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The villain you fought proved relentless, drawing you from sleep without remorse. Darkness enclosed on you from every side, stealing the breath from your lips and light from your eyes, the frantic pounding of your heart the only sound that reached your ears. Clenching the bedsheets, your gaze fell on the man lying beside you, his peaceful expression a small comfort that tethered you to reality. You watched him closely, reaching out to brush the hair from his face with unsteady fingers. You’re all right, you told yourself, everything is all right. The villain you fought, although relentless, wasn’t undefeatable.
A part of you urged you to run, forcing yourself into a corner you knew with bitter familiarity. The feeling of powerlessness that befell you in the past tried to force its way to the surface, but you remained resolute, building yourself up instead of knocking yourself down. You grew into a formidable opponent, finding your enemy’s weaknesses to retaliate more effectively than before. It’ll pass, you thought. Those seconds felt like a lifetime, and despite how difficult it was to breath you knew it couldn’t harm you, not like it did before.
“Y/N?”
“Toshinori,” you replied, voice a guilty whisper. “Did I wake you?”
“No,” he reassured. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” Your words echoed in your mind as you now attempted to convince Toshinori and yourself, forcing a smile. “Go back to bed.”
He looked doubtful. “If you don’t tell me, I can’t help you.” Opening his arms, he invited you into his embrace, pulling you snug to his body. The even drum of his heart pulsed against your cheek, and you allowed the softness of his skin and solid lines of his muscles to consume you. Slowly, the tension eased from your shoulders, and you began to unravel at the mere touch of him, his cool hands sliding beneath your shirt to caress your heated skin. He didn’t press you further, his patience endless, and you wanted to cry out of relief and appreciation.
“I’ll be fine.” Don’t worry, you wanted to say, but held your tongue. He understood you well, better than anyone, and occasionally, better than yourself. By now you should know he saw through your hollow promises, reading you with a careful focus you weren’t accustomed to. You hid behind a smile, one that didn’t always reach your eyes, and single-handedly dealt with your demons as expected. The world didn’t stop for you, not for someone who’s villain wasn’t of flesh and blood. Your battle paled in comparison to the battles others fought; you had a lot to be thankful for. Yet Toshinori, who fought the hardest and deserved the most, made time for you. He wanted to fight alongside you, for you, and you didn’t know if you were worthy of such love and devotion.
“I don’t want to worry you,” you admitted, blinking tears from your vision. “You already do so much. For me and everyone. I hate to ask anything more from you.”
His hold on you tightened. “It’s natural to worry about those you care for.” Words of protest died in your throat at the undeniable truth. Regardless of his reassurances, you worried about him; his health and happiness a constant concern. All Might, the Symbol of Peace, seemed godlike, but you were aware of how human Toshinori was behind his superhero persona. He hurt the same as the rest of world, and you wanted to protect his smile at all costs. However, you found it difficult to accept he wished to return the favor.
“The battles you fight are important, and I’d like to fight alongside you and help how I can. You’ve offered your love and support unconditionally. Allow me to do the same.” Strangled sobs worked their way from your body, your heart swelling with adoration for the man that continued to make you fall head over heels in love with him. “Okay?”
“Yeah,” you breathed. Sitting up to straddle his waist you stared down at him, reveling in his loving gaze. Without hesitance he reached up to wipe the tears from your eyes, gently holding your face in his large calloused hands. “I’m sorry. I’ll do my best.”
“There’s no need to apologize.”
A small but genuine smile shone through the anxiety. “Thank you, Toshinori.” Pulling you gently to his side, you rested your head in the crook of his neck, pressing a light kiss to the sharp edge of his jawline, and he shivered beneath you. “You’re my hero.”
Finding his hand, you entwined your fingers, and he affectionately squeezed yours in return. “Are you all right?” he asked as you caught his gaze in the darkness of your room.
“I’ll be fine,” you repeated and sighed, struggling against the urge to hide behind that smile once again. “A little anxiety never hurt anyone. But I’m glad you’re here. I feel better knowing that you are.” Your cheeks burned, and you cast your eyes downward at your confession. “You’re already a great deal of support for me. So understanding and patient. I can’t tell you enough how thankful I am.”
“You don’t have to tell me. I already know.” He leaned over to place a soft kiss to your forehead. “Never hesitate to ask for my help. I always have time for you.” Your eyes glistened, and he grinned. “We’ll win this fight together.”
You nodded. “Sure thing.” Leaning into the comfort of his embrace, a calm washed over you, and exhaustion set in as the anxiety dissipated. You could breathe again, your chest rising and falling in tandem with Toshinori’s. How fortunate you were to experience a love so full. His support meant everything to you, and you hoped he returned the sentiment. He couldn’t fight your battle for you, but with his help you could overcome the enemy. Tonight, you considered yourself the victor.
“You should get some rest,” you yawned. “You’ll be tired in the morning. And I imagine you have a long day ahead of you.”
He chuckled. “The same applies to you, my dear.”
“Mm-hmm . . .” Eyes heavy, you failed to notice as they closed, and sleep overtook you. Dreaming sweet dreams in the safety of his arms, you slept peacefully the remainder of the night. Villains came in all shapes and sizes, but they didn’t have Toshinori on their side. The man was a saint, and you would have to properly thank him in the morning. He deserved all the love you could give and more, and although a shred of doubt remained, you would learn to accept that you deserved his love too. You failed to comprehend what he saw in you, especially on nights like these, but you trusted him. You loved him. And there was no place you’d rather be than here.