I didn't care how long I took to get a hold of myself and I care even less about whether our classmates were judging me or not, unlike Kacchan who was able to breathe, although with a lot of difficulty, I was instantly unable to even try.
Just like last time.
Kacchan held me while I came back to terms with what all was going on around me. The small plastic square on the ground a little bit away so I wouldn't set it off again by mistake. I just couldn't breathe though, it was like a rock was sitting on me and it was terrifying but eventually Kacchan was able to pull my head to his chest and I could hear his fast but steady heart as it thumped in his chest.
I was finally able to pull in some air, it was shakey and nowhere near steady but it was progress. The smooth beat was slowing down and I was able to match my breathing to his and after I don't even know how long I was finally able to stop my quirk from crackling around me, thankful that it didn't seem to actually hurt Kacchan I just sat there, unconcerned with how I ended up in Kacchan's lap as he sat on the ground.
"Looks like we won't be able to go up with everyone else," I rasped, my throat raw from all the choking and coughing. Good thing All Might gave us the code to use the side room, I can't go out there right now.
"We'll go to the room, it's fine," Kacchan whispered before helping me up and then getting up himself. He typed in the code and walked inside to see a table, a few chairs, a water cooler and a small lamp. I turned the lamp on to find it was very dim and Kacchan got the idea almost as soon as I did, he turned off the switch for the overhead light.
I don't know why this is comforting but it is. Kacchan grabbed a clean rag from a bin that I didn't notice and used a little water from the water cooler before he cleaned his face, focusing mostly his eyes before then doing the same for me. Once our faces were clean again I really do feel a lot better.
"There, now no one will be able to tell if we were crying or not," Kacchan smiled gently, putting the rag down. I pull him into my lap to sit and put my ear against his chest again.
"Just a little longer," I whispered, instantly feeling better just having him in my arms. It sucks being 15 again, as an adult we could lock our bedroom door and forget the rest of the world for a few hours to calm down that way, not now though.
***
"Wake up, Nerd. We need to get back," I heard Kacchan grumble as he shook me, making me frown in the process.
"I'm not asleep, Kacchan," I opened my eyes to glare at him only to see All Might behind him. "When did you get here?" Kacchan somehow found that amusing and just chuckled while All Might was looking away and clearing his throat, trying not to laugh. "So I did fall asleep?"
"Oh yeah," Kacchan smirked at me. I rolled my eyes and let him go so he could get off my lap and I was able to stretch a bit, my legs getting pins and needles in the process. How long were we in here?
When I was finally able to walk again it probably took all of five minutes and there was a knock on the door. Kacchan answered it while All Might handed me a glass of water holding another cup for Kacchan. Aizawa Sensei stood at the door and Kacchan left the door open before coming back to get the cup from All Might to drink.
"How were they able to even get in here? This room has a specific purpose and isn't somewhere for students to get out of class," he lectured, his eyes trained on All Might who was just focusing on us.
"You're right this room is meant for students who end up having panic or anxiety attacks or a traumatic PTSD episode, thankfully Hound Dog was quite accommodating and fully supportive of the lesson plan today. He is the one that gave me the code to let them in here," All Might answered not looking away from me.
"Hound Dog approved this!?!" Eraserhead hissed in disbelief. He looks so shocked that I don't know how long it will take him to actually process what all happened in class today. If he does at all that is.
"I'm fine, I promise," I gave him a big smile but Kacchan snorted and held up one of my hands before letting it go again, showing how shakey both of us were still, something that Eraserhead didn't miss. "I'm fine," I repeated hugging my arm to stop the shaking.
"Boys we talked about this, it's okay to not be okay. You're both progressing, neither of you passed out this time. Just one step at a time," All Might used a hand and ruffled both of our hair at the same time making us both pout before neither of us could stop the giggles. All Might is so protective over us and it really is so good to see him in his hero form again.
"Stop," Kacchan clicked his tongue, the tsk sound easily heard in the otherwise silent room but anyone with eyes could see he was enjoying the attention from our hero.
"Alright, it's about time you joined the rest of your class anyway. Eat first," All Might laughed handing us each a granola bar when we finished we left the room with both of our teachers right behind us.
Once we were in the viewing area with everyone else Kirishima, Todoroki and Iida started crowding in making me nervous and highly uncomfortable.
Thankfully Eraserhead hasn't completely short circuited. He yelled for them all to back up and actually let us in. Letting me take a breather before All Might got everyone's attention, before the three could crowd in again.
"Now I know that many of you have questions but please understand that, as I said before, this was a real hostage situation and as you all saw for yourselves there isn't always a clear answer on how to diffuse or control the situation," All Might pointed out before HE started asking them questions. "Now who can tell me why they panicked?"
The room went silent as they all stared at us but we aren't supposed to answer so we just stood there waiting. I saw some movement and when I looked up I saw Kaminari raising his hand, hesitatingly but still.
"Go ahead," All Might nodded, smiling at him.
"They were afraid," he kept his voice low but everyone was able to hear him clearly. "They knew it was coming but Bakugo said that they almost died so even though you're here they were still afraid. Who would want to experience that again? I wouldn't," he finished his voice still low but somehow more confident.
"Very good," All Might smiled encouragingly before he let his gaze go over the other students. "Fear is the answer. The thing about being a hero is that you will be forced to face not only villains but your fears and those of the people around you. At some point you will be vulnerable and a villain will be happy to take advantage of that."
"Young Bakugo and Yagi here have both been held hostage by this villain," he turned pointing at the sludge villain who's picture was still on display for everyone to see. "He wasn't the worst villain in the world, far from it. He wasn't even widely known or recognized, he was a regular person who finally had enough of being called a villain and just decided why not. Our world took a dangerous turn with a appearance of quirks and as fun or amazing as they seem to be they are also extremely dangerous."
All Might clapped his hands before something caught his eye, "Ah! Hound Dog just in time. Everyone, this is Hound Dog, he is the school counselor and you will all be required to meet with him or someone like him on a regular basis as pro heroes. We are not inhuman and therefore we can be hurt in many different ways."
"Thank you for the introduction, All Might. It's not often that heroes are willing to admit when they are hurt especially when it comes psychologically. It's good to see so many young faces ready to save the world," Hound Dog laughed his big dog head making Kacchan flinch a little. Right, he isn't the best with dogs.
Our class murmured a greeting and I asked several questions mostly about his quirk with Kacchan a half step closer to me than usual but facing Hound Dog anyway. I could feel everyone's eyes on me and I am more than getting uncomfortable as time passes.
"I have a question," Todoroki raised his hand, his eyes on Hound Dog but I doubt his question is actually for him.
"Go ahead," Hound Dog answered, I could hear the relief in his voice that I was done at least for now. I actually already know these answers but I couldn't take all those stares without doing something.
"I was told that if you survive it makes you stronger and that I shouldn't dwell on it to be a real hero, so why are heroes expected to see a counselor?" I not only saw Eraserhead's head snap up but I heard it pop too. Todoroki's question is a huge red flag of abuse.
"Surviving isn't all there is to living. As a person we all have hopes and dreams, desires and fears not to mention our connections to all those around us be it as friends and family or as heroes to the public. The state of our mind is what will help us not only save someone from getting hurt but could also help either them or ourselves grow as not only humans but as heroes," Hound Dog answered doing what I assumed was a smile before thanking him. "That was a good question, please feel free to ask anymore that come to mind. Even after I leave any of you may come to my office and so long as I am not with someone else I encourage you to talk to me, about anything."
Todoroki nodded but stayed quiet, but I could see Eraserhead studying him and I also saw a look in Hound Dog's eyes that said that they both picked it up. Well at least Endeavor won't be able to get away quite so easily as before.
"Now are there any questions about what we have talked about at all so far?" All Might asked looking around and I saw Uraraka's hand go up. "Go ahead," he motioned for her to speak.
"In the video you just pulled at the goo trying to tear it off of him," she motioned to each of us and I realized that we haven't actually introduced ourselves yet but I waited for her to ask her question anyway. "But while you were in the gym, even though you were still panicking you were covered in a green energy that looked like lightning. My question is why did you use your quirk today but not on the day the video was taken?"
I looked at All Might and he nodded before I looked at Kacchan who frowned but gave me the go ahead.
"The reason is actually simple, I was still quirkless that day."