#slow recovery | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

hookaroo · 11 months ago

Text

Laden of the Torn (23 of 25)

AO3 link Catch up on tumblr: One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen Nineteen Twenty Twenty-One Twenty-Two Tagging @priscilla9993 @cocohook38 @killian-whump <3

CHAPTER 23 NOTE: A million thanks to @cocohook38 for acting as this story's savior and rescuing us from a plot hole!! Your attentive reading and detailed comments came just in time to edit this chapter and salvage the ending! Phew, that was a close one! ;)

THANK YOU, MY WONDERFUL FRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 💓🫶🏼💓

***

Killian was no True Love expert, but almost everyone in the realm knew the story of Snow White and Prince Charming. So the surprising thing wasn’t the way his fever dreams wove together scenes of his upcoming reunion and painful fantasies of rainbow shockwaves bursting forth from a kiss placed tenderly on Alice’s forehead. Nor even that he had retained enough awareness through the relapses to realize that these were the attempts of a beleaguered mind to make a connection despite a sometimes-tenuous grasp on reality. The surprise, once he was well enough to recognize it, came from the fact that this potential method of breaking the curse wasn’t his immediate thought when he had first learned of Mandible’s potion. That oversight he had to blame on the fog of his recovery… but the length of time he’d buried the question behind mundane exchanges with the healers was due only to his fear of being disappointed yet again.

***

“You really need to improve upon this method of delivery,” said Killian wryly, nearly a week later, as he watched Mandible score his inner arm with the too-familiar stone blade. Damn healer was running out of intact areas of skin to cut in order to introduce his anti-infection paste.

“I am sorry,” Mandible replied, laying aside his knife and preparing to cover the burning slashes with another of those ubiquitous sticky leaves. “Bite wounds are particularly dangerous; those caused by the filthy mouths of the Less even more so. I dare not take any chances.”

“Understood,” sighed Killian. “It's more a nuisance than anything else, though I suppose gangrene would be worse.”

“Take heart,” said Mandible as he spread the last edge of the leaf across Killian's forearm. “You are nearly at the point where this will no longer be necessary.”

“I’m relieved to hear you say that, mate. Lately it’s been feeling like I’ll never leave this place.”

“You have made great progress just within the last pawful of days. Your visit with your daughter will be upon you sooner than you think.”

Such a powerful surge of desperate longing washed over Killian at the thought that it nearly convinced him he could climb the tower right then, distance and ailments be damned. Clutching reason, he wrestled back the impatience. He had to heal first, and nothing could hurry that.

“And then…” he said slowly, “on our only good day in nearly a year…”

He did not want to continue. It would almost be easier to cling to his delusional hope for a few more weeks… if it weren’t for the fact that he had a young soul to protect. His devastation, should it come to pass, could not be her burden.

“You mentioned True Love, Mandible, and you’ve given us a way to be together again… I don’t expect you to accurately judge our bond, not knowing just how much we’d sacrifice for each other, but… surely there’s at least a small chance…?”

Killian trailed off, pleadingly searching the owlish eyes of his monkey ally. Mandible set aside his herbs and edged closer, resting both paws upon Killian’s shoulder.

“All I have been witness to in the short time you’ve been among us… I can imagine no deeper love. It would give me the greatest joy to pronounce such a thing possible.” Once again, Mandible’s visible regret forecast his upcoming answer, and Killian could not watch the clouds of sorrow roll across his friend’s face. He looked away as the healer continued to speak. “I should have anticipated this hope. I am truly sorry for my carelessness. Laden… by shielding your heart from the curse’s impacts, the potion’s barrier also imprisons the magic of True Love--a cruel but necessary side effect. I’m afraid it must be a temporary reprieve and no more.”

Thwarted at every turn. Killian should have been growing used to it by now. Allowing himself a single bitter sigh, he nodded once. It was still better than nothing, and he could probably talk himself into being grateful. Eventually.

Mandible seemed about to say something else, but he hesitated, smoothing the edge of another bandage that was beginning to come loose. Then, almost timidly, he spoke up.

“The potion reached maturity this morning. Perhaps it would lift your spirits to see it?”

Killian gave him a sad smile. “I would like that, thank you.”

The healer leapt from the bed and disappeared from view. Killian closed his eyes to wait, battling resentment towards a universe determined to conspire against him and his undeserving daughter. Yes, he would now have a painfully short visit with her--or maybe a few, depending on the attributes of the potion--but then what? A brutal farewell, and back to a lifetime of lonely, fruitless searching? Praying to somehow find True Love elsewhere as the endless struggle continued to take its toll upon him? He may have the fortitude to persevere now, but what about five years from now? Ten? Just how long could he keep this up before crumbling beneath the weight of despair?

A slight rustling at his shoulder alerted him to Mandible’s return. Killian opened his eyes to see a small vial clutched in ash-colored paws. As Mandible presented the result of so many days’ labor, his ears drooped fractionally in an apparent wince.

“It is not difficult to imagine the many paths your mind is laying out before you with this potion,” he said, gently turning the vessel to allow a better view. “But I must set you upon the correct one and warn you not to deviate.”

“I’m listening…” said Killian cautiously, his every remaining hope balanced on a dagger’s edge. Mandible kept him there, suspended, while he went off on a seemingly unrelated tangent.

“I did not dare speak of this before now, lest I affect your mind’s role in your recovery, but when I saw the signs of the Mire Dragon venom upon your flesh that first day, I was convinced you would not survive. Certainly no member of either clan would have stood a chance, nor would the average Torn victim, to my knowledge. Even with the assistance of the Teardrop Vine. Yet even through the worst of its effects, through the bleeding and pain and fever, you continued to fight.”

Killian studied the vial as he listened. He wasn’t particularly surprised by the revelation; there had definitely been moments lying here when he could feel himself slipping away. Mandible was only confirming what he had already suspected.

“Your resistance, Laden, is what ultimately led me to the idea for this potion. The Fossa Flower has properties very similar to the venom, and it would have been too strong for anyone else to consume in this fashion. But you have demonstrated that you can withstand its rigors.”

Killian met Mandible’s gaze, skeptical eyebrow raised. Was the healer hinting at unpleasant side effects? Not that it truly mattered; nothing short of certain death would deter him from using it.

“However…” continued the monkey. “Because its ingredients are so carefully balanced between effectiveness and safety, I must advise you to use it all at one time. Saving a portion may result in incomplete protection against the curse, and the remnants would gradually lose potency anyway.”

As Killian registered the sympathy in his friend’s eyes, he again marveled at the surprising perceptiveness accompanying Mandible’s depth of knowledge, rivaling that of any human expert in the sciences. It was no wonder that folklore had developed around these monkey clans, obscure though they may be.

“I can only give you my honest advice,” said Mandible. “I cannot stop you from testing my theories despite the dangers. I certainly understand the temptation and do not know for sure what I would do in your place.”

Killian contained his frustration behind a feigned serenity. “It’s all right, mate; I trust your counsel. Even a single visit with my daughter is more than I could have dreamed of a month ago. Thank you for clarifying the boundaries.”

“As I have said before, I wish I could do more for you and will continue to work on the problem even after you have taken your leave of us.”

“Thank you, Mandible; that is most kind of you.”

Well, the limits had been set, and Killian did not dare stray beyond them and risk derailing his only chance at a visit with Alice. Despite his disappointment, it was a small relief to have most of his questions answered. But the revelation of the venom’s role in all of this did raise a new possibility…

“Just how similar is the dragon venom? Any chance of creating an equivalent potion in the future, using venom instead of the extinct flower?”

Mandible managed to look thoughtful, skeptical, and frightened all at once. “That is a question I will need time to consider. But not a very practical one, if we are honest with ourselves.”

“Not to worry, mate; it’s just a thought. Perhaps a future quest for this dragon-slaying Champion, should he ever find the strength to one day navigate the Stone Forest again, unhindered and on his own terms.”

The healer monkey relaxed noticeably, fur settling back into its usual charming fuzz. “You are always welcome, and no nets will be necessary the next time.”

“That’s a relief,” Killian retorted dryly. “Let’s try and forgo the Warrior Ants as well. Unless you’ve already beheaded them to extinction…”

“Their population will recover… eventually.”

***

Cautiously, Killian followed Mandible out of the healer's corner of the cave and toward the main living area. He’d been receptive to the monkey’s suggestion of finally getting up and moving around a little, knowing that the faster he regained his independence, the sooner he could see Alice again. As predicted, the activity intensified his pain, and it felt as if one wrong move would split his wounds wide open yet again, but it wasn't exactly his first time trying to get on with life while feeling like complete bilge water. He did not lose his balance as he’d feared, and he felt stronger than he had since before this whole misadventure had started. He wouldn’t deceive himself into thinking he could make it all the way to the tower yet, but it was definitely a step in a positive direction.

It was fairly quiet that day; likely a large contingent of warriors were out fishing or whatever it was they needed to do to provide for their clan. In spite of his injuries, it felt good to be stretching his legs and seeing something other than the little alcove that had been his only scenery while recuperating.

Just past the goat pen, Killian spotted Blackbeard, wearing a bored expression as he lounged, hands and feet still chained to the wall. Their eyes met, and immediately Blackbeard’s apathy was replaced with the customary scorn.

“Blow me down, if it isn't Captain Codfish, returned from the grave. I had given you up for shark bait ages ago.”

Killian hobbled closer. He knew he should ignore the goading but could not resist the opportunity to return fire.

“Blackbeard,” he growled. “I see you haven’t been eaten yet. That's a shame.”

Blackbeard snorted. “Not a chance. These little buggers love me.”

Killian looked pointedly at his chained limbs and what appeared to be a gag hanging loosely around his neck. “Clearly.”

He wasn't particularly interested in wasting his limited energy in pointless conversation, and he turned to continue on his way. Blackbeard's false congeniality promptly disappeared as he snarled after him,

“Hook! Whatever treasure you receive from these rats, you owe me half. I researched the legend; I saved you from the quarry and brought you here. If you have any honor at all, you'll realize that we are full partners in this. Hook! Do you hear me?”

His language became less polite as he realized he was being ignored. Not long afterwards, the target of his fire switched from Killian to the monkeys attempting to secure the gag back in place, and soon, the invectives gave way to muffled wrath.

At the cave entrance up ahead, where gentle sunlight formed an inviting pool in the dust, Killian could see Puzzle and a number of other young ones wrestling and pouncing on one another, having a grand old time as they were supervised by some older relations. As soon as the princess spotted her Torn rescuer, she leapt off of her cousin's shoulders and raced to Killian's feet. She stared up at him with wide, adoring eyes as the remaining younglings also gathered around. The urge to crouch down and address her at something closer to eye level was not quite strong enough to overcome the instinctual avoidance of pain. But he did send a warm smile in her direction.

“Your Highness. It's lovely to see you again.” He glanced at each of her friends in turn. “But there's no need to interrupt your game on my account.”

“Actually,” said Mandible, peering back the way they had come, “she has something to give to you. Don't you, Princess?”

Bursting with excited energy, Puzzle leapt halfway up Killian’s leg before vaulting off and racing into the depths of the cave.

“Perhaps you would like to take a seat,” suggested Mandible. He led Killian and his entourage over to a flat-topped rock near the cave wall. Killian lowered himself down with only the bare minimum of sound effects, though it did take several moments before he finally caught his breath. By that time, he could see Puzzle returning with her father in tow. Favor carried a cloth-wrapped parcel in his long prehensile tail.

An impressive, acrobatic hurdle carried Puzzle to Killian's side; her father joined them soon after. With an impatient grunt, Puzzle began to tug at the gift.

“Be careful, child,” scolded Favor, albeit gently. He allowed her to take hold of one edge of the parcel, but he kept one paw on it as well as his daughter proudly presented it to her new friend.

“Thank you, love.” Killian carefully rested the item on his lap. Puzzle was quivering with excitement, tiny squeaks sounding as she hopped in place. Her companions all stood on their back legs, respecting their leader’s space but desperate to be the first to see what had gotten their playmate so riled up.

Killian slipped a barely functional finger beneath one edge of the cloth, then thought better of it and grinned down at Puzzle. “Would you do the honors, Princess?”

In a flash, the little monkey had severed the cord securing the wrapping, and just as quickly, she peeled back both flaps of hide to reveal its contents.

“It's…” Killian blinked in astonishment. “It's my mirror.”

He reverently flipped it over, revealing completely smooth glass, not one single scratch marring its surface. “You repaired it...?”

“And restored its enchantment,” confirmed Mandible. Blinking back tears, Killian met the eyes of each monkey watching him.

“Thank you, I... truly, it means more than you know.”

Reacting to the complex emotions in his voice, Puzzle gently nudged his bandaged hand with her nose, prompting him to stroke the top of her silken head.

“Was this your idea, love? So that I can see my Alice again?”

Puzzle just leaned a little harder into his hand, soaking up the affection. And the beings more likely responsible were content to allow her the credit.

“Would you like to test it out and make sure it works?” suggested Favor, and Killian could only nod as excitement and anxiety warred within his poisoned heart. He used the sleeve covering his stump to swipe at his eyes, cleared his throat, and adjusted the mirror to center his reflection as required. Then, in a tremulous voice, he called,

“Starfish? Alice, love, are you there?”

Silence. Killian’s eager anticipation quickly transformed into unreasonable terror as a hundred unlikely scenarios formed an instant, ghastly vignette of death and dismemberment in his mind. Alice must have fallen and broken her neck, or a bad storm had come and toppled that cursed tower with her inside, or her magical supplies had run out and she’d starved to death, or the hearth had caught fire while highwaymen were sneaking inside during the middle of the storm as the escaped Dark One giggled his approval…

A wild tumble of an image accompanied a clattering decrescendo, bits and pieces of a haste-driven wreck settling into place under a breathless young voice.

“Papa? Papa, is it really you?”

“Alice,” laugh-sobbed Killian. Head spinning with relief, chest prickling, he struggled to balance the mirror on badly shaking arms. “Gods, it's so good to see you,” he said, even though most of what he could see was an indistinct blur. At the same time, he heard Alice say,

“I was so worried about you! Your image sort of… broke apart, and I couldn't call you back no matter how hard I tried; I was afraid I'd never see you again!”

Irrational guilt clawed at Killian’s insides at the note of vulnerability in her tone. “I'm so sorry, love; Blackbeard broke the mirror right in the middle of our last conversation. Some friends of mine have only just finished repairing it. But even if they couldn't, Starfish… you know I would never rest until I found another way to see you. You believe that, don't you?”

Worry still clouded Alice's eyes, but she gave him a brave smile. “Yes, Papa.” Her gaze roamed his image, pausing on the bandages and bruising still apparent on his throat. “Are you all right?”

“Aye, I’m fine. It’s nothing a little rest won’t fix.”

She was less easily convinced by bravado these days, and he could tell that she wasn’t entirely reassured by it. But then she caught sight of a furry face peeking above the lower rim of the frame, and her eyes lit up. “Aww, is that a little monkey?”

Killian tilted the mirror to bring more of the subject in question into view. “Alice, this is Princess Puzzle; her father, Favor; and Mandible... the friends I mentioned before.”

“I love them!” Alice cooed, not even questioning their names, or their ability to repair magic mirrors. “They’re so adorable!”

“Favor. Princess. This is my daughter, Alice.”

Placing one paw on the mirror’s handle, Puzzle tilted her head comically, and Alice's delighted giggles accomplished more towards Killian's recovery than weeks under the healers’ care.

“Yes, I see a strong resemblance,” Favor said politely. As Killian smiled his thanks at the clan leader, Alice remembered her manners, somehow unsurprised by the fact that her father seemed to be able to understand the unintelligible chatter of his simian friends.

“It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I should very much like to come visit you one day, if I can.”

Killian had been debating with himself: tell Alice of Mandible’s potion, or keep the visit a surprise? He’d been imagining the moment when he would appear above that damned windowsill, the look in her eyes when she recognized him, being knocked over in a fierce hug long overdue. It would be fun to surprise her, but would it also be a bit cruel? He wanted to respect her privacy, and some warning would give her the chance to prepare. It would also give her something to look forward to, which was a scarce commodity these days.

Above all, Killian hated it when she lost herself dwelling on her ongoing imprisonment, in moments just like these.

He had to tell her.

Killian tilted the mirror back toward himself. “Alice, love… what would you think about having me come visit you for a day?”

Cautious, excited hope warred with fear. “But... what about the curse? I couldn't bear it if you were hurt, Papa.”

“It's okay,” he assured her. “These clever creatures have come up with a way to temporarily suppress it. We can be together again, for a whole day. Just as if the curse never existed.” He grinned at her in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. “I can hardly wait.”

Alice's chin trembled, and he could see the shimmer of a tear tracking down her cheek. He empathized. There was no way she had missed the ‘single day’ stipulation, and they were both already feeling the pain of that goodbye. She would be lamenting her circumstances, limited existence in the tower and horrific curse alike, and asking the fates the same questions ever-present in Killian’s own mind. But, in true Alice Jones form, she grasped the single thread of happiness offered, returned his grin and bounced once in her seat, rattling the remnants of whatever it was she had knocked over in her earlier scramble to reach the mirror. “I can't wait either! I have so much to show you! And when we make supper, you won’t even have to get the spices for me; I can do it on my own now, without even standing on a chair!”

Killian affected an air of skeptical disbelief, squashing a pang at the reminder of how much time had already been lost. “You must be joking. Even the Island Vanilla?”

“If I stand on tiptoes.” Laughing at his exaggerated doubt, she got to her feet. “Watch; I’ll show you right now!”

Another loud clatter nearly drowned out her words, and she froze, a hint of guilt crossing her face before she became the picture of innocence. “Erm, when did you say you were coming?”

Killian stole a glance at Mandible, then answered,

“Probably not for another few weeks, Starfish. I’ll call again when I’m close.”

She nodded and returned carefully to her chair. “Are you very far away?”

“Only physically, love.”

“It almost feels… how will I know this is real? What if I’m only dreaming this conversation?”

Alice looked so concerned that Killian had to restrain himself from the completely useless urge to brush the hair back from her image’s face.

“Then you call me. Anytime, day or night. I’ll keep this mirror to hand at all times, I promise.”

“And be more careful with it this time?” Alice smirked, and Killian chuckled ruefully.

“Aye. That too.”

By this time, Puzzle had slipped away to resume her game, with Favor close behind, and only Mandible remained to keep an eye on his patient. Alice seemed to sense Killian’s flagging stamina and flashed him a wistful smile.

“I wish you were here now.”

“As do I.” He watched her reflection for a moment, memorizing once again the image he kept always in his heart. “I love you, Alice. More than all the stars in the sky.”

“I love you too, Papa. More than the whole entire universe!”

“Oh, surely not as much as all that,” he teased. “Even near-perfect former pirate captains must have some limit to their worth.”

“I don’t know about all the others. But my papa doesn’t. If there are universes beyond ours, then I would love you even more than that.”

Aching heart so full he could hardly stand it, Killian relented. “Likewise, darling. To the end of time. I’ll see you soon, all right?”

Alice must have been similarly overcome, for she only nodded. And though Killian wished he could keep the connection going forever, he knew he needed rest if he were to tackle the journey home anytime soon.

“Goodbye, Starfish.”

“Bye, Papa. Please thank all of your monkey friends for me.”

“I will. Most definitely.”

Satisfied, Alice gave him a small wave, which he responded to with a nod and as warm a smile as he could muster. Then he carefully turned the mirror over in his lap, severing its link, and wrapped it gently in its goatskin packaging.

“You must be very proud of her,” Mandible commented, and Killian forced his answer through a sizable lump in his throat.

“Aye. She is incredible, despite my influence.”

The healer came near and offered to carry the mirror, which Killian allowed with only the slightest hesitation. He wouldn’t put it past Alice to call back in five minutes, holding him to his word and checking on the reality of the conversation they’d just had. But he certainly didn’t trust it to his bandaged hand at present.

With the mirror safely in Mandible’s care, Killian got up slowly, groaning and looking forward to a nap. And as it turned out, despite his slow pace and the length of time it took to get settled back into his alcove, Alice managed to hold off on the expected call back until the mirror was once again squarely in Killian’s possession.

#ouat fanfiction #laden of the torn #wish hook #alice jones #knightrook #knightrook angst #mirror magic restored #ouat blackbeard #wound care #slow recovery #monkey cuteness

3 notes · View notes

lifewithinatarotdeck · 1 year ago

Text

Malnourished

Izuku had finally arrived at the destination where he would be staying for a while and immediately the air had a note of comfort. A total contrast to the feel of his old Flat but almost as comforting as the Bakugous, you could tell it had a tone of…what is the word Izuku is trying to say…happiness?

Yes…happiness. That word he knows but is foreign to the greenette. He had faked being happy for so long that he has been desensitized by its true meaning or any positive feeling that does not bring him pain. Izuku is regaining the sensation now that the weight of fear is no longer available every day, but he knows that fear will linger for a while.

“Eevee should be here, she may be shopping or just running around as usual,” Ophelia stated as she closed the door after waving goodbye to Tsukauchi and Recovery Girl. She then slithered to Izuku’s side and gave him a moment to look around in awe. “Your room is on the second floor, 1st on the right.”

“Th-thank you, Ophi-San,” Izuku said after swallowing, he didn’t know what to do now that he was here. He could go to the room and take a look but at this time he just wants some company. “I will take a look at the room later.”

The serpentine nodded and pointed him to the TV. “You can sit in the living room and watch some TV, if you want to see some movies they are on the shelf to the right.” She then smiled, “I will make some snacks since it is a little early for dinner.”

“Oh! You don’t have to, I can wa-” Izuku was trying to turn down the offer, not wanting her to give him any food at his expense, but during that interaction, he had to stop and glow bright red as his stomach growled ferociously.”

Ophelia looked at him with worry. “Izuku, when you were at the Flat, what was your diet?”

Izuku flinched like he had been slapped and Ophelia mentally cursed that he may need to be here longer due to the reaction. “My mo-she only gives me a bowl of rice in the morning and occasionally would give me another bowl with protein for dinner. The size depends on whether she is in a good mood, or I have made her happy with what I earn.”

Ophelia’s tail was again twitching at his mother only giving him food-for-services and it made her blood boil. He is at a growing stage and she only gives him rice and if he is lucky, protein. I may need to look at her financial records, if she had enough money to purchase the food this is another form of neglect. She eventually focused back on the boy and saw that he looked worried and was tearing up.

“I m-made Ophi-San mad, I’m sorry!” Izuku cried. “I’ll sit down and wait for dinner.”

He was about to walk away when her blue-like scales stopped in front of him, causing the greenette to walk into it. “Huh?”

“Izuku, come with me to the table. I will give you fruits, yogurt and some tea, and we will need to talk about your diet.”

Izuku shook with a feeling of dread and he felt the serpentine’s tail graze his arms in slight comfort. “O-ok.”

“I am not going to restrict you with anything, I am letting you know that, Bunny. In fact, it is the opposite, we need to get you to a healthy weight.”

Izuku sighed deeply and wiped some of his tears away. Strange, he usually hides his emotions, but why are they more free-flowing? “S-sorry.”

“Don’t say sorry, Izuku. Again this is not your fault, you had to deal with what you had to survive. We will make sure you are healthy. I wouldn’t be a social worker if I didn’t.”

Izuku chuckled and smiled lightly at her light yet serious joke. “Hai..” So they sat at the table and the greenette slowly enjoyed fruit in bliss, having never tasted fruit so fresh and he again teared up. The yogurt, however, even if it was flavored he could not help but gag as the texture overwhelmed him.

“You’re ok, Izuku. You don’t have to force yourself to eat something you don’t like.” Ophelia said and took the yogurt and gave him the tea to help wash it down. “Was it the texture?”

Izuku nodded and drank the tea to wash the slimy-sour feel out of his mouth. “Y-yeah. It-reminds me of-” The greenette had to stop as a lump made an appearance in his throat.

“I understand.” Ophelia said quickly, giving an assuring look. “If there are any other foods you dislike, let me know.”

“Eggs is another, if the white is runny I can’t stand it and I immediately vomit. Mo-She would constantly torment me with it once she found out.”

Nodding, she wrote the information down and then looked at his medical records. “From what the bloodwork shows you are severely malnourished, low iron, red blood cells, calcium deficiency, folate, electrolytes, iodine, basically your vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are severely low.”

Izuku looked down at the information and did not move. He knew he was malnourished as he had the weight of an 8-year-old, but he did not want to be a bother. Izuku knew that it was his mind thinking that and he needed help, but even though he trusts her, it is hard to let go of the reins.

“We will also need to increase the fiber in your diet.” She continued after putting the file away, “Recovery Girl gave you chewable vitamins and minerals for easier digestion, but it would be best to get them from food.”

She saw Izuku was absorbing some of the information and he nibbled on a piece of pineapple. “What would you like for dinner tonight?”

The greenette jolted and stared at her wide-eyed at the foreign question. She is asking me what I want? Is that even real?

“Ah, ummmm,” Izuku stuttered, butterflies in his stomach. “W-would Katsudon be ok?”

Ophelia smiled widely, “Of course! I will also make some more fruit as you seem to love them.” Izuku blushed. “I will have to do some grocery shopping, but I will wait until Eevee comes home. I don’t want you to be alone while I am away.”

“Not gonna lie, I am very nervous about meeting her.” The greenette said honestly, looking unsure. “Other than Kacchan, I never had any friends.”

“Eevee had a hard time making friends herself, even with her outgoing personality.” Ophelia said quietly, gaining the greenette’s attention. “She is quirky and eccentric and she loves to surprise or scare people. Not everybody shared her enthusiasm.”

A scene flashed back to him when he was explaining his interest in Quirk analysis to everyone and he could remember a look of disinterest on their faces and also a look indicating that they thought he was weird or creepy.

“When would I meet her?”

“Eevee would be here in about an hour, for now go ahead and watch TV. I will be nearby to gather a list before I leave.”

Izuku nodded and moved to the living room and turned on the TV, and immediately his mind was blown by the sharpness and the colors of the screen. After asking Ophelia how the guide works he was able to find a channel that was interesting to the greenette. Quirks Got Talent.

#my hero academia AU #midoriya izuku #bad inko #flame quirk #OC ophiuchi #slow recovery

1 note · View note