A/N: Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read this. I would appreciate any feedback you might have, whether it be that you love it or there's something you think I should fix. I'm all ears.

I also want to give you all a little warning that while it will take a few chapters to really get going, this is not exactly a happy, fluff fic. I'll sprinkle in some good, wholesomeness here and there but ultimately these beautiful characters are going to go through some shit and will definitely not be the same on the other side.

-Cheers!

XXX

Izuku's Point of View- Friday

It's beautiful outside with the clear blue skies, the fiery orange sun, the lush green treetops and rolling grassy hills. Not to mention the plethora of spring flowers popping up in bright yellows, pinks, violets, and reds offering spurts of color to their otherwise green backdrop. A few cottony white clouds drifted precariously through the sky like little ships sailing through the deep blue sea, and I can't help but wish I was on one right about now. It's a terrible day to be cooped up inside. I yearn to run barefoot through the school grounds, to feel the blades of grass cool beneath my heels and tickling my toes, the soft breeze in my hair, and the warmth of the sun licking at my skin. At this rate, I'm not sure I even have the energy to get up from my desk and walk to The Lunch Rush once class is over.

"Just because you're heroes, doesn't mean you will always need to use force to take down a villain. For the sake of the surrounding pedestrians and building structures, I would advise against taking any kind of impulsive action until you know exactly what you're dealing with."

Mr. Aizawa's voice drones on in the background, meanwhile I'm transfixed with life on the other side of that thin pane of glass. I know I should probably be taking notes, but I just don't have it in me to pay attention today. I feel so unfocused, so exhausted. I guess I'll just ask Iida if I can see his notes after class. I really need to get a better hold of this mental exhaustion thing. Maybe I'll see if there's something they could give me over the weekend to help with that.

"Assessing the situation instead of charging in blindly will give you the crucial opportunity to determine if you need to engage in a physical altercation or simply deescalate the villain and avoid a fight altogether."

I peek at the blank, lined paper in front of me and decide I better start jotting down notes before someone notices I'm not paying attention. I quickly scribble "Assess to determine if I should fight or deescalate the villain." We'll probably follow up with practical experience next week and I won't be prepared if I don't push myself to do better. To do well in UA I know I have to stay competitive and push myself every day, even on one of my off days where I barely make it out of bed in the morning.

The lectures Mr. Aizawa gives are always so informative and offer invaluable insight. I feel so lucky to be going to such an amazing school. I can't help but look around the class, at all the people I've come to know over the past year and a half. I've met so many amazing future heroes and made so many friends. Even Kacchan and I are sort of getting along better, it's been that way since he found out about OFA. We have a secret rendezvous with All Might where we train and discuss how I can enhance my usage of the tremendous power he passed down to me not too long ago.

It was a life changing day, one I'll never forget. I still remember the tears and snot trailing down my face while I ugly cried because I just couldn't believe it was happening to me, quirkless, unextraordinary Izuku Midoriya. Of course, it wasn't as simple as saying "yes" to being gifted such an amazing quirk. With the physical strain it caused my body aside, there was also the guilt I felt knowing I'd never live up to the standard OFA set for me. I knew this, but I accepted his offer anyway because how could I not? He was literally offering me the one thing I've wanted for myself, a powerful quirk and the chance to become a real hero. Maybe if I would have known just how quickly things were going to progress for me, I wouldn't have accepted it, but I didn't know.

"Problem child number two, I get the feeling you are more interested in staring out the window than you are in my lesson." I vaguely recall hearing Mr. Aizawa talking but it wasn't sinking in that he was talking to me. "Midoriya, are you listening?" I blink and suddenly he's right in front of me, staring at me with those tired eyes and for some reason, in that moment, I get the unshakable feeling that he can see right through me. I instinctively lean back, but the back of my chair keeps me firmly in place.

"I'm sorry Mr. Aizawa! It won't happen again!" I nervously bow my head, face warm with my embarrassment. He seems to accept my apology and continues with the lesson, which I am grateful for. There's an obvious "tch" coming from behind me as I try to sit up straighter in my seat and I choose to ignore it knowing full well Kacchan isn't impressed with my slacking off.

Ignoring the annoyed sounds coming from behind me, I grab my pencil with conviction, determined to make it through the rest of class. I diligently take notes as Mr. Aizawa discusses de-escalation tactics and how to determine which ones to use, making sure to be extra thorough to make up for earlier.

"Come Monday, we will put these methods into practice so be prepared." He looks at me as he says this, making me feel like he's speaking specifically to me. I can feel a blush coloring my cheeks yet again as I smile awkwardly back at him. "That is all. Now get outta my hair so I can take a nap." He pulls out his banana yellow sleeping bag and zips himself in before anyone has a chance to move from their seats. The first time we found him there it was a jarring experience for all of us, but I think we're used to his unique habits at this point because no one gives it a second thought as they stand from their seats to get lunch.

With my notebook closed and my All Might backpack in hand, I start packing my things when Mina strides over to my desk, her dark eyes contrasting against her rosé complexion and her usual cheerful smile greeting me as she approaches.

"Hey Izuku!" She's got both her hands on the side of my desk and she's leaning in a little too close, but then that's Mina. She's got that whimsical, bubbly personality and is always so friendly.

"Hey Mina, that was a really interesting class, don't you think?" I return her smile with a relaxed curve of my lips, trying to force some energy into my undoubtedly tired features.

She looks at me like I'm crazy and laughs as she responds, "I mean its stuff we need to know but I'm not sure 'interesting' is the word I'd use to describe it. Anyway, you got any plans for the weekend?" For some reason she glances at Kacchan as she asks before bringing her eyes back to me. I don't want to lie to her, so I keep it vague and go with a half-truth.

"Yeah, I'm going to visit my mom. She's by herself all week so I like to check in on her. What about you, Mina? Any plans for the weekend?"

"God, I wish. Iida rejected my proposal to have a spring bash at the dorms. I think his exact words were 'as class rep I cannot support distractions that could negatively impact valuable weekend study time.' or something along those lines." Her voice was comically robotic as she spoke, trying to imitate Iida's flat tone. I laughed, thinking that sounded exactly like something he would say.

"To be fair, our finals are in a couple months and with the current course load we really should study as much as possible."

"Oh, not you too! I need to have some fun, blow off some steam." She threw her hands up in the air with exasperation.

"I'm not saying we shouldn't, I'm just saying we need to find time for both, you know?" Truthfully, I completely understood where she was coming from. Between studying, training, and my isolated weekends, I wasn't exactly unwinding either. "Anyway, I'm going to head to lunch."

"Okay, see you later!" I watched her run over to Sero, placing her hand in his as they headed to the cafeteria together.

As I stood from my desk and exited the classroom, Ochaco intercepted me and looped her arm around my own, keeping stride with my admittedly slower than usual pace. If she noticed, she didn't comment on it.

"So Deku, I was wondering if you wanted to do something with me this weekend after your visit with your mom? I'm going home too, and I thought maybe we could meet up and get dessert or something on our way back to campus that evening? I feel like we haven't had a best friend dessert date in forever."

It really has been a long time since we had a dessert date and I missed them. We had some of our best heart to heart talks over two slices of chocolate cake and caramel cappuccinos. There just isn't enough time during the week, and I've been occupied every weekend for the past few months.

"Sorry Ochaco, but I won't be coming back until late Sunday." I felt bad turning her down but there was no way around it. Upon hearing her defeated sigh, I quickly added, "Maybe some other time?" Even though I knew that was unlikely.

"Yeah okay. Maybe next time." She replied as she rested her cheek against my shoulder. I could tell she didn't believe me, but I didn't have anything else to offer her without getting into a conversation that I desperately did not want to have with anyone.

By the time we made it to the cafeteria, I was so winded I thought I was going to pass out right there. With Ochaco so close it took all my energy to focus on even breathing and not collapsing on the floor. I was thankful when we parted ways so she could get in line. I packed my own lunch, so I didn't have to worry about standing in line or any extra walking and instead made my way straight to our usual table, taking a seat next to Iida who also packed his lunch.

"Ah Midoriya. I see you packed your lunch today, something healthy I hope?"

"I haven't had much of an appetite, so I just packed some fruit and yogurt." I grab the little plastic container of black cherry yogurt from my bag and set it on the table and hold out my banana for Iida to see. He doesn't seem impressed, frowning at my lunch choices before unpacking his own food.

You'd think I'd be at least a little hungry by now but as I stared at my yogurt cup and imagined a tangy, thick mound sliding down my throat, coating my tongue in a milky residue, I nearly gagged. The banana wasn't much better, the bright yellow skin had a few brown spots forming along the surface, promising it to be overly sweet and mushy.

Ochaco slipped into the seat next to me and Tsu next to her. Her tray carried an assortment of hot foods, steaming rice, crispy fish, and miso soup. The salty, savory smells of her food tangled together pleasantly but the idea of consuming any of it made my stomach lurch.

"Aren't you going to eat your food, Deku? Are you feeling okay? You look a little pale" she asked as she balanced a clump of rice between her chopsticks. I could see the worry in her eyes and I instantly felt guilt well up inside me for making her feel that way.

"Yeah, I was just thinking I guess." After determining the banana was my safest option, I peeled it about halfway, wincing when it released its sickeningly sweet, overripe smell, and took a big bite. It was mushy and stringy, and I instantly regretted eating it. I didn't want my friends to worry about me though, so I swallowed thickly and tried to suppress my gag reflex. Ochaco seemed to be appeased by my efforts but her look of concern remained firmly in place.

I tried not to breathe through my nose as I finished the banana while slipping my yogurt back into my bag, hoping no one would notice I didn't eat it. I could already feel the little food I did eat rolling in my stomach, the resulting nausea a clear sign I'd be visiting the restroom shortly. I wish I didn't have to go through this every day, fighting my increasing ailments as the week progresses while lying and keeping secrets from everyone who cares about me. I just can't stand the hurt I know they would feel if they found out. I don't want them to feel pain because of me so I guess it's just better this way.