They breathe together in a rise and fall. His eyelids flutter in a leveling daze. Something is at his back--the couch. He's lying now, watching Paul over him touch his neck in a specific place. Vitals. Yes, he was out, away being burdened with a million thoughts. It must have looked strange to Paul, who is now also changed. Midoriya is sorry. This was not what he expected. In retrospect, he should have allowed for the possibility. One For All was always uncharted territory... This has happened before; he can explain it away.

It would be better if Paul had said nothing at all.

This intake of breath is sharp and sudden with comprehending fear. His eyes widen to bare their tiny red capillaries. The heightened awareness that was so blissful before betrays him. He can feel every panicked beat, every chilled extremity, every curl of his hair crushed against the cushion nevertheless standing on end. The tears and sweat on his face freeze, and he trembles palely. The experience itself was fine. That's not what terrifies him. He asks, low and desperate,

"What did I say?"