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The evening had settled over the city like a soft blanket, and the sky was streaked over with remnants of the sunset. Iida Tenya, the ever-punctual hero known as Ingenium, stood outside a modest apartment building, his fingers tapping against his forearm in a rhythmic pattern that echoed his growing irritation. It was unlike you, even with your occasional tardiness, to miss a scheduled patrol without any word. Reliability was the cornerstone of your partner relationship in work and the now lightly growing intimacy of a shared personal life.
Walking briskly into the building, Iida rehearsed his planned lecture. His concern was masked by frustration; habitual lateness was one thing, but completely ignoring professional duties was another, and he could not let that slide. He reached your apartment number in no time. Knocking firmly, the sound echoed in the quiet hallway.
There was no answer.
His brows furrowed as he knocked again, this time calling your name with a firmness born of both worry and vexation.
Silence greeted him once more. Pounding with concern and annoyance, his heart now thudded with a deeper worry. Something felt wrong. With a swift decision, Iida announced that he was going to enter. He opened your door using the emergency key you gave him and stepped into the dimly lit apartment with a foreboding air clouding his mind.
The sight that met his eyes immediately washed away any irritation he had. There you were, not simply sleeping in or neglectful of time but crumpled on the ground. Your body curled inward, hair splayed around you and sticking to your scrunched-up face. Iida rushed to your side, his hero training taking over as he checked for any injuries.
Your name fell softly from his lips, “Can you hear me?” he asked, concern laced his brows, body tense, as he gently shook your shoulder.
You murmured something incoherent, eyes fluttering open only to squint against the dim light shining through your apartment. Your face was flushed with fever. You were in no state to respond coherently, let alone try to stand on your own feet.
Swiftly lifting you with ease, Iida carried you to your bedroom, laying you down with utmost care on your bed. Moving to leave and head to the kitchen to get a cold washcloth, your hand weakly grabs onto him. “D-don’t go…” your voice cracked, barely audible.
Iida felt his heart squeeze at your pitiful expression, eyes teary but unfocused. “It will only be for a moment,” he said gently, ‘pries’ your hand off his wrist and laid it by your side. "I’ll be right back, I promise."
As promised, the mechanical hero hurried to your kitchen, dampening a cloth with cool water and filling a small bowl with ice water before returning to your side. His movements were methodical, each step taken with precision and gentle concern. When he got back, you had already re-succumbed to unconsciousness.
As he dabbed the cool cloth on your forehead, his mind raced. How long have you been like this? Why haven’t you called for help? The fever seemed significant, and he knew action was necessary, as there were too many unknown factors in your condition.
Once he had ensured you were as comfortable as possible, Iida quickly contacted a local doctor specializing in treating heroes. He understood that the nature of your quirk and work could have aggravated your physical condition. The doctor promised to arrive soon, and Iida sat beside you on the floor next to your bed, his hand taking yours in a comforting grip.
Your breathing was shallow, and a shiver would run through your body every so often, or your face would scrunch as if you were punched in the gut. Iida’s eyes softened as he watched over you, feeling helpless in this scenario. This was a side of you that he rarely saw — vulnerable, needing care rather than providing it. You were such a strong pillar in the community around you, unwavering in attitude and strength, but seeing you now makes him realize just how human you are. This tugged at something deep within him, a desire to protect and nurture that went beyond how he should feel about a simple hero partner.
Time seemed to pass impossibly slowly as Iida waited for the doctor. Iida allowed his mind to wander to the moments you had shared so far, the laughter and the playful banter you’d give even in the most life-threatening situations. He would always chastise you for not keeping things serious or for purposing poking fun. His thumb brushed your hand, tracing the lines of battles fought and lives saved. He finds that he misses your jokes, even when they may be poorly timed. He finds himself whispering reassurances and the same mind-numbing jokes you’d always tell him. He didn’t know if he was saying them for himself or you.
The doctor arrived, a gentle and competent professional and someone Iida had worked with before. The doctor assesses your condition efficiently. “It’s a severe flu, compounded by quirk exhaustion,” she explained after a thorough examination. “She just needs rest and hydration. Plus, this antiviral medication. Make sure she takes these and keeps her fluids up, and if she feels up for eating, keep it light.”
Iida nodded, his face determined and his heart feeling lighter as he took the prescriptions from the doctor. “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll ensure she follows all instructions to the letter,” he reassured her with a firm nod and a deep bow in appreciation.
Once the doctor had left, the apartment returned to its earlier stillness, broken only by the soft sound of your breathing and the occasional rustle of fabric as Iida adjusted your blankets or checked your forehead. His vigil beside your bed was quiet and unwavering, the room lit by the moon's gentle glow.
Occasionally, you would stir, mumbling words too soft to catch, and he would respond with a reassuring squeeze of your hand or a soft word. It wasn’t long before the fever began to loosen its grip, your face losing some of its flush as your body fought against the illness. The night passed slowly, and Iida never left your side.
Dawn broke, painting your room with hues of gold and pink; you began to awaken more fully, your eyes clearing and meeting his tired ones with drowsy confusion.
“Iida?” Your voice was hoarse, but it was the sweetest sound to him after the hours of silence.
“Good morning,” His voice said your name with a sigh of relief. “You gave me quite the scare, but you will be alright. I called a doctor earlier and said you just got the flu and quirk exhaustion.” He explained, knowing you were about to ask what happened.
You attempt to sit up, wincing slightly as the room spins a moment before settling. Iida quickly assists you, propping up your pillows behind you and helping you into a more comfortable position. As you take in your surroundings—the medicine beside the table, the multiple glasses of water, and his exhausted expression—realization dawns on you.
“You’ve been here… all night…” you murmured, a mix of gratitude and guilt washing over you.
“Yes,” he simply confirmed, as if no other option could have been considered. “I couldn’t leave you like this. We’re partners, and I couldn’t just leave my partner suffering on her own.”
A weak but genuine smile tugged at the corner of your lips. “Thank you, Tenya.” You started, and his heart fluttered when he heard his name; it was rare for you to use it. You gently grasped his hands in yours and pressed your lips to them. “For taking care of me.” Your eyes met his again, focused and clear as they should be.
“Always,” he replied, keeping his voice steady and sure before letting mock annoyance fall upon his features. “And next time, if there is a next time, please call me before it gets this bad.” He swallowed a lump in his throat, “Because I need you, no matter how aggravating you can get, it’s too quiet without you.”
You nodded, laughing airily at his confession and gentle admonishment. The conversation drifted to lighter topics as he continued his light doting, forcing you to drink water every 5 minutes. His care was meticulous and attentive.
As you rested, you fell asleep in and out of consciousness. In those bouts, you would see Iida organizing your apartment, reading one of your books from your shelves, or simply staying by your side and holding your hand. His love and care for you were most clearly displayed in these quiet, unspoken gestures that you’re not sure you would have ever gotten to see if you hadn’t gotten sick.
The day passed in a slow, comfortable rhythm. Surprisingly, Iida took leave for his duties, having Midoriya cover for him so that he could stay with you and monitor your recovery. Not that you needed it anymore, but you accepted it graciously. The two of you talked, took naps, watched some of your favorite shows, and even shared a few gentle laughs as you recounted your adventures before being partnered with Iida.
By the time evening approached you felt significantly better. Backed by the medication and Iida’s unwavering support, you felt that you could do things on your own now, no longer weighed down by exhaustion and lethargy. “I think I can manage on my own now,” you told him, though the idea of his presence leaving filled you with a surprising reluctance.
Iida looked at you, his gaze calculating and assessing. “Are you sure? I can stay another night just to be certain.”
“No, you have done more than enough, Tenya.” You insisted, though your hand lingering in his told another story. “Go home, rest in bed, and I’ll be fine. We don’t need you getting sick now because of me.”
He stood reluctantly, his formality returning like a wall as he adjusted his glasses. “Alright, if you’re sure. But I’m just a call away. Please remember that.”
“I will,” you promised, giving his hand a singular squeeze before letting go. As he turned to leave, you added, “Tenya?” Your voice was light.
He paused, looking back.
“Thank you. For everything.”
He smiled then, a soft, private smile just for you. “Always, for you. Get well soon.”
With that, he left, closing the door softly behind him. You settled back against your pillows, your thoughts warm with gratitude and affection, heart beating as you thought about Iida Tenya and how he was a steadfast presence in your life, someone who would stand by you in battle and any other challenge in life.
As you drifted back to sleep, comforted by the thought of seeing him again, Iida took his time walking home. His thoughts flustered as he could only think about how you would say his name, thanking him for something so simple in his eyes.
You both knew that, without a doubt, whatever the future held, the two of you would face it together.