Fey's recovery had been a slow and arduous journey over the past few days. Despite her unwavering determination and the relentless support from her boyfriend, Tenya, as well as her friends from Class 1-A, her quirk showed no signs of returning. Every day felt like an uphill battle as she trained hard, pushing her limits in an effort to regain her strength and agility.
Mornings were dedicated to rigorous runs with Tenya, the rhythm of their footsteps echoing through the empty training grounds. With each stride, Fey felt her stamina building, the cool morning air filling her lungs. The rhythmic pounding of their feet against the pavement served as a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within her. It proved challenging to keep pace with her boyfriend with the dead weight of her wings pulling her back with each stride, a constant reminder of what she had lost that day in Kyushu.
After school, she delved into martial arts lessons with Ochaco, each movement calculated and precise. Ochaco's guidance sharpened Fey's combat skills, her focus shifting from frustration to determination with every strike and block. Yet, despite their efforts, the emptiness of her once feathered form lingered, a constant reminder of her vulnerability.
In the evenings, Kirishima led weightlifting sessions aimed at boosting her physical strength. The clanking of metal plates and the strain of exertion filled the air as Fey pushed her muscles to their limits. Each lift, each repetition, was a testament to her resilience, yet the lack of progress gnawed at her spirit.
Yet, despite all her efforts, frustration chipped away at her. None of her feathers had grown back, and her wings remained stubbornly immobile. The lack of progress weighed heavily on her, a constant reminder of the attack in Kyushu and the quirk-canceling bullet that had changed everything.
With each passing day, Fey found it increasingly challenging to maintain her optimism. She had hoped that by now, there would be some sign, however small, that her quirk was beginning to recover. Instead, she was left with only the painful reality that her body was taking longer to heal than she had anticipated. Doubt began to creep in, eroding her confidence. Had the doctors been wrong about her prognosis?
Every morning, she would wake up, check herself in the mirror, and scrutinize every inch of her skin in search of nascent feathers. It bothered her deeply, seeing a reflection that she no longer recognized. There was a time when she would have given anything to look just like everyone else, but over time, she had come to accept and cherish her feathers as a part of herself. Now, their absence left her feeling incomplete.
Despite her friends' best efforts to support her and ease her growing concerns, it didn't assuage her worries. She longed for things to return to the way they were, but it seemed increasingly difficult to imagine. Each passing day felt like a step further away from the person she used to be, and the uncertainty gnawed at her spirit, leaving her adrift in a sea of doubt and fear.
Yet, despite her inner turmoil, Fey remained resolute. She adhered rigorously to her training regimens, both those imposed by her teacher and those initiated by her classmates. During quirk training lessons, Fey focused mainly on physical conditioning and martial arts, honing her skills alongside the group's physical fighters, namely Kirishima, Sato and Midoriya. With her quirk still inactive, she lamented not being able to partake in her usual speed drills with Tenya, though this didn't stop him from offering to train with her even though she couldn't fly. Despite his constant offers, Fey declined every single time, unwilling to hold him back in his training.
As the one-week mark since losing her quirk approached, Fey's resolve began to waver. The repetitive training of the past week had worn her down, and she longed for things to return to the way they were. One morning, she awoke in an especially sour mood after once again failing to find a single feather on her bare body. She remained quiet for most of the day, keeping to herself as much as possible. Even among friends, her responses were curt, her mood subdued.
Tenya tried his best to comfort her, but even he was starting to lose hope. It had been a week since the incident in Kyushu, and there hadn't been a single sign that her quirk would recover. Seeing her so frustrated pained him, but he didn't want to push her too hard, fearing he might make the situation worse. Sensing that she needed some time alone, he decided to give her space, planning to check on her later that evening.
Fey was grateful for the solitude Tenya offered, having grown weary of his well-intended but repetitive encouragements. Once classes were done, she hurried to the dorm, eager to squeeze in a quick training session right before supper. Although Eijirou was occupied with his work study, he had generously allowed her to use the equipment in his room during his absence. With the spare key he had given her, she went upstairs and unlocked the door.
Once inside, she closed the door behind her and approached the punching bag suspended in the middle of the room. She figured she could vent her frustrations before meeting her classmates for the evening meal. Steadily, she started punching the bag with controlled intensity, remembering Kirishima's pointers from their previous sessions. Each strike was a release of pent-up emotion, a small rebellion against the helplessness she felt. The rhythmic thud of her fists against the bag echoed in the quiet room, a stark contrast to the chaos of her thoughts.
She started out slow with deliberate movements, prioritizing form over power in her strikes. Each punch was measured, her breathing steady as she focused on precision. But as she continued, all her built-up frustration began to rise to the surface. Her punches became more forceful, each blow harder than the last. Mentally, she cursed the extra weight she had to carry since her wings had stopped working, the dead weight throwing off her balance.
Her strikes grew fiercer, her fists connecting with the bag in a rapid, relentless rhythm. She grappled with the imbalance, channeling her mounting anger into every hit. Her frustration reached a boiling point, each punch a cathartic release. Just as her intensity peaked, the door to Kirishima's room swung open, and in sauntered Bakugou, hands casually tucked into his pockets. The two of them froze, Fey's face beading with sweat as she stared, bewildered by Bakugou's unexpected appearance.
"What the hell?" Bakugou blurted, clearly puzzled. "What're you doin' here, Pixie?"
Fey let out a sharp exhale, stepping around the punching bag to grab her towel. She wiped the sweat from her flushed face, her movements brisk and agitated.
"Training," she replied bluntly, tossing the towel around her neck. "What does it look like I'm doing?"
She turned to confront Bakugou, her expression barely concealing her irritation at his sudden appearance.
"Tch… Can't believe Shitty Hair let you in here," Bakugou muttered, moving deeper into the room with a casual swagger.
Fey's eyes narrowed, the irritation in her voice clear. "And why shouldn't he? He's not just your friend, you know."
Bakugou scoffed, his scowl deepening. "I don't give a damn whose friend he is. You shouldn't be here."
Fey squared her shoulders, meeting his hostility with a defiant glare. "And why is that? You afraid I'll out-train you?"
She noticed Bakugou's eye twitch in anger, but his expression quickly morphed into a wide, sinister grin.
"You couldn't out-train me even if you wanted to," he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "Especially now that you've got no quirk. You're pretty much useless."
Fey's hands clenched into fists at his words, her frustration boiling over into a searing anger. Today was the wrong day for Bakugou to pick a fight with her. She took a step closer, her voice low and venomous as she locked eyes with him.
"You always talk a big game, Bakugou," she retorted, her tone sharp and biting. "But we both know that without your precious quirk, you'd be nothing. You rely on it so much that you can't even fathom the idea of someone being strong without one. But let me tell you something, Katsuki—strength isn't measured by the power of a quirk alone. It's about determination, resilience, and heart—things you clearly lack in droves."
Her words sliced through the air, challenging Bakugou's perception of strength and superiority. She stood tall, her gaze unwavering, daring him to refute her assertion.
"Ha! You think you can lecture me about quirkless losers, Pixie?" Bakugou shot back, his voice laced with contempt. "You've been riding on your old man's feathers all this time, thinking you're hot stuff just because you inherited some fancy wings. But guess what? Without your quirk, you're nothing but a fragile little bird. Meanwhile, I've been training my ass off since day one. I don't need some stupid power to be the best. I'm already better than you'll ever be, featherbrain."
Fey's eyes widened with rage at Bakugou's retort, her fists clenching involuntarily. She lunged forward, aiming a punch right at his smug face. But Bakugou's reflexes proved quicker than she'd expected, and he managed to seize her fist before it could connect.
"Not this time, bitch!" he snarled, his grip tightening painfully around her hand.
With precise, ruthless movements, Bakugou twisted Fey's arm behind her back, his actions swift and calculated. The sharp pain shot through her as her arm was contorted at an unnatural angle. Simultaneously, he delivered a forceful kick to her legs, causing her to lose her balance and collapse to the ground. Pinned beneath the weight of her dead wings and Bakugou's entire body, Fey found herself immobilized, her movements restricted to mere squirms.
Despite her vulnerable position, Fey's determination burned fiercely within her, refusing to surrender. Her eyes blazed with defiance as she locked her gaze with Bakugou's, a silent challenge passing between them. With teeth clenched in determination, she writhed beneath him, searching desperately for an opportunity to break free and strike back.
Through gritted teeth, Fey spat out her words, each one infused with the fiery intensity of her frustration and anger. "You're nothing without your damn quirk, Bakugou! Just a loudmouth bully who relies on his powers to feel superior!" Her voice was a venomous hiss, cutting through the air with the precision of a blade. "You're a disgrace to the word 'hero'! No real hero would stoop so low as to belittle someone when they're down! You're nothing but a glorified thug!"
As the searing words left her lips, she watched the unbridled rage flash in Katsuki's eyes, his hand crackling with explosive energy as he prepared to unleash his quirk on her.
"Shut the hell up, you damn PIXIE!" he bellowed savagely.
With Bakugou's grip on her arm loosened, Fey seized the opportunity with swift determination. In a calculated motion, she swung her arm backward, delivering a solid elbow strike across Bakugou's temple. The impact reverberated through the room, catching Bakugou off-guard and causing him to stagger back, momentarily disoriented. This brief opening allowed Fey to push herself up from the ground, her muscles coiled with tension as she rose.
She pivoted on her heel to face him once more, her posture tense and ready for further confrontation.
"You think you're so tough with your quirk, but it's all you've got," Fey's words sliced through the charged atmosphere like a blade. "Take that away, and what are you? Nothing but a bully who can't handle a fair fight."
In the heat of the moment, Fey noticed the small cut she had inflicted on Bakugou's brow, blood trickling down his face. However, Bakugou seemed entirely oblivious to the injury, his anger consuming him like a raging inferno. A prominent vein pulsed angrily in his forehead, his eyes blazing with unrestrained fury.
"I thought I told you to SHUT THE HELL UP!" he bellowed, his voice booming through the room like a thunderclap.
Fey let out a low scoff. "Not used to having people fight back, huh?" she taunted, her tone dripping with disdain. "What're going to do? Blow Kirishima's room to smithereens? You'll get in trouble with Mr. Aizawa, maybe even get expelled, if we're lucky…"
With a smug look, she held her fists up in front of her, her gaze fixed on Bakugou as she carefully analyzed his movements, ready to react if he decided to attack. Bakugou's throat erupted with an angry growl as the truth of her words hit him like a physical blow. He couldn't risk setting off any explosions inside the dorm, especially not against another classmate, lest he risk the teacher's wrath.
"It's like I've said from the start," Fey persisted, her voice laced with defiance. "You're weak without your quirk, Katsuki. So much so that you can't even manage to beat someone in a fight without it."
Unexpectedly, Bakugou closed the distance between them, his fist striking Fey's nose with a sickening thud, causing it to erupt with blood. Taken aback but unfazed, she quickly wiped away the blood with the back of her hand, the metallic scent filling the air around them.
"Not bad," she commented with a smirk, her cheek flushed with a mix of adrenaline and anger. "Seems like you're finally taking this seriously."
Bakugou growled again, his expression contorted with rage. "I'm gonna wipe the floor with you, Pixie!"
His eyes were like molten steel, fierce and unyielding as he bore down on Fey. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, the veins on his forearms bulging as if they might burst. Each step he took was a thunderous stomp, the floor seeming to vibrate with his anger. His breath came in sharp, ragged bursts, nostrils flaring wide like a bull ready to charge. As he swung his fist, the air itself seemed to crackle with the raw power and speed of his punches, each strike a physical embodiment of the storm raging within him. Fey's movements grew more strained, her agility hindered by the heavy weight of her disabled wings. But amidst the relentless onslaught, she watched Bakugou's every move, looking for that brief, fleeting moment of opportunity.
As Bakugou attempted another swing, she sidestepped, narrowly evading his attack. However, her success was fleeting. Bakugou quickly countered, his fist sailing past her face with menacing intent. Despite her improving martial arts skills, her movements remained sluggish and unrefined.
But in that moment, Fey saw an opportunity. With swift determination, she pivoted her body, utilizing the dead weight of her wings to her advantage. She swung her entire body around, catching Bakugou off guard and sending him crashing to the ground.
Startled by the unexpected maneuver, Bakugou's fury surged even higher. With an intense glare fixed on her, he charged mercilessly, determined to overpower her. Ducking beneath her wings as she attempted another attack, he seized her waist and forcefully pushed her against the door. In the struggle, he grabbed a fistful of her hair, causing Fey to gasp in pain as she instinctively tried to pry his grip loose.
"Let go of me, Katsuki!" she yelled, her hands gripping his wrist with all her might.
"Not until you take back every word you said!" Bakugou retorted, his voice seething with anger.
"Go to hell!"
With a sharp jerk, Bakugou yanked Fey's head back, her skull colliding forcefully with the door. The impact reverberated through her, sending a jolt of disorientation down her spine. Stars exploded in her vision, momentarily blinding her. Through the haze, she managed to raise her arms in front of her just in time to prevent Bakugou from delivering another bone-jarring blow.
Summoning every ounce of her strength, Fey pushed back against him, her muscles straining with the effort. Bakugou stumbled backward, caught off guard by her sudden resistance. In a swift move, she twisted his wrist, leveraging her momentum to break free from his grip.
Now liberated, she seized the opportunity to retaliate, unleashing a furious flurry of punches aimed at Bakugou's midsection. Each blow carried the weight of her frustration, seeking to land with punishing force. But Bakugou, fueled by his own rage, was quick to counter her assault, his punches raining down with ferocious intensity.
As the intense brawl unfolded, the door to Kirishima's room swung open, revealing Izuku and Tenya, their expressions a mix of shock and concern.
"Kacchan!" Midoriya's voice sliced through the tumult of the struggle, his urgent tone cutting through the chaos.
As the tension reached its peak, Tenya and Midoriya sprang into action, swiftly moving to halt the escalating brawl before either of them was seriously hurt. With remarkable speed, Tenya lunged forward, his arms encircling Fey's waist as he effortlessly lifted her out of the room. Meanwhile, Midoriya dashed toward Katsuki, seizing his arms and pulling him back with a forceful tug. The struggle ensued as the two combatants were forcefully removed into the hallway, their shouts echoing through the corridor.
"Let go of me, Deku!" Bakugou roared, his muscles straining against Midoriya's vice-like grip.
"Let me go, Tenya!" Fey's voice echoed off the walls, a raw, piercing sound that cut through the commotion. She kicked and twisted in Tenya's grasp, her limbs thrashing with the frantic energy of a caged animal trying to break free. "That jerk had it coming from the start!"
"Can we get some help over here?!" Tenya's voice boomed down the corridor, echoing off the walls in urgent appeal.
Midoriya and Iida were soon joined by a few other classmates. Sero and Sato sprang into action, quickly moving to restrain Bakugou, their strong arms wrapping around his thrashing form, struggling to keep his explosive energy contained. Meanwhile, Yaoyorozu and Ashido rushed to aid Tenya in subduing Fey, their hands gently but firmly securing her arms, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. Once both combatants were reasonably restrained, Iida turned to them, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
"Can someone care to explain what is the meaning of this?!"
Fey's lips curled into a snarl as she shot a fiery glare at Bakugou. "He started it!" Her voice was sharp, laden with frustration and anger, each word piercing the tense air like a knife.
Bakugou shot her a venomous look from where Midoriya, Sero, and Sato had restrained him. "You're the one who kept provoking me, you fucking bitch!" His voice was a low growl, seething with barely contained rage.
"Kacchan!" Midoriya scolded, his tone firm, trying to diffuse the escalating tension.
"Can everyone just please calm down?" Iida interjected sternly. "We need to understand what happened here."
"I'm not listening to a word you have to say, Four-Eyes!" Bakugou retorted angrily. "We all know whose side you'll be on anyway!" His words were edged with bitterness, laced with distrust.
Tenya let out a harsh exhale, pinching the knot between his brow in an attempt to remain calm. "Bakugou, this isn't about taking sides. It's about understanding what led to this fight." His voice was steady, a thread of frustration barely concealed beneath his composed demeanor.
"What were you thinking?" Midoriya said disapprovingly, his voice tinged with disappointment. "You can't just attack a classmate!"
"Fucking bitch wouldn't stop running her mouth!" Bakugou seethed, his fists clenched in frustration. "She kept going on about how I'm nothing without my quirk."
Fey glared at Bakugou from across the hall, her eyes burning with intensity. "That's because it's fucking true! And don't pretend like you're innocent in all this! This all started because you kept going on about how worthless I was!" Her words were sharp, each syllable infused with resentment and defiance.
"You're just a quirkless loser, Pixie!" Bakugou shot back, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're dragging the entire class down!"
Momo swiftly stepped in between them, her expression pleading for peace. "Hey, both of you need to stop! This isn't helping anyone!"
Midoriya gave Bakugou a stern look, his voice firm. "Kacchan, you know that's not true. Fey's been working hard despite her situation. You can't just tear her down like that."
"She started it with her damn accusations!" Bakugou growled, his frustration evident in every word.
"Because you think you're so high and mighty with your damn quirk!" Fey shot back, her voice sharp with anger. "Without it, you're nothing but an arrogant prick with a superiority complex!"
Tenya's patience wore thin as he raised his voice. "Enough! Both of you! We're supposed to be a team, and this behavior is unacceptable! We need to find a way to resolve this without resorting to violence and insults." His words were a commanding force, cutting through the tension with authority.
"Maybe we should all take a step back and breathe," Momo suggested, her voice a soothing presence amidst the tension. "This isn't going to get resolved if we keep yelling at each other."
Sero nodded affirmatively in response. "Yeah, let's try to cool down and talk this out like rational people."
Tenya loosened his grip on Fey slightly, his touch still firm but no longer restrictive. "Fey, we understand you're frustrated, but provoking Bakugou won't help your situation."
"Bullshit!" she retorted aggressively, her frustration boiling over, her voice a crescendo of anger. "You guys keep defending his actions while I'm the only one holding him accountable for all the shit he says to everyone!"
"I don't need anyone defending me! Especially not from you losers!" Bakugou snarled, his tone dripping with contempt.
"Kacchan, this isn't about defending anyone," Midoriya replied, stepping in closer. "It's about stopping this pointless fight and figuring out a solution."
Fey replied, still angry. "The solution is simple. He needs to stop acting like he's better than everyone just because of his quirk!"
Tenya took another deep breath, struggling to remain calm, his demeanor composed yet strained. "Fey, Bakugou, we need to address these issues in a way that doesn't involve fighting. If you have grievances, we should discuss them calmly." His voice was a beacon of reason in the midst of the escalating conflict, his words resonating with a sense of urgency and wisdom.
Mina placed a soft hand on Fey's shoulder, her touch gentle yet firm. "Come on, you guys. We're all friends here. We should be supporting each other, not tearing each other apart."
Bakugou scoffed, rolling his eyes in disdain. "Tch. Friends? You think birdbrain here is my friend? She's just a whiny loser who can't handle the truth."
Fey shot him a contemptuous look, her eyes narrowed in defiance. "I could say the same thing about you…"
Momo replied, shaking her head disapprovingly, her disappointment evident. "Bakugou, that kind of talk is exactly why we're in this mess. We need to be better than this."
Midoriya nodded in agreement, his expression earnest and determined. "We're all trying to improve, Kacchan. That includes how we treat each other. You can be a great hero, but you need to work on your attitude."
"I don't need a lecture from you, you damn nerd!" Bakugou bellowed aggressively, his voice laced with defiance.
"This is utterly pointless," Fey sighed angrily, her frustration palpable as she wrenched her arms free from Tenya's grasp. "I'm done with this. Stay out of my way, Katsuki, and we won't have any more problems…"
She shot one last glare at Bakugou before turning on her heel and striding away, her steps echoing through the corridor. All eyes followed her departure, a heavy silence lingering in the wake of her exit. Tenya exchanged a concerned glance with his fellow peers before breaking into a run to catch up with Fey, who had already made her way down to the ground floor and out the front door.
"Fey!" Tenya's voice reverberated through the courtyard. "Wait!"
Fey slowed her pace as she heard his hurried footsteps coming up behind her. She kept her back to him, her gaze fixed upward as she breathed heavily, her frustration palpable.
"If you're here to make me apologize, you're wasting your time," she replied coldly, her voice sharp, cutting through the tense atmosphere.
Tenya regarded her with deep concern, his brows furrowed in worry. "Fey, this can't continue. You need to resolve this conflict you have with Bakugou before it escalates any further and someone gets seriously hurt!" He stepped closer to her, his expression earnest as he tried to reason with her. "Fey, I understand you're upset, but running away won't solve anything. We need to address this issue before it spirals out of control."
Fey turned to face him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of frustration and defiance. She was like a tempest, her emotions swirling violently beneath the surface.
"What's the point, Tenya?" Fey's voice cracked with frustration, her tone sharp and cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Bakugou won't change, and neither will I. We're just going to keep clashing until one of us ends up at the infirmary."
Tenya sighed, his hand finding its way to her shoulder in a gesture of reassurance. "I know it's difficult, but we can't give up on finding a solution. Maybe if we can talk to Bakugou calmly, we can find some common ground."
Fey's head shook involuntarily, a slight tremor betraying the mask of unwavering resolve she tried to maintain. Her jaw clenched, teeth grinding softly against each other, while her eyes, usually bright with determination, now flickered with uncertainty beneath furrowed brows. "There's no use, Tenya! He's not interested in listening to reason."
"But we can't just give up!" Tenya's voice echoed with urgency. "We're all classmates here. We need to find a way to coexist peacefully."
Fey's face drifted towards the floor, her shoulders trembling slightly as she balled her hands into fists. "Why is it that you all keep defending him?"
Tenya's brow furrowed in confusion. "We're not defending him, Fey..."
"Can't you see it?!" she shouted, her voice cracking with frustration, the raw emotion evident in every syllable. "He treats everyone like garbage! He bullies Midoriya constantly! And yet you all just let him get away with it! Well, I won't stand for it! Just because he gets to have a quirk doesn't mean he gets to look down on me like I'm some worthless piece of trash!"
Tears streamed down Fey's face, her sobs barely contained. She had fought so hard to keep her emotions in check, to maintain a positive outlook, clinging desperately to the hope that she could overcome the aftermath of the incident in Kyushu. But when Bakugou had stormed into Eijirou's room, his harsh words had struck her at her most vulnerable, confirming the fears she had been struggling to suppress. Without her quirk, she questioned her worth, fearing she was nothing more than a burden to those around her. The thought of being deemed worthless, cast aside by her peers and even her closest friends, gnawed at her soul. It wasn't just about losing her abilities; it was about losing her identity, her place in the world.
Every day felt like a battle, a relentless struggle to prove her value in a society that seemed to measure worth solely by one's quirk. She tried to stay positive, to hold onto the fragile hope that she could overcome this setback, but Bakugou's words had shattered that delicate optimism. Now, as the tears flowed freely down her cheeks, she felt lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty and self-doubt.
Tenya's heart ached as he watched Fey's emotions unravel, her pain palpable in every tear. He approached her slowly, his expression softening with empathy. His steps were deliberate and gentle, as if not to startle a wounded animal. He reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, his voice steady yet tender.
"My Star," he began gently, his voice carrying warmth and reassurance as he pulled her into his arms. "I know it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders right now. But you're not alone in this. We're all here for you, ready to support you through whatever challenges come your way."
Through her tears, Fey's voice cracked with raw emotion. "That's just it, Tenya," she managed to croak out. "I'm tired of the sympathy, the constant words of encouragement. I want people to stop treating me like I'm some broken person. I'm tired of everyone telling me I should just be grateful for what I have when I could be soaring above the clouds, feeling the wind rush past my face. I just want things to go back to normal! I just want my quirk back!"
She buried her head in his shirt, sobbing loudly into his chest while he held her close, feeling the tremors of her anguish. It was the only thing he could do while she poured her heart out to him.
"You're not defined by your quirk, Fey," he said softly, his voice a soothing balm on her tormented spirit. "Your strength, your determination—those are the things that truly make you who you are. And no matter what happens, you'll always have value, not just to us, but to yourself."
His gaze softened with understanding as he gently lifted her chin, coaxing her to meet his eyes. "It's okay to feel scared, to feel lost. But remember, you're not worthless, not in the slightest. You're a vital part of our class, a friend, a comrade. Most importantly, you are my Star, and that will never change. As long as you're willing to keep fighting, to keep pushing forward, you'll find your way through this. I believe in you, Fey. We all do."
Fey's breath hitched, her eyes searching his for any sign of doubt, but finding none. Despite Tenya's occasional awkwardness, he always seemed to find the right words to lift her spirits. His unwavering support wrapped around her like a warm blanket, soothing the raw edges of her pain. Though she struggled to see the truth in his words just now, she couldn't help but take some small measure of comfort in them all the same.
She felt the sincerity in his touch, the steadying presence that had become her anchor amidst the storm of her emotions. Slowly, she allowed herself to lean into him, resting her forehead against his chest, feeling the rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing. Each breath was a reminder that she wasn't alone, that she had people who cared deeply for her.
"Forgive me, Tenya," she sobbed, her words muffled by the fabric of his school uniform. "I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble today."
Tenya let out a soft chuckle, the sound warm and reassuring. He gently lifted her chin, coaxing her to meet his eyes.
"You've caused more trouble for Bakugou than for me, Fey," Tenya responded with his typical earnestness, his voice carrying a hint of concern.
With a tender smile, he retrieved a handkerchief from his breast pocket and began to carefully wipe away the blood from her nose. Each touch was gentle, his movements filled with a nurturing care that soothed her frayed nerves. As Fey felt the cool fabric against her skin, she suddenly noticed the crimson stain she had left on his shirt, a stark reminder of the chaos she had caused. A pang of guilt twisted in her chest, the sight making her feel even more burdensome.
"I'm so sorry," she murmured, her voice quivering with remorse. "I've made such a mess of things."
Tenya shook his head, his expression one of unwavering compassion. "It's just a shirt, Fey. What matters is that you're okay." Finishing cleaning the blood from her face, he ran his thumb gently along the curve of her cheek. "There, good as new."
He smiled brightly at her, his eyes sparkling with warmth before softening his gaze. Slowly, his lips parted as he bent down to kiss her. Fey welcomed it gladly, leaning into him as she ran her hands over his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips. The two of them shared the briefest moment of sweetness, their connection palpable and comforting, before Tenya pulled away, leaving Fey wanting more.
"Before we head back to the dorms for the night," Tenya began, his tone a mix of excitement and determination, "there's something I'd like to do first."
Fey looked up at him, intrigued. "What's that?"
She watched as Tenya bent down, carefully rolling up his pants to his knees to reveal his engines, piquing her curiosity. He then motioned for her to climb onto his back, crouching down to her level.
"You said earlier that you missed the feeling of the wind rushing past your face," he explained. "While I can't make you fly just yet, I figured this was the best I could do to lift your spirits, even for just a moment."
Fey stared at him in astonishment, a mix of gratitude and sadness flooding her chest. Touched by his thoughtful gesture, she was also painfully aware of her current limitations. Tentatively, she climbed onto his back, feeling the warmth and strength of his body as she wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and her legs around his waist. Her wings hung limply behind her, a heavy reminder of what she had lost.
As she settled onto his back, she felt a strange combination of comfort and sorrow. The sensation of being carried was a bittersweet echo of the freedom she once felt when she soared through the skies. Yet, Tenya's kindness brought a spark of hope, a small light in the darkness of her uncertainty. She buried her face in his shoulder for a moment, closing her eyes as she allowed herself to feel the closeness and support he offered.
"Thank you, Tenya," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "This means more to me than you know."
Tenya turned his head slightly, giving her a reassuring smile. "Anything for you, my love. Let's make this moment count."
With that, he surged forward, the engines on his legs propelling them with a steady thrum. The familiar rush of wind against her face brought a fleeting sense of joy, a nostalgic echo of the exhilaration she once felt while soaring through open skies. For a brief, precious moment, Fey felt weightless, freed from the burden of her worries.
As the wind swept around them, tears welled in her eyes, stinging against the cool rush. She buried her face against the warmth of Tenya's shoulder blades, hoping he wouldn't notice her silent struggle. Her tears mingled with the wind, carried away like fleeting memories of happier times. Meanwhile, her wings swayed lifelessly in the wind behind her, a stark reminder of shattered dreams and unfulfilled potential.
Yet, even as she sank deeper into her despair, Tenya remained a pillar of unwavering strength. His pace was steady and sure, his grip on her firm and reassuring. With each stride, he silently vowed not to let her falter. No matter how heavy the weight she bore, he was there, resolute in his commitment to support her through every hardship.
Slowly, the truth began to sink in. Even if she could never fly again, even if her quirk was lost forever, she wasn't alone. Tenya stood beside her, unwavering and resolute, a pillar of support in her darkest moments. His steadfast dedication and quiet strength pierced through the despair that had clouded her thoughts, offering a glimmer of hope amidst her shattered dreams.
Fey drew a deep breath, allowing herself to lean into the comfort of Tenya's presence, both physically and emotionally. The warmth of his back against her cheek served as a reassuring anchor amidst the storm of her emotions. Gradually, she began to reconcile with her new reality, acknowledging that while her path had irrevocably changed, it wasn't devoid of purpose or support. She had friends who cared deeply for her, allies who would help her find new ways to soar, even if it wasn't with wings.
It echoed Tenya's earlier words: her worth wasn't measured by the strength or presence of her quirk, but by the resilience of her heart. This realization dawned on her now, humbling her for having overlooked the earnest messages conveyed by Tenya and her classmates all along—the essence of true heroism: the courage to endure, the compassion to uplift others, and the determination to overcome adversity.
Nestled against Tenya's back, Fey began to feel something stirring within her. It began as a subtle flutter, like a gentle vibration teasing the membranes of her wings. With every stride Tenya took, the sensation intensified. What started as a subtle twitch grew into a palpable quiver, her wings responding to the rhythm of his determined footsteps.
"Tenya…" she called, her eyes fixed on her trembling wings.
Her voice caught Tenya's attention, He turned to her, eyes widening in disbelief and hope. Quickly, he understood what was happening—a resurgence of something thought lost forever. Sensing the change in her, the subtle shift in Fey's demeanor only fueled his resolve even further. With renewed determination, he surged forward, each stride purposeful and strong. As his pace quickened, Fey felt an exhilarating surge coursing through her. It was as if the very breeze they raced through urged her wings to awaken, to reclaim the freedom they once possessed.
Together, they surged ahead, the rush of movement electrifying and liberating. With each passing moment, Fey felt the shackles of her mind loosen further, replaced by an expanding sense of boundless potential. A smile graced her lips as they ran, her heart soaring alongside newfound hope.
She felt the wind gently lifting her up in the air, her delicate, translucent wings unfurling behind her as if awakening from a long slumber. Slowly but surely, they began to beat in synchrony, the familiar rhythm a soothing melody to her ears. With each rapid stroke, she ascended higher, gaining altitude until, finally, she soared free from Tenya's supportive grasp. Initially, the added weight threatened to unbalance her, prompting Tenya to instinctively reach for her waist. However, as Fey demonstrated mastery over her newfound flight, he released his hold, allowing her to soar unhindered.
As Fey took to the skies, an overwhelming surge of pride and relief washed over Tenya. Tears welled in his dark blue eyes, cascading down his cheeks. For the past week, he had been consumed by worry, fearing Fey might have to abandon her aspirations, weighed down by the burden of lost dreams. Now, witnessing her glide gracefully above him, joy and disbelief overwhelmed him, almost too much to contain.
"My Star!" he called out, his voice filled with unbridled joy.
Fey turned to him, her eyes shimmering with happiness and disbelief. "I'm flying, Tenya!" she shouted back, her voice carrying over the wind.
As she ascended higher into the sky, her delicate insect-like wings beat in perfect harmony against the wind, creating a rhythmic flutter that propelled her upwards. Below her, the world seemed to shrink away, replaced by an expansive canvas of azure sky stretching endlessly. The cool rush of air against her face brought an exhilarating sense of freedom, reminiscent of the days when she soared effortlessly through open skies.
With each powerful stroke of her wings, Fey felt a surge of empowerment, a reaffirmation of her resilience. The sky, once a distant dream, now embraced her with open arms. She could feel her wings responding to her commands, their movements fluid and synchronized. The weight of her worries and doubts melted away with each graceful movement, replaced by an overwhelming surge of pride and relief.
As tears of joy welled in her eyes, Fey glanced downward, catching Tenya's gaze with a radiant smile. Emboldened by newfound confidence, she spread her wings wider, determined to soar even higher. With each powerful stroke, she felt herself ascending towards the heavens, leaving behind the confines of her recent struggles.
Meanwhile, Tenya slowed to a stop, his gaze fixed on Fey's triumphant flight. His heart swelled with pride, and tears streamed down his cheeks, a mixture of relief and overwhelming joy etched on his face. Seeing Fey reclaim the freedom of flight filled him with a profound sense of gratitude. He had feared she might never experience this again, yet here she was, defying the odds with every graceful movement through the air. He marveled at her strength and determination, filled with gratitude for being witness to this transformative moment.
Fey glanced downward, catching Tenya's gaze with a radiant smile. Emboldened by newfound confidence, she spread her wings wider, determined to soar even higher. With each upward thrust, she disappeared into the billowing clouds, leaving Tenya awestruck by her ascent.
After savoring the rush of freedom for a fleeting moment, Fey began her descent back towards Tenya. Her insect-like wings carried her gracefully through the sky, but as she approached the ground, she felt their rhythmic beats falter. It had been over a week since she last flew, and her muscles were still adjusting to the sudden return of her abilities.
As her wings struggled to maintain stability, Fey sensed herself starting to plummet. A gasp escaped her lips as she fought to regain control, but her descent was too rapid to correct on her own. Just as panic threatened to consume her, a strong pair of arms enveloped her, catching her securely mid-air.
"Easy there," Tenya murmured softly, his voice laced with relief as he held her steady in his embrace. "You did it, Fey. You're flying again!"
Fey looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "I know! I can hardly believe it, and it's all thanks to you," she said, her voice brimming with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Tenya smiled warmly at her, his heart overflowing with joy. "I'll always be here for you, My Star. No matter what."
As Tenya held Fey close, the weight of their shared triumph settled over them like a comforting embrace. The sky above began to darken with the onset of evening, casting a gentle hue over the academy grounds. Fey's wings, now still and resting against her back, shimmered faintly in the fading light, a testament to the incredible feat she had just accomplished.
"You know," Fey began softly, breaking the peaceful silence between them, "I never thought I'd feel this way again. Flying, I mean. It's like... rediscovering a part of myself I thought was lost forever."
Tenya nodded, his expression tender and filled with admiration. "You've proven today that nothing can extinguish your spirit, Fey. Not even the toughest challenges life throws at you."
A small smile played on Fey's lips as she leaned her head against his chest. "Thank you, Tenya. For everything."
They stood together in quiet contentment, enveloped by the serenity of the twilight hour. The bond between them had grown stronger through adversity, forging a connection that transcended mere friendship. As the first stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Tenya and Fey knew their journey was far from over. But with each other's unwavering support, they were ready to face whatever tomorrow might bring.
Later that night, as Fey lay in bed, she stared out the window at the star-studded sky. The memory of her flight played over and over in her mind, a vivid reminder of her resilience and strength. She drifted off to sleep with a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time, knowing that no matter what the future held, she had the courage and support to soar above it all.
And so, with hearts full of hope and spirits unbroken, Tenya and Fey looked forward to the dawn of a new day, ready to embrace the endless possibilities that awaited them.