From Distant Lands - Juro's Return

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Almost a week and a half passes before I finally feel like I'm getting somewhat back to normal. Katsuki's been staying at my place, the two of us getting... reacquainted, and I've had almost daily visits from all of my friends. Momo and Iida with a week's worth of food, Ochaco and Deku for a movie night in, Jiro, Hagakure, and Mina for a traditional girl's night in my kitchen, baking and gossiping like we used to, Tsu and Tokoyami came over for dinner, and Kirishima, Kaminari, and Sero even came by for a little while just to hang out with us. Endeavor stopped by, practically dragged by Burnin', and Hawks made an appearance when Shiori told him I was out, choosing that exact moment to tell me all about how much better prepared I could have been. When I say he lasted all of three seconds in my doorway, I actually mean that after two and a half, I shut the door in his face and called my sister to demand she send him back to whatever version of my personal hell he came from. All in all, things have started to feel mostly normal, but I can't deny the anxiety that still stirs in my gut... I still can't use my quirk.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Katsuki asks as I start for the door, not very eager to be leaving. I sigh, shaking my head at him.

"No... it'd only make me feel bad having you wait there the whole time" I reply. He makes a face, but he doesn't argue. Instead, he walks me to the door and kisses me goodbye, his lips lingering on mine just a bit longer than they actually need to. I pull away from him, eyes locked on his, and I bite my lip, heart stuttering at the expression on his face. Ever since I got back, things have been like this between the two of us... both of us almost seeming to hesitate every time we have to say goodbye.

"I'll see you later?" I murmur and he nods, still staring at me.

"I love you" he tells me and I flush. He wasn't usually one to say it all the time before, but now? It's like he can't get enough of the words. Still, as much as it warms me to hear it, I know where they come from. Fear... regret... anxiety. Both of us are still so fragile from what happened... I don't think either of us feels entirely safe.

"I love you too" I tell him before finally making my way out. I'm not excited about this particular journey, but after a long discussion with a few pro heroes that head the heroes association and some recommendations put forth by my own ex mentor and family members, I've been set up with weekly therapy appointments. Apparently, I have trauma. Making my way there now, I almost feel like laughing at the word. By the time I was old enough to know what trauma was, I was fairly certain I'd never have to experience anything like that for as long as I lived. When I did experience trauma? It almost seemed too late to seek help for it, especially since I was trying so hard to take care of my father and become the number one hero. Eventually I became so immersed in trying to be strong, that I didn't know it was even possible to ask for help. Even now, I feel kind of silly going, after all, I'm a pro hero... pro heroes aren't exactly advertising therapy sessions, but my sister was adamant.

Now, as I make my way down the street, smiling kindly at one of my neighbors, I'm surprised to run into Shoto. I pause on the sidewalk, eyes widening a bit and heart stuttering in my chest. We haven't really spoken since the rescue mission and it's no wonder why. Shoto smiles at me, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes and I know my expression is similar.

"Hey" I say and his smile grows just a bit.

"Hey... how are you?" he asks and I sigh heavily, hating how tense this feels.

"Oh, you know... embarrassed... apologetic? What about you?" I wonder and he laughs a little, looking away a moment.

"Oddly enough, I'm also embarrassed... and apologetic" he tells me and I smile. Yeah... I get it. I don't think either of us really needs to explain ourselves, not when we know each other so well.