Situational Gravity

Worried

The world stands still, only for those for who can utilize it while it is in full swing. I pat my upper body, making sure I'm awake at the moment, my eyes blinking slowly as I look at the girls in shock. My body is jostled as the guys from behind me cheer, bumping my shoulders and body as I stare at my brunette best friend. Her eyes gleam with fear, tears, and anger as she stares at me; embarrassment flashing in those swirling brown orbs.

In a moment's notice, her footsteps patter away towards the staircase; gradually declining in sound as the room watches me in silence.

How did we get here? Why was she so upset? And most importantly: Why didn't I say anything?!

"Izuku, sweetie! Breakfast is ready!" Inko calls out, the smell of waffles wafer from the kitchen as Izuku dries his slightly dampened hair from his shower. The slight sting of pain from his muscles cooled from the rushing water.

"Coming!" He calls out, throwing on a tank-top and basketball shorts as he tosses the towel in the hamper. Opening his door, he pauses as his face flushes red; breath caught in his throat as he's face to face with deep brown eyes and a pout. "O-oh! Uraraka-chan! I-I d-didn't know y-you were here? U-Um w-why a-are you h-here?"

"Hey Deku! I was in the neighborhood and I thought that it'd be rude not to stop by on our break. It's been a while since we've hung out, but I probably should have asked before coming over, huh? Sorry..." She chuckles shyly, twirling a strand of hair from her bangs as he frantically waves his hands; dismissing the thought.

"N-no, no! It's okay! No need to apologize. Besides, it's my fault for not calling or texting. S-sorry!" He bows with his eyes closed as she giggles, patting his head twice to get him to stand up.

"That's okay! I just assumed you were busy. Um... your mom is nice. I also brought some treats for us later, but I should probably let you get to breakfast. Where...?" She looks around, waiting for something as he raises an eyebrow in confusion.

"Why don't you eat with us? Mom usually makes more than we can both eat, so there should be enough for a third plate." He smiles awkwardly as her eyes brighten, clapping her hands together.

"Really? Thank you, Deku!" With that, he leads her back downstairs as his mother finishes washing her pans from her cooking earlier.

"Mom, do we have enough for another plate?"

"Oh is Ochaco staying the day? I thought you were going to do some training with Katsuki." The older greenette questions, grabbing another plate as the color drains from his face.

"You train with Bakugo? I thought you two didn't get along?" Ochaco hums out, glancing at him as he gulps nervously; scratching the back of his neck.

"Didn't get along? Those two are like brothers! I was a little hurt by their fighting in your first year, but that's because Katsuki has some communication issues. Luckily, Izu here, knows his language pretty well. I swear, Katsuki's problems stem from Mitsuki's pressure on her child. If she would have read the parenting books we brought together, she'd have just as sweet of a boy as I do." Inko rants jokingly, placing a plate across from her own seat; sitting down as Izuku gestures to the seat.

"Thank you again for welcoming me into your home for the day, Mrs.Midoriya." The brunette expresses her gratitude as Inko waves her off, holding her fork in hand as she claps her hands together; both of them following while saying their graces.

"It was no problem at all. I do, however, want to know how long this has been going on." Inko smiles genuinely as Izuku tilts his head in confusion as Ochaco blushes, turning away from both of them as she takes a bite out of a waffle.

"How long what has been going on?" Izuku questions as Inko glances at the brunette who bites her lips nervously.

"Nothing. Never mind. What have you two planned for today? I was planning on spending the day over by Mitsuki's since Masaru has some things to take care of for work. I can let Katsuki know you won't be coming. He'd probably be happy he can spend the day with his special somebody. You should probably get some advice from him, Izuku. A mother can only worry about you for so long." Inko sighs, holding her chest with one hand as the other picks up some scrambled eggs.

"You are a bit problematic, Deku... if I wasn't involved in half the craziness, I'd be worried too." Ochaco agrees effortlessly as Izuku pouts at being ganged up on, biting a bit of sausage.

"Mina said you cried."

"Huh?" Ochaco looks over at him, lost on why he has that information.

"Mina said you cried. During the training after the mall in first year. I believe it was right after I fainted that she said you broke down crying. I didn't know if I should have apologized for making you cry or if you didn't want me to bring it up, I only apologized for worrying you. I didn't mean to make you cry, I was just trying to save Kacchan and it didn't cross my mind that I have friends now so-!"

"What do you mean 'now'? You didn't have friends before?"

"People assumed that my son was quirkless his whole life. As much as he's tried to hide it from me, he was bullied and suffered from discrimination. Him and Katsuki had a falling out due to the kid's ego, so they stopped being friends. The neighborhood kids didn't want to hang around him. He won't say it, but he has self-esteem issues and looks down on himself without even realizing it until he says it by accident." Inko sighs, finishing up her plate as she stands up; not allowing for her son to reply with denial. "I can safely say that I'm happy he's happier than he was back then. I want to meet the people he calls his friends and I want him to share things with me. We only have each other, but what will happen when I'm gone? He needs someone to worry for him since he doesn't worry about himself."

"I can do it." Ochaco volunteers without thinking as green eyes snap towards her, mouth agape as she blushes red. "I-I mean I already do! Since the beginning I worried about him. When he saved me during the entrance exam, I worried about whether he'd make it in with how low of a score he had. The training. The sports festival. Saving Eri. Everything. He's just so bright and it physically hurts those who don't follow him to see things through. So I worry. I won't stop worrying and I'll worry in your place when you're gone, Mrs.Midoriya."

"You can call me Inko, dear. And thank you for worrying so much. I can tell he means a lot to you." Inko hums, a small smile graces her lips as she points her finger towards her keys near the door; floating her sandals over as well. "You can stay as long as you like. Let me know if you want to stay over, I don't mind. If you're hungry, I left some cash on the living room table. Izuku knows how to make a few things, but he gets sidetracked easily so make sure to remind him if he enters that kitchen. Otherwise, I'll be off."

"Get there safely, Mom. Love you." Izuku sighs, pinching his nose while waving; his plate empty as Inko nods. Ochaco stands up to hug the older woman who graciously takes it.

"I'll see you two later."

~

Yep, I got bored and was working on this behind the scenes.

Hope y'all enjoyed!

~ Shadow Out! 🌑