Shoto watched the scene unfold. For a minute, he was frozen in place watching his friends try to help with what they don't understand. Their strikingly different upbringings become apparent all over again because- he recognizes the glassy-eyed expression. He's seen it in- in. . . someone he cared about. His hand clenches, and he's startled out of his thoughts when Iida blows by. He gets up.
"Midoriya, please move."
His friend looks up at him. "Okay. What are you going to do?"
He doesn't answer. A light sheen of frost covers his right hand as a small ball of ice materializes. Carefully, he reaches for one of Dabi's hands. He's learned that the cold sensation is usually effective to bring someone back . . .
But his hands are freezing. Could it be poor circulation, Shoto wonders? Or maybe it's some weird side effect of Dabi having his quirk restricted. He'll need a different approach, but does he really want to be using Endea- Stop that! He can't forget what Midoriya said. He discards the ice and heats his left hand. This better work.

"-฿ł"

"Đ₳-"

"DABI"

Shoto?
"Ca-       hear-     me?"
Shoto? He feels an almost burning sensation in his palm. Where are you? It starts to slip away. Don't go! He tightens his grip. Colors swim before his eyes; he can't focus. Shoto? Are you there?















The doors slam open. It took Aizawa just over a minute to reach the cafeteria. Iida was sent to find Nezu. "Everyone, go straight to your classes! Now!" His eyes flash red as a warning- the crowd parts for him as he strides over to his students.
"Tell me the situation."
"Asui- I mean Tsu secured the weapon. Dabi's been unresponsive. Todoroki is trying to talk to him right now," Midoriya answers.
Taking in Dabi's state, Aizawa's heart drops. He puts a hand on Todoroki's shoulder to lead him away. "You can stop now. I've been trained to handle these situations. I know what I'm doing."
Taking slight offense, mild frustration brews in the pit of his stomach, but Todoroki lets himself be led away. However, he's stopped. Dabi won't let him go.
Aizawa's eyes widen slightly, but he takes a step back, watching.
"Hey, can you look at me?" Todoroki prompts.
Dabi's eyes struggle to find Todoroki's face.
"Just focus on me and describe what you see." He calmly orders.
Dabi takes a second. "Red . . . white . . . grey and blue . . . your scar."
"Do you know who I am?"
"Shoto."
Todoroki falters. Recovering, he then presses Dabi's fingers to his wrist. His pulse beats beneath the skin. It's doubtful that it'll work on another person, but it always helped Tou-  . . . them to know that-
"You're Alive."
His heart stops in his chest and Todoroki staggers back, eyes wide and lets go in surprise. Just coincidences, he reassures. At least Dabi's back now.


"If you five would follow me to the principal's office," Aizawa instructs, ushering his students out of the cafeteria and away from any prying eyes still lingering.

     Dabi can hardly recall the trip. Aizawa had been asking questions. The others answered; he nodded along. He's numb all over. He wants this to just be a bad dream, but it's not.