Chapter 101

The sterile hospital corridor seemed to stretch endlessly, its cold, white walls offering no comfort as you leaned wearily against them. Your gaze remained fixed on the imposing double doors ahead—restricted access signs adorned the forbidding doors, their red letters mocking you as you reread them for the hundredth time. Hours had passed since Tank was rushed into surgery, and you found yourself trapped in a limbo of uncertainty due to the hospital staff—with their impassive expressions—denied you from following your brother through those God forbidden double doors.

Every tick of the clock echoed in your mind, each passing second a painful reminder of your powerlessness. You leaned your head against the cool wall, a feeble attempt to ground yourself amidst the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to engulf you. The corridor seemed to close in, its clinical atmosphere amplifying the hollow ache in your chest.

Shiro, Katsuki, Gray, Aizawa, Toshi, Kaminari, and Kirishima clustered nearby, attempting to provide support, yet you fended off their attempts. You needed solitude, and the proximity of others only intensified the tumult within you. Inhaling sharply, as your thoughts spiraled, replaying the events leading to this moment—the battle, the confrontation with Puzzle, and the sacrifice Tank made to shield you. A lump lodged itself in your throat, and your eyes prickled with tears you were determined to conceal.

Finally, the double doors swung open, revealing Dr. Shuzenji. She gestured for you to follow as she moved away from the huddled group. Aizawa and Toshi fell into step behind you. The sterile hospital corridor stretched ahead, its bright lights casting harsh shadows on the floor. Your footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway as you approached Dr. Shuzenji, your heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and dread. The air felt heavy with the unspoken weight of Tank's condition.

The huddled group strained to catch any fragments of the conversation; their anxiety obvious in the air.

"Can anybody hear what their saying!?" Kaminari admitted, frustration lining his features.

"All I can hear is the sound of a moron!" Shiro responded, his annoyance clear inside his harsh whisper.

"Where's it coming from?" Kaminari blinked, trying to make sense of the muted conversation.

"It's like talking to a shoe-!" Shiro pinched the bridge of his nose, his irritation growing. "-you have the charisma of a shoe!"

"Oh no..." Gray breathed; his gaze fixed on your back as you continued to face Dr. Shuzenji. Shiro snapped around, catching the moment the doctor's expression turned somber along her youthful features, and she handed over Tank's mask to you. The gravity of the situation was reflected in Dr. Shuzenji's eyes, and it sent a shiver down the spines of those watching.

Katsuki's scowl deepened as he watched Dr. Shuzenji lead you past him and through the forbidden double doors, out of sight. Confusion etched his handsome face.

"What just happened?" Shiro questioned Aizawa and Toshi, who rejoined the huddle.

"Where're we going?" Gray wondered, stretching as he stood.

"We're, uh..." Aizawa and Toshi exchanged glances. "...giving (y.n) some time."

"Time?" Kaminari blinked. "Time to do what?"

"To say goodbye." Aizawa replied grimly.

"There's no way." Gray scoffed, looking at Shiro. "Tank—he couldn't just...I mean, the recovery time is gonna suck, but he's fine, right!?"

"Tank..." Aizawa exhaled. "...he didn't make it..."

"Why!?" Shiro shot up from the floor. "Did those doctors even try!?"

"Of course, they did." Toshi replied.

"Yeah right-!" Shiro scoffed, "-I bet they didn't even try to save him because they just labeled him a villain and didn't-!"

"Shiro-" Aizawa stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "-Dr. Shuzenji, she-she..." Aizawa sighed, dropping his arm.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Shiro glared.

"No." Aizawa shook his head. "Dr. Shuzenji said there was nothing they could do for him, because she...she's never seen anything like him before."

"What does that mean?" Kirishima breathed.

"Tank was more..." Toshi shrugged to find the sensitive words. "...tank, then human..."

"They couldn't even give him a blood transfusion-" Aizawa added, "-because what was in his veins, wasn't blood..."

The U.A. group turned to Shiro and Gray, seeking answers they might provide. The grim expressions etched across their faces made it clear that the two Bullets had some insight.

"It was Shadow Jack's way..." Shiro trailed off, scars of the memory burning as he shook his head, evading the details. "...to make his kids worthy."

"Worthy?" Toshi frowned.

"Tank and Puzzle." Gray interjected, "They couldn't undergo the quirk experiments, and that didn't sit well with Shadow Jack, so he found other technological ways to enhance his kids."

"That sick fuck..." Kaminari breathed.

"We're going to go check on Mina." Aizawa breathed, the weight of the day wearing on his shoulders. The lazed teacher handed Shiro a pack of sanitizer wipes. Shiro furrowed his brows, his gaze flickering to the teachers as comments began to form. "For if she allows any one of you to touch her." Aizawa sternly clarified, anticipating Shiro's remarks.

Shiro nodded, watching as the two teachers turned on their heels, beginning their way upstairs. Gray slowly sat back down against the wall, a mixture of cold astonishment and pain surfacing through him. Remembering back, Tank was always so...invincible. When the day came, he was declared dead by Shadow Jack, and you were forced to burn a body...nothing felt right. When Tank resurfaced, it made sense again to Gray, but this...nothing about this made sense.

"Welp-!" Gray cleared his throat, attempting to brush off his feelings as he stood, turning around to Katsuki, and patting his back. "-get in there, champ!"

"Hah!?" Katsuki scowled.

"This is your job-" Shiro agreed, "-you're up!"

"What?" Katsuki frowned, "How is this my job!?"

"Well, shit-" Gray turned to Shiro, "-he's stupid."

"-the hell did you just say!?" Katsuki growled.

"(y.n) just lost her brother-" Shiro tucked a hand in his pants pocket. "-who do you think she wants next to her right now?"

"Her other brothers!" Katsuki gestured to the two of them. The pair of Bullets rolled their eyes.

"You're right-" Shiro nodded to Gray, "-he is stupid."

"But cute." Gray pointed out.

"True." Shiro nodded.

"The fuck is going on!?" Katsuki growled, his fingers flexing along with his agitation.

"Shortcake-" Shiro stepped up to the blond. "-you're who she needs next to her right now, not us." Katsuki glanced at the double doors; Shiro pushed the box of wipes into his chest. "Good luck, bud." He patted the blond's shoulder.

"Why does it feel like you're sending him off to die?" Kaminari wondered.

"That may be a possibility." Gray hummed as Katsuki stepped through the double doors cursing under his breath, he hated being told what to do.

Shiro and Gray settled down, pressing their body weight against the wall, waiting for you. They wore a brave face, but the truth was, neither Shiro nor Gray could be strong enough for you right now because they too were crushed over Tank's death, he was the best guard dog they ever had...

Katsuki entered the operating room with silent steps, guided by the hospital staff. The room was a sterile expanse, cold and antiseptic, with the lingering scent of powerful cleaners. You sat on a chair beside the metal table positioned in the center of the room.

Tank's still form lay on the operating table, covered from head to toe with a fresh white sheet. The room seemed to echo with the distant sounds of the hospital outside. Katsuki took a moment to assess the situation, the gravity of the scene settling over him.

He approached you, his steps measured and quiet. Your gaze was fixed on Tank's covered form, a mixture of emotions playing across your face. Katsuki stood beside you, the silence between you heavy with the weight of unspoken words.

Neither of you spoke for a while, the only sounds in the room were the distant beeping of machines and the soft shuffling of medical personnel outside. The reality of the situation hung in the air, and Katsuki found himself grappling with the best way to offer comfort in this moment. Why did those morons think he was the best option for this!?

Katsuki glanced down at you, he hesitated only for a moment, placing a warm hand on your shoulder, you swallowed back the hard lump in your throat.

"They advised me to not remove the sheet." Your voice startled the silence filling the room.

"No?" Katsuki frowned, feeling it was an odd request of theirs.

"They had to remove his mask..." You breathed, staring at the metal plate in your hands. "...during surgery and couldn't get it back on." You sharply exhaled.

"What does that have to do with seeing his face?" Katsuki scowled.

"I haven't seen him in years." You breathed, your gaze drifting to the sheet. "I have no idea what he looked like now..."

Katsuki instantly fletched, hearing the words echoing around inside his head. "Shadow Jack found other technological ways to enhance his kids." Katsuki knew then, it was best to leave the sheet in place.

"I can hear them..." You continued, your voice barely above a whisper, dropping your eyes to the mask in your hands. "...the staff outside. They all just refer to him as some...villain...and only talk about all the bad he's done." Your face contorted with grief, "But all I can remember...is when he'd sneak me his portion of food because I was hungry...or when he would sit outside my cell during a storm to stop me from crying..." You inhaled a shaky breath, "...but that's all I can remember because what comes next is me burning his body-" You leaned forward while shaking your head, "-he died twice because of me!"

"(y.n)..." Katsuki breathed, wrapping his arms around you, as he did, he noticed your hands and wrists stained with a dark blueish-purple tint—Tank's blood.

Katsuki lifted his gaze to your face, his eyes heavy with sorrow noticing Tank's handprint stained where he had cupped the side of your face.

"You're here." You whispered, your voice quivering, as you ran your thumb over the sleek material of the mask.

"You think because we had some petty little fight I wouldn't be?" Katsuki scoffed with an eye roll. "Please, I'd love to see someone try to stop me from coming in here."

Katsuki tightened his grip around you, trying to offer a semblance of comfort inside this sterile room feeling colder than ever as you traced the edges of Tank's mask,

"(y.n)-" Katsuki murmured, his voice softer now, he rested his chin on the top of your head, "-take your time, I am not going anywhere, and everything outside this room is under control. Mina is stable and-"

"Oh, Mina." You interrupted, closing your eyes as the weight of guilt settled in. You had forgotten Mina had been injured while saving your life.

"Hey-" Katsuki gently cupped the side of your face, his calloused hand covering Tank's. "-Starburst is fine. She's stable and eating all that damn Jell-O. She is waiting for you, but only when you are finished here, got it?"

You met Katsuki's eyes, a silent exchange of understanding. Slowly, you nodded, turning back to stare at Tank lying motionless on the cold metal table. The room echoed with the sorrowful rhythm of your heart; each beat a reminder of the void left in Tank's absence.

Katsuki remained uncertain of the duration he stood by your side, embracing you, his limbs long grew numb. With one final inhale, you rose to your feet. Katsuki quickly shifted his focus to you, carefully releasing his hold and stepping back, sensing the return of pins and needles in his extremities.

"Can I have a moment alone?" You breathed, not turning to meet the scarlet gaze. For a moment, Katsuki contemplated arguing but slowly he took a step back.

"I'll be right outside." Katsuki, sensing your need for solitude, hovered by the door, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and understanding. With a quiet nod, he stepped out on numb legs, the door closing softly behind him.

The harsh fluorescent lights hummed above, casting a sterile glow on the room that felt too bright, too clinical. You stood there, next to Tank's motionless body, a heavy silence settling around you like an uninvited guest. The white sheet draped over him seemed to echo the finality of the moment.

Taking a deep, shaky breath, "Tank." You whispered; your voice barely audible in the hushed room. "I've never gotten to say goodbye before...I have no idea what to say...but I always thought it would end up the other way around." You chuckled, "I'd do some dumb reckless thing that got me killed..." You shook your head, your fingers traced the outline of his hand, committing every detail to memory. "...you were always there, even when I didn't know it..."

Your eyes glistened as you held back tears, "I don't wanna go...but I have to go make sure my friend is ok...and...and I have to start tracking down our sister so I can end this." You attempted to exhale, but it felt as though your lungs were being crushed under the weight of boulders, your gaze fixed on your brother's silhouette, holding back the brimming tears. "Maybe next time...I'll be enough to save you..."

----

The hospital room was bathed in the soft glow of monitors, the rhythmic beeping of Mina's heart rate filling the space. Her parents, worn out and anxious, had drifted into restless slumber in the chairs by her bedside. You stood against the wall, your foot propped up on it, arms crossed, your gaze fixed on Mina as she lay in peaceful sleep.

The door opened, and Hawks entered with his characteristic bright smile. He glanced around, taking in the scene, and nodded for you to follow him outside. You obliged, leaving the room and stepping into the quiet hallway with Hawks.

"I'm glad to see you're alright." Hawks smiled, his voice gentle. "I heard about your brother, Five. I'm so sorry."

"Yeah." You nodded, a heaviness in your voice. "Me too."

"If there's anything I can do—"

"I saw the videos-" You cut in; your tone serious. "-at the strike."

Hawks began to sweat, rubbing his neck as he sheepishly smiled as he rubbed his palms on his pants. "You know me, always straightforward with how I feel about you—"

"I'm not talking about the videos of you on stage." You clarified; Hawks expression turns confused. "You were surrounded by hundreds of people, all with portable cameras in their pockets."

"I don't follow?" Hawks admitted his confusion.

"Why would you say any of that to Katsuki?" You asked, Hawks still perplexed.

"Bakugo." You corrected. "Katsuki Bakugo. Why in the hell would you say I requested you to see me when you know damn well you didn't set foot in that prison?"

"I-I was just—"

"You were lying just to hurt him." You breathed, anger simmering beneath the surface. "Why the hell would you do that?"

"I-I just—"

"He is my boyfriend, as my friend you should have been by his side when I couldn't be!" You declared, cutting through Hawks' stammered words. "I don't give a damn what you think about that or how you feel. You don't get to walk around talking to him like he's shit."

"F-Five, I—"

You ignored his attempts to explain, taking a step towards him. "You ever treat him like that again-" you warned, locking eyes with Hawks, "-I'll cut your damn wings off and fry you with them." You sneered at him, your message clear. You glanced back at Mina's room, her mother's joyful exclamations echoed, celebrating her daughter's return to consciousness.

"G.F.Y. Feathers." You spat out, turning on your heels.

"What?" Hawks called after you. You glanced over your shoulder, hand gripping the doorknob.

"Go fuck yourself."

You walked into Mina's room, leaving Hawks in the hallway. The sight inside warmed your heart, melting away the feeling of betrayal from a longtime friend. Mina's mother was hugging her daughter, tears of relief in her eyes, while her father stood by their side. You smiled at the touching scene.

"(y.n)!" Mina exclaimed, thrilled to see that you were alright.

"Hey." You greeted her, stepping over to her side. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." Mina grinned. "It's almost time for my next meal!" Mina turned to her parents, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Will you guys go see when I can eat next? I am starving!"

"Of course, dear." Mina's mother nodded, glancing at you before she and Mina's father exited the room.

Once alone, you turned to the pinkette. "You shouldn't have jumped in front of that knife."

Mina, ever the optimist, retorted, "But you took a bullet for me! I owe you big time."

You chuckled while leaning on the bed. "It's not as heroic as it sounds, I was wearing a vest."

"Yeah well..." Mina puckered her lips, "It's the thought that counts!"

"Mina, I—" You started to speak, but Mina grabbed your hands.

"I heard about Tank..." She breathed. "...I am so sorry, (y.n). Tank... he seemed like a really cool guy. I mean, after all, he did kinda save my life, and I don't even get to thank him for that."

"He's used to that." You weakly smiled.

"So are you-" Mina retorted with a frown. "-and I don't like it, are you sure you're okay?"

You gave a short nod.

"(y.n)..."

"I—" You sighed, looking up for a moment before meeting Mina's eyes again. "-No." You admitted, "...but I will be."

"Of course-" Mina nods, gripping your hands. "-with time you'll start to feel better and-"

"I'll start to feel better after I find my sister." Your cold tone sent shivers down Mina's spine.

"(y.n)-" Mina frowned; "-I don't think that's the best way to deal with this-"

Aizawa walked into the hospital room with Katsuki by his side, Mina huffed, dropping the conversation as she eyed you from the corner of her eye.

"Mina-" Aizawa stepped beside you, "-you were being discharged and going home with your parents, they're filling the paperwork out now."

"Wait why aren't I going back U.A.?" Mina whined, a bubbling desire to return to the dorms with her friends, feeling it was more of a home than the walls she grew up in.

"While you are recovering, your parents feel you being home to rest is what's best for you, and I agree." Aizawa explained before turning to you. "You, Shiro, and Gray are coming with me to the dorms, before that, do you...want to see Tank one last time...?"

You wordlessly shook your head; you already said your goodbye to him, plus...you knew what lay in the morgue downstairs was no longer your brother. It was just a painful reminder of what was, and what could have been...

With a quick goodbye to Mina, and a promise to answer your phone you, Katsuki, Gray, and Shiro squeezed into the back of Aizawa's car with him and Toshi in the front, while the rest of the class waited for the bus to come from the strike.

You were relieved not to have to wait, the idea of standing around in the middle of your class while they all tried to say their condolences and make you feel better seemed exhausting. You mindlessly stared out the window during the drive, Katsuki's hand rested on your leg, offering comfort. Shiro played on his phone, while Gray had his head on Shiro's shoulder, snoring.

As Aizawa parked the car near U.A., you swiftly exited, closely followed by Katsuki. Carefully navigating through the debris, you surveyed the aftermath of the battle unleashed by your sister. The school's entrance, once warm and inviting, now lay in ruins at your feet—shattered windows, cracked walls, and scorch marks marred its once proud facade.

"Shit." Shiro muttered, cramming his hands into his pockets as he examined the gaping holes in the gate.

"I had no idea the damage was this extensive." Gray commented, rubbing his eyes while observing the scorched earth and uprooted trees.

"Aizawa!" Ms. Joke's cheerful voice rang out from the group of volunteers tirelessly working to restore U.A. "You're back!"

"Finally." Midnight remarked, arms crossed. "Thought you were avoiding cleanup duty."

"We would never!" Toshi chimed in, joining Aizawa's side. "Hospital discharge took longer than expected. Look at the turnout!"

"We have our own faculty, students, and even public volunteers helping us out!" Ms. Joke exclaimed. "We may be down, but we're not out!"

Rolling your eyes at the overzealous enthusiasm, you ignored Ms. Joke's antics and continued towards the dorms, you were too tired and emotionally drained to entertain her obnoxious humor.

"Wait, Five-!" Ms. Joke pivoted on her heel, ready to jog after you, but Aizawa promptly intervened, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Leave her." He ordered.

"Alright." Ms. Joke melts, her knees feel weak, the touch of Aizawa's hand has a calming effect on her.

Shiro turned to Katsuki, noticing his gaze fixed on your retreating figure. With a raised eyebrow, Shiro asked, "Do you need me to write you a job description?"

"I don't need a damn description." Katsuki grumbled, jogging after you, after easily catching up with you, the two of you silently walked to the dorms, leaving the others to assist in the cleanup.

The weight of the day's events bore heavily on your shoulders as you and Katsuki entered his room. He quietly locked the door, and you lowered yourself onto the bed, burying your face in your hands. Katsuki observed the visible tension in your frame.

Katsuki moved to the dresser; the soft shuffle of clothes echoed in the quiet room. He sat beside you, gently touching your back. "Do you want to talk about it yet?"

You shook your head, refusing to meet his gaze. Katsuki exhaled, uncertain of what to do. Taking your wrist, he stood up, pulling you along. "Change. I'll get some food, and then we can watch TV." He explained, offering the only plan that came to mind. As he turned away, you caught his wrist, stopping him.

"Don't leave." You whispered; weariness evident in your eyes. Blinking, Katsuki turned back, nodding.

"Ok." He breathed, wrapping you in a comforting hug. "I won't."

Katsuki held you until you moved on your own, shedding your clothes without a care. Ignoring the orders blaring in your mind, you slid into Katsuki's oversized shirt. As you tried to settle into bed, Katsuki stopped you, cupping the side of your face. His scarlet eyes traced to your neck where the metal collar rested.

"(y.n)..."

"I don't..." You cleared your throat, pulling away. "I don't want to talk about it." You stepped past him, climbing into bed. Katsuki's eyes flickered between your tight ass sliding between his sheets and your bare ankle where your monitor once was.

----

The next morning, Katsuki awoke to find you absent from the room. A quick scan of his surroundings and a check of his phone revealed a text from you, stating that you and your brothers had gone to therapy. Katsuki grumbled to himself about it being too early as he made his way downstairs.

To his surprise, Midoriya was already up.

"Why are you up?" Katsuki asked.

"I fell asleep on the couch, and Toshi woke me up." Midoriya replied.

"What for?"

"Just being loud when he got here."

"Why?"

"To pick up (y.n) and the other Bullets."

"Why so early?"

"Well, Kacchan, (y.n) did lose her biological brother yesterday. It makes sense why Toshi and Aizawa would want to get her into therapy right away."

"Makes sense for (y.n), but why did the other two go?"

"I'm not sure, but I overheard Aizawa and Toshi talking about how therapy was part of their new deal."

"I wonder what else is a part of this new deal." Katsuki scowls, arms tightly crossing.

"Yeah...but at least they're out, so that's a win, right?"

"How the hell is any of this a win?" Katsuki snapped. "The school is falling apart, we look like weak morons who couldn't protect our own house, (y.n) lost her brother, and Puzzle got away!"

"The Bullets have their freedom." Midoriya weakly smiled. "We'll rebuild, we'll find Puzzle, (y.n) is in therapy, the doc will help her through that loss...this is a good enough win for me."

"Tch..." Katsuki grunted, acknowledging Midoriya having an annoying point.

"Haven't you missed having (y.n) around?" Midoriya questioned. "I know I have...been wanting to talk to her...things didn't go very well during the last family dinner..."

"You can say that again." Katsuki snorted. "The whole thing went sideways before the main course even started."

"Yeah, well...that's why I wanna talk to her. My mom feels awful about-"

Aizawa burst into the dormitory, his voice slicing like a siren. "Get dressed in your hero gear!" The urgency in his tone sent shivers down the spines of Katsuki and Midoriya. "We're needed!"

Class 1-A swiftly emerged from their slumber, hastily donning their hero costumes before sprinting towards the row of waiting buses parked in front of the school. Other hero course classes were also loading up for the impending mission.

Mineta—the last to board the bus—barely had time to lift his feet off the ground before the driver shifted into drive, propelling the vehicle down the road. Aizawa delivered a concise briefing. "The Wayward Bridge downtown is collapsing. The police and heroes can't evacuate fast enough, so you all are being sent in to help."