Deku's Secret Illness

Ch.5

"Mr.Aizawa?"
"Yes, Midoriya?"
Midoriya hesitates. He knows he shouldn't ask, that asking will just increase suspicion about his home life. He knows that having Aizawa go with him will just make everything worse because it'll just worry the man more, but Midoriya is scared. He's caught in a moment of weakness. He feels like he's cornered and there's no way out. He knows he can't escape, he doesn't care about that. He just doesn't want to be alone. He just wants someone to hold onto.
It had been so long since he'd received any form of comfort. Kacchan tried after his mom died, but nothing could replace Midoriya's mother. She was his anchor, his home. He'd never have that again, he knew that, but Aizawa was his hero. He may not be his anchor, but he could be a shield, someone to protect him from the fear that had preyed on him his entire life.
So Midoriya gives in, "I...I have an appointment tomorrow and my Mom won't be able to make it. Would you mind coming with me?"
"Of course"
Aizawa couldn't help but feel honored. He was being trusted with everything. Midoriya had chosen him to open up to. He had deemed him worthy and Aizawa wouldn't trade that for the world.

Midoriya's mind was elsewhere. He knew what he was facing. He didn't know exactly what was coming but the call he received was far from ideal. Aizawa needs to know what he's getting himself into.
"Thank you. I wouldnt normally ask, it's just... It wasn't really scheduled. I got a call earlier today saying my lab results are in and they weren't looking good."
A heavy silence shrouded the room. Midoriya stared up at Aizawa, lip quivering and eyes glazed over. He looked so young. He was so young. He was just a scared kid and it broke Aizawa's heart.
"I'm scared. I don't want to die. I don't want to leave everyone."
His voice was raw, it hurt just to hear.
"I know, kiddo. I know."
Aizawa held Midoriya while he cried.
"I won't pretend to understand what you're going through. And as much as I want to, I can't tell you that its all going to be ok. But I swear to you that you won't be alone. I'm here. Recovery girl is here. Your classmates, even if they don't know, they're here for you."
"You say that, but what happens when they all find out how weak I am? When I can't keep fighting? Everyone always leaves. It'll be just like it's always been. I don't know if I can do this alone, Aizawa."
"You won't have to. You'll always have me."
"Promise?"
"I promise."

—-
The next day Aizawa accompanied Midoriya to his appointment.
They walked side by side, the silence between them filled with a sense of shared understanding and unspoken promises. Not the unkeepable 'I promise that you'll be ok' type of promise, the 'I'm not going anywhere' type of promise. The type that fate can't break.

As they entered the doctor's office, Aizawa took a moment to observe his student. The gravity of it all was ever present in the young hero's eyes, but a newfound resolve seemed a spark of life in his dying eyes.

Aizawa watched as Midoriya went through the motions. This clearly wasn't the first time he had done this. How many times has he had to go to these appointments alone. Was he alone when he first received the news?
The thought of it made his heart hurt.

As the examination progressed, the doctor's face shifted, betraying their concern. Finally, they spoke, voice measured and sympathetic. "Midoriya, I'm afraid the progression of your illness has been quicker than anticipated. At this rate, considering the toll it's taking on your body, I would advise considering your physical limitations in the near future."

The weight of the words hung in the air, Aizawa's heart aching as the reality started to sink in. He glanced at Midoriya, noticing the subtle flinch, the brief flicker of fear in his weary eyes. It was a cruel reminder that time was not on their side.

Midoriya swallowed hard, voice trembling slightly as he asked the question they both dreaded. "How much time do I have left...before I'll have to stop attending UA?"

The doctor hesitated, "Based on the current progression, I would estimate...approximately six months, give or take. But it's important to note that everyone's situation is different. We'll monitor your condition closely and adjust accordingly."

Aizawa felt a lump forming in his throat, the weight of the deadline settling heavily on his shoulders. Six months.

"You'll still have a year or two left in you after that though"
The doctor was really trying to be reassuring, but it came out as anything but.

It wasn't enough time. Not nearly enough for Midoriya to achieve everything he had dreamt of, to fully embrace his potential as a hero.
Not enough to even live a normal teenage life.
It wasn't fair, but life rarely is.
Aizawa made a silent vow to himself right then and there. He would make every second count. He'd be damned if the kid didn't at least die happy.