𝔸 𝔾𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕎𝕒𝕤 𝕆𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕖 💥𝔹𝕒𝕜𝕦𝔻𝕖𝕜𝕦💥

Remembering Her

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Chapter 38

Crimson eyes watched as Izuku stood before the entrance of the cemetery, his gaze fixed on the rows of gravestones that stretched out before them. His usual vibrant energy seemed subdued, replaced by a quiet sadness that tugged at Katsuki's heart, reminding him of the darker days where Izuku struggled with himself.

Izuku's hand trembled slightly as he reached for Katsuki's, seeking the grounding support that only he could provide. Katsuki clasped his hand firmly, intertwining their fingers, offering a silent reassurance that he was there for him.

Katsuki's eyes traced the lines of unease etched across Izuku's face, the restlessness that had plagued him in the past few days now manifesting in full force He could practically feel Izuku's unease and fear that threatened to overwhelm him before they even stepped foot inside the cemetery.

Gently, Katsuki nudged Izuku, a subtle yet meaningful gesture to convey his support. He knew that sometimes, all it took was a small nudge to push someone in the right direction, to help them find the courage they needed.

"Come on, Nerd," Katsuki said softly as he led the way through the hallowed ground, the weight of the surroundings settled upon them. Katsuki noticed the slight hesitation in Izuku's steps, the vulnerability in his eyes. He could sense the ever-growing fear that lingered beneath the surface, the fear of confronting the painful memories from the hospital that lay in wait.

As they approached a smaller section of the cemetery, Katsuki sensed Izuku's hesitation once again, his steps faltering. He could practically see the swirl of emotions in Izuku's eyes, the wariness that tugged at his heart. With a subtle, reassuring squeeze of Izuku's hand, Katsuki guided him forward.

"We're here," Katsuki whispered, his grip tightened, providing a steady anchor for Izuku as they approached the gravesite. They stood together before the weathered tombstone, bearing the name of Inko Midoriya, a woman who had given everything for her son. Katsuki noted there were fresh flowers on the grave. Perhaps left by All Might or a stranger.

Katsuki's crimson eyes returned and remained fixed on Izuku as he placed the bouquet of flowers they had brought into his hands. The vibrant colors stood in stark contrast to the somber surroundings, life amongst the dead. Izuku's eyes never wavered from the headstone, his focus solely on the engraved name of his mother.

With a gentle squeeze of Izuku's hand, Katsuki released his grip, allowing him the space he needed to approach his mother's grave.

He watched as Izuku took a step forward, his movements slow and deliberate, as if afraid to disturb the sacredness of the moment.

Katsuki leaned against a nearby tree, his arms crossed loosely over his chest. He remained a respectful distance away, giving Izuku the privacy to confront his feelings.

Katsuki surveyed the area as Izuku stood before his mother's grave, his posture slightly hunched as if debating on what to do. The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, the silence broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

Izuku's voice quivered as he began to speak. Katsuki strained to hear, the wind carrying fragments of Izuku's conversation with his mother to his ears.

"I'm so sorry it took me this long to see you... I should have been here sooner, Mom," Izuku whispered, his words carried away by the wind. Katsuki's throat tightened, the familiar ache of regret resurfacing within him. That feeling.... He understood that feeling all too well– the gnawing ache of wishing for more time, for another chance.