A/N: Just a heads up: this chapter may prove triggering for certain people. If mentions of dead animals squick you, then feel free to skip this chapter. I honestly didn't want to post such an unhappy chapter considering that tomorrow (February 25) is my birthday, but I needed to write this to cope with some trauma.

Deku strode up to Todoroki's front door with a spring in his step. The weather was cool, but not exceedingly cold, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. If there was anything that could make this day better, it was seeing his bicolor-haired girlfriend. Ever since she'd revealed her true gender identity, he felt like things had gotten that much better for the both of them, and there was nothing he looked forward to more than seeing her beautiful face. His pep continued as he knocked on her door and hummed "T.N.T." to himself. Soon enough, the door opened.

"Good morning, Shoko!"

Deku's smile faded away as soon as he saw Todoroki, whose hair was looking messy, along with her eyes looking rather sunken and her clothes looking rumpled.

"Oh…hi, Deku."

"Shoko, you don't look too good. Is everything OK?"

"Come inside."

Deku stepped inside, having a bad feeling about what she was going to tell him next.

"Well?" said Deku.

"OK, so I have been having the WORST time of my life. I was driving to the mental hospital to visit my mother, and on the way there, a dog ran in front of my car. I tried to stop, but I…I couldn't do it in time, and I killed it!" Tears instantly filled Todoroki's eyes. "Even worse, the owners were right there, and one of them…she accused me of being on my phone and I…I…"

Todoroki was unable to finish her sentence as she buried her face in her hands and cried. While seeing her cry was nothing new for Deku, this was a whole new kind of pain for him, and his mouth was agape as he saw her cry.

"Shoko, I…I'm so sorry!"

Not knowing what else to do, Deku gave Todoroki a big hug, which she gladly returned. As he held her, he could only imagine what intense pain she must be going through, and it was perhaps the most unbearable thing that anyone could bear. He too wanted to cry knowing that a poor, innocent animal had been taken from this world too soon. Nevertheless, he kept his feelings together as he did his best to comfort her. Even if it hurt him hearing her cry like this, it also gave him a sense of satisfaction knowing that he could be there for her in what was quite possibly one of her darkest hours. After all, he'd want her to do the same thing for him if he were ever in this much pain.

Despite being in so much pain, Todoroki did her best to think about how wonderful it was that Deku was here to comfort her and do his best to make things all right. Even if crying hurt for her, at least she didn't have to do it alone anymore, and it hurt that much less now that she was in his arms. Granted, she still wondered what she could possibly have done differently to avoid this, but she eventually came to realize that it was futile. Besides, he didn't judge her for what he did, and even if he was shocked by the fact that an animal had died at her hands, at least he still loved her. To her, the fact that he still loved her enough to give her a hug meant everything to her. After what seemed like eons, Todoroki stopped crying, but she continued to hold on to Deku. He was her first, her last…her everything. She would die for him. Finally, once she felt well enough, she let go.

"Are you OK, Shoko?"

Todoroki pulled out some tissues, dried her eyes and blew her nose. "Sort of. I still hate myself for what I did, but I'm glad you were here for me."

Deku put a hand on Todoroki's shoulder. "I don't expect you to get over this overnight, but if it makes you feel any better, I'm gonna cook you a delicious lunch. Sound good?"

"That sounds nice, but…" Todoroki averted her gaze. "Deku, please don't leave me."

Deku put his hands on Todoroki's cheeks and refocused her gaze on him. "I know you don't want me to leave, but I promise I won't be gone long! Promise me you'll do your best to keep yourself together until then?"

Todoroki nodded. "I'll try…I guess…"

"OK, please do!"

It had only been a few minutes for Deku to go out and get the ingredients for what he needed, but for Todoroki – who was curled up on the couch in the fetal position by the time Deku got back – it felt like an eternity.

"You're still here," said Deku.

"Just barely."

"Well, I'm back, so I'll have the food ready soon!"

"OK…"

Deku headed to the kitchen and began preparing his famous katsudon. Thus far, knowing that Todoroki had stayed strong in his absence helped him to regain some of his pep. Then, while he was cooking, he felt Todoroki hug him from behind.

"Huh!?" said Deku.

Todoroki laid her head against Deku's. "Deku, thank you so much for everything you've done. You really are my angel from paradise."

"Awww…you're so sweet!"

Deku did his best to continue cooking while Todoroki embraced him. Granted, it was rather difficult, but he did his best, though it took him all his strength not to melt from her affection. Eventually, he finished the cooking.

"OK, come and get it!"

Todoroki let go of Deku as he served up the katsudon, and they both sat down.

"Wow, this smells delicious!" said Todoroki.

"It's my favorite!" said Deku.

"OK then…"

Todoroki took a bite, and within seconds, she let out a hearty "mmmm" as the crunchiness of the panko breading and the savoriness of the pork massaged her broken soul.

"Thanks again, Deku! You're the best!"

Deku swallowed. "Anything for a soul in need!"

Todoroki smiled as she continued to eat. Even if this incident would haunt her for the rest of her life, at least she could rest a bit easier knowing that she'd have Deku to comfort her.

Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.