All right here we are :) the fallout of Kamino ward!
SHOUTA POV
Bound. Motionless. Seemingly powerless. All for One wheeled into Tartarus prison ahead of Shouta and Toshinori in an armed procession. As they walked–or rather, as Shouta walked and pushed Toshinori's wheelchair–behind the armed precession, Shouta didn't take his eyes off the villain. Yes, he was contained. Yes, he seemed to be complying. But that didn't mean shit. Shouta had seen the footage, he had seen the sheer power in that unassuming body. He would trust nothing. Not until the bars were finally in place.
And no, Shouta didn't want to be there at the prison, but Alex's third surgery had been coming to an end when he left. She would be so heavily sedated she wouldn't wake for at least another twelve hours, if then. So for now, he would 'calm' himself, watching the super Villain be buried deep in a prison. At least it kept the monster away from Alex. Away from the world. And by witnessing that firsthand, when she woke, Shouta could tell her about the containment. It might not help her fears. It might do little against the nightmares raging behind her eyelids, but it would be something. He had to do something.
Those skin covered eyes stared blindly. They never stopped.
Shouta hated it. He gripped the wheelchair handles tighter, well aware that the Number One was no more, well aware that All Might could no longer hold form for longer than a few seconds, and he was bound to his wheelchair being recently out of surgery himself, but it still kept Shouta calm. Regardless of his opinions of All Might as a teacher, even Shouta Aizawa had looked up to someone like All Might as a hero. Having Toshinori there was calming.
It had only been a few days since the attack.
A few days of All for One being questioned by the police in a secure facility, before being moved to the intense prison. But the world remained shaken. The dust continued to settle. No one quite knew what to do; heroes, reporters, civilians alike, they were all at a loss. For a few hours after the battle, rumours of All Might's death circulated. Rumours of Alex's death came soon after. Beyond that the rumours got wilder and wilder and Shouta stopped listening. All he needed to know was that both of them were recovering. And they were.
Alex was rushed into surgery like All Might, but whilst the previous Number Ones only took one very long session, hers was taking several. Operation after operation. Transfusion after transfusion. Her small body recovered from the bruising from her power, but everywhere else the toll showed. Sunken cheeks, bruised eyes and joints where the IVs pricked. Slices into her back where All for One had gotten through her shield. And of course the broken back and ruptured pelvic area.
He couldn't stomach it much more.
So perhaps the prison was also to give his mind a break–he could admit that.
"How is your little girl fairing?" All for One hadn't spoken since being captured, his voice echoed in the armoured hallway, stalling the procession. Shouta wasn't sure he had actually heard the villain, wondering if his tired mind was just playing tricks. But it wasn't. The guards looked from All for One to Shouta, unsure.
Shouta grit his teeth, but Toshinori sat straighter, looking back to shake his head. "Ignore him, Aizawa. He's baiting you."
All for One tilted his head. "Has she woken from surgery yet?"
Shouta wished the procession would keep moving. No she hadn't woken, she lay there so still and so small. Not a twitch. Not a mumble. Nothing. It drove Shouta mad to see her so crumpled by the world, when all he had done was put on a suit, shave and speak empty words to reporters. Still, the plan had worked. He could wrestle with his conscience another time.
Orders burbled over radios and after a pause that seemed to last for years, the procession moved.
All for One sighed. "I do hope she doesn't have any permanent damage. That would make her such a burden to you."
Shouta's temper flared, his quirk rattling around his head, waiting to be unleashed like a punch from his clenched fists. But Toshinori was correct. The villain only sought a rise, wanting to continue to play with them.
All for One shook his head. "All Might, I see you are finally reduced to what you always were, a broken puppet. Tell me, why did you never tell dear little Alex about her parents? How they died? Such terrible secrets to hold from her. I wonder how she will react when she learns the truth."
Doors behind opened, and the Villain disappeared into one of the elevators with a dozen guards. Silence. Shouta waited with Toshinori for the other elevator doors to open. The break was welcome, allowing a little air to breathe.
Toshinori coughed. "Before you ask, I have no idea what he's referring to."
"I… I wasn't sure whether to bother or not. I guessed it would be a game. Was that the nonsense he was saying to her on the field?" Shouta pushed Toshinori's wheelchair into the lift.
"Indeed. It seemed to only be a tactic to distract her, to reduce her focus and have her further hurt herself, or allow his attacks through her shield… but now that he says it here, I have to wonder…"
Cogs turned in the old mind, and Shouta let them. His own thoughts were scattered. One shining beam stayed strong though–Alex hadn't given into the teasing. She had ignored the villain and stayed focused. His daughter. His amazing daughter had outsmarted All for One.
His phone buzzed. He looked immediately, heart clenching as he feared the worst. Had she got another fever? A seizure? Was there yet another surgery planned? But no, it was only Nemuri with the hourly update. Alex was sleeping. No change. It would be lucky if they had seen the last of the fevers, they had already done a number on Alex's recovery, but having her brought back alive seemed like already far too much luck to have hoped for.
"How is she doing?" Toshinori held a cloth to his lips as coughing wracked his body.
"Resting. Seems there's no change since her last surgery." Shouta put his phone away and leaned against the metal wall. Everything ached; his body, his mind, his heart. "Her system has endured so much so quickly… I'm not sure what to expect once she wakes up."
"She'll pull through. Whether or not she can continue with her Hero work is another question entirely."
Shouta sighed. "I know. I'm sure it's something she considered on the field."
The idea of her lying there, frightened and overthinking everything churned his stomach.
"If I can help, I will." Toshinori sniffed. "I'm sorry I couldn't–"
"Don't." Shouta put his hand on the man's bony shoulder. "You already tried that at the hospital, old man. I'm not letting you take on the blame. Alex wouldn't. So I won't either. You fought as hard as you could, Alex just wanted to get out of your way. No doubt she'll end up blaming herself for not managing it."
Toshinori chuckled wearily. "She will… She shouldn't, but she will."
"Consider that for yourself then. Don't blame yourself for his shit." Shouta pushed them out as the doors opened, the lobby still filled with All for One's entourage as they awaited the two pros. "He's gonna pay for it one way or the other."
All for One laughed. "I do hope little Alex can continue her training. She will make such a good opponent for Shigaraki, or indeed… an Ally."
Shouta slowed.
All for One tilted his head. "You cannot be so arrogant as to suppose this an impossibility, Eraserhead?"
"About as likely as it was for Bakugo to turn." He snarled, wishing there was a point in losing his rag with the old villain. There wasn't. It was entirely illogical. And yet still the want burned in his chest. To rage and pull that broken body to the floor, slam that head off the concrete and wait till no more laughter was possible. The darkness. It always waited.
"Get him in there, let him rot." Toshinori waved a hand.
The guards continued, getting their prey into position where he would stay from then on. From beyond a thick glass panel, not moving, bound and motionless, All for One stared. The locks slammed into place. The systems were online. The guns were ready. But was it enough?
They headed back to the elevators.
Shouta tried his best to be convinced, to trust in the prison, but doubt simmered. All for One's arrogance and continued laughter; it snuck under Shouta's skin. Not for Alex turning against the Heroes, no. Never that. But whether this was really the end of All for One, if it was a full stop, or just a comma...
ALEX POV
Dreams. They shake my mind every second. Vivid colours and noise; the battle, the capture, the fear. Being shot at by Yakuza thugs, enjoying the baths at camp, blue flames chase me, an alleyway with two people walking away from me, Dad being broken under the Nomu, Stain's endless stare, Shigaraki's reaching hand. On and on. I'm so dizzy. Eventually, it stills. Pain levels. A little comfort returns. Voices come and go. People hold my hands, and All for One keeps trying to kill me. I think my power surges a few times, and a few hospital beds get broken. Had I had a seizure? It's all such a mess of noise. Which way did the surgery go? Did any of it work? Am I crippled? Am I barren? Or am I gonna be using a bag attached to my stomach for the rest of my life? I don't care. I just want to know. Or is all of that moot and I'm actually dead? Nah. I doubt death hurt this fucking much.
I wriggle a finger and groan. Yes. I'm coming out of it. Oh fucking hell. Nevermind beforehand, now everything really hurts.
Someone shifts in a seat nearby, the plastic creaking under their weight. A cold hand takes mine, quickly followed by a warm one. Sho?
I try and grip the hands in return.
"Alex? You're in the hospital. Take it slow."
His voice makes a smile pull at my lips. Still so calm and settled, ever the constant pillar. I'd have to make a point of telling him how much his presence meant on that battlefield. If he hadn't been there, I might have panicked again. I might have caused even more damage.
"You've been out for a couple weeks."
Weeks? Shit.
"They've got you on a tube so just let me– Dammit. Nurse!"
As soon as I become aware of the tube, I am of course trying to force it out the way. I really don't like these things. Did he say two weeks? Hands hold me down and remove the tubing. I do everything I can to keep my power at bay, resisting the need to make another bubble. It's nurses and doctors. Not All for One. Not Dabi or Shigaraki. No. Nurses and Doctors who want to help me heal.
"Alex, you're safe" Sho's voice reappears next to my ear. The tube comes free. I gasp and cough. "Mr Aizawa went to get some rest, so I said I'd let him know when you came round. You waking up, or just causing a fuss?"
I smile and take a few deep breaths. The cheeky git was sassing me right now?
I try to blink.
"I'll send him a text. Take your time, like I said, you've been out for a while."
The air sweetens as the burn of the tubing dims. My hands twitch against soft linen, and I appreciate the plump pillow. Waking in a hospital is becoming a bad habit–I might as well be paying rent. How did I get here this time? I try to think back, but my head throbs. No. Just be here. Sho's here and Dad will arrive soon. One step at a time.
Blinds are drawn partially shut, the light beyond my eyelids dims slightly. Sho always had a good knack for attention to detail. I groan and force my eyes open, frowning at the swirling spots against the roof. Damn it's like I've slept for a year.
Okay. Now then, what's the damage? I try to wriggle my toes. Nothing happens. Sh-Shit. Okay, deep breaths. I purse my lips and move my hands to my stomach. No bag. I take a deep breath. Okay. This is getting me nowhere fast.
"Sho?"
"Right here." He shuffles his seat closer and gives a timid smile, eyes looking to where my hands linger. "Do you remember what happened?"
"I fucked up." I sniff but he shakes his head. "Sho, did he make it? Did All Might make it? There w-was so much blood. He got hurt so bad. I couldn't f-focus enough to find the source and stop it though. Is he–"
"Shh." He leans forward, the same smile in place with his eyes shining a little. "All Might is doing well. He's left the hospital, and is dealing with the fallout of the fight. You helped save him, Alex. He's been in here a lot as well. How about we focus on you for a bit?"
"R-Right."
"Do you want me to sit the bed up? Get you some water?"
I nod, and he does just that. Slowly though as my torso aches deeply, surgery has happened, but for what? I sip the water carefully, it soothes my throat. He waits, so patient and careful. Damn, the world didn't deserve this guy, let alone me.
I try to wriggle my toes again. "I'm paralyzed, right?" I think I can feel the weight of the blankets on my legs, but I could be imagining that. Phantom pain, or something. I can't remember what it's called.
"Recovery girl fixed your spine, but there's still a lot of swelling. You should be able to walk, but she's treading carefully." He hesitates, but perches on the edge of the bed and takes my hand. "Do you remember the end of the fight? When she asked–"
"I didn't feel a bag, so I'm gonna go ahead and assume I'm not exactly gonna need condoms." I smirk, and he nods, thumb keeps moving against the back of my hand. His eyes are steady, watching for my pain, not reacting beyond that. "You think I made the right choice?"
He doesn't look sure about answering. I squeeze his hand and wait, his opinion has meant more and more to me lately. I'm not sure exactly when, but Shouto Todoroki had become very important to me.
He looks at our hands. "If you stand by it, and it was what you wanted, then yes. I don't know many people our age that are so certain about these things though." His thumb continues moving. "Can I ask why you were so sure?"
I shrug. "I saw so much violence, so much bad shit when I was on the streets. I had to fight every day. I never wanted to bring a kid into this world, and risk them ending up like me."
"Why would you assume that as their fate?" He then blushes slightly. "I don't mean to–"
"Sho, you're fine. It's a fair enough question."
His blush persists, but he nods.
I draw a deep breath. "I never knew what happened to my parents. For all I know, they did everything to stay by my side. I don't wanna subject a kid to my life just because I wasn't able to fight well enough one day. I w-want to be a hero. So for me… that means I won't risk leaving a family behind."
His thumb stills. "So you'll live alone for your whole life? Alex you can't–"
"I said family, not husband or wife." I squeeze his hand. "I'm not gonna be a fucking nun, Sho."
His mouth closes.
I continue. "But if I did end up married or something like that, I reckon I'd have already had some pretty frank conversations with them. A partner can be talked to, reasoned with, they can know what to expect… a kid can't possibly comprehend the idea of Mum not coming home from work."
Sho stares for a few seconds in total silence. He's seemingly turned into a statue. Did I break him? I think I did. I squeeze his hand again and he jolts, blinking quickly.
"Just when I think I have you figured out Alex, you throw me another curveball."
"Gotta keep you on your toes." We chuckle together.
He explains what happened to everyone else, and why he and the others had even been there in the first place. Crazy guys went looking for me and Bakugo. I'm glad none of them got injured though. They did so well.
We're enjoying some tea when we hear running coming along the corridor. Dad.
Sho stands, "I'll take my leave for now, let you have some alone time with him."
"Thanks for everything Sho, it was great to not wake alone."
He nods and after glancing at the door, he frowns slightly and then steps towards the bed. He bows and then reaches for my hand. I let him take it and watch him press his lips to the back of my hand, lingering for a moment before laying it back down.
"I'm so glad you came back alive." He's nearly whispering, before he straightens and gets clear of the streak of long dark hair that's just rushed through the door. "See you soon." Sho calls as he disappears through the door. I swear I can still feel his lips on my skin.
Dad cups my face, tired eyes wide and scanning me. His mouth is opening and closing, not sure where to start. It's strange to think that to me it's only been a couple days, but to him it's been two weeks. I was captured for two days, endured the fight then just slept through everything. Poor man, I'm wearing his heart thin, no doubt. I pull him into a hug.
He sits on the bed and rocks us slightly. "Did Todoroki sum things up?"
"Enough for now I'm sure." I sigh, nuzzling into the crook of his neck, glad to smell his shampoo and cologne mix. He holds me strongly, but I can tell he's shivering. "Sorry for another scare, Dad."
"You fought like I taught you. You were amazing."
"Can't have people questioning your training."
He holds tighter. "I'm just sorry you had to fight so hard."
"I just hope I have enough time before the next one." I meant it as a joke but the words choke me.
I got broken. Sure I'm healing now, but at the time… Broken. No other words come close. Dad threads a hand into my hair. My white streaked hair, right? More scars, more evidence of failures.
I shiver, my eyes growing warm. "Do you feel this scared after an injury? I… I feel so…"
"Your back was broken and your pelvis ruptured. They'd been bleeding you and Bakugo said they never let you rest, the Vision villain had free reign in your head."
So many dreams. So many visions of people I love dying.
"I couldn't get him out of my head." I sniff.
"It's alright to be afraid, Alex. It's perfectly normal and to be expected. Just… Try to trust that you're safe for now. You can recover in peace."
"I really thought I was gonna die." I sob and he shushes me, rocking still and running his other hand up and down my back.
For a couple minutes we remain like that, and I'm fine with it. For now he can hold me all he likes. Right now, it's what I need. Eventually he sits back a little, he even kisses my head. I feel so spoiled.
At this point though, I can't deny that I hate hospitals. "When can I come home?"
"Your legs still numb?"
I nod.
"Not till the swelling's gone down at least, and you'll need some physio. Though even then, it might be a new sort of home."
"What do you mean?"
Had something happened to the apartment?
He pushes my hair back behind my ear. "The Principal is looking into new safety measures, they're building dorms for students."
"Huh?"
He takes the seat beside the bed. Some food is brought to me and Recovery Girl's been asked to make her way over. But till she arrives, Dad explains further.
"Student's safety is our top priority now. With All for One captured we can–"
"Captured?"
"Yes."
Silence hangs between us, but he goes no further. He's serious. All For One is alive. They just put him in a cage and left it at that. Like fixing a pipe leak with a sticker.
I grit my teeth. "Why the fuck wasn't he killed?"
"Alex–"
"He's way too dangerous to simply lock up. Are you kidding me? Wh-Why even risk that bastard getting out again? Didn't they see how much he stood up to All Might? How much damage he did?"
"That's a slippery slope, Alex." He glared but reached for my hand. "You've only just woken up, you're in the throws of trauma, but don't go–"
"Fuck that. Fuck the trauma." I grip his hand tightly, my knuckles going pale as my teeth grit against the want to scream. "That guy needs to die. He steals powers, he very nearly got mine. Then again, he never would have. I'd…" I stop myself and slump into the pillows.
There was no need to say it out loud. I can only assume Dad knew I had a back up plan for the worst case scenario. The way his eyes burn into me, confirms my suspicion. But that's so not the point right now. Shit. All for One is still alive, just sitting in a cell, biding his time. I can still feel his attacks against my bubble, still hear his voice slithering into my ear, still feel those spikes in my back.
Fuck. My throat thickens. "He's gonna get out. Then we're really fucked."
"Don't lose hope Alex. Please." I expected anger, not pleading.
I nod, but can't promise anything. I saw All Might after the fight was over, I held him upright myself. If All for One can do that to our best Hero, then what were the rest of us meant to do? But All For One said something, didn't he? Something about Midoryia. I had to ask All Might when I saw him next. I can't be sure I wasn't just becoming delirious at that point in the fight. It was so surreal. So manic.
Someone knocks at the door, and tell-tale clicking approaches. I give a wave without opening my eyes, hoping the tears will stop soon.
Recovery Girl stands on the opposite side from Dad. "How's she doing?"
"Talkative enough, doesn't seem to be in physical pain but–"
"He's gonna get out." I sniff, the tears coming thicker. My hands ache as I grip Dad's hand and the machines start beeping as my heart-rate rises. Dammit. They don't get it do they? All Might gave everything, and still All for One barely seemed rattled. How do you fight that? He needs to die. Or he's just gonna swan out the prison and decimate everything. He'll come for my power. He'll rip it out of me like he did that woman from the camp.
"Alex, breathe."
I don't know which of them says it. I don't care. Like I can breathe, like I can do anything but imagine that bastard looming over me and mocking my attempts to defend myself. The pressure builds round my body. How the hell do you fight someone like that? He doesn't see people, he sees pawns. Pawns to be used, stretched, broken, snapped, sliced, carved.
"Alex!"
I jolt and stare at the ceiling, the world bleared by tears. Shit.
Dad perches on the bed again and does his best to wipe the tears. His quirk is withholding mine from damaging the room or myself. Thank goodness he's here.
"Deep breaths. Come on, that's it. You'll get through this, Alex. I know you will."
Eventually they sedate me. It's all they can think to do in order to calm me down. Panic rules my world and all I can see behind closed eyes is that damn mask...
I wake to a dimly lit room.
I'm glad they left the lamp on my bedside table on, waking to darkness would have only set me off again. I peer at the clock. It's 3am. Perfect time to be waking. Bugger. Dad's asleep on the other bed, curled under the blankets, at peace. That lessens my worry as well. Thanks, whoever let him stay, waking alone wasn't gonna go well. I watch him sleep for a few minutes, the rise and fall of his body with his breathing, the slight flickers that pass over his brows or lips. He's dreaming. I can only imagine the strain this put on him; having to watch from the sidelines and then dealing with a panicky fool once I woke. I'm hardly making this life easy on him, am I?
I sigh and look at the ceiling, knowing he would refute such thoughts. I'm not a burden to him, I'm his daughter. He loves me. He wants me to be happy. I frown and wonder if he ever entertained the idea of being a Grandad. I doubt it. He's not keen on brats, right? I lay my hand on my stomach and sigh. I don't regret the choice, and I highly doubt I ever will. Saving my digestion means I don't need to worry about certain foods. I can still be a strong hero. I smirk. Pretty sure people can still be strong without a working digestive tract–I'm just justifying shit. I never wanted kids. But now, I literally can't have them. Does that mean I'll be alone? Would anyone want to be with me? I snort. Plenty people don't want kids.
Sho's face flashes into my mind.
Does he want kids? I look at the hand he kissed and feel the skin tingle. Had he been trying to say he 'liked' me this whole time? I look back and to be honest, it's possible. But I can't assume. He's an awkward guy, it would have to be spelled out. I smirk. Why the hell was my mind on romance when I'm sitting here broken and bruised? Probably because I feel lonelier than ever.
I grit my teeth. Shit.
The door to my room slides open. I expect a nurse is about to check on me, but then I see spiky blonde hair. Bakugo? He pauses when meeting my eye, glancing to Dad, then shrugging and approaching. He sits next to the bed, opposite from Dad's sleeping form. Bakugo's quiet, clasping his hands under his chin, elbows on his knees. His eyes don't settle. His mind is churning loudly. What the hell is he doing here so late?
I give a wave. He smirks.
Dad continues to sleep, turning over and mumbling something. He's out. With my power I carefully pull the curtain across and then roll towards Bakugo.
"The heck are you doing here? It's 3am."
"Can't sleep anyway. My mom brought me, stupid woman's happy to do anything to stop me pacing in my room." He looks at the IV in my arm. "You're making a shitty habit about being in here."
"I know right? I considered offering them rent."
His smirk peeks into a real smile before it's bitten back. I raise a brow at him, guessing my question about his appearance here might actually get a real answer if I'm patient enough. Despite the fact he didn't get major injuries, Bakugo had also been taken. He went through it all, just like I did. I have no idea what else the League might have done to him once I was gone. Then I recall Shigaraki's lewd comments. I swallow hard.
Bakugo glares. "What's with the face? They told me you've been having panic attacks. Don't go having another right now. The old guy needs some rest."
I take some deep breaths. "A-After I was taken by All for One, what did the League–"
"They didn't fuck me, if that's what you're worried about." He shakes his head, taking a deep breath through the nose. "Shigaraki said he only said those things to mess with your head. Sadistic bastard saw it like a cheat code. Knew you'd worry about me more than your dumbass self."
I loathe how much Shigaraki understands me.
Bakugo pulls one knee to his chest, hugging it and glaring at nothing in particular. "He said it was a weakness of the Hero world. All heroes shared that weakness, but I didn't have to… They really did want me on side."
"Duh. You're powerful."
"But they genuinely thought I'd join them…"
"Then they're as stupid as I thought." I breathe, and his confusion flickers into place. He's not sure. Doubt has entered his mind, and his mind is the last place it belongs. "Bakugo, don't go calling me a dumbass if you're doubting yourself."
He just glares, but without that steel nerve. He's lost.
I reach and touch the back of his hand for a second. Barely grazing it, but guessing it was enough. He doesn't recoil at least. Then I smile and retract my hand. "C'mon Bakugo, why did you come here, really?"
"You're the only one that's gonna get it." Such a small voice doesn't suit him. He grits his teeth and the doubt brews to a shine in his eyes.
I just nod slowly when he glances my way, not bothering with a look of sympathy. He doesn't want that. He wants common ground.
He clicks his tongue. "Everyone else is just reading from a damn script on trauma. It's their shitty way of helping but…" He keeps his voice hushed of course. "But some of it just doesn't apply."
"Hate to drag it out of you, but you're gonna have to clarify for me, buddy."
His hands curl to fists. "The League didn't knock me around, they only beat you. They didn't torment me, they only did that to you. Hell… They basically treated me like a guest, whilst you were thrown around like a rat."
"You being a proper dumbass and wishing things were reversed?"
He growls. "I'm not a dumbass for wishing you hadn't been so fucked with."
"Yeah, you kinda are." I prop myself up on my elbow, his eyes flickering over me in worry but not a word of concern slips out. "It had nothing to do with you or me. Shigaraki's not the kinda guy you can easily rationalise. Don't go driving yourself mad trying, Bakugo."
His glare increases, but so does the shine. His knuckles pale and he clasps his hands into a fist, hitting it against his forehead a few times. A shake runs through him, shuddering his shoulders for a moment before he sucks in a choked breath. Shit he really is struggling. I'm glad to know I'm not alone, but I also wish it could have been a bad dream.
He grunts. "I guess I came here to find out from the source…"
I tilt my head. "Find out what?"
"The others kept sayin' I'm wrong, but I can't help it… I have to know."
"What? Spit it out."
He leans forward, elbows on knees as he draws a couple deep breaths. I won't comment on how they hitch or thin. "Do you blame me?"
The last thing I'd have expected Katsuki Bakugo to experience was a guilt trip.
I sigh. "Now you really are being a dumbass."
His breath releases in a half chuckle. "Harsh."
"It's just your own medicine." I wait and slowly he manages to meet my eye, peering from under his spiky hair. I grin and he smirks. "I don't blame you, not at all. I didn't blame you when we got taken, and I certainly didn't blame you when Shigaraki's lackeys pinned me with an IV. How on earth could I blame you for All for One's shitty actions?"
"In the fight though, I just escaped."
"You got out the way, you let All Might do his job. I'd have done the same if I hadn't fucked myself over with my damn power." I chuckle and his eyes tighten despite his nod. They tightened when I mentioned All Might as well, but I'm gonna guess I'm only privy to one crisis at a time. "Seriously Bakugo, the only thing I felt towards you as I saw you flying off the field, was gratitude."
"You're as bad as that damn nerd."
"You need to eventually accept that you respect him." I laugh and slump onto the bed, wincing as pain fizzes along my back.
"You make no damn sense, Alex."
"A common complaint."
His head drops and he grips the chair. Something else is rumbling in his brain. I stay quiet. I stay still. Not only am I bloody confused, and unsure of how to help, but I'm also aware my back is about to start really complaining. The last thing Bakugo needs is a front row seat to Alex whimpering. Yeesh. Get a grip woman.
"Bakugo, fucking talk to me? There's something else, right."
"Mm." he shrugs.
I roll my eyes. "Spit it out."
He runs a hand through his hair. "You broke your back because of me."
The machines whir, my heart rate bleeps, the hospital rumbles softly in the background, yet it feels like silence is pressing into my brain. His shoulders shudder, but I'll assume he's cold. A droplet runs off the end of his nose, but I'll assume he spilt water.
"Bakugo it was–"
"Don't let me off." He sniffs and glares, eyes bloodshot. "Don't you fucking dare do that, or deny it. You were handling it, you were withholding his attacks… You fought so God damn well. Your hair was going white it was taking so much toll… Then… Then–"
"It wasn't you. It was All For One." I grit my teeth, doing my best not to end up back in that rubble, my mind wavering at the notion. I can't think of it. Not yet. Not the pressure or All for One's voice, or the attacks, or the pain… fuck. I clasp Bakugos hand whether he likes it or not, this is what they get for encouraging me to lean on others.
You're fine.
All for One's locked up.
Dad's right there.
No you can't walk, or defend yourself, or even think of using your power to protect someone like Bakugo if All for One suddenly appeared… But… But… I have no idea where my head was going with that. Shit.
Bakugo grips my hand tightly. "Alex, breathe. C'mon… Shit I shouldn't have said any of this crap. You're still all fucked up and–"
"Shut it and squeeze my hand." I squeak, staring up at the paneled ceiling. My voice is a hoarse whisper, choked on a want to cry out in terror. "You're right, my Dad needs to fucking sleep, so… so just help me get a grip."
"You got it." He squeezes back and shuffles closer. "You call that a grip? Seems more like you're just tryin' to gimme a massage."
It helps. I snort, glad to only feel a couple tears escape when I finally open my eyes, holding tighter. My friend is here. My Dad is here. We're not on the field, we're safe. It's fine. I have time to recover, to regroup, to prepare for whatever was coming next.
He grunts. "Okay jokes aside don't go breaking my fucking hand."
"S-Sorry." I loosen slightly. "The Bastard is living behind my eyelids."
"Should charge him rent. Help with the hospital rent for you." We share a strained laugh. A few moments later I manage to let go of his hand. "You good?"
I nod. "Sorry."
"Fuck all to apologise for. That's what I was doing."
I wipe my tears. "Nah, you were being a dumbass."
He shakes his head. "Hardly."
I roll my eyes.
He flicks my head. "I was the reason you lost focus, if you hadn't been worried about protecting me then–"
"We have no idea what might have happened." I sigh, pain beginning to burn at the base of my spine. "You're not to blame for these injuries."
"I saw it Alex, the second it happened. You looked at me and I knew. I-I knew some seriously bad shit had happened. You looked… Looked…"
I hold up my hand, counting it off on my fingers. "Pathetic? Broken? Useless? Weak–"
"Small." His brow pinched and he looked to the ground again. "It looked wrong. You're… You're not meant to be small."
I lower my hand, guessing he doesn't realise how much that applies to him in this same moment. In this hospital, at 3am, seeking a shred of confirmation on if he was to blame or not, I don't think Katsuki Bakugo has ever looked smaller. And I hate it. And part of me, the really annoying and hypocritical part, feels it's my fault. But that isn't going to help him right now.
I draw a deep breath. "Do I get a say in any of this?"
"Whaddya mean?"
"You came here to ask if I blamed you, right? So do I get a say or not?"
He clicks his tongue. "Guess so."
"How generous of you." I raise his chin with my hand, knowing full well he'll feel how much it's shaking. I don't know if it's because of the pain or my anxiety right now, but regardless, the shakes are there. I meet his eyes dead on. "I do not blame you Bakugo. My power was already hurting me. It could have been anything to cause the back injury, but anything on that field is linked to one man. Hear me? And he's not even got a proper fucking face. He looks like a fucking peeled potato."
Bakugo snorts and I let go of his head so he can cover his mouth to muffle the laughter.
I chuckle a little too. "I don't blame you, this guilt is you blaming yourself. At least keep that in mind?"
He sniffs and nods. "Yeah… Guess I can try."
"That's a start." I hum, closing my eyes and taking a couple deep breaths. The pain is persisting, but thankfully not getting any worse. "So did this heart to heart help?"
"Mm."
"You're not gonna ask to start a therapy group or anything, are you?"
"Should've known you'd be a sassy bitch."
I give him a thumbs up. "That's what you c-came here for. You know it as well as I d-do."
"You're flinching, you needin' the nurse?"
"Can't stay doped up the whole time." I look at the ceiling. "You could do me the favour of keeping me distracted th-though." I grit my teeth. "You in the dorms? Or rather are you gonna be when they're built?"
"Think the teachers are gonna be coming round to talk to all our folks. Guess that's a short trip for you."
I smirk. "Damn right. Though… I wonder if he's gonna be in our dorms…" I frown, wondering how I'd handle living apart from Dad right now. My nerves are shot. "You think–"
"He's not gonna let you out of his sight. He was weird when you ran off, but the past two weeks he's been hell." Bakugo shakes his head. "The whole class has been pretty wired. They don't text me much, Kirishima's being pretty good at keeping their nagging at bay… but they're all wondering about you. Icy-Hot was fuckin' vague as always."
"Sho's just socially inept. And he knows it." I snort and Bakugo's brow raises. "What?"
"Sho?" He leans forward and narrows his eyes. "Sho?"
"He does actually have a nam–"
"You got a lady boner for Icy-hot?"
I clamp my hand over my mouth to avoid bursting into laughter and Bakugo bites his lip, likely as aware that my Dad is right there as I am right now.
I slap his arm with my power and shake my head. "You're such a dick."
"Already thinkin' about the right organ then."
"Bakugo for fuck's sake." I pull the blanket over my head. "I've gotten closer to him, all right? Doesn't mean I'm gonna marry the guy."
"It would be kinda hilarious though."
"Why? So impossible to imagine me playing the fairy princess?" I peek out from under the blanket.
"Nah, I just reckon you'd drive his Dad mental."
I snort. "Fucking right I would, could even suggest Sho take my name. Really piss off mister fire-face."
Bakugo grins. "Now that's a good name for him."
It's been another week. I'm gonna destroy this god damned Nurse if she doesn't watch it. I can walk a little by myself now, between two bannisters, one foot in front of the other. But at the other end, bending down, hands clasped over her heaving chest, lashes fluttering, is the most annoying woman on the planet.
On and on. Empty platitudes, cooing and rambling sugar-coated nonsense.
During my third session with her I stop in the middle and just glare. "Will you stop? I'm injured, I'm in pain, but I'm not bloody three years old."
She straightens and frowns. "A little encouragement can go a long way."
"So can sugar and you're making my teeth fall out."
"Goodness me, you should–"
"Look, I've barely moved in two minutes so saying 'you're doing wonderfully deary', 'my oh my I have never seen a better patient' means about as much as a fucking fart right now."
She looks outraged, blushing brightly. I bit my tongue as long as I could lady, seriously. I have been wanting to throw you out of a window since day one. I should be given a sainthood for my patience thus far. But no more. One more coo and I'm gonna make myself implode simply to escape.
The door opens and in wanders Dad. She flusters and goes over to him, rambling about progress and such, overselling every fucking detail, but then lowering her voice. My attitude. Oh dear, my attitude is lacking. Well, so is her ability to keep her fucking voice down. I'm a cripple, not deaf. Dad doesn't look impressed anyway, but he has to maintain a semblance of professionalism.
I however, do not. "If you don't like my attitude…" I grit out, taking another step, pain flaring up to burn at the base of my ribs. "Leave. The door is right there. Bye bye."
"Mr Aizawa! This is the sort of thing I am referring to! All I intend is to aid and yet–"
"If it was my well-being you were concerned for." I snap, holding still and biting back the whimper, because am I fuck doing that right now. "Then you'd consider that your patient snapped her back only a few weeks ago. She's only just nearing sixteen. She's likely gonna be a bit fucking grumpy. Sorry dear. Can't handle that much? Fuck off to someone wanting their head patted."
I reach the end and fall into the seat, panting hard and gripping the arms, waiting for the ringing in my ears to die down. Recovery Girl said it would hurt, that the muscles have seized up due to the healing and rest period. But shitting hell it feels like a rubber band wound too tight. Like I'm gonna snap into two pieces. I guess I already did though. As my breathing evens, the shaking starts. Every damn time. Like coming down from an adrenaline rush.
Dad clears his throat. "As harsh as my daughter's words might seem, Miss, I think she may have a point. Sometimes people aren't suited to each other. I'll take it from here, we'll sort her recovery without your aid, thanks." He dips his head and comes over, kneeling and laying a hand on my arm. The Nurse bustles out, leaving us alone.
I keep counting, making my fifth way up to ten. My legs are still tingling.
Dad squeezes my arm. "That's enough for today."
"No."
"Alex."
"Can't… waste time." I sniff, hating that my eyes got warm due to a mixture of the pain and hearing Dad defend me. Of course he defended me. Damn these drugs are turning me soft, I'm over-reacting to everything. Ok maybe I'm also tired, okay maybe I'm also still having crazy vivid nightmares… ok… I'm still a mess.
He sighs. "Alex, you can't rush this. You've got time to heal. I let you off sassing the nurse but don't go trying to pull that shit with me."
I sit back, wanting to argue but finding my voice pinched by the want to scream in frustration. It's a couple metres. Two poles to hang onto, and yet it takes me ten minutes or more to get across before collapsing. I need to get better. It's been weeks already. Recovery Girl needs to just give me more treatment, hurry this shit up.
I'm a coward, I deflect. "What did you wanna talk to me about? Before the Nurse twerp came in for my session and you left for your meeting, you said you wanted to ask me about something?"
He blinks and looks down for a moment. "Ah, right, yeah."
"That sounds good…" I wait for the throbbing to calm down.
He clears his throat. "It's about the fight, but if you're not okay to talk about it yet, it's fine. Okay?"
I nod.
He draws a deep breath. "All for One mentioned your parents. At the time you were brilliant and didn't let him distract you, but did you have any idea what he was talking about? Did any of it make sense?"
I figured this would come up. Whilst glad to get the credit of ignoring it at the time, I had kinda hoped whenever this was brought up that it was going to be quashed. That it would be laughed out of existence. Nonsense. Lies. Fabrication. I don't want to think of All for One being stitched into my past, as though he's involved with my life. For so long he's only been a voice behind a screen–at least that was all I remembered him being.
"I'm not sure. I don't think so but…" the dreams from my initial time under from surgeries flutter behind my lids. Amongst all the noise and rushing images, there was that strange alley. Two people walking away. I look at my hands. Was it real? Or some figment left behind by the vision guy?
"Alex, speak to me. I wanna help."
"I don't even know if it's real."
He takes my hand. "If it's making you this quiet, it's real enough to matter."
I sigh and explain the image. It's so tiny, barely a second of 'footage'. I'm small, looking along an alley and two people are walking away from me. I don't know if it's a man and a woman, or whatever. It's just two shapes, vaguely adult shapes, walking away. No noise. No feeling. I don't know if it's hot, cold, winter, summer, light, dark. Just those figures and they're walking away.
"It's something, at least." He smiles softly, about to take his hand back when I grip tight. "Are you in pai–"
"It doesn't really matter to me, you know?"
He holds my hand again. "What doesn't?"
"Who they were." I whisper, biting my lip when it wobbles. He looks a little lost. "You're my Dad. You're my parent, not them. I dunno if they're to blame for being gone or not but… b-but they're in the past, I can't… they can't replace you."
He pauses, searching my face for something until he smirks. "Thanks."
I smile. "Good. N-Now let's give this bar another try."
"Nope. You're done for the day, kid. I meant it." He stands and I slump in the chair, gritting my teeth. I hate this. I hate everything about it. A finger taps under my chin, prompting me to look up. He smiles softly. "What are you?"
I suck in a breath. "Not a burden."
"Good, but now say it like you believe it." He leans down, enveloping me in a hug. No cooing. No sugar-coated babbling. Just the truth. I can rely on him for the truth; if I'm being a brat he'll tell me, if I need to lay off a bit, he tells me. I can trust him.
I wrap my arms around him, holding as tight as I can. "I'm not a burden."
"That's my girl."
Hope you guys enjoyed! Some down time is surely needed after all that battle craziness right? Thanks to everyone who has faved, followed and given reviews. Shoutouts below! I love responding to readers, really makes my day!
SHOUTOUTS
zikashigaku: So glad the last chapter was vivid for you! Haha, yeah it has always slightly driven me mad how characters just totally buy into the "villain clearly trying to mess with you" moment, so I wanted to show her just going "nope" to all that nonsense at the time. I hope you're enjoying the continuation of her parent arc, its a lot of fun to work with! I hope you enjoyed the Todoroki and Bakugo moments as well haha, some nice decompression time for them all I think. Thanks so so much for continuing to chime in with your thoughts on the chapters It's so awesome every time! Plenty more still to come, thanks again! See you soon ^-^
