Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 2: Dates]

Ringing directly now, before I'm at least in the hallway could turn out to be either the best or worst idea, because I have absolutely no idea what Deku's situation is at the moment.

I want to be quick and effective, though, long deliberations are out of the question.

So, getting in through a neighbor.

Using my quirk, I quickly reach the side stairway for maintenance staff. I won't use the entrance here on the roof, as it can only be used by heroes and I would have to identify myself on the panel, which I want to avoid at all costs. My decision was spot on, as shortly after while I'm rushing down the stairway, I see a security loophole that comes right on cue: An open window to the hallway, forgotten or defective. Bingo!

I check whether the coast is clear and then quickly hop in. The target apartment is one floor below me. As fast as possible, without being too conspicuous, I hurry down to the second floor. I luckily don't bump into anyone, which is probably due to the time of day.

Within the next minute, I'm already standing in front of the apartment door with a strongly rumbling heart. I would love to kick it in right away and make a racket, but things could turn out very different from what I imagine.

So instead, I ring the bell. And I wait.

I WANT it to be different. There are some things you absolutely don't want to be right about, and this is one of them. More than ever before, I want to be wrong about my concerns.

However, nothing happens, nobody opens the door for me.

I put my ear against the door. The complex is older, so these aren't that soundproof. But I can't hear a thing.

I ring the bell again. Dammit, I just want to know if you're okay!!!

Now, so close to getting more clarity on the situation, my fuse is shortening with every second I wait until all that's left is a mere stub. Consequently, my concern rapidly gets the better of me and tears my composure as well as my professionalism.

I bang loudly on the door, "Open the damn door!"

This time, a few blinks later, I bang on it several times and even more forcefully, "Deku!"

Every cell in my body wants to kick this fucking door down, so I do just that. At this point, I don't give a shit anymore. One well-directed kick from me and the door is violently torn open, almost completely off its hinges. I immediately storm in, "Deku!"

Frantically, I scan the small apartment for him.

When I enter the bedroom and see him, my arms drop in surrender. No, that can't be! My heart squeezes. For a moment, it's as if time stands still and I remain in place, shocked. But my strong protective instinct overcomes the shock swiftly and I regain my senses after just a few seconds.

I hurry to the bed and sit down carefully next to him.

"I'm here now.", I say agonized.

From the reaction in his eyes and the new tears running down his cheeks, I can tell that he has registered me. His face is badly battered. His lip is split open and smeared with blood. His face shows the first signs of bruising and swelling. A blood vessel in his right eye has exploded. Besides, he is like paralyzed and seem to be unable to move at all. The only thing he can do is blink.

My eyes sting. "Nerd, you look terrible.", I say with a sad chuckle.

Why the fuck would I say something so stupid? Simply out of overload. I've never been involved in a case of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is bad enough in general, but when it involves someone you want to protect, it's hell.