On the Ledge [Complete]

Part 2

His childhood friend would probably laugh at him and say good riddance. He would have yet another reason to call him weak. This much Izuku knows, but what would he say if Izuku were to ask for his help? Kacchan does hate him after all, and it was his idea to begin with. He knows what it's like to be on the receiving end of his quirk. It would hurt, Izuku knows from experience, but he doesn't think it'd be enough to kill him in one hit. Izuku wants something quick. Something easy.

Not only that, but Izuku knows that Kacchan is a good person. He may not act like it, but that's just a face he puts on. Kacchan wants to be a hero. He wants to be just like All Might, and between the two of them, he has the biggest chance of actually doing it. Izuku is haunted by these thoughts until dawn. He's not sure when exactly he drifts off, but he wakes to his mom gently shaking him.

"Izuku, you're going to be late for school if you don't get up." He's so groggy that it takes a few moments for the words to penetrate his mind. When he makes no immediate move to get up, Inko frowns. "Do you feel alright, Izuku? You don't seem to have a fever, but you didn't eat much last night and you look worn out."

Izuku sees the scenario as the escape that it is. If he can pretend to be sick, then his mother won't question his absence from school. He's not ready to face anyone he knows yet. "Sorry, Mom. My stomach's been hurting." More like his ribs, but it's not a complete lie.

His mom smiles and laughs softly. "Don't apologize Izuku! I have to go to work soon, will you be alright on your own? And what about your project, isn't that due today?"

Izuku tries to do the math in his head. Eraserhead stopped him Wednesday, he came home yesterday, which was Thursday, which makes today Friday. Was that when he told her his project was due? Is this a trick question? Does she know? He can't remember, but it won't matter in the end. "Yeah, my partner has it. I'll text him later."

"Okay. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything, okay?"

Izuku nods. Inko kisses her son's head before she stands and leaves his room. He watches her leave and is overwrought with grief for lying. Now she'll spend her whole day worrying over him. Can he not do anything right?

He continues to lay in bed for several hours, trying to catch up on sleep while he has the chance, but it still eludes him. This is the second day he's missed school in a row. It's the first time Izuku's ever skipped and he's surprised that it's as easy as it is. He wonders if Kacchan's noticed yet. Probably. After all, who else was going to be his punching bag? Is Kacchan worried about him? Probably not.

It's well after noon by the time Izuku drags himself from the bed, no real plan in mind. His ribs shift around as he sets up and he decides that now is as good a time as any to ice them. He might even grab a snack while he's there too. It'll be at least another few hours until his mom gets home from work, so he has options.

The ice is as cold and sharp as he remembers. He pulls off the jacket that he's been wearing since Wednesday. Once this is done, he's going to take a nice long bath. As Izuku's about to put a towel over himself, he notices deep purple splotches spanning across his torso. He prods one out of curiosity but is quick to pull his fingers back at the sting it elicits. Not wanting to look at them anymore, he finally covers himself with the towel and ice. They're just a reminder of what's happened.

He turns on the tv and flips through the channels. When he catches a brief glimpse of All Might's face, he quickly backpedals until he finds the right station. It's the local news of the anchor speaking with the symbol of Peace.

"All Might, we're so glad to have a moment of your time! What brings you to Musutafu?"The woman asks as she points a microphone in the hero's face.