Puppet Master

UA Sports Festival Start!

"I'm a bit worried," Asa commented as he and Yuma drank coffee at the table.

"What for?" Yuma asked.

He glanced up at Izuku who was sitting on the couch with Ei attempting to play his game with one hand as they have yet to put his metal one on because it was the weekend. "I feel like Izuku is taking this too casually." Yuma hummed. "It might take a bit for it to settle in that he really doesn't have an arm." Asa nodded. "I'm worried about his reaction when it finally does set in." Yuma reached over and grabbed her husband's hand. "Don't worry too hard about it, dear. We've handled Izuku at his worst, I am sure we can handle whatever happens next."

"Or maybe what Shinsou said struck a chord with him and he is trying to move forward."

"Or that."

"I hope."

_______________________________

Izuku sighed exasperatedly, flopping back against the cushions. Eijiro laughed, patting his shoulder. "Cheer up, man! It's not like you are actually getting worse with one hand. You were bad at games in the first place." Izuku deadpanned at his brother.

He stared up at the ceiling. "Wh- when is M- M- Mina comin'?"

Eijiro shrugged. "I dunno, man. Soon, probably."

*~DING-ding-Ding-DING~*

"Speak of the devil," Eijiro stood up. "Mom, Dad, we are going out!"

"Okay, dear," Mom called back. "Take your phones and call if you need anything."

"Yes ma'am!"

Izuku and Eijiro left the house to find Mina waiting outside of the gate. "Hey, you two!" She waved. The three made their way to the park. "D- do th- the others know?" Izuku asked hesitantly. "About your arm? No," Mina replied. "They know about the attack though and that you were hurt."

"Hurt," Izuku stated. "What? You were!" she exclaimed. Izuku shrugged, feeling a slight twang in his right shoulder. He couldn't really shrug his shoulder. It moved up a bit but not nearly as much as his left shoulder.

Izuku could hear his friends talking in the park already and hesitated. Mina pats his shoulder. "I'll go talk to them first so stay here for a bit, okay?" He lowered his eyes but nodded. Eijiro stayed with him, gratefully. He glanced over at the empty space where his arm once was and where his t-shirt sleeve flapped in the slight breeze.

What will they think? Will they not like me anymore? Will they think I look weird now? Will the-

"Hey, man," Eijiro nudged his arm. "It'll be fine. You know they aren't like that," he said seemingly knowing what Izuku was thinking. Izuku hung his head. "I- I know..." Mina's head popped out from around the corner. She waved them with a big grin. "Come on! Friends await!" Izuku didn't move. He curled his fingers around the base of his shirt. He missed the feeling of being able to do that with his right hand too. He missed the feeling of having a right hand and arm in general. Mina smiled softly and bounded over. She grabbed his hand. His left hand. The only hand he had left... "It's fine, Zuku. Nothing is going to happen." Izuku glanced up at her but lowered his eyes again. He let her gently pull him forward and around the corner, Eijiro following. It was silent. Izuku's heart fell. I knew it...

"ZUKU!" He jumped, eyes snapping up. Hino, Mori, and Furuya came running over. Izuku took a step back. "I'm so glad you are okay!" Hino exclaimed. "You had us so worried," Furuya nodded. Mori came to stand by them. "Welcome back!" He lifted a fist. Izuku stared at it. He lifted his eyes to meet Mori's. The ginger nodded and smiled. Izuku huffed, letting out a watery sigh. He bumped his fist against Mori's.