Chapter Text
“Meditation helps you relax and gain control of yourself!” The cheery woman spoke to him across the screen. She had bright pink hair and was known as Alien Queen on Youtube.
After Izuku had met Mina at the shop, Ochako had bragged and gushed to him about how she had a very big Youtube channel about makeup and meditation. It was pretty decent and very entertaining, and she had about twenty thousand followers.
“First, let’s sit in a neutral place in your house, somewhere that you won’t be bothered in!” She chirped to Izuku, as she sat down herself.
Mina’s room simply screamed out her personality. Even though their meeting was brief, you could tell that this was her. Fuschia lights and fur bedding. Her room wasn’t cluttered in the slightest, everything in a certain place, and displayed out for the world to see. Although if you squinted Izuku thought there was a Kirby backpack on the desk. It didn’t match the rest of the room but it looked cute.
Posters and random artifacts covered her walls, and a mirror showed all of Mina’s angles as she sat criss-crossed and lifted her arms into the air.
Taking a deep breath she raised her arms and lowered them with each breath as she talked through it. “In and out as you slowly move into a safer environment. Make sure you keep yourself grounded.” She hummed.
Izuku on the other hand, was sitting in his bed eating cheetos and drinking a Starboo’s coffee as he half watched, half did his english homework.
His crunching sometimes would override her talking, which was annoying, but if Izuku was being honest she was just on for background noise.
The video ended after fifteen minutes, her wishing everyone a good day, and the autoplayer loading the next video- a makeup tutorial.
“Izuku honey, could you run to the store and get me some olive oil?” His mom called from her room.
Blinking out of the mindless studying and snacking he stretched, his back popping an unhealthy amount as he did.
“Sure, mom!” He called back, licking his fingers, but soon regretting that as they were now just slimy. Grimacing, he made his way to the bathroom, washing his fingers off and then his face.
It was 1pm and he hadn’t even made his way out of bed, having been snacking on day-old cheetos and since he always kept his laptop by his bed he just grabbed it and started working on his presentation.
His hair was a horrible mess, but he just ran his damp fingers through it and hoped for the best.
Grabbing some sweatpants, he quickly put on some shoes and grabbed his backpack making his way out. Looking outside the window he also grabbed a big scarf and his fat fluffy jacket.
“Olive oil?” He called, fingers on the lock, double checking the item he needed to retrieve.
“Yep! And maybe some flour so I can make some dumplings for dinner.” She said cheerfully from somewhere across the house. He yelled back some sort of agreement as he headed out.
He missed his bed and cheetos.
Mina’s voice accompanied him on his walk, as he trudged through the snow. It wasn’t horrible but it was very cold. The snow was up to his ankles, but Izuku didn’t mind the cold.
He still missed his warm bed though.
Walking to the store, he got flour and olive oil, but he passed the coffee shop on the way.
When he was heading back, he went up to the shop, only to discover that it was closed.
That was abnormal, especially since Miss Midnight was usually very vigilant with her shop and how it was run.
Wiping the frost off the door as he peeked inside, the dark shop seemed so empty and full. He could see the book Miss Midnight had been reading on the floor which was also a bit odd, but Izuku didn’t think much of it. Leaning against the door he could hear movement which meant that she was most likely in the breakroom.
Sighing sadly he made his way home. A warm coffee would’ve helped the dreadful walk home, and it was a bit annoying that she was closed so suddenly. The only indication was a messily written sign taped to the door, titled ‘Be back soon!’.
He supposed even Miss Midnight needed the occasional break, and so he headed home without the warm comfort of a hot beverage.
It was also slightly annoying that he would have to walk all the way back to go to work later.
Well, maybe then the shop will be open and he can get a coffee! He reassured himself, which brightened his mood a bit. He could even help her with inventory after work was over, he reminded himself. Today was the day she got in packages, ones that he had helped her unpack and stock dozens of times.
“I’m back!” He called to his mom, who was now in the living room, computer setup and typing away.
“Ah! How was it honey? Was the store busy?” She queried, glancing up at him. Her glasses sat at the tip of her nose, her big eyes magnified slightly.
“No it wasn’t too bad.” He set the bag in the kitchen as he unwrapped the single bag of flour and olive oil. “Whatcha’ working on?” He asked while putting the flour in the correct cabinet.
“Ah I’m writing an article about some gang that’s going around! It’s some pretty gruesome stuff!” She shouted back to him, a little loudly. Crinkling his nose uncomfortably.
“Gang?” He questioned as he opened the fridge and shut it again. Looking around the kitchen for something to chew. He wasn’t hungry but just wanted to snack some more.
“There’s some leftover rice in the fridge!” His mom informed him, assuming she heard him open and close the fridge three times. “And yes, they’re a pretty rough bunch! Although some people think it’s a bunch of highschoolers just causing a ruckus.” She supplied him.
“Dang that’s scary.” Izuku said, as he microwaved the rice, bringing the bowl over as he crowded his mom, watching her retelling of the story unfold onto the document.
“Yeah so just watch out when you go out ok honey?” She told him as she typed. “They haven’t done anything too bad as far as the police can tell. Just you know vandalism and some muggings. I mean muggings are bad but they’re not bad muggings, you know, no violence involved.” She stammered on, explaining them. “Muggings are bad- don’t mug people but for a gang who is getting an article on the news it’s not bad.” She finished, and turned towards Izuku.
He was eating his rice, chopsticks in hand as he listened to her and watched the article grow before his eyes. It was funny how sometimes she would type what she was saying, quickly deleting it.
“I’m not supposed to show you this but here’s what they look like.” She said quickly pulling up a photo of a messy looking bunch. They looked like they all belonged to different areas of life, and definitely didn’t look like they matched each other.
A girl in a school outfit, it was worn and stained. Over that a big brown jacket kept her warm, with big black boots to match. Three guys were with her, one cowered so low you could only see silver hair peeking out. Another had scars on his face, or maybe a mask. You couldn’t tell from the quality of the picture. And the last man was tall with a strange mask on. He was the only one of the group dressed nicely.
“If you see one of them just run and I’m sure you’ll be fine. Or scream. Or both, no one wants to mug and running screaming kid!” She stated, and Izuku frowned at his mom. Sometimes she was a bit too chipper during weird situations. “Make sure you bring your pepper spray with you. Maybe you could ask Bakugou to start driving you to work.” She continued on.
Izuku hummed with her talking. It was necessarily an agreement but it would take her mind off it.
He wouldn’t be asking Bakugou to drive him to work anytime soon.
Dragging his feet back to his room as he checked the time. It was about an hour until his shift started, and no sense in putting it off. Getting a hat to go with his jacket and scarf, and changing once again, he headed out.
Kissing his mom on the cheek and wishing her luck on the article. She then told him to text her if he needed a ride home and he hurriedly told her not to worry.
Shutting the door and the mechanic lock whirring angrily, as Izuku silently agreed. The cold sucked.
Trudging back the way he had just come from, he thought about what his mom said.
YouTube videos one after one accompanying him in his walk as he thought about the gang of people. Suddenly a chill ran through this spine from the thought.
He walked a bit faster.
Opening the door of the shop as the little bell greeted him once again. Sighing deeply as he unwrapped his scarf and made his way behind the counter, Ochako and Bakugou chatting about something.
Old country music hummed in the background of his own music as the shop’s atmosphere broke through the chilly outdoors.
Unplugging his headphones as he greeted Ochako, and putting his stuff at the small table behind the counter.
“Hi Deku!” Ochako said smiling and interrupted her and Bakugou’s conversation.
Bakugou didn’t greet him.
He didn’t greet Bakugou either.
“Chilly?” Ochako asked a bit cheekily. Izuku smiled, exaggerating his movements. “Not a bit! Actually it’s pretty warm out.” He snorted, and she giggled.
“Get a fucking room.” Bakugou spat, not even dignifying them by looking up.
Ochako hit him on the upside of his head in response.
“He’s been in a bad mood all morning.” Ochako complained, following Izuku to the back. “I think he skipped his coffee routine.”
Izuku hummed in response as he tied his red apron on, matching the bright red shoes and earrings he had on. He was slightly curious of what a coffee routine was, but he wanted to be petty so didn’t ask.
“I checked out Mina’s channel.” Izuku commented as he followed Ochako to the bucket of glaze.
“Oh how did you like it? Which video did you watch?” She quizzed, as she turned on the motor of the mixer. The emerald green glaze mixes into a light teal.
Izuku clicked his tongue as he pulled out his phone to check. Showing her his history. (Alien Queen, All Might Series Theories, How To Bake Bread, Jackseptieye Horror Games.)
“Oh that’s one of my favorites! I helped set up the camera for her!” She says chipperly, then clicking the video and starting from the beginning. She fast forwarded to certain points and pointed her own reflection in some shots, and her backpack.
“Oh wow! That’s so neat Ochako! Are you into film work?” He asked watching as she explained how to get the camera where you couldn’t see it in the mirror.
She nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes! It’s one of my passions. I would love to be a director or a camerawoman!” She told him.
The timer went off as they took the mixer out, straining it. She handed it to Izuku to wash off.
Ochako kept talking on the technical camera terms, telling him about the best ones and latest models.
“Honestly the hardest part was finding one with both a decent shot, and a decent video.” She said, helping him hold the tongs.
Her hands on his as she tightened her grip. He was still very bad at glazing with one hand so was using both of his, guiding him as she reminded him how to do it.
“Is it hard to figure out the settings? I always have trouble with all the buttons and stuff.” He confessed, mumbling slightly. He was blushing slightly from her hands on his. They were rough, most likely from hard work. Her nails were chipped and looked like they had been bitten off.
“Mmm you know it’s not that hard once you get used to all the controls.” She answered, letting go of his hands, and he started to grab some by himself. He was slightly disheartened from her releasing his hands but also thankful she hadn’t noticed his red face.
He didn’t have much physical contact with people, and it was always nice.
Especially when it was initiated by the other person!
“I think I had a lot more trouble finding the right stand than the buttons.” She chuckled. “I now have one that spins!” She says, spinning the party animal that’s trapped in her tongs as a demonstration.
Laughing slightly he congratulated her for the find.
Ochako was so simple, and so fun. Every conversation was usually about something light-heartened. Her laughter was simply infectious and the way she would contort her face so you know what she was really thinking.
She was like enjoying a snack during summer. Warm, and a wonderful way to spend your time.
The front door rings and Ochako peeks out the window- the window that she argued wasn’t a window because it didn’t have glass and was in fact a square hole in the wall- and cheerfully greeted the new customer.
Izuku peeked out and saw two familiar blonde raccoon tails.
“Denki!” Izuku shouted a bit too loudly, as his face heated up a bit at the unwanted attention from the customers already sitting down.
Denki smiled widely and waved, walking over to Izuku and Ochako. “Izuku! Hey I wanted to see your pottery place!” He exclaims, then looking around the corner of the open door at Ochako.
“Well hello there- I’m Denki, but you can call me whatever you want.” Denki stated, attempting to lean on the door frame, but instead leaning on an apron, and face planting.
“Who’s the dunce face.” Bakugou spat, seemingly appearing behind the now flattened Denki.
Izuku looked up at Bakugou, a giggle escaping him as Ochako grimaced at Denki, trying to recover his pride as he stood up quickly.
“He’s my friend.” Izuku said, staring Bakugou down.
Their words from last night echoed in his head.
“Of course he is.” Bakugou clicked, amused.
Izuku glared at him.
“Hey what’s that supposed to mean!” Denki exclaimed, at the same time Ochako scolded Bakugou.
“Don’t be rude.” She snapped, not pleased. She was obviously not a fan of Denki, but Ochako was also very passionate about being nice to customers.
She shooed Izuku out of glazing and told Bakugou to switch with him. Bakugou complained slightly, but complied.
“So who’s that?” Denki asked. “The manager?” He said as they walked to the counter, Izuku walking behind it.
“Ochako? No? I mean no. She’s just been here the longest.” He hummed. “...I think.” He added quickly.
“And the other guy?” Denki said, leaning against the counter, looking at a pamphlet.
“That’s Kacchan.” Izuku added quickly. He wasn’t in the mood to talk about Kacchan.
“Huh. A nice gang up here! Maybe I’ll join ya!” He said with a wink, and he clicked his tongue, and Izuku smiled a bit. “Don’t worry- I won’t..just because the Kacchan is too much bark n’ bite ya know?” He says, putting the pamphlet back.
“Yeah I know what you mean.” Izuku said, laughing a bit weakly. “Anyways-!” He coughs, and straightens his posture, looking at Denki instead of the window where Ochako and Bakugou were now occupying.
“Are you here to paint?” He asked.
“Nope! I’m broke as a sailor.” Denki said sadly. “Just wanted to see my comic book buddy!” He says smiling at Izuku. Izuku smiles back, feeling his cheeks burn a bit, his heart swelling
“We need another comic book session. I wanted to know if you wanted to this Wednesday?” He asked, and Izuku agreed, after checking his schedule of course.
Denki pumped his fist, then bumped Izuku’s. Then yelled his goodbyes to Ochako and Kacchan.
Denki was a bit odd.
He could’ve just texted, but instead came into the store to personally invite Izuku. And he didn’t even know if Izuku was working! It was a very sweet sentiment.
“Okay Deku I’m off!” Ochako supplied, and broke him out of his train of thoughts.
“By Ochako!” He said, as she grabbed her Kirby backpack, and was off.
Now, it was just him and the eternal thorn in his side.
Bakugou finished glazing in about forty minutes, the room sparking clean. Joining Izuku in the front.
They made eye contact for about a millisecond, and then they didn’t speak.
One hour, then two. Izuku was being petty. He knew it.
Stooping to Bakugou’s level was sorta boring.
Ignoring Bakugou is quite annoying, especially since the other simply didn’t care and would go through an entire shift without talking, seemingly just to spite izuku.
Dusting, sweeping and wiping down tables.
Checking the chore book quickly, looking for something to pass the time. Clean Microwave and organize cabinets. Izuku checked it off then pattered to the back dully.
The cabinets he did first. Taking everything out, and wiping the shelves down. Scrubbing old stains that he didn’t really want to know what they once were.
Kneeling on the counter, he slowly lifted one item back in then the other. Lots of plates and cups, tons of candles. Izuku wondered if Mic kept all the birthday candles left behind, or if he had extras for the quests.
Putting the different plastic cups in order smallest to tallest, the cups from different restaurants and stores. The plates and silverware followed.
Getting down he wiped the top of the microwave and kureig. Then opened the microwave.
It would be best not to describe the smell that followed.
Taking out the circular plate, then the plastic wheel that kept it turning, he scrubbed it down. His once clear gloves now starting to stain a brown.
The brownish green gunk was a hard enemy, but nothing Izuku’s years of cleaning skills couldn’t handle. Saving the Microwave from what he could only guess was some sort of sludge monster at that point.
The microwave sparkled a marble white now.
Or well, it shone a dull yellow.
Washing the round glass plate, he put the inside back together, wiping the outside door once more.
He smiled at this own handy work.
Coming back to the front, to see a customer leaving. Bakugou was manning the register. And it had now been four hours, and not one word had been spoken between them.
If this was a book, it would be a boring one.
Cleaning the tables, and wishing them farewell, he quickly started to trudge to the back to get a bag of chips. Stopping in the doorway before going.
Tapping his fingers on the wood, once, twice. Then a third time.
“Do you want any chips?” He questioned, seemingly asking the shop itself since he didn’t look behind at the person who had been silent for four hours.
“Sure.” A voice echoed back to him.
The rest of the night wasn’t that bad.
“Good morning Midoirya, and Bakugou.” Todoroki’s calm voice greeted them. They had been typing up new posters for help wanted signs.
“Morning Half n’ half.” Bakugou grunted. The double they had worked had tore into Izuku, and he himself was exhausted.
“Morning Todoroki.” He greeted his friend.
“Was it busy?” He asks, coming behind the counter and clocking himself in. Izuku shakes his head.
“Not really.” Izuku supplied.
“We had one hag complain about our prices. I told her to fuck off. “ Bakugou complains. Izuku raises an eyebrow, because as he remembers it, Bakugou apologized profusely to the hysterical woman.
Todoroki nodded, as if to agree.
Today, or well tonight. Todoroki was, as always, very stylish. Flannel jacket and on top of that, a baggy brown one. A white shirt with a girl on it that Izuku didn’t recognize, and green pants. His shoes were black and shiny. His bracelets still adorned his wrists, and as Izuku noticed them, he took two off.
“Here you go. I made them last night.” Todoroki supplied, handing one to Izuku and one to Bakugou.
Red beads and stretchy rubber now adorned his wrist. His name spelled out in white beads.
“Wow! This is amazing! Thank you!” Izuku said, his heart bubbling, threatening to bubble over.
“You’re going to get the nerd sappy.” Bakugou grimaced, but he was wearing his new bracelet. No matter how grumpy he pretended to be, Izuku saw him adjust it so he could read his own name.
“It was no problem.” Todoroki says simply. And then the three of them sat in comfortable silence.
“Bakugou, I believe that word is too big.” Todoroki said after a while. They were both just watching his adjust it over and over.
“It’s the damn front.” He grumbled, clicking the small arrow to shrink the font, and instead it moved two inches to the left.
“Stupid fucking-“ the bell rang. “Welcome in!” Bakugou’s personality did a 180, as he sat up, and no longer looked like an old man. A smile that seemed unnatural flashed at the newcomer.
“How does this work?” The man asked. Izuku looked up to see a young adult.
A patchy leather jacket with a low cut white shirt underneath.
His face was covered with a black face mask. Something about him seemed oddly familiar, and Izuku might’ve stared a bit longer than socially acceptable.
“Pick out your item then sit wherever- prices include paint, glaze n’ firing. Then paints are over there and we bring the brushes to you. It takes about seven to ten days to get them back.” Bakugou politely explained.
The customer nodded and went to look around.
“Anyways, this font is being difficult.” Bakugou continued, as the customer walked off.They messed around with a few fonts and the mystery man walked out.
“He looked familiar.” Todoroki commented.
“I thought the same thing!” Izuku exclaimed, his eyes bugging out.
“Eh?” Bakugou grumbled. Looking at the door the customer had just walked out of, the bell still ringing in the absence. “He looked like a normal bastard to me.”
“Rude!” Izuku complained. “Maybe he is famous or something.” He commented, and Todoroki nodded in agreement.
After a bit Balugou and Izuku clocked out, Mic taking their place. Apologizing for running late, and then ruffling their hair as they both walked out.
Izuku started walking, him and Bakugou side by side, coming to the truck and then passing it.
Izuku kept walking as the tension fizzled as he walked further away and starting down the road.
He could hear the engine start and hum as it sat there, soon him too far to hear anything from the old truck.
Suddenly a loud whirr and Izuku looked behind him, coming at him a hundred miles an hour, was Bakugou’s truck.
Suddenly slamming on the breaks, as Izuku watched, Bakugou about two feet away from him.
“Oi! I almost fucking hit you!” He shouted glaring at Izuku.
Izuku glanced at the distance between them, and it was very evident that Bakugou hadn’t in fact almost fucking hit him.
In fact, he was quite a way away’s.
“Don’t just fucking stand there. If you can’t learn to walk without being flattened I’m forced to drive your dumbass home.” He half shouted, staring at Izuku with anger.
“I’m not going home.” Izuku complained, without moving. His feet felt glued to the concrete. He wasn’t sure what to do really, and why on earth Bakugou would want to give him a ride was beyond him. Wasn’t it just yesterday that they were screaming at each other in that very car?
“Where else does a-” Bakugou paused slightly, as if catching himself, “deku like you have to do at 2am.” He snorted.
“I was going to the coffee shop.” He said, still stuck to the spot. “To check on Miss Midnight.”
“She’s closed dumbass.” Bakugou snapped.
“It’s inventory night. She’ll be there.”
“And what, let you in? What are you a fucking prince?” Bakugou snapped again, his mouth running faster than his brain.
Izuku glared. “Stop being an ass.” Was all he replied.
Bakugou squinted back at him, the only noise the purr of his truck.
He obviously wasn’t going to leave Izuku alone, so reluctantly he walked around the front of the truck and climbed into the passenger seat. Bakugou’s eyes searing into him, as the ice cold seatbelt clicked into place.
Izuku didn’t think Bakugou would take him to Midnight’s until they pulled into the parking lot. Bakugou switched off his car and Izuku looked at him quizzingly.
“You think I’m going to freeze my nuts off in the car waiting for you? I ain’t no delivery boy.” Bakugou snorted as he got out of the car.
Izuku followed suit, walking to the door. The same sign hung up as before, which was very unusual.
The backup lights glowed through the windows, a red glow into the shop made it eerie from the outside.
Midnight’s book still laid on the floor, open.
“I fuckin’ told you asswipe. Now we have to wait for the truck to heat up again.” Bakugou complained.
Izuku backed up and pushed Bakugou back as well, earning a very verbal complaint from his unwanted companion. Izuku bent down, pushing his hands into the numbing snow.
Pulling up a very wet rug revealed a single key on the ground.
“Oi! I’m not breaking into the shop dipshit! Have you lost your damn mind!” Bakugou whispered, looking around, even though the parking lot, and entire street was very much empty.
“Then watch.” Izuku supplied simply. Pushing the key in and the door clicked as he walked in.
The door creaked loudly as Izuku cautiously pushed past it. The clock on the wall the only sound in the shop, alongside his beating heart.
Stepping forward as his steps echoed with him. “Miss Midnight?” He called out, and the only response was his own voice.
Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. The clock sung out to him, as each step felt heavier. The silence seemed to suffocate Izuku. The clock sounded like a gun, shots one after another.
He looked back to see Bakugou staring at him, his arms crossed and pissed off. Then, without warning he yanked the door open and quickly caught up to Izuku.
Neither said a word, just both of their crisp breaths shared. Bakugou was following Izuku as Izuku bent down and picked up the book.
“This really the time to get your rocks off?” Bakugou asked in a hushed tone, although he wasn’t very good at whispering. Izuku frowned and grumbled.
“It’s Miss Midnights.” He responded, as he walked to the entrance of the counter, and reached over it, unclicking the lock.
It was dark on this side of the shop, the overhead lights only lighting up the seating area. Izuku grabbed a straw and placed it inside the book as a makeshift bookmark, clutching the book to his chest like a lifeline.
“She’s not here, let's go.” Bakugou hissed to Izuku, still following a bit too closely. He was no longer whispering but it was pretty obvious he was still on edge.
Izuku let his shoulders fall as the tension seemed to dissipate. He loosened his grip on the graphic book in his hands. “Okay. Let’s put her book in the breakroom.” He said, his fingers tapping on the spine of the worn thing.
Walking to the end of the inside of the counter, he pushed on the door, walking into the pitch black room. His first step was wet, something must have spilled. His footsteps pattering as he and Bakugou slowly walked in. Blinking as he rubbed his eye, and he could feel Bakugou’s arm push past him, feeling for a light in the darkness.
Izuku stepped on something soft, as he slowly lifted his foot from it, at the same time that the lights came on. Blinking as dark spots danced in front of him, as he looked at what he had stepped on briefly, and to his utmost horror it was Miss Midnight’s arm.
On the floor, there the shop owner laid. Arm outstretched to the door they had just walked through. A pool of partly dried blood. She laid on her stomach, her hair dried with the blood, her other arm twisted under her, and not visible. On top of her was a wooden crate, crushing the bottom half of her torso and legs.
Izuku stared as reality seemed to sway under his feet. In the distance, he could hear and feel Bakugou.Izuku sunk to his knees in the puddle, the blood splashing his cheek as he clutched the book feebly. His head spun as he felt dizzy, this couldn’t be happening.
A hand on her hair as he stared at the back of her head. If he squinted he could fool himself into seeing her breath once more.
“Izuku, Izuku shit come on we have to leave.” Bakugou’s voice rang, as he felt his hands shaking his shoulders. A tone Izuku had never heard in Bakugou Katsuki scarred him. A voice crack and an in humane exhale from his partner.
Pushing him away he put one hand in the blood, God there was so much of it, as he pushed himself up. Leaning on the crate ontop of her as his breath shook, and hands quivered.
“What are you doing?” Bakugou asked hurriedly, as Izuku started pulling at the crate.
“She-” He choked on his words, as his hands shook. Tears running down his face and he tried to catch his ragged breath, the words feeling sour on his lips. Like they weren’t real. “She needs help. We can’t- Oh God, we can’t leave her she is- Was- She deserves more.” He stumbles on his own words- the words that don’t feel real at this moment.
Nothing does.
He didn’t even know why he was doing this. She was dead. She doesn’t care.
She is dead.
“Shit.” Bakugou’s voice quivers as he chokes. He is pulling his hair as he watches Izuku struggle with the crate crushing his friend.
She was his friend.
“Shit.” He shakes as Bakugou comes over, them both lifting the box off the woman. And they toss it to the side. Maybe he could've lifted it if he had put the book down.
He couldn’t let it go.
After pushing the box aside he bent down, both him and Bakugou lifting her and turning her to face them.
Her lower body was so mangled and gorey Izuku didn’t dare look down.
Her blue eyes staring at them lifeless, and her face was covered in dried blood. Izuku stood up, blood covering his free hand as he walked back to the front, getting some paper towels.
Handing some to Bakugou they wiped her cold face down, until Izuku couldn’t see anymore. His own sobs swallowed him whole as he looked at her.
“She needs to be clean Kacchan. She has- She has work tomorrow. “ his voice is broken. He couldn’t even see her anymore over the blurriness of his own sobs.
“Okay, okay.” Was all Bakugou responded. They both wiped her face, over and over and over.
All he could think was if he had come in this morning? Would she be here with him now? Telling him to call her by her real name? Would he be laughing over some stupid joke instead of scrubbing her lifeless face? Why was he even cleaning her? She liked to look presentable but what did it matter? Did anything matter?
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” Was all he could muster over and over. Leaning over her as he rested his head on her wet chest.
The sorrow and grief was so overwhelming Izuku was sure he would never recover. His chest was exploding. His heart was utterly shattered, and the only thing he could think of was his own sorrow, because at this moment it was the only thing that existed.
Bakugou held his hand as they knelt over her.
The only sound Izuku could hear was the clock and his own sobs.