Amelia awoke in the sterile confines of the school's hospital room, the hum of machinery and the scent of antiseptics mingling in the air. She squinted against the harsh fluorescent lights overhead, trying to piece together the fragments of her memory. The attack at the U.S.J. came flooding back—the villains, the battle, the bullet.
A pang of disappointment tightened in her chest. She had managed to help apprehend Kurogiri, but Tomura Shigaraki had escaped. How had a bullet managed to injure her? She had powers akin to Superman and Supergirl; nothing human-made should be able to harm her. The thought gnawed at her, and she glanced around for someone to answer her questions.
Recovery Girl shuffled into the room, her expression a blend of sternness and concern. "You're awake," she noted, her tone softening slightly. "How are you feeling?"
Amelia winced as she shifted slightly, a dull pain radiating from her stomach. "Confused. How did a bullet hurt me?"
Recovery Girl's eyes softened with understanding. "It wasn't easy, I can tell you that. Your skin's resilience gave us quite a challenge. We had to bend several tools just to extract the bullet fragments. Whatever that bullet was made of, it's being studied now. But rest assured, we managed to get it out."
Amelia nodded slowly, trying to absorb the information. The idea that something could pierce her invulnerability was unsettling. She had always felt safe in her powers, but this...this was new territory.
The door opened, and her classmates trickled in, a mix of relief and frustration on their faces. "Amelia!" Ochako exclaimed, rushing to her side. "We were so worried!"
"Yeah, you really scared us," Momo added, her eyes glistening with concern. "But you did great."
Eijiro grinned, though his eyes held a hint of anger. "You kicked ass, but don't you dare scare us like that again."
Amelia managed a weak smile. "I'm sorry. I just did what I thought I had to."
"Next time, let us help," Tsuyu said, her voice firm despite its usual softness. "We're a team."
Amelia nodded, feeling a warmth spread through her at their support. As her friends chatted, All Might entered, his towering presence filling the room. His usual exuberant smile was tempered with concern. "Young Amelia, how are you feeling?"
Amelia smiled up at him, though it took effort. "I'll be okay. I'm just glad everyone else is safe."
All Might nodded, his eyes filled with pride and relief. "You showed true heroism today. Kurogiri has been apprehended thanks to your efforts. But I regret to say that Tomura escaped."
Amelia's heart sank at the news. "I wish I could have done more. But…thank you."
All Might placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You did more than enough. Rest now. We'll handle the rest."
As the day wore on, Amelia's friends reluctantly left her to rest, promising to check in later. But one face was notably absent—her parents. A pang of loneliness struck her as she realized they hadn't come. She had hoped for their comforting presence, but it seemed she would have to manage without them.
Later, Izuku entered the room alone, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a mix of anger and worry. He sat beside her bed, his hand trembling slightly as he took hers. "Amelia, why did you do that? Why didn't you rely on us?"
Amelia looked down, guilt gnawing at her. "I just…I couldn't stand the thought of anyone getting hurt. I thought I could handle it."
Izuku's grip tightened on her hand. "But you don't have to do it alone. We're here for you. I'm here for you. I care about you, Amelia. More than you know."
Amelia's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, her heart racing at his words. She tried to find her voice, but nothing came out. Izuku chuckled softly at her silence. "Your red face looks cute," he teased gently.
Before she could respond, he stood up, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Just…don't scare me like that again, okay?"
Amelia nodded, a shy smile forming on her lips. "Okay. I promise."
Izuku gave her one last smile before leaving, the door clicking softly behind him. She was left in a daze, her mind whirling with his words and the warmth of his touch.
Just as she began to relax, the door creaked open again, and Bakugo stepped into the room. His usual scowl was replaced by a conflicted expression as if he wasn't sure he wanted to be there. "Hi, Bakugo," Amelia greeted, her voice soft.
He nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets as he stood at the foot of her bed. "I don't get you," he muttered. "Why hide your powers?"
Amelia shrugged, not sure how to explain. "I didn't want to stand out more than I already do. And I didn't want to scare anyone."
Bakugo's eyes narrowed slightly, his jaw clenching. "Don't do that again. I'm not weak. I don't need protecting."
Amelia opened her mouth to respond, but Bakugo was already turning to leave. As he reached the door, he mumbled a quick, barely audible "thank you." Amelia's enhanced hearing caught it, her heart softening at the gesture.
As Bakugo left, Recovery Girl returned, her presence a comforting reminder of safety. "Time to rest, Amelia," she said gently, adjusting the blankets around her. "You've earned it."
Amelia nodded, her eyelids growing heavy. As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts lingered on Izuku's words, the warmth of his touch, and the surprising vulnerability Bakugo had shown. She had faced a daunting challenge today, but she wasn't alone. Her friends were there for her; together, they could face whatever came next.