It was not every day that Midoriya missed a day of school. Unfortunately, he had caught a small cold, which caused a world-wide panic within his mother. Her, being the ever-caring and worrisome mother she is, had insisted that he stay in bed for the day and rest. Who was he to deny her request? (She was on the verge of tears, so he accepted her suggestion in a matter of seconds.)

hurt meme.

       how long had it been since she actually cried? since she let any emotion pour so freely? she was always so careful, so sure to never let people see her too happy or too angry...or too sad. but now, tears streamed down her cheeks and she was reduced to a sobbing, hiccuping mess. and she hated it, she hated that anyone could see her like this, most of all todoroki.

       the heels of her palms rubbed against her eyes as she tried to catch her breath to answer him. she felt like she couldn’t breathe, and every time she started to speak, she quickly lost her voice and began to cry again. 

       it was several minutes before she had calmed down enough to actually get the words out, though she sat for another few seconds to catch her breath. her gaze never met todoroki’s, always fixated firmly on the ground as her shoulders slumped, her head hung. it was impossible to try and sit up straight anymore; such an emotional display always wore her out.

      ❝....a while. maybe...close to the beginning of the year.❞ she sniffed, running the length of her forearm over her eyes. she didn’t want the tears to start up again, but her voice cracked and wavered, proof of the fact that she was just barely holding it together now. ❝you’re all so...amazing. you’re strong and brave and everything a hero needs to be. you’re...way above and beyond where i am.❞

       her hands raised to grip the sides of her head. it sounded so petty saying it out loud, but God did watching them make her insecure. how could she measure up to people blessed both with such amazing quirks and the sheer heroism todoroki and midoriya seemed to carry? what hope did she have as a hero with people like this in her class?