Deep and Shallow

01

IT was the first snow of the year and you were on your way to visit Izuku again. U.A's uniform didn't do you any warm with that many skirt, but Izuku's All Might scarf was giving you enough heat to get by.

Aizawa didn't stop you or say any words when as soon as the bell rang, you exited the classroom before anyone else could. He knew-- no, they all knew where you're headed to anyways.

You greeted a few nurses you came across when you maneuvered through the hospital's hallways, you've been there for a crazy amount of times that you memorized every corner of the building, much to your liking.

Your shoes were clacking through the shiny, marble floor as you made your way to the designated hospital room. You were ready to spend the rest of the afternoon with---

A cold wind blew pass you when you opened the room's door, making you close your eyes from the piercing frozen air. It ruffled through your hair and clothes, making you shiver in sheer cold. Winter breeze was no joke, it could get anyone chilled to the bone.

It took you a moment to process things. Why was it so cold...?

Your heart started beating heavily and  loudly as you quickly opened your eyes; only to see the room, you've been visiting for a month, empty.

The bed was neatly made and the window wide open, drops of snow and the cold wind entering the deserted room as you stood frozen on the entryway.

On that very winter day... Izuku went missing.

•

"You're staying with Mama Midoriya this weekend?"

You hummed as an answer to Ochako's question. You were fumbling over holding grocery bags with both hands and your phone was squeezed between your shoulder and ear, it was a very awkward pose that it was making your neck hurt by a lot.

"Say hi for me, will you? And oh! Give her the mochi I bought!"

You smiled at her sweetness as you continued to walk inside the familiar apartment building. "Of course. But you should really visit her one of these days now."

There was a small pause. "I know... I... I will. I promise." Her voice turned tiny and she sounded so unsure but there's also determination behind those words.

"She'll be happy to see you." You assured her before you set down the groceries to the side and took the phone to your hand when you approached the stairs. "I'm putting down the phone now, my neck is killing me."

Ochako replied with a soft giggle. "Yeah. See you on your next shift."

The call ended and you put your phone inside your coat's pocket. You take a deep breath before picking up the grocery bags on the floor and started walking up the stairs.

When you arrived at Inko's door, you made sure to take the mails inside her mailbox. You skimmed through the papers and put the bills in your pocket, taking a mental note to take care of those later.

You fondled over the keys in your hands before finding the right one to open the door.

"Mom! I'm home!"

There was a moment of brief silence before you heard a pair of feet scattering on the floor and a small, chubby woman emerged from the shadows of the apartment unit.

A pair of familiar emerald eyes came greeting you, they were wide and shiny. Truly a sight that made your heart tug almost painfully.

"[Name], dear!!!"

You let out a chuckle when she tackled you for a hug before you can even set a foot inside.

•

"Congratulations, dear." Inko cheered you warmly as she put down the last dish she cooked for this 'mini' celebration that she insisted.