Paul's curls catch the air with their movement. His eyes match the fire on his fingers. Midoriya is very familiar with the heat of blue flame, but he doesn't flinch. Danger Sense doesn't need to tell him there is no ill intent. He will not flinch from someone in need reaching for him either. He never has.

He only moves without thinking when it looks like Paul will burn himself. His fingers in their tattered gloves have wrapped themselves around his forearms. He doesn't remember doing it. Paul's litany flows like water attempting to assuage the heat.

"Then think carefully and don't summon a Pthumerian you'll regret. I love you," he says quietly with a ripple of emotion across the disturbed waters. Somehow it feels like the force of a thunderclap.

On a bright summer day, Paul led him out of this house and the darkness of a memory. Now Midoriya takes Paul by the arm (by the hand if the heat will let him) and gently steers him towards the door for some air.