Schrödinger's cat

The box is closed

"Nothing is real until it is observed."

- John Gribbin, In Search of Schrodinger's Cat: Quantum Physics and Reality

It was like starving for years and finally feel satiated. Even as the flames went out, he felt the balloon finally quiet in his chest for the first time since it had awakened. The sensation was so pleasant that he sighed in relief. The hand tried to let go of his shoulder, but he didn't allow it, gripping the other boy's wrist in his crooked fingers, a sound of stress coming out from his throat.

He opened his eyes and saw the stranger's alarmed and now somewhat hostile expression. He dropped the hand and cringed to himself, his voice barely audible.

"I'm sorry."

"What did you do? How did you activate my quirk?"

He flinched more harshly.

" I.I don't know. My quirk ... the suppressants!"

He had totally forgotten about it in his panic. He looked around for the bag, but could barely move.

He heard an exasperated sigh above him and the stranger pulled away from him.

"No, please."

His eyes closed in fear. He didn't want to be alone.

Something touched his hand and he opened his eyes again. The syringe with the suppressant was extended toward him. He looked at the stranger. His face no longer seemed hostile but utterly blank, expressionless.

Izuku felt even more embarrassed for what he had done, even though it was not intentional.

"Thank you."

He tried to take the syringe and nearly dropped it. His crooked fingers trembled even more than usual at the moment. The other pulled the syringe back and sat on the floor.

"Tell me how to help."

Izuku almost cried with gratitude, but he was too exhausted to do it.

Izuku guided the stranger in the steps, applying the needle to the muscle in his arm. Some things that he hadn't noticed that were floating fell to the floor and he heard people muttering in relief from the other side of the barrier.

"So much for a normal trip to the market."

He sniffled shamefully, and the other boy widened his eyes slightly, looking around, seemingly wanting to be anywhere but there in that moment.

"Don't cry-"

He started to sob uncontrollably.

"I want Aizawa."

Aizawa could make things better. He always did.

"Don't cry, please."

One awkward hand reluctantly started patting his head. The heat in it made Izuku move closer without realizing it. They both ignored that and Izuku almost laughed at how uncomfortable the guy looked trying to console him. The other boy seemed to have more problems with social skills than him, and that in itself was absurd.

People started yelling from the other side asking if they were all right and Izuku cringed fearfully. Maybe later he would feel embarrassed to be almost throwing himself upon a stranger, but in that moment the stranger was warm and could create a barrier between him and the crowd.

He covered his face with his hands trying to control his breathing, his head almost touching the other's boy chest and his voice a mere frantic whisper.

"Don't let them in, please. Don't let them come closer."

A reluctant hand touched his back, assuring him.