(everyone sadly looked between the screen and then at Aizawa)

Midnight: Oh Shou...

Midoriya: Sensei...

He knew he was losing his head, but as illogical as it was, he didn't want to stop. He shouldn't be this vulnerable in front of a kid. He should be doing this with literally anyone else. Tensei, Mic, Midnight, even Nezu would probably be a willing shoulder to cry on, but for some reason, no, Shouta was breaking down in front of a kid.

As he was almost bowled over by Viridan's hug, he couldn't' help but wonder if that was because the kid already knew what it was like to be broken.

(Inko wasn't the only one with tears in their eyes at this point)

"I'm so sorry." Even though Shouta's eyes were just as chronically dry as ever, Viridian was crying enough for both of them as he squeezed tightly. "Y-you lost your friend! And... and now he's different and you don't know... and you want to save him and... I'm sorry!"

Shouta patted the kid's head for a moment, letting himself sink into the kid's attempts at comfort. He felt tired. He felt tired and angry and sad and so many other things at the moment, but if this dumb, reckless teenager could fight his way through months of depression and self-hatred, then maybe Shouta could fight his way through this whole mess.

Aizawa: Yeah...

"Does anyone know?" Viridian sniffed and pulled away. "I know you said Present Mic was his friend too."

"They know." Shouta said. "We're all processing."

"You guys shouldn't be alone right now." Viridian said stubbornly, tears already drying on his cheeks. "You should go to them."

Aizawa: I am literally patrolling right now-

Joke: Something tells me that's not going to stop him when his father figure is hurting.

"I am literally in the middle of patrol right now, problem child." Shouta deadpanned.

Instead of giving into his logic, however, the kid just pouted, "If you don't call them, I will. I'll go find a way to hack into the comms right now and send them running to help you."

Momo: Yes do that!

Hagakure: Help sensei!

Shouta rolled his eyes, "This isn't a villain attack, kid."

"No." In a flash, Viridian was across the roof. "But it's still a chance to help people! Say hi to Mic and Midnight when they get here, Eraser!"

Shouta's jaw dropped as he watched the kid disappear between two buildings, had that kid just...? He shook his head and started running. He didn't want to have to deal with Mic's yelling if Viridian reached him first.

(everyone burst out laughing, the sad mood slightly dispelled)