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

[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.

[ iida presses his mouth together in what seems like a semi-smile, but it fades as quickly as it came. he looks out onto the floor just outside of the forest where they're standing; a large tree trunk nearby seems a good place to sit. he gestures to it. ]

Then we can sit there as we wait. Could I ask you to tell me everything that happened?

[ he's being careful for now, but he knows something seems off. izuku isn't always upbeat, and he can't expect him to be more energetic after a mission like this one, but he doesn't seem to be acting as usual. if izuku avoids being honest with him about what's on his mind, that's when he'll call him out. ]

Of course. [It probably does say a lot about what he and the others have been through already, that what they encountered in the forest just now hasn't really phased him. Even now, he's still more concerned for the other groups.

Izuku follows Iida to the tree trunk. It's not the most comfortable, but it's loads better than sitting on the ground.]

I guess...I can start at the beginning. I split everyone into groups--you were there for that. As soon as we walked in, though, the forest reacted and cut us all off from each other. Todoroki-kun and I just followed that path that we were on, in case there was something important at the end of it. [It seems like with each word that leaves his mouth, Izuku looks more and more troubled.]

[ his troubled reaction to what he's saying doesn't escape iida. he sits beside him at the trunk, his hands folded and elbows on his knees, watching izuku's expressions carefully with every word. his brows knit. ]

The forest itself reacted? [ he touches his chin. ] So you witnessed it change around you and cut each group off from the others... I suppose you all had little choice but to continue forward. I almost want to call it an illusion. The forest is sentient, you think?

Edited 2018-04-30 04:37 (UTC)

Yeah. It's...just lucky that we were already separated into the groups I'd thought of before. Still...we were banking on being able to help each other out in case something happened.

[Izuku frowns, thinking over this question carefully.]

I'm sure it is. Either it's sentient or there's someone controlling it...if it's the second one, they must have incredible range.

there's a sonic the hedgehog joke in here somewhere

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