The small public clinic in rural Mie hadn't been visibly much changed by the age of superpowers. A third-rate ultrasound user worked in Maternity, a third-rate empath supported diagnostics and a second-rate healer, with first-rate dedication to his work–

–meant that Ochako's father would be walking out of surgery rather than crippled for life. Though all the power and effort in the world would have meant nothing, if the first girder had fallen the other way and struck his head.

Not that Uraraka Ochako, at eight, could have imagined a world without her father's presence and care. She only knew, from her mother's clasped hands and trembling side, that her mother didn't know what was happening either. In the empty waiting room, smelling of cleaning fluid and damp bulletins, the future stretched out an unfathomed pit. The man they loved was lost on the far side; the bright little gravity-girl had never felt more trapped by time and silence.

"Mummy? Why did Daddy get hurt, Mummy?"

(Why, Mummy? Why Daddy? How could he be? How could he?)

"Sometimes bad stuff happens to good people, honey. That's why we have heroes and doctors. They're going to make everything better."

"Will Daddy stop going out to build things, and not get hurt again? You promised before, Mummy! The last time, you promised never, never again!"

Though she was small, Ochako had picked up on the existence idea of high and lofty things called 'building site safety regs'–and formed a vague but true belief that they were not well followed, on the only projects where her Quirkless father could find the smallest subcontract. All she couldn't face or name was the fear, that tore her in two as she cried.

Ochako's mother met her girl's world-wide, fervent eyes. Not without a shudder, but unflinching, she squeezed her hand and spoke firmly.

"Honey, building things is Mummy and Daddy's job. We built up our little company; we held up each other, through the years. When you're old enough to follow your dreams–even if you hurt yourself or make a mistake–we will always support you, Ochako, and love you wherever you go. But now we have to be here for Daddy and love him. He needs us both."

Ochako held her mother's hand very tight. She fidgeted, sniffled and wished she could be even a little bit strong like her mother. Could she be? Would her parents really be with her forever?

Mr Uraraka finally stepped out of surgery, not exactly like John Wayne–rather more sheepish and ashamed over the trouble he had caused, and about a thousand times stronger. Mrs Uraraka kissed him deeply, still holding her daughter's hand. The healing-powered doctor was in a white-faced worse state than his patient, after siphoning off his own life force–Ochako's mother pushed her girl's head down as she bowed to her waist.

Her father told Ochako he was sorry; he'd remember to duck next time. It hurt her too much to look at him or speak, with all her fear and smallness and love–but she quietly pushed her hand into his. They left the hospital together, and they were all laughing again before the van reached home.

-0-

Seven years later, Izuku Midoriya had broken his arm in training, again. It would be quickly restored by the finest healer in the Home Islands, but the wait outside the infirmary still seemed long to Ochako. Long enough to worry and vacillate; to rage at her own weak heart, and at Deku's reckless, incredible strength that had broken it. Even if it were love–surely it couldn't be! She just admired him, a lot, how could she know?–even then, how could she give her heart to this boy? He walked a road of brutal pain stretching beyond her vision? She would have to be stronger than her mother to endure it!

On her hero shoulderpads, she felt her parents hands. She smiled with them like a rose-pink sun. Beyond distance and even death, her parents were with her, and they were stronger together.

Deku left the clinic with the definite stride of a boy on a mission. Though this dissolved to sheepish stammerings and apology when Ochako readily presented her smiling face to his, fingers dancing together behind her back.

"Heya Deku! Are you doing okay? Do you want to eat lunch together?"