Chapter Text
Izuku steps out of the apartment complex by himself that day. He managed to get as far as the park before needing to sit down to take a breather.
Breathing is easier now that some time as passed. He's still in no condition to participate in physical activities and walking for long distances is only possible if he takes plenty of breaks.
Doctors are baffled when the x-rays come out fine, unable to pin down the source of his unusual symptoms. "Perhaps he's a late bloomer and his quirk is finally manifesting" They say to the Mother and Son duo.
He knew he should be ecstatic with the possibility of finally getting his quirk, his dream finally being realized, but after seeing his distressed mother steadily losing weight and the dark circles under her eyes growing more prominent, he isn't so sure anymore.
Kacchan acts as if he's a bother when they walk home together. Mitsuki insisted her son to escort the boy all the way to and from school. Initially the hot-headed blond would lash out angrily with
"He's not a baby!"
"I want to hang out with my friends!"
"It's so bothersome!"
His protests die down slowly as Inko greeted them tiredly but with an unfailing relieved smile every time. Eventually stopped altogether when Inko pats him on the shoulder with "Thank you for bringing Izuku home, Hero."
Izuku should feel bitter about the comment, but he couldn't bring himself to feel envious when his mother's burden would lighten a bit every time Kacchan came around.
Kacchan is smart though and learns to better his time management; he would take his time with Izuku. Whenever Izuku needed to rest, Kacchan would piggyback the green haired boy until he regained his composure and let him walk. This speeds up their commute back home. As soon as Izuku is safe at home, the blond would shoot off in search of his other friends to play with until dinnertime rolled around.
"Hey Deku," Kacchan starts on a particularly nice day.
"What is it Kacchan?"
"Your mom says I'm like a hero, right?" He starts.
Izuku refrained from rolling his eyes at the constant reminder, "Ya. She does."
Kacchan nods more for himself than to Izuku, "and your quirk is making you sick."
"Yes."
"I know you wanna be a hero too. If you're too sick to be one, then I'll be the hero everyone needs"
Izuku wants to scoff, but he didn't know how to yet so he flinches instead.
"And," Kacchan continues, choosing to ignore the reaction the other boy exhibited. "You can be my support. You like machines a lot, so learn how to make them! I'll use your stuff to help rescue people from buildings!"
That was... surprisingly considerate and thoughtful. Izuku is filled with excitement that he hasn't felt in a long time.
"That's a great idea! You're a genius! I'll get so good I'll be the best inventor! I can make you the number one hero!"
It had been weeks since that conversation. Izuku had been getting stronger since then, but nowhere near where he wanted.
A hand in one of the nearby hydrangeas twitched and sinks back into the flora.
He refuses to acknowledge it.