awashlogs | there's a sonic the hedgehog joke in here somewhere

[That gets a quick shake of his head.] No, definitely not.

They were the ones who attacked us, but it didn't seem right to...leave them like that. So we tied them up--just in case. We didn't want to risk any of the other groups running into them.

... They might be suffering some frostbite. I don't really know the difference between goat people and human tolerances to cold.

We figured there were more of them. Eventually one of those will come out to untie the ones we stopped from chasing us.

And now that we're aware of their presence, they certainly must be of ours. [ he holds his chin in thought, his eyes lowering to the ground. ]

I don't remember anyone looking like a goat coming out of the well with us, and I certainly haven't met anyone like that myself. [ he looks back between the two of them. ] But if they immediately tried to throw a weapon at the two of you, I would take the utmost caution when entering the forest from now on. We should be ready in case they come to find us.

For now, the two of you seem quite worn out.

[At first, Izuku simply nods along. It is a concern, whether the goat men will try to leave the forest and present a danger to everyone else in town.

But as soon as Iida mentions being tired, Izuku stubbornly shakes his head and keeps his eyes on the forest stretching out in front of them.]

I'm fine. I should stay here and wait until all the groups have returned.

No, you should rest. You've spent the time we found the goat men until now fretting over everybody else.

... Didn't I ask you to take care of yourself? [He regrets it almost as soon as he says it. It feels weird and manipulative. It feels like something Shouto might have heard from his father. Not to take care of himself but to keep pushing himself beyond his limits.

He's just trying to look out for his friend.]

[ iida's already nodding from the moment todoroki starts speaking. when he's finished, iida arcs his whole arm towards todoroki, his other hand going to his chest. manipulative? possibly, but iida still thinks that the two of them should be in bed, and that's the most important thing. ]

You should listen to Todoroki, Midoriya. It's noble of you to think of the others ahead of yourself, but I would say no one would benefit from you exhausting yourself completely.

[ self-care, izuku. ]

[Self care, what's that.]

I-I'm going to stay. [There's an underlying hint of steel in his tone, even if Izuku doesn't quite meet either of his friends' eyes.]

I know I promised, but this is...different. I need to know if any of the groups don't make it out. [His expression grows pained.] Even if it's going to be difficult, it wouldn't be right if we didn't go in to look for them.

[He doesn't like being manipulative like this. It feels slimy and gross. But Midoriya's health trumps it.]

You can't save anybody if you're barely awake and exhausted. Remember what happened the first day of class? It's not your body this time. But being this tired isn't good for you or your ability to help others.

At least get some rest. If it makes you feel better, I'll stay here. I'll watch for people to come out.

[ iida's heard izuku's steeled tone plenty of times before. it had marked him as a future professional hero in many situations, in iida's eyes. it was pure irony that he and todoroki would be having this conversation with him again; izuku had taught him that selflessness was the heart of being a hero.

yet he remembers what had happened during all might's triumph against all for one. he remembers about how izuku's inclination to help others—that self-sacrificing attitude towards himself that still triumphs over his own safety and well-being now when there are many others who needed or at least wanted him to stay alive—might have created the same sort of situation he himself had bred.

iida observed how midoriya had grown much more capable since they entered U.A. still, he still bore the weight of wanting to protect his friends from that same fate at all costs, even against themselves, whether it's izuku or todoroki or ochako or whomever. his left hand is still a reminder of that.

which is why iida shakes his head and points four fingers again at todoroki. his tone is grave, and his eyes are deep and serious. ]

You were as involved in these situations as he was, Todoroki. It's just as important that you get some rest as well.

[ he's not getting out of this either. he lowers both of his arms now, his eyes shifting between the two of them. ]

I will be the one to stay and respond if need be. That was my promise before all of you made this expedition. [ he brings a hand over his chest. ] And I'm in better condition than you both to respond. I can inform the two of you of any incidents that occur as soon as I arrive back in my home.

[There's a flicker of concern in his eyes as Izuku looks over at Todoroki.] You should go rest, Todoroki-kun. Iida-kun is right...you were in that forest, too.

I know that you two are looking after me, a-and I'm grateful. [Izuku bows his head, gaze finding its way to the dark ground again.] I just know that going back right now would be useless. I don't think I'd be able to sleep at all, so I might as well stay here.

I'm sorry. [He hates that they're worrying about him, but at the same time, he doesn't think he can agree with what they're asking of him right now.]

You're the most stubborn person I've ever met.

[This definitely sounds like a gripe. Because he's griping. He's using this moment to complain.]

Even if you think you can't, you might not realize how tired you really are. At least get some blankets.

[ iida presses his mouth together, his eyes narrowing. there's no use getting angry. he's gotten angry at izuku for being careless before, but he never felt good about it. he can compromise.

he takes in a short, deep breath to calm his nerves and then looks at todoroki. ]

If Midoriya is intent on staying where he is, I can stay here with him until the rest of the groups have left the forest. You will be the first to know if there are any incidents.

[His gaze snaps over to Iida with surprise.]

Iida-kun, you don't have to--[He cuts himself off a beat later, though he doesn't look happy about it. This is... probably the best he's going to get, considering how adamant they both were about him resting before this.]

This is the best you're going to get out of us, Midoriya.

I think you've realized. We're just as stubborn as you are.

[ iida's gaze is unwavering and serious. ]

You've done enough for one day. [ he tries to smile reassuringly. ] We are your friends. Accept our pleas as a favor to us both. You should have faith in us if anything goes wrong because of it.

[It's Iida's line about friends that finally makes Izuku's shoulders slump in defeat. Izuku's eyes dart over to Todoroki for a moment before nodding.]

Okay. [It's a simple answer as gives them both a wobbly smile. Stubborn as he might be, even Izuku can admit he feels better with one of them by his side.] That means...Todoroki-kun, you have to make sure you rest.

It's weird when you say that to me.

[Because Shouto's used to this going the other way around.]

I'll sleep as long as you promise you will too.

[ iida sees the moment izuku deflates, and even he finally feels himself relax. they've gotten through to him, and if izuku is taken care of, it should be easier to convince todoroki to sleep as well. his smile grows between the two of them. ]

If anything, I'll be sure that he does! Todoroki, I will have to trust that you will as well.

I will, I promise. [After all this is over, he doesn't have to say.

Then, more quietly--] Thanks.

[Even if he's not used to being outstubborned like this, he's touched that they're looking out for him.]

Sleep is great.

[Part of him wants to pat Midoriya's shoulder or something, but he feels awkward initiating contact like that.

So he gives a little nod.]

Both of you take care, okay?

[ izuku's small and earnest response earns some warmth in iida's smile. he's glad that they've gotten him to agree to at least accept help.

he nods back to todoroki. ]

You as well. Be safe on your way back to your house.

Be careful. [Izuku adds to Iida's concern with his own. After the day they've had, it seems even more important for his friends to stay alert.]

We'll let you know if anything comes up.

I'm just going to bed. The worst I can do is stub a toe.

Don't hesitate to get me.

[With that he'll finally make his way to his bed.]

We won't. Take care.

[ iida talks after him, waving a hand and keeping his smile for todoroki until he's out of earshot.

then he turns to izuku. his smile fades, his expression taking on a degree of worry. he comes to midoriya's side, setting a hand on his shoulder. ]

Would you like me to bring anything for you? A blanket or some water? It shouldn't take long.

Edited 2018-04-21 05:30 (UTC)

[He tenses under Iida's hand for a moment, more startled by it than anything, before relaxing and placing his own hand over it.]

Iida-kun, it's okay. I really don't need anything. You're already staying here with me...that's more than enough.

there's a sonic the hedgehog joke in here somewhere

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