A/N: I did not realize how short this chapter was until now XD oops, well its just setting the scene, they'll get longer. EDIT: ahhhh i completely forgot to say! this is set before the kamino ward arc ajsjsks :P

Inko stood nervously watching the famed Recovery Girl bustle about the small room. She bit her lip, fidgeting as she followed. Recovery Girl smiled widely at her, "It's so nice to have some help for a poor old woman."

Inko nodded, mouth twisted in confusion. Recovery Girl was hardly a poor old woman, "It's, ah, it's wonderful to be here, Recovery Girl."

She was one of the volunteers here, a select few who came in a few days a week to help out. She glanced about the room curiously. This was the room her son so often ended up in when things turned sour. To be honest, she wasn't sure whether it was making her feel better or worse to have ended up here.

Recovery Girl trotted past, "So, you're Izuku's mother, yes? I suppose he worries you as much as he does me."

Inko nodded, "Yeah, he's... He's a handful."

The woman poked her head around a curtain before nodding, "You've volunteered as a nurse before. I think I'll have you change this man's bandages."

Inko blinked, "I- I- well, of course, Recovery Girl."

The elderly hero laughed, "My name is Chiyo, dear. Now, this one's a tough cookie, don't let him tell you what to do."

"Oh." She was suddenly unsure of herself.

Recovery Girl sensed her unease, "I have faith in you. Chin up." She patted her arm and walked to the other side of the room.

Inko gulped and pulled the curtain back only to stare in astonishment at the man before her. If he hadn't turned at the sound, she would've thought him dead. Her mouth opened with horror, "Are- are you alright?"

He blinked before offering her a weak smile, "No, I am here after all!"

His voice was deep, too big for such a thin body. Inko realized she was being rather rude, "I'm so sorry, I just- I didn't expect-"

The man laughed sheepishly, "Do not fear! I get that a lot." His smile was a bit strained, "I've been going through a rough patch lately."

Rough patch was an understatement. The man resembled a living skeleton, eyes nothing but dark pits with a blaze of ferocious blue in their depths, cheekbones jutting out from unnaturally stretched skin. His head was wrapped in stained bandages as well as both of his arms, the thin hospital gown looking more like a rucksack than clothing on his sickly frame.

Was the man a pro-hero? Was that why he was damaged so extensively? But he couldn't be, she didn't recognize him at all, as well as the fact that he looked like a matchstick about to be blown over by a strong wind.

She moved forward, examining him critically.

No. He wasn't a pro hero, but there was something there. His feet were too long for the bed... if he wasn't slouching, he would be a bit of a giant even sitting down. Besides that, there was a spine of steel in him. She could see it in his posture. Despite the slouch, he looked her dead in the eye.

Inko smiled, internally shaking her head for being rude, she was never one to judge by appearances, "I'm Inko Midoriya and I'll be your nurse for today."

The man's smile widened, leaving her dumbfounded. The man resembled depictions of starvation, but oh, that smile could clear a rainy day, "Inko Midoriya? The mother of Izuku Midoriya?"

"You know my boy?"

"Of course! I- he- um, he's left quite an impression on the whole faculty. He's a very bright student. One of the best, in fact."

Inko flushed. Chiyo huffed as she rounded the curtain, "You would say that." She glared at her patient, "You better take care of yourself next time, or I'll have your head." The man nodded, looking like a student being scolded, "I'll try."

She snorted, nodded at Inko and then tottered away again.

Inko moved forward, "Let's get these removed- oh! I don't believe I caught your name!" As her hands found the end of the gauze amidst his surprisingly soft flyaway hair, he answered cordially, "Oh, Nurse Midoriya-"

She laughed, "Inko is fine."

He nodded, "Well, Inko, my name is Toshinori Yagi, and it's a pleasure to meet you."