Out of Your Mind

24

After the break was over, there were some side games for the students that didn't make it to the last round. Some of the girls were on the side, dressed in the same cheerleading uniforms that Yua had on and one of them invited her down to cheer with them. She was ecstatic and joined them, you laughed and snapped some pictures.

She came back to the stands, out of breath but still buzzing with energy. Before the start of the tournament, some students request to withdrawal from the event, confusing everyone. You furrow your brows in concern, Yua looks over at you.

"Hey, it's ok. You can talk to them when you go back to school." You look at her and do your best to relax.

"You're right..I'm sure they're fine.." You say hesitantly. The first fights in the first round all are filled with exciting twists and turns. After the last round between Katsuki and Ochaco, you can't stay in your seat any longer. You look for Ochaco and overhear her talking on the phone with her dad. She begins crying and hangs up the phone, so you walk in and hold her as she sobs. Once she calms, she makes her way back to the stands and you text Yua, telling her you're going to wait down there for the other students after their fights.

"Hello?"

"Principal Nezu, is it alright if I stay down here and speak with the students that don't advance in the tournament. It'll be off the clock.."

"That's fine with me. Make sure to submit a report if you use your quirk at all."

"Yes sir. Thank you."

"Thank you. There is large tv in one of the holding rooms, you may use it to watch the festival."

"I will, thank you again." You hang up the phone and look for the room Nezu offered. After turning on the television, you watch the fight between Izuku and Shoto. You frown as see how badly injured Izuku is. Then you remember the conversation you had with Izuku earlier and see him yelling something at Shoto. Shoto's eyes widen and he activates his fire. You clap and jump in your seat because whatever Izuku said really got through to him! Their final clash ended with Izuku falling to the ground. You jump up and make your way to the entrance of the field and see some nurse bots rushing Izuku to the nurses office. You decide to check on him in a bit after you've checked on Shoto. You find him talking to his father, whatever he said didn't seem to please Endeavor because he stomped away angrily, leaving him on his own, looking at his left hand.

"Hi there.." You say quietly as you approach. He looks up at you.

"Hello, Ms. [L/N]." You walk over to him.

"Good job on your match."

"Thank you."

"I just wanted to make sure you were ok.." He was quiet for a moment, then he put his left hand down and put his head on your shoulder. It surprised you, but you quickly got over it and gently embraced him.

"I'm so confused.." He starts. You quietly listen to him as he goes on about what Izuku said during the match about his fire being his power, not his fathers. How he spent so much time repressing that side of him that he doesn't even know where to begin with that. You hold him for a couple more minutes and offer your advice. He takes his head off your shoulder and takes a step back.

"Thank you for listening. I think I'm going to go rest now.." You smile warmly at him.

"Of course, Shoto. Can I expect to see you again during the school year?" He thinks about it for a moment.

"Yes. I'd like that." You excitedly nod your head and excuse yourself to go check on Izuku. When you round the corner, you run into All Might.

"Ms. [L/N]!"

"All Might! My apologies"

"You're rushing to see Mr. Midoriya?"

"Yeah, I just wanna make sure he's ok."

"The old lady just gave me an earful about him over using his powers. He has to go into surgery now." You put a hand over your mouth.

"Oh no..is he gonna be alright?"

"He should be. I'm proud of him because he put himself through all that just to help his friend." You smile.

"Shoto just told me about it. Still though, to have to be put through surgery...That quirk you gave him looks hard enough to handle with a quirk, let alone without one." He rubs the back of his neck.

"It really just varies from person to person. I took to it quite well."

"What was your quirk before One for All?" He chuckles and looks at the floor.

"I actually didn't have one." Your eyes widen.

"What? Are you serious?"

"Yeah..it's been so long that I had almost forgotten. But I see so much of myself in young Midoriya, without a quirk and everything, he's beyond exceeded my expectations of him. I'm so proud"

"Wow..have you told him that?" He averts his eyes, and you ask him again. "Have you told him about your similarities and how proud you are of him?" He looked down nervously.

"Well, uh..no."

"What?!" You yell, much louder than you intended. "All Might, I'm surprised at you! How could you not have told him?"

"He never asked! I'm sure I would've told him eventually.." You pull him down by his tie so you're face to face and glare at him.

"As soon as he's out of surgery, you'd better find an opportunity to tell him, is that clear?" He puts his hands up nervously.

"Yes, yes! Crystal clear!" You let go of his tie and storm off. The nerve of the man. You know, if people were just sensible, you'd be out of a job.