Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 3: Coping]

Suzuki-san is the best thing that could have happened to me. Our regular sessions are an incredible help for me to cope with what has happened. Her therapy principle of facing fear head on, or as they say, grabbing it by the balls, may not be the right approach for everyone, but for me it's spot on. Her illusion quirk, with which she creates incredibly real environments, is perfect for successfully implementing this approach. No question, our appointments are often tough, like today for example, but it's worth it. Thanks to her help, I can already feel my progress, even within such a short timeframe.

A little later, I arrive in the entrance hall of the U.A. medical center and my eyes reflexively search for the same spot where my second anchor awaits me every time.

"Kacchan!", I wave and hurry to him. I see him rolling his eyes in mock annoyance.

As I stand right in front of him, a 'thank you' is on the tip of my tongue, but doesn't come to the surface. Well, he made it clear last time that my constant thanking is getting on his nerves and that I should finally stop. So I just let it go, even if it's not that easy. I mean, Kacchan picks me up after every single appointment, never being late. He sacrifices what little time our daily schedule allows to be right here. How can I not be drowning in gratitude, huh?

Furthermore, Kacchan has become overprotective of me since the incident and has stuck to me like a limpet. As far as the U.A. timetable and work at the agency allow him. If he can't be physically near me, he texts me pretty often which is almost even cute. But he's earned the nickname 'guard dog', since he sometimes overdoes it a bit.

I would be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy this attention from him. Yet, there's no way I would ever admit that openly in front of him! How embarrassing would that be?!

In any case, I kind of understand his behavior. He found me in this unspeakable state, after all. If it were the other way around, I bet I would be filling just the same role.

We now walk side by side in silence, making our way to the dormitory. Most of the time we don't talk much. Not that we have to. The silence in this scenario is never awkward, but simply peaceful. Kacchan is, well, just there, supporting with his mere presence.

Sometimes we talk a little about my session, but it's always me taking the initiative, never him. I strongly assume he doesn't want to push me into anything.

Sure, Kacchan is already doing so much for me, but honestly, just at moments like this, I wish he would take me in his arms to comfort me also in this respect. However, it's simply not the way he can support me. Kacchan doesn't hug like that, especially not of his own accord. Chi is probably the only one who can hug him without catching an explosion.

When we approach the square in front of the dorms, where our entire squad is gathered, waiting for us, and I then see Laha waving...
Laha: "Izzy~!"
...I already run to him. Then I half-tackle him.
Laha: "Uff!"
And nuzzle my face against him.

Laha: "Here for you, sweetie.", *cuddles me*

I do my best to not start crying.

My bestie, other than Kacchan, supports me in exactly this way, providing the physical comfort my clingy self needs. Laha is another important anchor who helps me to stitch up my wound step by step.

It doesn't stop here, no, I have other helping hands. Everyone does it in their own, sometimes cranky, way.

Reki is great at cheering me up and distracting me with funny things when I'm down. Shin, on the other hand, talks to me a lot, is very interested in my sessions and even evaluates them with me. Chi sends me cute cat pictures or videos every day. Kyō occasionally comes up with the most profound wisdom and uplifts me with it. Even Denji is considerate and doesn't spout so much dumb stuff. Last but not least, my mom, who is helping me from afar. We've been chatting on the phone every day since the incident. She was the first to find out about it. She also knows most of the details, as we pressed charges against Tamamushi.