MHA: Harbinger of Fear - Male Reader x Midnight

Part 18

The hunt for Trigger and Shigaraki had died down for the week. Sophia and Nezu had been right in their predictions; even if Y/N's return was small and unconfirmed.

Criminals and villains hesitated to commit even the smallest acts of evil in fear of the slightest chance of meeting him.

It gave him ample time to prepare, as he still felt the need to push himself. This time, on a whole different level.

Y/N had been sure to beat the sun this morning, as well as race it down the long beach in a growing routine of exercise.

He was also sure to get a hardy breakfast for the long day ahead, something he hadn't done in quite a long time.

Now sitting at the foot of his bed with his bare chest on full display, he adjusted a compression sleeve on his right arm. The slight pressure on targeted joints eased his aching muscles and provided a soothing warmth to his old battle scars.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Nemuri asked worriedly.

It was understandable, really. It wasn't every day that Y/N traded blows with All Might. The thought alone brought back vivid memories of his bone-rattling punches.

"He knows his limit, and I know mine." Y/N replied, tucking the black sleeve in and adjusting various straps. "I'll be fine."

"Recovery Girl won't be so happy if something happens to your arm again." She stated as a matter of fact.

He had fallen silent; he didn't want to fall prey to a classic misuse of words.

Approaching with her worried gaze, Nemuri sighed and slapped his hand away to get to work, wrapping his arm herself.

Y/N didn't think of the situation the same as her. He had gotten past all the pain he endured and lived life in the present. His wife, however, remembered the mangled mess that was his arm.

"I'll be fine." He murmured, sensing her distraught emotions. "If something happens, I'll stop, I promise."

"You always said that." She huffed.

"I mean it."

Her movements halted at his stern and soft tone. With her hands caressing his arm, he continued.

"I know I slipped before, but this time—I'm fighting for something other than myself."

He set his gaze forward with a sigh, showing that he didn't dwell on the past longer than he needed to. His words brought a smile to her face and a flutter to her stomach.

"Always such a softy." She teased.

Softy never really was a word that described him. It was something he had grown into with her help.

"Yeah." He replied with a chuckle. "Sure."

"You can play tough guy all you want," Nemuri said, her voice edging in a laugh. "But I know you."

"I'm not." He said with a small laugh. "I leave that at the door."

He heard her sweet laugh near his ear, leaving a lingering smile on his lips long enough for her to finish.

"You know..." She dropped her hands on her lap with a heavy exhale.

Y/N hummed in affirmation with his (Eye Color) eyes focused on her relaxed form.