Stolen Moments

10. Nigtmares

" My biggest fear is that eventually you will see me the way I see myself, and then I'll lose you forever "~ Laughing Wolf

Izuku sighs heavily as he sits at the kitchen table of his childhood home after eating dinner with his mom. It's been a few days since Shoto had let him know that Katsuki was staying with his parents while he found a place and had encouraged the green-eyed hero to come speak with the blonde.

Thing is Izuku lost his nerve to do so on his way over and decided to just have dinner with his mom instead. He sits now with a cup of tea and his favorite dessert in front of him with his thoughts a million miles away and five houses down.

Inko was a little surprised to see her son show up at her door this evening unannounced, but then again she wasn't. She wasn't when she saw the look on his face that spoke a million words before his mouth ever did.

She hasn't seen him since Katsuki has been home but she knows that's the reason he's here, well part of it. She wondered how long it would take.

She smiles as she looks at him from across the table thinking of the boy who carried this same look often when it came to a blonde explosion a few doors down. The pair always held so much feeling for each other and no matter how hard they would try to hide it it showed itself loudly. Communication between them was difficult, sometimes that's because feelings are so strong they overpower words and it feels like you'll never be able to tell the other how you really feel because it feels like the words don't exist. It becomes frustrating and overwhelming and sometimes it's easier to run than deal with. She's watched them both do that over the years and she knows the reason her only child is sitting here now is because tonight, he ran.

She clears her throat taking a sip from her tea.

" My goodness you're quiet tonight Izuku. You barely said a word through dinner."

He meets her eye finally and gives her a worn-out smile.

" Sorry mom. Just tired."

She nods expecting the answer she got.

" Yes indeed you do look tired, you have for a long while now. I think you've been working far too much lately, the past six months especially. You should slow down."

His eyes fall back to the ripples in his tea as he only gives a slight shrug of his shoulders.

She continues.

" Ahh but I suppose slowing down means all those feelings and emotions that you've been pushing down for two years would catch up and then you'd have to deal with them properly."

His eyes quickly move back to hers in surprise as she smiles at him.

" Speaking of, have you spoken to Katsuki? I know you know he's home. I haven't seen you since his return and I'm just wondering how you're feeling?"

He sighs and before he can stop them tears form.

" I.. I have talked to him, a few times but.."

As he pauses she continues for him.

" But not about the important things?"

He shakes his head as he wipes tearful eyes.

"Every time I try I feel like he doesn't want to, or something gets in the way and we can't."

"Something like Ethan?"

She watches him almost cringe and look slightly embarrassed.

" At times, yes.", he mumbles.

She smiles at him gently.

" Yes, something else you'll eventually have to deal with, but let's set that aside for a moment. You and Katsuki have so much left undone, so many loose ends that need to be dealt with. You, and he won't be able to calm your inner turmoil until you do."