A light in the void (my hero academia)

going in for the win

Walking back from the teacher's lounge, Izuku couldn't help but think about everything that All Might just told him.

The history of his own quirk and the destiny it sets for him is mind-blowing, to say the least. Izuku knew that being All Might's successor wasn't going to be easy. Today, he was reminded of that. He realized now the long road he had ahead of him. If he wanted to live up to All Might's expectations, he needed to do better, be better.

Enraptured in his own swirling train of thought, he didn't notice when someone called him out from behind. Nor did he hear, when the same person started yelling out to him.

Izuku stilled as a hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder. Acting on instinct, before his mind could even catch up, he promptly flipped the person over his shoulder.

It was only a moment later, after hearing a small groan behind him that he realized what he had done.

Ever so slowly, he turned around only to be startled again, as he saw, who it was, that he slammed on the ground.

"Oh my god..." Izuku whispered in mortification "Are you okay?!" His voice was louder now, as worry and guilt started pooling in his stomach.

"Holy shit." The purple haired teen spoke, bewilderment clear on his expression. He was still sprawled on the floor. "You're strong!" He laughed, sounding more like a wheeze.

"I'm so sorry! Shinsou, are- are you- oh my god- I'm so sorry!" The greenette rambled as he looked the teen over for any injury. "I- it was an accident, I-I'm so sorry!"

"S'...fine Midoriya" The teen slurred "I shouldn't have done that, it's just, I was calling out to you and you weren't- it was stupid, sorry" The purple haired teen mumbled that last bit quietly. Guilt flashing over his expression.

"No, it's just you surprised me, that's all... I get stuck inside my head sometime." Izuku replied bashfully, his hand rubbing at the back of his neck in a nervous gesture.

A couple of minutes passed by, as both of them remained silent. Izuku crouched down above the teen.

"...So... Are you going to stay on the floor all day?" Izuku asked as he tilted his head slightly, a small grin plastered on his features.

"Yup," Shinsou replied, making a small pop noise as he said the 'p'.

This earned him a small giggle from the greenette.

"Come on Shinsou-kun we have class in a few minutes!" Izuku didn't know why he was so comfortable around him. Up until now, the only person he was so relaxed around was Aizawa. It was strange and really calming to be able to act like himself without fear of the consequences.

With a groan, Shinsou lifted himself off the ground, accepting Izuku's outstretched hand as he got up.

They looked at each other for a moment. Only now realizing that the last time they saw each other was at the sports festival

"I'm- "

"Look, Shin- "

They spoke at the same time, their voices overlapping each other's.

"You go first, take it as an apology for flipping you back there." Izuku offered nervously.

"I- Uhm- I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for telling the teachers despite promising you I wouldn't but I just...I couldn't let her hurt you anymore. I- I'm glad you're okay..." Shinsou apologized sincerely despite knowing that he'd do it again in an instant.

"Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about..." Taking a deep breath, Izuku lifted his eyes up to meet the teen's. Emerald burned into deep purple as he tried to convey his emotions. "That day... You- you saved me Shinsou. If you hadn't told Aizawa I- I wouldn't be here right now. So... Please, don't apologize and let me thank you. You- I guess I can say that you are my hero, in a way, I mean..." He stated, surprised at the firmness in his tone.