The Emerald Prince

Chapter 103: Pancake Pals

You guys...have no idea how long that drawing took, and how many tears were shed in the process.
Do zoom in on Aizawa.

Thank you for all your supportive comments in the last chapter. I didn't realise how badly I needed the encouragement until you guys dumped all that affection on me. T^T Thank you!

———

Keigo: Hey kitten, I'm told Shoto isn't physically letting you go...which I can respect. As it happens there's a fair bit of paperwork I was planning on ignoring until next week, but I'll get it over with today and see you and the radiator next weekend okay?
Izuku: If you're sure then I look forward to it! Before the flaming pile of trash interrupted I was taking notes on my friends date so I was thinking we could give it a try even though I don't know how it's supposed to end...
Keigo: Great idea kitten! And you can always come over if you want us yeah?
Izuku: Yeah. Good luck today Kei!
Keigo: Thanks!

———

The greenette grinned, red rimmed eyes shining, "deal!"

He got up shakily, the group registered at the same time he did, that the greenette was still in a hospital gown. He gave them a pleading look, and the teens debated between leaving or covering their faces. The beanbags were super comfy so they went with covering their faces.

Izuku remained quiet - not like he needed to put his mask up yet when they'd all seen him without it.
He got into some black jeans and a red T-shirt, before pulling on his Shoto-themed hoodie and coughing awkwardly so they all knew they could stop closing their eyes.

The group watched as he moved to the wardrobe, opening the door to reveal a mirror on the inside he used to tie his hair into a messy high bun, before turning to fetch a water bottle by his bed which he used as a vector for the quirk that reset his appearance and made his eye bags, reddened eyes and tear streaked cheeks vanish.
Bakugou who'd seen it before grimaced at his classmates worried looks.

The greenette took a slow breath before looking at his friends.
"I don't want anyone else to know how bad I am, can I trust you guys not to tell them?" He asked hopefully.
Kaminari was the first to answer, "of course you can, though there's nothing wrong with your reaction okay?" The blond bit his lip as if hesitant to speak again, "it isn't... it isn't weak."
The greenette shook slightly but just gave a nod.
"My lips are sealed, though it would make sense for you to be stressed by being nearly murdered you know?" Pointed out Jirou.
Bakugou added, "They won't expect you to be just fucking fine after that anyway Deku."

The greenette smiled a little at their concern, "I know that, but I'm still meant to be the strong person, and I'm going to do my best. You all have enough to deal with, without worrying about me, besides," he was clearly too sleep deprived to think the next thing through, "I've been through worse."
He grinned before heading out the door, "Pancake's will be ready in 10 minutes!"

"He's been through worse!" Exclaimed Kirishima weakly once he was sure the greenette was out of ear shot, "he was strangled by a psychopath with a fire quirk - no offence Shoto - and he says he's been through worse..."
"He has." Stated Shoto calmly.
Shinsou sighed and Bakugou growled, "I told you not to ask about his past for a fucking reason Kiri."
"I know... it's just..." replied the redhead, eyes rounded in a level of pity, the trio both appreciated and were grateful Izuku couldn't see.
"I know." Sigh Bakugou, feeling a bit guilty, "let's go keep him company in the kitchen. Keep him distracted."
"I need some coffee too." Muttered Kaminari.
Iida sighed, "same I think, I've never stayed up so late."
"I'll need some too." Added Kirishima distantly.
"Coffee all round." Confirmed Shinsou as he got up, and made his way out of Izuku's room.