Akane jumped as the private hospital room door flung open, revealing six concerned classmates. Of course, it was the end of the school day, and still within visiting hours at the hospital.

"Akane!" Midoriya blurted.

"We're so glad you're okay!" From Uraraka.

"I'm not sure if I'd classify two broken ribs and internal bleeding as 'okay'," Iida said. "We were positively worried sick!"

"How are you feeling?" Yaoyorozu poked her head in.

Behind them, Todoroki and Bakugou waited for their turn, itching (silently) to check on their closest friend. They also knew she must've been uncomfortable with all the attention, but luckily Aizawa was there to step in.

Sure enough, Akane tensed up, not sure if she was ready to be bombarded. Sensing her discomfort, Aizawa got to his feet.

"Take it easy, you guys. It's been a long day."

"Oh." Midoriya blushed, embarrassed for not considering sooner how the unexpected 1A parade might agitate his highly guarded friend. "Sorry."

"Mr Aizawa is correct!" Iida asserted. "Our classmate has been through an ordeal and I am sure she is exhausted. Everyone, leave your offerings and let us depart with our best wishes."

Akane did her best to pull off a smile — she was deeply appreciative of her classmates, she just wasn't in a position for so much company. Iida was right, she was exhausted, mentally and physically. In fact, she had never been more grateful to him than in that moment.

"Thank you for coming," she said, softly.

Her friends departed with warm smiles and waves, leaving behind several bunches of flowers as well as a fluffy pink teddy-bear. Akane held the bear in her hands, examining it curiously. She couldn't remember the last time she'd held a teddy-bear.

Aizawa stopped Todoroki and Midoriya before they had completely disappeared. Lowly, he said, "We need to talk." The boys looked at each other and nodded, having expected their teacher would need a debrief.

"Bakugou," Aizawa instructed, turning to the only other remaining visitor. "Watch over her. I'll be back."

With that, he left the room to talk to Todoroki and Midoriya in private. It was just Akane and Bakugou now. For some reason, she couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye.

"Sorry for keeping you," she said at last. "You really don't have to babysit."

Bakugou scoffed. "Like I was ever actually gonna leave with those extras." After a moment, he added, "Or let you be alone."

Akane said nothing, sitting in partially ashamed, partially grateful silence.

Bakugou gestured to the teddy bear still in her grasp. "So you still got a soft spot for Yaoyorozu, huh?"

At that, Akane frowned. "Huh?"

"The stupid bear," he said, like it was obvious. "It was from her."

"Oh." Gently, Akane placed the bear in her lap.

Bakugou hesitated, but finally continued, "I know it's a crappy time to ask, but, uh…what's your deal exactly? You swing both ways or what?"

"If by that you mean do I like guys and girls, I think the answer is yes."

He nodded, more to himself than anyone. "That's cool."

"Is it?"

"Yeah. Means I've still got a shot, right?"

For the first time since he entered the room, Akane made eye contact with Bakugou. With her in that paper hospital gown, he couldn't help but notice everything Aizawa had — for someone so strong, physically and mentally, she couldn't have looked closer to shattering. God, what he would've done to wrap his arms around her, use his warmth to glue all her pieces back together, hold her until every single one of those bruises was nothing but a bad memory, place his lips—

Akane patted the edge of her bed, disrupting his chain of thought. "Sit," she said.

With an uncharacteristic lack of argument, Bakugou shuffled his way over to her and sat on the bed. Being this close to her reminded him of every touch they'd shared thus far. He couldn't get the images out of his head.

However, as soon as Akane rested her head on Bakugou's shoulder, every distraction ceased to exist. He was back in the moment, completely, relishing in the pressure of her weight against him. Tentatively, he reached up and brushed some of her hair back.

"Tell me the truth," he said. "You really okay?"

Akane closed her eyes. "No one really wants the truth to that question."

"Don't be stupid." Bakugou scowled, already cursing his own sharp tongue. "I mean —"

"No."

He stopped. "No?"

"The truth is no. I'm not."

And then, instantly, Bakugou softened entirely. Before he could say anything, she continued.

"Most of the time I'm just trying to stay standing. Keep my mind on the present. If I let myself get distracted, even for a second…I break."

Bakugou took a moment to mull over this heartbreaking admission. He took a deep breath, and gently brushed some more of her hair back.

Finally, he said, "That sucks. But if you think you're gonna be doing any of that crap alone from now, you're dead wrong."

Akane smiled. She tilted her head to look up at him — his red cheeks, determined expression, eyes both burning and tender. Softly, she said, "You can kiss me now."

Bakugou blinked. It took him a second to confirm he hadn't imagined her request before eagerly cupping her face in his hands and kissing her gently, like he had been waiting on those words since the second he first laid eyes on her. Akane leaned into him, letting him know she was okay, and their kiss deepened. Having initiated contact this time, Akane felt immensely safer and more secure. In control, even as she lost herself in the moment.

Eventually, Bakugou pulled away. His eyes were wide, glistening with both excitement and concern. "You're sure this is okay?"

Akane nodded.

They kissed again, even longer than the first time. When it ended, Bakugou stared into Akane's face, his warm hands still cupping either side of her jaw.

"I swear to God," he murmured, "I'm never gonna let anyone hurt you again."

Akane smirked. "Big talk. Don't forget it's not just high schoolers who want me beaten up."

Bakugou just grinned right back, like he was eager for the challenge. "Who gives a damn. Anyone who even thinks about beating you up is gonna have to go through me. That's a one-way ticket to hell."

"If you say so, hot stuff."

To her surprise, Bakugou blushed even harder. "So I'm hot now, huh?"

Akane rolled her eyes.

Wrapped up in each other's company, neither Bakugou or Akane were quite ready for the door to open, revealing a returned Aizawa and Todoroki. Seeing the pair so close together on the hospital bed, their shoulders brushing, both flushed pink, they stopped. Todoroki's shock gave in to a knowing smirk. Aizawa's shock, on the other hand, dialled his usual grumpiness up to eleven.

"Interrupting something?" Aizawa asked between gritted teeth.

Akane and Bakugou inched away from each other, avoiding eye contact.

"She had something…in her eye," Bakugou muttered.

Aizawa folded his arms. "I see." He gave Akane a look that read, this guy? Really? Secretly, he'd been rooting for her and Yaoyorozu ever since he found out Akane was into girls. Yaoyorozu was a good kid. Respectable. Bookish. A much better influence than the hothead dumbass Akane was seated next to now.

Todoroki couldn't help himself. He cleared his throat and wagged his eyebrows once, very pointedly, at Akane. A big I knew it gesture.

After another warning glare, Aizawa announced, "Principle Nezu was able to identify the ringleader of this whole thing. Third year Kiera Mikan. Telepathy quirk — explains how she found you out."

Bakugou scowled, embarrassment long forgotten. "Never even heard of this chick. I swear, when I get my hands on her —"

"Kiera's thugs have been apprehended," Aizawa continued, "but she managed to slip out. Hasn't been seen at school all day. Her parents claim she hasn't come home, either, but we're looking into it."

"Wait, she's still roaming free?" Bakugou growled. He stood up, cracking his knuckles. "Damn, she's not gonna know what hit her." He pointed to Todoroki. "Icy-hot, you're with me. Let's go find this bitch."

Before he could take another step, Aizawa restrained him with his scarf, glaring intensely.

Todoroki dared to speak up. "He has a point. From this level of violence, I doubt Kiera will give up the fight so easily."

"Exactly!" Bakugou said. "We gotta stop her before she comes for Akane!"

"Need I remind you both," Aizawa said, "that, despite her brutality, Kiera is a student of U.A Academy. There will be no getting your hands on her. You will leave this matter to the teachers, do you understand?"

Clearly, Bakugou did not understand, as both his fists lit up. He growled. "She hurt Akane."

Aizawa tightened the restraints of his scarf around Bakugou's form, holding him firmly in place. His lip curled.

"If you think for a single second that I am not as invested — in fact, more invested — in Akane's protection as you are, you are sorely mistaken." He looked between both boys, doing his best to instil the fear of God into them with those piercing eyes. "Rest assured, upon finding Kiera, I will ensure a punishment adequately suited to her actions."

Whether it was those eyes or that steely tone of voice, Bakugou was placated enough for Aizawa to release him. Todoroki, too, relaxed a little, confident in his teacher's commitment. As much as he and Bakugou cared for Akane, there was something about Aizawa's relationship with her that clearly went much deeper.

Then, from the bed in the corner of the room, there was a small, "Don't."

All three heads turned to Akane. She didn't reciprocate their questioning looks, staring into her lap.

"Kiera's only crime is wanting justice for her family."

Aizawa's jaw hardened. "She's not going to find any justice in beating an innocent girl half to death."

"Innocent?" Akane looked up, her eyes glassy. "You're kidding, right?"

"Akane…" Todoroki stepped forward, realizing with sadness what was going through his friend's mind. "Mr Aizawa is right. You didn't deserve this."

Akane shook her head. "Then I deserved worse."

"What the hell are you saying?" Bakugou fumed. "Don't you dare say that!"

Aizawa held out a hand to silence him. He approached his adopted daughter, cursing himself for not realizing the deeper reason Akane had kept the truth from him: she felt guilty toward Kiera. And she felt she deserved all the hate and pain Kiera inflicted. It seemed fair to her. It seemed right. Aizawa's heart sunk. He put a hand on her shoulder.

"The actions you committed in the past were not your own. The loss in Kiera's family, the one she blames you for, was not your fault. I need you to trust me on this."

"And besides," Bakugou added, "you suffered a hundred times worse than her, so what makes her think she has a right to — ow! "

This time it was Todoroki who shut him up, giving him a sharp nudge. Bakugou was ready to lose his shit, but stopped himself, remembering the sensitivity of the situation. He shoved his hands into his pockets, seething in silence.

"Honestly?" Akane said, however hesitantly. "It was kind of a relief. To finally be punished, you know?"

Once again, Todoroki had to restrain Bakugou before he could flip out, enraged by the self-hatred and guilt Akane expressed. In his eyes, no one was allowed to talk crap about her — not even herself. It was unacceptable.

As angered and saddened as Aizawa was by Akane's words as well, he composed himself, and sat next to her on the bed. "Akane…not that you deserve it, but if you did, enduring those years among villains would be punishment enough. I understand you feel for Kiera's pain, but Bakugou is right — you have had more than your share of suffering." Finally, his glare hardened again. "And I'm not going to let anyone tell you otherwise, yourself included."

Akane pursed her lips. She closed her eyes for a moment, hoping to clear away the impending tears, before opening them again. She sighed.

"Just do me a favour and go easy on her. Okay?"

Aizawa didn't even pretend to give in. Instead, he ground out, "No promises."

Unsettled as that left her, Akane let Aizawa wrap her into a careful hug, positioning himself so as not to worsen her injuries. When he pulled back, he addressed Todoroki and Bakugou again.

"You guys can stay here while I talk to Principle Nezu. It might be a while. That alright?"

They both nodded without hesitation. He nodded back.

"Good." Aizawa considered. "But make sure it's both of you. Or, you know what, just make it Todoroki."

"Hey!" Bakugou said.

Aizawa's fists tightened. "Fine. Either both of you stays, or only Todoroki stays." His eyes flashed. "I think you've had enough alone time with my daughter for one day, Bakugou."

Akane blinked.

Todoroki blinked.

Bakugou blinked.

"Your daughter?!"