In the end, Kaworu is plagued with the same selfishness he is, that of refusing to see them hurt again. It's the one selfishness Midoriya allows himself. (Paul gave into one with a double edge, and it hurt them anyway.)
His tears continue to run. He just barely cups those pale, emotionless fingers scouring an icy brand on freckles once kissed with tenderness. It would have hurt less to kneel and be devoured by the Beast on the beach.
This is not the first time he has left someone in need to avoid all three of them being killed. Back then, it was a scared little girl in an alley, and Midoriya acted (or didn't act) under the guidance of his senpai. His mind understands the logic. It was a lesson he took seriously. Paul glows with an unclouded sight any Pro Hero would admire.
Midoriya's heart still aches.
"I won't let it end like this," he says roughly after a pause that seems to last for eons. "I'll find a way to save you. And I'm not saying goodbye."
He clutches Kaworu's hand tight before letting go. He rises, trembling and burning bright, tears still flowing. He says instead,
no subject
His tears continue to run. He just barely cups those pale, emotionless fingers scouring an icy brand on freckles once kissed with tenderness. It would have hurt less to kneel and be devoured by the Beast on the beach.
This is not the first time he has left someone in need to avoid all three of them being killed. Back then, it was a scared little girl in an alley, and Midoriya acted (or didn't act) under the guidance of his senpai. His mind understands the logic. It was a lesson he took seriously. Paul glows with an unclouded sight any Pro Hero would admire.
Midoriya's heart still aches.
"I won't let it end like this," he says roughly after a pause that seems to last for eons. "I'll find a way to save you. And I'm not saying goodbye."
He clutches Kaworu's hand tight before letting go. He rises, trembling and burning bright, tears still flowing. He says instead,
"I love you."