It was hard to describe. The scar across Izuku's chest was bearable before. He was sitting and at most walking for the past… day? However, now, he was acutely aware of how his skin stretched across moving tissue and still bone. A taut fabric now laid from collarbone, across chest, to waist. With such, came a pang of fear of that material ripping. Rationale dictated that that wouldn't happen. The trained and trusted doctors were the ones who suggested therapy now, one of them being a Pro-Hero. But, even the slightest possibility was enough to drive intrusive and irrational fears far.

"Come on, Savior!" cried a young woman with a shark-toothed grin, a fin atop of her head, and hair shaped like a fish-tail. This was Sameko Hana, the Sharp-Toothed Hero: Sharkbait.

A large, bulky man, with pointy pompadour and a goatee, slapped his bicep, "Fight, little man!" Sensoji Arata, the Firing Hero: Mr. Blaster.

"Zzz…" A lady with curly hair and ram-horns was just sleeping on the bench press next to him. Shinya Onemu, the Climbing Hero: Aries.

A big, stout man put his fists on his hips, shaking his head, "You know, you guys should be focusing on your own therapies instead bothering the kid." Hashida Itaru, the Bullet Hero: Bigshot.

Though, Izuku was finding the audience, somehow, worse.

The trainer, Tochi Moyuru, didn't seem bothered in the slightest, "Guess you got some fans, huh?"

Izuku couldn't help but blush at all the attention. With the discomfort of flesh, a blazing face, and static engulfing his mind, he tapped out, getting a small break from his coach. Thanks to well made progress, he was allowed his five minutes. And, thankfully, with the show over, the Bigshot was able to disperse the audience, but not without some words of encouragement. Apart from the sleeping one, of course.

Izuku recognized all of them; they were Team Idaten sidekicks – much like most in this therapy gym. They either carried bandaged arms or legs with a limp for accompaniment. They were all a part of the operation to take down Stain, but were only injured by him in the process. The injury invited kinship and the rescuing of Ingenium brought admiration. Despite the embarrassment, being acknowledged by Pro-Heroes was fuel to his pyre. Looks, nods, greetings, and even the occasional praise was a surprising gift from people so extraordinary. He was even tempted to ask a few of them for their autographs. But, well, considering what led to them all being here, it doesn't seem to be the right time for something like that.

"You just can't help yourself, huh… Deku…?"

A chill shivered down his face, raking over his spine. The cold water was not kind to sensitive skin – like nails dragged down chalk. The exercise didn't warm him enough to deserve the cold, but that shut the damn voice up.

"It is a bit intoxicating… though…" thought Izuku with a chuckle escaping his lips.

Izuku was sitting up on the bench press – partially wet, trying to be quiet as to let the sleeping lie. He fidgeted with a water bottle which allowed his eye to land on that discolored thumb of his. It felt fine or normal with the exception of a twitch or phantom pain. With feelings spared, appearance was the only real concern. It had a shade of grey to it and he noticed that it was a bit skinnier – knuckle and bone protruding a bit more than before. It was minimal – the only reason he knew was because it was his thumb.

Same with his body. Izuku could tell he was thinner than before. Side effects from Recovery Girl's Quirk, he was certain. He could regain it, but… if he was going to go through with it, he was going to have to put in a ton of extra effort.

Speaking of which, "Mr. Midoriya, I see the heat might be getting to ya, huh?" Tochi said, "You're getting pretty used to those bells, so we're gonna pick up the pace, alright?"

"Yes, sir!" said Midoriya, pumping his fist.

"That's the spirit!" laughed Tochi before they adapted their regimen.

-XXX-

Ecstatic, jittery, and impatient, those were the emotions running through the group as they all gathered in their dorm's parking lot. It was the usual suspects, no guest characters. What they wore was a cross between style and comfort, exuding their personalities in the process. After ensuring they all had their study materials in their bags, they began the small trek towards the hospital.

"So, you're texting Midori's Mom?" asked Ashido.

"Yeah, don't tell Midoriya," deadpanned Shinso.

Jirou's face contorted, "Ugh, ya got to make sound weird?"

Kaminari said, "Yeah, guys, please." He flicked through the phone, "He's still in therapy, but he's progressing quickly. He's healed more and faster than the doctor expected."

"That's great news!" cried Ashido.

Shinso chuckled, "Almost feels like we had nothing to worry about."

"I don't know about that…" murmured Kaminari.

Shinso matched his pace with Kaminari before nudging him, "Ain't nothing wrong with some wishful thinking."

Jirou tucked her phone into her pocket, "Just remember not to ask about it, okay?" She said, "We don't know what he's been through. Even if we think he's just putting on a brave face, he should get to decide the pace."

With that, all silently wondered the same question as they murmured in agreement, "What really happened that day?" They hoped for the best – almost entirely uninjured with nay a mark on Midoriya. Idly, the worst possibility plagued the corners of their minds, and, for once, they could force themselves to ignore it with ease. Not only had they received the good news from the injured in question, but they were going to find their own confirmation soon enough.

Kaminari sighed, "It's too bad Camie-Senpai couldn't make it."

"Yeah, well, Internships won't wait… Especially when they're already a year in the making," said Shinso.

Ashido puffed her cheeks, "They postponed our work study."

Shinso shook his head, "Two different things – ours was always going to run at the same time as the other schools. Everyone has their Sports Festivals a week before U.A.'s because even people who go to our school will want to be in those stands. Though, it only applies to First Years' Work-Studies. Second Years' and Third Years' Internships get started before U.A., but end at the same time."

"Our Internships are longer?" echoed Kaminari.

Shinso nodded, "Yep, we don't get plastered on TV like them, so we gotta make an impression and make it last."

"Didn't Mr. Haimawari go over this with you guys already?" asked Jirou.

Ashido blinked, "Wait, was that what those one-on-one meetings were about? I thought it was some weird grade thing?"

"Grade thing?" Jirou popped a brow, "Yaoyorozu and Yaoarashi were the first people he talked to cause of their rank. They're the top scorers of our class."

"I don't know. Maybe someone be cheatin'," she said, putting a weird accent on the last word.

"Cheating, really?"

She pointed a finger, "Hey, you never know." She raised, "One of us was a creepy peeping tom."

"True," concurred Jirou.

"Got anything to chime in with, pal?" asked Shinso in a whisper, nudging the blond again.

"Hm?" Kaminari blinked, "Oh, uh…"

With a smirk, "You weren't paying attention, were ya?"

"Sorry."

"Don't worry about it." Shinso looked ahead as they climbed towards the train platform, "Things are working out, you know?"

Kaminari frowned, "Just because things are working out—"

Shinso put a hand on his shoulder, "I'm not trying to invalidate what's going through your head. But, remember why you're thinking about it in the first place, alright?" With that, Shinso released his hold, and jogged his way up.

"What is that supposed to mean…?" pondered Kaminari.

-XXX-

Lead by a nurse, Izuku found himself in the patient attire once again and in his hospital room. With his condition on the up-tick, he was put in less intensive care. The doctor and nurses visited less frequently, and Izuku didn't have to be hooked to monitoring machines, thankfully. He plopped himself onto his bed, exchanging farewells with the nurse, and found himself in his lonesome. His mom, after a great deal of convincing, was off in the cafeteria – getting some form of a meal. He would describe it, but he wasn't with her… Instead, he was here… alone… with a TV that only had the news and a cartoon channel for kids…

Izuku took in a deep breath before sighing, laying across his bed. Ignoring the feeling of his chest stretch in response, he thought to himself, "And I'm already bored…" He looked around and spotted the TV remote near the head of the bed. He rolled towards it, picking it up and switching on the device.

"Uh-oh~… Fell in love again~. What am I gonna tell my friends~?"

"No," he said, switching the channel to the news.

"In Hero News, All-Might is rumored to be hosting U.A.'s Sports—"

"NO!" he cried, shutting the thing off. He groaned as he kicked up his legs. His body teetered like a turtle's, rocking from one edge to another. He contorted his face before throwing his legs once more. His eyes widened as his weight shifted too far to one side. "Oh, shit—" he cursed as he toppled onto the tiled ground.

"What was that?" cried a familiar voice. "Mr. Midoriya?" It was Mr. Abraham in casual attire with a coat and bag on his arm and a workbook work in the other.

Izuku popped up from the ground, leaning against his bed immediately afterwards, "Mr. Abraham!" He tried to find some posture that allowed him to prop up his elbow. Though, he realized he'd have to kneel for that, and he definitely wasn't going to do that now. So, he settled for, "Whatcha doing… here, sir?"

"What were you doing on the ground?" questioned Mr. Abraham.

Izuku's face shifted and contorted, "Ah… Uh… Psh… uh… Standing?" His face landed on a frown as he closed his eyes and let out a long breath, "That doesn't make sense—"

"It does not," said Mr. Abraham with a shake to his head, but a light smile to his face. "It's good to see you so energetic."

Izuku let out a chuckle, "I'm pretty sure that's the first time anyone's referred to me as 'energetic'."

"Well… Hm…" Mr. Abraham teetered his head before extending the workbook to his student, "I brought you those worksheets. I had them organized for you." He then reached into his bag and pulled out an architect's sketchbook along with a set of writing utensils. "This is for your Support Course studies. Temporarily, I will be accepting designs for partial credit." He tucked his hand into his pocket, "Once you're back at school, we'll iron out a time frame for you to turn these into reality for full credit."

"Ah, thank you, Mr. Abraham," said Izuku, taking the items. "I think I got a few ideas brewing, actually…"

He nodded, "That's good." He turned towards the door, "Well, I won't keep you. I only intended to drop those off."

"Oh, okay." Izuku smiled, waving, "Have a nice day – I'll be back soon, hopefully."

A laugh, "I promise I won't change the seating arrangements on you."

"Thanks for the favor," chuckled Izuku.

Mr. Abraham began to walk towards the exit before hesitating, "You know… I don't know how Hero Course teachers do it."

"Hm?"

"Uh… I…" He let out a breath before smiling, "I'm just truly glad you're okay, Mr. Midoriya."

Izuku's face contorted, "I…" He coughed, lowering his gaze, "I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused." He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck, "I'll… I'll try and stay out of your hair from now on."

"Not too concerning, young man," joked Mr. Abraham. He took a breath, "I have to be on my way." He was making his way out the door, "I'll see in the workshop, Mr. Midoriya."

"See you," said Izuku as his teacher departed. He walked around his bed, taking the sketchbook and workbook. "I'll stay out of trouble, Mr. Abraham…" He set the workbook to the side before opening the sketchbook. "It won't happen again, Mr. Abraham…" He took one of the pens and started on one of the pages. "I won't make you worry…" Ink dragged across paper. A basic shape to start before adding atop of it. It was all just the most basic of information and thought. "I promise I'll stay out of danger, sir…" He stared at the rough idea on the page. Body armor, built for flexibility and layered to protect against blades. "Hm…" He tugged at the collar of his top, feeling the fabric rub against sensitive skin.

A familiar voice came from the hall, "Midori!" causing him to slam the sketchbook shut. He looked up to see Ashido dash into the room before throwing her hands into the air, "You really are okay!"

She rushed around the bed, wrap him up in a hug, "Ashido!" He had to admit he was surprised when she lifted him into the air.

She sighed, "Phew…" More footsteps trampled into the room and Ashido turned them with a shaky voice, "Our broccoli boy lives!"

Shinso blinked, staring at Midoriya, "You…" He slowly shifted, looking to Ashido, "You shouldn't run in a hospital."

"You're okay…" murmured Kaminari before his gaze slowly shifted downward.

Jirou slowly cracked a smile, "You gave us a real scare, ya jerk…"

Izuku sighed, "Sorry," as Ashido stepped back, looking about the room. "I didn't expect this to get so out of hand. I'm…"

"You don't have to apologize, man," said Shinso. "That shit was outta your control."

Izuku shrugged, "I… I had my part to play like everybody else." He scratched his cheek, "It was for the best that I was there, considering."

"Holy shit, man…" said Kaminari.

Izuku's attention shifted, "Kaminari?"

A smile slowly etched across the blond's face, "Fuck, you're okay…" Arms wrapped around Izuku in another hug, "I thought… shit… I thought I got you killed…"

Izuku blinked, "Uh…" He cleared his throat with a chuckle, "Heh, the only person who can lay that claim is myself."

Kaminari shook his head as they stepped away from each other, "I shouldn't have forgotten that stupid gauntlet – shouldn't have brought it to the dorms."

"I should've told you to put it back," said Izuku.

"I can't believe I let you get it on your own…"

"It only shows that I can be pretty convincing when I want to be," joked Izuku before his features fell, "I'm sorry that worried you – all of you. I…" He rubbed his arm, "I didn't think things would be like this…"

"I should be the one apologizing, man…" said Kaminari, lowering his head. "I… I'm sorry…."

Izuku put a hand on the blond's shoulder, "Hey, it's like Shinso said, a lot of this was out of our control."

"Y-Yeah…" Kaminari's gaze caught the moving hand, ""W-What happened to your hand?"

"Kaminari!" cried Jirou.

Izuku shook his head, chuckling, while fidgeting with his graying thumb, "No, it's fine you guys." He looked at the faces in the group, "I don't mind – doesn't even both me that much." He leaned against the bed, "Though, I don't want to make you guys uncomfortable."

"I…" murmured Kaminari.

Shinso put his hands, "H-Hang on."

Ashido fidgeted with her fingers, "Let's not…" She smiled, "Come on we gotta study!"

"Never thought I'd hear those words come out of your mouth…" deadpanned Jirou.

Kaminari was silent for a moment before forcing out, "Y-Yeah…"

"Alright…" murmured Izuku, looking across all of their faces. "Well, you just missed Mr. Abraham. He dropped this off." He set the sketchbook closer to his pillow, taking the workbook in hand, "Apparently this has all the worksheets he could muster. So we got our work cut out."

"Let's get some chairs," said Ashido, pumping her fist.

Shinso looked around the room, "There's like two chairs."

"We… I guess we should just ask a nurse?" suggested Kaminari, rubbing his hands against his pants.

Jirou turned, "Actually, where's your Mom?"

"Getting lunch, finally." Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, "I was getting worried since she wasn't eating…"

"Hey… uh… I'm glad you're okay," said Jirou, lowering her voice.

"I'm glad you're okay, too," said Izuku with a smile.

She blinked, letting a chortle loose, "What?"

"I mean the last time we met? You slipped like a dummy and fell, so I'm just glad you didn't trip over yourself on the way here."

Jirou laughed, "You jerk," before punching his shoulder.

"Are you okay, though?" asked Izuku.

"I don't think you should be the one asking that question."

"I'm standing, aren't I?"

"Yeah…" Jirou bit the inside of her cheek before asking, "How's your neck?"

"Hm?" Izuku scratched his cheek, "Oh, yeah, I'm all good. Think that got healed in the process."

"Great…" She punched his shoulder, much softer this time, "I'm really glad you're okay…" Izuku blinked as Jirou turned to the group, who were receiving seats from a nurse. "We should probably get some snacks and drinks." She walked past Kaminari, "You're helping."

He stumbled as his ear was pinched and himself dragged, "Ah! Me?"

"You're the one with money," said Jirou, pulling the blond out the door.

Ashido bounced over to Izuku, "Hey-hey!"

Her fist smacked into his shoulder, "Ah!" He rubbed it, blinking, "That didn't hurt as much as I thought it would."

"You okay?" Her index finger rammed forward, "Like really – no bull!"

Izuku smiled, "Only a little sensitive. Otherwise, I'm actually doing a lot better than I should, honestly."

"Good," she nodded.

Her fist flew again, same shoulder, "Ow, okay! That actually hurt!"

"That was for scaring us," she said, crossing her arms.

He blinked, "Okay… Deserved."

Her gaze focused, stepping forward, "Now… you owe me this…"

"H-Hm…?"

With a far too serious voice, she asked, "What's your favorite food?" When he blanked, she raised her chin and 'glared', speaking with grim voice, "Answer the question, little man."

Izuku fought a chuckle, "Uh… Pork cutlet bowl." He licked his lips, "My mouth just thinking about it actually – it's been forever since I had a bowl."

Ashido rubbed her chin, nodding, "Hm, hm, understood."

Izuku nodded, "Um, uh, why do-", before she turned and walked towards her seat. "Okay." She plopped down and started going through her bag. He scratched his cheek before turning to Shinso, "You're not gonna punch me, are you?"

"Eh, don't tempt me," he joked.

"I'll do my best."

Shinso nodded, "You proved that asshole wrong." He smiled, "You can be a Hero."

"Yeah…" He shrugged, "I could've done a bit better, though."

"No debating from me."

"Are you sure you guys don't want to know anything?" asked Izuku.

He shrugged, "You can tell us later, or never." He out a breath, "You came out the other side – that's all that matters to me." Izuku nodded before Shinso asked, "Think you'll be out of here soon?"

Izuku scratched his cheek, "At this rate, I'll probably be outta here before the work-study." He shrugged, "Heck, if I'm lucky maybe I'll only be another day or two."

"That's good." He joked, "You sure you don't have a healing Quirk or something?"

Izuku shook his head, "Oh, that would've been nice." He took a breath, speaking with complete earnestness, "Jeez, that would've so nice, honestly." Shinso laughed as he continued, "Just a simple healing Quirk – that would've made my life a lot easier."

Shinso looked at Izuku before shaking his head, "You know… You seem different…"

"Good different?"

"Yeah, like you're standing taller."

Izuku seemed to consider it before shrugging, "It's probably the hair."

"Yeah, probably," said Shinso with a chuckle. "You looked like a little emo baby – one eye covered and everything."

He laughed, "I was not that bad. I could see just fine."

"We're back!" cried Jirou, snacks in hand.

Kaminari frowned; hunched over the snacks in his arms, "You know… you guys could get jobs."

"It's against the school rules, dude – I'm not risking that," countered Shinso.

Ashido saluted, "You're a brave man, soldier."

"Don't look at me," said Izuku.

"I wasn't expecting you to…" he sighed, "Y'all are gonna bleed me dry."

"Well, I guess we should get started," said Izuku, climbing onto his bed as his friends circled him in chairs. They began to speak and mingle, studying. Izuku was half there with part of his mind drifting to that sketchbook. Thoughts, ideas, and concepts swirled in his mind – all intended to fill those pages. Looking at his friends, he wondered, "What would they think…?", "What would they say…?", and, "What would they do…?" His hands fidgeted, scratching one hand with the other. He didn't want to ignore their worries or write off their thoughts. However, he just couldn't bring himself to stop. He had to do this, "No matter what…"

TRACK SET: "DRAMATURGY" - EVE

-\ XXX /-

AN: Okay, keeping this short to get this out as quick possible. We're in the process of Recovery. Touch base with several key characters. Group's back together, setting Mr. Abraham. Wrote off Camie for the time being. Those sidekicks are canonical characters with some made up names because they were very minor characters. Two references are in this chapter to two very different things.

Song choice represents something akin to end credit music.

With that, thank you for reading and criticize away!

Update Window: July 20th - 30th

Intended Due Date: July 20th - 25th