Need You (ShinDeku)

Ch. 129 - Orchestrated

A/N: I know I don't respond because I just don't have the time but I make sure to read and catch up on all of your comments before I post each new chapter. They put a smile on my face every time. I know I can't do much for you all besides keep posting, so here's the next chapter ahead of schedule. I think I'll be able to keep up for this week... don't get used to it though.

Have fun reading!

Midoriya POV

"You want to try sparring today?" The question comes out of nowhere as Shota and I are headed to the same gym we visited yesterday.

It takes me a moment to process, because while I did get to sleep last night, it took me a while and then when I woke up, it was after Shota had. The past 40 minutes had been a haze of half-consciousness and rushing. I almost forgot to brush my teeth, and when I put my shirt on for the first time it was inside out. I'm not even sure how that happened because I made sure all my shirts were the right way in when I hung them up. I was trying to be tidy, even if Shota and Hizashi wouldn't see it.

Now, I'm walking with my coffee-addicted guardian down the street, one of his jelly pouches shoved awkwardly under my mask so I can eat while I walk.

"Yes?" I finally answer.

"Is that a question?"

"No?"

He seems to consider as we walk. The building the gym is in comes into view when we turn then next corner.

———

Turns out trying to spar was not the best idea. I find that out when we're across from each other on a mat and he starts circling, and my chest tightens. He finds out when he throws the first jab and instead of blocking or sidestepping I freeze, my training once again slipping right out of my head.

It was light to begin with, and when he realizes I'm not going to do anything to block he slows his fist and pulls back. Obviously it's a little too late at that point but his knuckles bounce off my cheekbone pretty harmlessly, my head hardly even moving, and I know it won't bruise. It didn't even make my eyes water, and if you've ever been hit on the cheekbone you know it doesn't take much. Or maybe that's just me. You know, with the teary genetics.

Shota backs off though, and doesn't seem comfortable continuing with the original sparring plan even when I reassure him that I feel okay. Not a fan of the idea of hitting a child that won't fight back, I guess. I think we were both a little surprised when I just froze up, but given how I've reacted the last few times I was attacked, I guess it wasn't actually all that unexpected.

The man pivots pretty quickly, with a sparring plan B. It seems he was prepared for this to not work out, and I do my best not to be bothered by that fact. I mean, my reaction is a bit of a problem given what I'm training to be in the future, but it's not all that strange that I'd react that way to a fist coming towards my face, given the circumstances.

"Alright." He says after he's made me take a bit of a breather and a sip of water. I think he was trying to monitor whether I was actually good to go or if I'm secretly holding back another breakdown, but it seems he decided I'm good. "I'm going to call out moves like we've been doing but you're going to actually try to hit me and dodge when I tell you. I don't want to rely on this method too much but it'll help us start out slow, and nothing is going to be unexpected," he explains as I step back into place.

"So, an orchestrated spar."

"Exactly. No surprises, no relying on reflexes. Yet. Just re-familiarizing yourself with the motions and the feeling of a controlled fight. We'll go from there."