Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia or its characters; that right belongs to Kohei Horikoshi. Nor do I own the OC (original character) of MadSoullessQueen and was written with her approval.
Aizawa felt the energy crackle across his skin as the sound of shocked gasp came from his students. Pausing his writing, turning his head to the side just as the area next to him seems to distort and look like the start of a black hole. His face was blank and unreadable as he shook his head. He had warned his class two weeks ago they'd have a guest speaker. One he had requested personally. Though with them, time was trivial with their quirk.
Once the air solidified, revealing a petite woman with long hair that seemed to float around her and shifting color as eyes that were iridescent in color sparkled with mischief. And knew the level of mischief that this particular woman could get into. While always amusing and never failing to make people laugh. Even the one on the receiving end, Aizawa, was not going to take her visit lightly.
"Hello!"
Aizawa blinked as he turned to face his class, which was nothing but wide eyes and gaping mouths. He was sure it didn't just have to do with how she appeared out of thin air, but her slightly eccentric steampunk outfit. One of his favorites if he was, to be honest. The white shirt with a vest like was a copper-colored corset that lifted her chest just enough to make it eye-catching. Along with Black pants that had a few belts over one leg and a pouch hanging from the opposite hip. On her head was one of her trademark top hats complete with goggles and a few gears that were more than just decoration.
"Good to have you join us, Merlin," He said, letting a small smile appear at the corners of his lips.
"Well, ya did invite me to speak to your kiddo's," Merlin quipped. "Can't believe you're a teacher, though. Always so stiff."
This brought a small gasp from some of the students. She was drawing his attention to them. They were currently working on creating two new super moves for their hero license. It had been a fun and stressful time for him when he had gone through this. Merlin, though, she was a very creative person. That and could drive a pure soul up the wall if she wanted with her antics. It was partly what he found endearing about the woman.
"I asked you three weeks ago, Merlin," he stated, knowing that time and she didn't mix well due to the nature of her quirks. "Now, if you will introduce yourself to my class. Class A-1"
The smile Merlin flashed him as she spun and gave a snappy, mock salute to the class. She was easing the tension that was rising in the air at an unknown person just 'popping' as she had. Aizawa watched as his students stared at his longtime friend.
"I am Merlin, Aiza's friend! Glad to meet you all," Merlin said, her voice carrying easy even though she didn't speak very loud. "He asked me to come in and help you work on creating two new moves or something like that."
Giving a soft cough, Aizawa drew his class's attention back to him. Narrowing his eyes as he looked at them.
"You will be respectful. If you are not, well, I am not held accountable for what will happen to you," Aizawa said, reaching into his briefcase and pulling out a stack of the waiver he had them all sign three weeks ago when she had gotten back to him and agreed to do this.
Once he finished speaking, he looked at the class and saw small flickers of horror in their eyes. He already knows who would push buttons and get Merlin's wrath. The top two were Bakugo, Katsuki, and Mineta, Minoru. He had offered this information to Merlin, who had, in her classic manner, waved it off.
"Well, I am going to step out. Merlin, they are all yours. All I want is them in one piece when I return. Otherwise, be yourself," he stated as he walked out the door, not missing the smile that curved her lips as her odd eyes took on a glow.
Quickly making his escape, he heard Merlin speak up and ask if any of them had ever heard of her before. A small test from her. Making him fight not to laugh aloud.
Merlin was slightly amused by being invited to help a class of inspiring heroes create their new moves. She had fond memories of her time doing this. She had been in Aizawa's class along with everyone else. Though her quick mind and fertile imagination made it so much easier. But right now, instead of helping them, she figured a bit of sharing was in order. So, she had asked her question. There were a few seconds before only two of the twenty kids raised their hands — a boy with Glasses and a girl with a long, high ponytail.
Lifting a finger, she pointed to the boy, "You."
The boy stood up and pushed his glasses up his nose. He was making her want to snicker at how old he was acting.
"Merlin, Quirk user that specializes in shifting Reality. Able to make whatever you picture in your mind a reality," he said concisely.
Finger still pointing at him, she rolled her wrist to coax him to say more. It was clear he had the information. And knowledge was power in one fashion or another.
"You have classified up inability with All Might and some of the other top Hero's on an international level," he continued. "I believe I have read that you do not directly involve yourself in things unless it is serious and on a global scale. Due to the nature of your Quirk and its drawbacks. Of which I do not know about as that information is not published."
Flashing a wide toothy smile, Merlin clapped her hands and gave the boy a nod. He was right. Her quirk was not something to sneeze at. And like All might have a pretty severe drawback. This meant that she would do as Aizawa asked of her, but it would not be for more than a day or two. She didn't want to cause an actual reality shift by staying in one spot for too long.
"Good, you are well-read," she said, smiling as the boy flushed and sat down.
"There is no way that a person who looks like you do is powerful!"
She was flicking her eyes in the direction of the young man who spoke. Merlin watched as the green-haired boy behind him sat back further and looked nervous. While the female school uniforms before him leaned forward, those actions told Merlin that this was normal for the lad, and they didn't want to be in the blast zone. Shifting through ideas of how to prove it to the boy, Merlin curled her pointed finger after moving it to him — indicating for him to get up and come over to her.
The sneer on his face as he stood and sauntered over to her. Letting her see the cocky swagger he had. Not impressed as she looked him in the eye, before giving a small chuckle and dropping her hand for the first time since lifting it. When he just glared back at her, hands shoved into his pants; Merlin knew what kind of fun she wanted to have to teach him a lesson in humility.
"What's your name and quirk, kiddo?" She asked, lifting both eyebrows in expectation.
It was a few seconds before he replied, "Bakugo, Katsuki, and I make explosions."
This had Merlin mentally crowing with laughter. Her eyes were darting around the room and noting that she had the attention of everyone in the class. She was an experienced hero and quirk user. Able to handle anything. And it was made that much better that she didn't just rely on her quirk. No, in her travels, she had learned to use a sword as well as a few martial arts.
"Okay, let me make you a believer, Kat," she said, shortening his name. Figuring if he was going to be territorial and want a pissing contest, she would give it to him. "I am permitting you to use your quirk, on a small scale, on me. Right here and Right now."
The shock that flickered through his red eyes, making her think back Aizawa when she had told him to do the same thing again in their youth. A soft Tch from him as he removed one hand from his pocket. She saw his eyes move about as he did quick calculations in his head before a small explosion went off just to her right. When the percussion of the small, controlled bang happened, flower petals floated to the ground. Though in return, Merlin wiggled her eyebrows at him.
The eruption of laughter from the class had the young man getting madder. And he snapped his fingers again this time the air before her congealed, and the explosion turned to glitter, which she blew a small puff of air at — sending it to coat him — causing the class to erupt in louder laughter.
"What the hell!" he screeched in a rather high pitched feminine voice.
The look of horror on his face as his hands came up and slammed over his mouth only made the rest of the class continue to laugh. Then with a wave of her hand, Merlin materialized a full-length mirror before the boy. Who looked utterly horrified at his image. He was now wearing a female school uniform, had waist-length pink hair with an orange tabby tail and matching ears that were swiveling in agitation.
"So, do you believe that I am quite capable?" she asked, smiling widely.
The mirror vanished as the boy looked at her with his red eyes flashing in anger. Though Merlin could now see respect in the boy's eyes as he had his 'proof' she was that strong. That powerful.
"Good, now go sit down. I will reverse that before I leave," Merlin said as she raised her hands and shooed him away. Then her attention turned back to the rest of the class. "Now, let's get to having some fun and being very creative. And if you are good little children, I will regale you with tales of what your teacher was like when he was in school doing what you are doing now."
Aizawa felt a small shiver run down his spine several times while he was in the teacher's office with the others that didn't have class at that moment. He knew something was up, and it was with Merlin. Glancing at the clock, he knew he would have to head back to the class as the day was almost over. He was happy that he at least got all the backlog of papers that needed to be corrected done — standing up as he looked at his fellow staff, seeing the looks of pity and understanding, if not long-suffering in the case of a few of them. Giving a small bow, he left the room without a backward glance. His feet were swiftly carrying him back to his class.
The sound of laughter that reached his ears as he neared his room had Aizawa narrowing his eyes as he paused and heard Merlin praise one of the students. Curious, he slid the door open, causing silence to fall in the tiny room that was given to them for learning. The way they all looked at him as he scanned the room. Faces were looking utterly angelic. At least until his gaze landed on Bakugo? Shooting a quick look to Merlin, who just flashed him her trademark smile, Aizawa stepped into the room and shut the door. Not once taking his eyes from Merlin's.
"You said I had to leave them mostly in one piece," she said in a teasing voice. "And he didn't believe someone who looked like me could be that 'powerful' as he put it."
Arching an eyebrow as he looked back to the sullen cat girl with orange ears and tail amidst pink hair. Merlin had done as he had asked. Though, he wondered if she was going to leave the poor boy that way. With a small shake of his head, he went to stand at the front of the class. Knowing Bakugo would be turned back to normal by the time the bell rang. Then again, The Jeanist had pissed Merlin off, and she had done far worse to him. And he was twitching as he saw the faint shimmer of a few pieces of glitter on the floor.
"So, was any progress made?" he asked as he shuffled some papers.
A chorus of 'yeses' resounded, making him look up at them. Their eyes were practically glinting in the fluorescent lighting of the room. They had knowing looks in the depths of their eyes as they smiled at him.
"Good, because we only have Merlin for two more days," he stated, shooting a glance at his friend who pouted slightly.
The moment the bell rang, he looked at Bakugo, who was slouching in his desk, unmoving. Tail and ears were twitching violently back and forth. Then the air around him swirled, and he returned to normal. The baleful glare he shot at Merlin held respect. Just like it did when he looked at Uraraka. The girl had proven she was not a quitter, would push herself no matter what to win — earning the boys respect and trust.
"Stand," Iida spoke.
As one of the class stood, waiting.
"Bow," Iida said.
They all bowed, and he did in return.
Looking at his students as they stood there, Aizawa dipped his head as he muttered 'dismissed' to them all. Then they were rushing out of the room to go home. Homework was as it had been the last three weeks, working on making two viable new super moves. Though he caught soft giggles and chuckles as the practically ran past him, he heard bits and pieces about how unbelievable it was about something or another.
"So, where do I get to stay while I am visiting and helping your class, Shota?" Merlin asked him, making him pause and look up at her.
He hadn't thought that far ahead, not knowing when she would even arrive. Looking at her, he made a snap decision that might cost him some sanity in the next few days while providing him a company that wouldn't bore him.
"My place," he stated as he shoved his paperwork into the briefcase and began to walk out the door. Figuring if Merlin wanted, she could easily afford a penthouse room at a prominent hotel.
A huge smile was plastered on his face as he sat back on his couch, watching Merlin as she tipped her head back and downed another can of beer. The woman knew how to drink. And she was hilarious to his alcohol-induced brain at the moment. Then again, he knew he'd be paying for it on the marrow when he had to wake up. Though his eyes were trained on his longtime friend as she swayed to the music only, she could hear. Merlin was indeed a one in a million. The type of girl that only came around once every thousand years. The kind that moved to her tune.
Aizawa was sighing as he watched her crush the can and toss it directly into the trash can. The flush on her face was cute. Hell, he had always thought she was lovely. But at times, the woman plain scared him with her temper and her ability. Having all his clothes turn into pink frilly fucking French Maid costumes with glittery sequins was not fun. And he had bought new clothes to compensate for the ones she 'altered' just to have them shift into the same damn thing while he was wearing them.
"Oi! Shota... you okay?" came Merlin's voice.
Aizawa was blinking as he came out of his thoughts only to jerk his head back and cause his neck to snap over the low back of his couch partially. Merlin had at some point come over and leaned down, so they were practically nose to nose. She was giving him an up-close and personal view of her beautifully unique eyes. The pain that flared in his neck had him sobering and hissing. Just to have tiny, dainty gloved hands grab his head and carefully move it forward. Fingers were pressing along the spine, checking for either a strain or sprained muscle.
"Yer fine," she said as she looked him in the eye. "Sorry for startling you. But you didn't answer the first time I called your name. Head case that you are got lost in thoughts again?"
Blinking his eyes, Aizawa gave a small nod of his head. Very aware, he was still inebriated, and Merlin was practically in his lap. The urge to just pull her down and kiss her as he wanted was strong. Forcing a groan up from his chest, Aizawa watched as Merlin backpedaled, giving him a blithe look that said she didn't want to be vomited on. Not that he would ever do that.
"I think it is time for bed, Merl," he said as he attempted to stand. "I will take the couch; you get my tiny ass full-sized bed. No arguments."
He flinched at the tone he just used with her. It was the same one he used when he wanted his students to no question him. And by the way, she was staring hard at him; he knew that he could be in trouble.
Merlin just stared at him, silently debating on what to do. Whether to only accept his hospitality or be slightly bratty as the alcohol in her system was telling her to. It was fun getting a rise out of Shota. He had always been so silent, solemn, withdrawn. The man had no idea what color or fashion was. Though, as she looked at him, seeing that he hid his strong-featured face behind a sad soul patch and some fuzz. And the mustache just didn't suit him. Not when she knew what he looked like when he was cleanly shaven.
"No," She said, crossing her arms over her chest.
The way he just sighed and closed his eyes told Merlin he didn't want to fight with her. And she didn't want to compete with him. She valued him in so many ways. He saw past a lot of shit and to who she was. Her ability to shift reality to what she wanted was insane. Her few encounters with All for One who had wanted to take her quirk from her. She'd not be there if not for Shota and his ability to null quirks in others. Hell, he was one of the few who could stop her if her quirk went berserk — a genuine thing.
"Merlin, please.." Shota started to say, but she raised a hand and prevented it.
"No! You said it was a full-sized bed; we can share," she stated, her voice going a bit hard as he gave her option.
The fact his face went from flushed with alcohol to a deep crimson of embarrassment would have made her laugh usually. There was just no way he was still an innocent little boy. He had girls who had openly chased him. Watched as he had dated them. Not that she was happy about it. But that she kept to herself. One of the odd things dealing with her Quirk was that she knew she could only be with one person. And that person had to balance her Quirk out.
And she had found him while attending the school with him. But that would be an awkward conversation starter. Telling someone that they were their soulmate because their Quirk balanced her own. She'd have sent him running with how introverted he had used to be. Then somewhere along the line of getting to know him, becoming friends, she just couldn't bring herself to tell him how she felt. And the liquid courage flowing through her veins wasn't helping, only making her bolder than usual.
"What!? That... That would be indecent," Shota practically shouted in a startled manner.
She snorted at him as she frowned. "No, it isn't. We are adults of legal age. Consenting. And besides, I know you. I trust you. You'll keep your hands to yourself and not do anything."
The way his shoulders slumped as something she couldn't place flickered in the depths of his eyes. It had her attention. Though right now, she just smiled at him as he gave her a look that said he didn't want to. His stubborn streak showing clearly, yet he was already moving to the small bedroom where the bed was. The soft muttering under his breath, letting her know he was grumbling to himself about it.
He was not in a good mood. Head hurting, mouth feeling like he'd slept (attempted) with dozens of cotton balls in his mouth, all coupled with the fact he had been tense with his best friend in the bed next to him curled up and cozy. Several times throughout the night, he had to remind himself it was not okay to just grab her and pull her into a warm hug, planting soft butterfly kisses along her brow, cheeks before ending in a long, languid kiss that would sear her soul. Nope, he had to behave himself, alcohol demon suggestions shoved to the side.
Now, he was staring through bleary eyes at his students who seemed to have sensed his mood and were wisely quiet, waiting as patiently as a bunch of hormonal, over-excitable teenagers could. And he didn't like the smirks on a few of their faces. It was like they somehow knew about whatever happened that night. So, he turned his gaze on the class president and gave the nod for him to start class.
"Stand!" Iida stated.
They all stood and looked at him. With another small nod, he permitted for Iida to tell them to sit.
"Be seated!" Iida stated loudly.
Once they were seated again, he waited until Merlin stepped through the door. He was having gone to talk to Nezu and wanting to catch up with the principal as she had been in his office a few times for pranks that may or may not have gotten out of hand and involved loads of Glitter.
"Today, this is your only class. Merlin will be helping you all start to produce the ideas and concepts you came up with in class yesterday. And at the end of the day, you will all be showing the fruits of your labors in endeavoring to create your new moves," he stated as he waved his hand at Merlin.
The small smirk she gave him as she stepped up to the front of the class and got them all to stand up and break into five groups of four. He found his chair and sat down and watched to see just what she had chosen to help them. While making sure she wasn't telling tales that shouldn't be told to his students.
She was a bit off-put, but overall, Merlin was in a good mood. She was enjoying helping the kids develop their new moves for their Hero License test. And her conversation with Nezu had been very enlightening. She could trust the little furry principal for information. Of course, it was paid for with stuff only Merlin could easily acquire. So, letting her eyes drift to was Shota was sitting back in his chair watching the class as they worked in groups of four. Merlin made her rounds to make sure that they were not just pushing themselves but helping each other.
She was pausing as she reached the group with Katsuki, who tensed a bit at her presence, as he spoke in soft tones with Tsuyu, Iida, and Denki. The fact that the obstinate boy was helpful, giving pointed insights on what they had worked on in the class yesterday, had her pleased. Though she was sure, it helped that he didn't want to be changed into a cat-girl again. All men had their pride.
Satisfied, Merlin turned and walked back toward the front of the room. Coming to a stop by Shota's desk and seating herself on edge. Keeping her eyes on the kids as she ruminates about last night and this morning. Talk about awkward moments. Shota was just as stiff when asleep as he was awake. It was frustration. And she was giving him a chance to make the first move — not something she usually afforded people.
"You want me to stay somewhere else tonight?" she asked in a very soft whisper, never taking her eyes off the classroom.
There was silence for a few very long seconds. "No, you can crash at my place for the duration of your stay," Shota replied. "You're my friend."
Forcing her face into a smooth, blank mask to keep from visibly twitching at his words, Merlin quickly contemplated glitter bombing him in front of the kids when they came back from lunch. While it would be funny and fitting, Merlin didn't want to undermine his authority. And most definitely not with his students watching.
"Thank you, Shota," she said back, shifting where she sat, keeping her voice that same whisper. "So, how did you end up a teacher?"
"Long story short, I was hurt badly in the field. I need to rest more and more after each use of my quirks. And I didn't want to give up being a hero after all the crap I went through to get my license," Shota said, his voice sounding a bit sad to her ears. "Besides, if I gave up and you heard about it... I don't even want to imagine, Merl."
This had her letting a small smile curling her lips. Yeah, that would end badly for Aizawa if he had just given up. Pranking would be more preferable to the hell she'd rain on him. Then again, she also knew he loved being a Hero. He is helping others even if he was mostly an introverted, antisocial man. It had taken a lot for her to get him to open up to her and be friends. And one of her favorite memories, not that she would ever admit it even upon pain of death, was the first time he smiled for her without being forced.
"Yeah, that'd be a bad day for us both..., and anyone caught anywhere near us as we duked it out," she said, giving a wry chuckle. "I mean you and your scarf against me and my twin scimitars, with our quirks... that'd be something else, huh?"
"Yeah, yeah, it would," Shota answered with a soft laugh of his own. "We should spar before you leave tomorrow."
His suggestion took her by surprise, and she almost fell off the edge of the desk as she turned and looked at him. Seeing he was smiling widely up at her. His long hair not in his face, showing off the small bone structure and the scar that ran under one of his eyes. Which was dancing in merriment at catching her off guard?
"Sure, if you think you can handle it, old man," she said, taking a low jab at him with what he had just revealed to her.
"Deal. And just because I am not active in the field don't mean I let my skills rust, Glitter-fairy," Shota snipped back using an old nickname from their school days. "I do have to keep up with the kids. And it isn't just my quirk that keeps them in line."
Giving a shake of her head as her teal and deep purple with pink highlighted hair shifted over her shoulder in a cascade of thick hair. It had changed to this when she had put on a high waisted indigo victorian skirt with a high slit that ran up to her left knee revealing her knee-high black leather boots. For a top, she had a soft rose-colored blouse with a brown and teal accented vest. Which more than accentuated her body with the way it showed her curves off and made the swell of her hips off. Then again, all she got was a raised eyebrow from Shota at her outfit, and the comment she was still very colorful.
"Deal, your mine tomorrow night after school is done so we can spar," she muttered to him.
He stood there, watching the displays that were being shown off by his students. Some of the moves needed worked, and in the case of a few, better names. But the progress they were making was good as they continued to practice the new moves. Tomorrow he'd have them applying them in a mock battle with randomly selected partners. Partners that could be either from their group or another group.
The look a few of the other teachers were shooting him had Aizawa preening. His class was ahead of theirs. Then again, some of his fellow staffers attended school with Merlin and knew what she is capable of on a small to medium scale. And none of them wanted to piss the woman off. So, he just crossed his arms and relaxed where he stood as Merlin would call out at times for one or multiple of the students to pause and rethink what they were doing so they didn't either harm themselves or another student.
Knowing the day was almost over, he wondered if Merlin would be up for some Chanko Nabe. It was her favorite food with some soft sweet plum Sake on the side. Though he was always impressed that she could put the sumo-sized Hot Pot into her tiny body, recalling the first time they'd gone out to eat, and she had ordered it at the small mom and pop diner he'd felt he'd have to carry his jaw home. It was enough for three or four people, and she ate every damn last bite and looked pleased with herself. Before she explained, her Quirk requires her to have a lot of energy, and the food was the best way to get it, as it was a constant Quirk, not able to be turned off.
A loud explosion rocked the ground and had Aizawa looking to where he saw Bakugo fall back to the ground and shake his arm a bit. The broad grin on his face was smug as he heard Merlin laugh as she walked over and clapped the boy on the back while others in the class were looking wide-eyed at the boy.
"So, what are you going to call this?" Merlin's voice floated back, cutting through the slight ringing in his ears.
The way Bakugo's smirk went from smug to feral as he replied, almost happily, to Merlin, "Howitzer Blast."
When Merlin turned and met his gaze, he saw soft purples and red flicker in her iridescent eyes. He knew that she was pleased with not just their students but herself for helping him. It was one thing that they had initially found in common, the need or want to help others. So, giving her a smile that told her he was happy and pleased, Aizawa looked at the other students and clapped his hands to get them all back on track.
Merlin smiled widely at where Shota had taken her for dinner. This little hole in the wall diner was one of her favorites and served her favorite food to boot. When he turned to look at her, Merlin clapped him on the back lightly. Then without waiting for him to say anything marched right on in. It had been three years since she was last here. Of course, Shota didn't know that. Her recent trip to Japan had been less than pleasant. And she hadn't taken any time to stop in and say hi.
Upon entering, she saw the old couple who ran its eyes light up in recognition as her order was called out. This had Merlin laughing as she made her way back to the corner where 'their' table was at. Tucked away in the dim-lit interior away from all windows and gave a good view of the whole restaurant. An excellent position for both offense and defense as Shota had pointed out to her at one time. Sitting down in the chair just off to the side of the corner, knowing that Shota would want that spot, Merlin just watched as he looked bemused.
"How do they always remember your order?" he asked as he sat next to her.
Giving a small shake of her head, Merling relaxed into the chair just as a deep thrumming beat played over the speakers. Her eyes went wide as she watched Shota turn a rather interesting shade of red. The song's lyrics were rather blunt about the topic of the song. And feeling the need to tease her friend, Merlin sang the male's part of the lyrics to Candy Shop loud and clear. She was enjoying watching him both squirm and look exasperated. Something she was sure only he could do.
"Merlin!" Shota said, his voice rising slightly in his embarrassment.
Shaking her head as she pointed at him, making him frown at her before he muttered the female half of the lyrics before the song ended. Glad that he played along with her. She could tell from how his dark eyes were dancing from under his shaggy bangs he was having fun.
"Thanks for singing with me," she said, playfully batting her eyes at him.
The way he waved her off with a flick of his fingers had Merlin laughing good-naturedly and enjoying watching him relax and loosen up.
"You know Merlin, and I think you have a knack for teaching kids. Especially troublesome ones like Bakugo," Shota told her bluntly. "If your quirk allowed it, I would vouch for you to be a teacher at the Academy. Might even appreciate getting to see you regularly."
The laughter died on her lips as she looked at her friend. Heat flaring across her face in the form of a small blush as she looked at him tried to gauge if he was just pulling her leg. Then again, Shota Aizawa was not one to joke around often. The man was only too serious. Her subconscious registered that this could be the perfect time to spill the beans if she was careful.
"You serious?" she asked him.
The slow nod of his head to confirm what she was asking. It had Merlin placing her hands on the table, fingers interlaced as she looked at him.
"Shota, I'd love that, actually," she said, taking a deep breath.
As she was about to continue, their orders came and were set before them. And she didn't miss the way the owner and his wife gave the two of them a 'knowing' look. Rolling her eyes, Merlin picked up her chopsticks and began to tuck into the delicious Chanko Nabe. Luxuriating in the taste of the thick pork broth, shrimp, bamboo, bean sprouts, and the hand made ramen noodles and watching as Shota snapped his chopsticks and looked at her expectantly.
Taking her time to finish the bowl, Merlin tried several ways out in her head to speak her mind like she always did. She was feeling a might bit frustrated that she still got this way around him. Hell, before she even knew that he would be her one destined partner to help balance out the nature and power of her quirk, Merlin had always liked him. Crushed on him, one could say. The only damn guy to see her as a girl and treat her as such. At least when he felt the need to.
The moment the last bit was finished and her sake drained from the cup Merlin looked at Shota, who had finished a while ago. His dark eyes were watching her, still looking expectantly. And she knew she'd not be getting out of this by how his jaw had that stubborn set to it.
"I meant what I said, I would love to be a teacher on a more permanent basis," She started her clever mind taking her through it word for word.
Shota looked at her for a few seconds before speaking and drawing out one word, "and?"
"It boils down to my quirk, Shota," She stated flatly, before muttering under her breath. "There is a way around it."
Merlin's eyes went wide when she saw Shota lean in — clearly having heard what she muttered under her breath. The intensity of his gaze had her narrowing her eyes on him.
"Really? Then why haven't you..." Shota started to say as she lifted a gloved hand and stopped him.
"Because it comes with a price that not just I have to pay, Shota," She said, sighing. "I can stay in one place more permanently only if I find the one person in all of Earth that can balance out my quirks defect of warping the reality around me if I stay in one place for more than three days."
The way he blinked his dark eyes as he sat back and thoughtfully stared at her. Seeing something in the depths of his eyes. An understanding and realization before he shut himself down.
"You know who it is, don't you?" he asked her.
Slowly nodding her head, Merlin kept her eyes locked on his. She was feeling the tension in the air mounting. Her nerves were alight as she lifted a hand and pushed a few strands of her hair from her face.
"Then why?" he asked.
"Because I just can't seem to tell them. I mean seriously, you know me better than anyone else. Hell, I think you know me better than I know myself," Merlin snapped half-heartedly at him.
There was a long pause of silence as she watched him pick up his beer and drink the rest of it. Figuring it was not a bad idea, Merlin picked up the spare bottle of Sake that had been given while she had been eating. Placing it to her lips, tilting her head back, she let the sweet plum flavor wash over her tongue and enjoyed the slight burn of it as it ran down her throat.
"Then why don't you just show them," he stated as if it was the simplest thing in the world. "I mean, you use your words and actions to make your points all the time."
She blinked as she gave a small cough at being taken by surprise by his words. He was right. She had always been a woman of action, her words helping when she wanted to hammer something home.
"And if it will help, you can tell me who it is," he offered. "If you can. Or are willing. And we don't have to talk about it here either."
This had her smiling as she stood suddenly and looked at him. She was feeling the warmth spreading through her body from the alcohol. Reaching into a hidden pocket, she pulled out the yen to pay for both their meals and placed it on the table. Using her other hand, she beckoned him to follow her and earning a mildly amused look before he stood and followed her from the small diner. She was saying a polite goodbye as they exited the building.
The moment they were out of the building, Merlin grabbed his arm and shifted the reality around them. Knowing he'd be less than pleased to travel this way so suddenly with a full stomach and alcohol. But she didn't care. He was right, and he was going to find she was taking his offer to talk about it. So, when she found the correct point, she phased them into his small living room and let him go — waiting for him to find his equilibrium and glare at her for not telling him what she planned.
"Merl, you know I don't like it when you suddenly move us like that!" he growled at her.
Smiling at the sight, he made had Shota stepping back from her. And she followed him step for step until he was backed against his couch and sitting. Placing her hands on either side of his head, she looked down at him.
"I am taking you up on the offer. And going to try and make this as simple as possible," Merlin said in a low voice, that was a partial purr.
His stomach was rolling still as he looked up into Merlin's eyes. His body was shivering from the purr like quality in her voice. He had just spoken his mind. He was honest with her like she was with everyone. A bit hurt that she had a way to stay in a place more permanently, and it involved her being with someone who could balance her quirks powers out. Of course, he could have taken it out of context so severely. And in hopes, she hadn't taken it as he had taken it he had offered to have her at least talk about if she could live with him.
So, as he waited, watching her face for the telltale signs as she just stared down at him, keeping him pinned for a few seconds more before she shifted and sat next to him.
"Shota, I have known for a long time who this person was. But I didn't want to take their freedom from them. I know I am difficult at times to get along with," she stated simply. "And to make it worse, I have no clue how they feel about me. I mean, I know they don't hate me, or even dislike me... except for when I pull out the glitter."
He shifted enough, so he was looking at her as she stared up at the ceiling of his tiny apartment. It caused his heart to ache to hear her confirm what he had initially assumed. Knowing for all her bluster at times, Merlin was one of the kindest people anyone could meet. Her heart was large and often worn on her sleeve for the world to see. Well, if you knew her.
"So, you are saying that you want that person to accept you and be your... partner of their own will?" he asked her.
The slow nod of her head as Merlin turned to face him. A sad smile on her face.
"And there is only one person in this whole world who could balance you out?" he continued.
Again getting a single, solitary nod of her head at his question. It was helpful. Progress was always good.
"Have you ever actually told them, or even showed them that you liked them as more than a friend?" he asked.
The deadpanned look she gave him as her eyes asked if he was a flipping moron.
"Yes, dun be an idiot! I have multiple times. Shota, this person, they are one of the few individuals that make me feel like a normal person. A woman even," she hissed.
This was a shocking revelation and narrowed down the likely group of people. Though he knew that Merlin traveled a lot, he also knew she didn't just let anyone in.
"Okay, okay," he said, raising his hands in defense. "Then, I guess you should in your classic manner, just show them how you feel and explain later. I mean, the worst thing you can do is what? Make them a bit more paranoid than you already do?"
His words had been meant to be teasing. But he watched as Merlin processed his words. He was noting the slight tightening at the corners of her eyes in displeasure at his teasing. His body was tensing as she shifted to face him. He was wondering what she was going to do. Only to relax a bit when her hand came up and touched his cheek — stroking it softly as she smiled.
"You know, I think I will. Just hope it goes well," Merlin said, her smile softening and taking on a quality he wasn't familiar with coming from her. "No time like the present."
He had only a second to register what she was talking about. But her leaning in and kissing him was not what he had thought. His mind blanked for a few seconds at the feel of her soft full lips pressed against his own, making it seem as if time had slowed down. The warmth of her body as she pressed it against him. How her other hand slipped around his neck as her lips parted in silent invitation. Then it was like time sped up, and his mind registered what she had said and her actions.
Lifting his arms, he wrapped them around her waist and held her, parting his lips and letting his tongue slip out and trace her lips, drawing a small sigh from her. Taking that as a cue, he pushed his tongue into her mouth, sliding it along hers as he explored the warm wet cavern of her mouth. Enjoying as she did the same to his own. Tasting that sweet, smooth sake, she favored.
After a few minutes, he broke the kiss and looked into her eyes as they sifted through the whole color spectrum. She was looking like a beautiful opal that sparkled in the light like a multihued rainbow. Something he had always found fascinating even before she had decided he needed a friend and she would do. Merlin had been beautiful as a teenage girl, now as a woman whose face was flushed, eyes hazy, and lips were swollen from their first kiss, she was fucking stunning. A goddess.
"Shota?" she said in a soft, breathy whisper.
Blinking as he smiled, he moved his arms sliding them slowly down her waist over her hips, cupping the back of her thighs. He wanted her. Had always wanted her. But he knew that others had always vied for her attention. He never felt like he had a chance. He was giving her thighs a bit of a squeeze as he leaned in and pressed his forehead against her.
"I have no complaints," he stated. "To be honest, I have wanted something more with you since we were in school. But you being a social butterfly, having so many that wanted you or your attention. Then after graduation, you left with barely a goodbye. I just held onto my secret dream and lived my life. A few relationships here and there but nothing that lasted long as I gave myself to my work."
He observed her eyes, noting how darker blues and greens swirled in them before they lightened. Her eyes, if one took the time to watch and learn, were like a mood stone. Would tell you how she felt or possibly what she is thinking.
"I didn't know how to tell you. That you were it for me, I mean that is a hell of a bomb to drop, don't you think?" she said as a wry smile curled the corners of her lips upwards. "Besides, I figured you didn't like me like that. And deserved a chance to find your happiness instead of being young and tied to a nutter like me."
He laughed at that. Already knowing Merlin was no shy virgin, Aizawa gripped her thighs and lifted her and shifted her, so she was lying on the couch under him. The way her eyes went wide as she stared up at him. He smirked down at her. Leaning down, he pressed his cheek against hers as he wrapped her legs around his hips.
"Merlin, I think I can be rather content being tied to you. At least you'd have a bit more of a moral compass to guide you," he said, enjoying how her small soft body felt pressed against his own. As if it was right, perfect. "Besides, I don't think you're a nutter, just a bit of a fun-loving woman who knows what she wants. Now, less talk."
The soft laugh he got from her before she was gasping as he captured her earlobe in his mouth and bit it lightly had him releasing her thighs and dragging them up to her waist where he tugged at her shirt — feeling her own hands come and start jerking at his shirt. Making him glad he hadn't worn a jacket.
Giving a small tug to her lobe, releasing it, he began to plant small, light butterfly kisses along her jaw until he was able to capture her lips. He was taking delight in each small sound that came from her. The feel of her gloved hands on his bare skin after she freed his shirt from his pants while he did the same. Sliding his hands under her shirt, between their bodies, to cup her soft and pert breasts and teasing her nipple through the lacy fabric causing her to arch her back and mewl into the kiss, pressing her breast more firmly into his hand, filling it nicely with just a little bit of spillage.
He was humming as he felt his body heat, pants growing almost painfully tight as Merlin rocked her hips against his. Aizawa was glad that she was wearing a skirt. Moving his other hand down, he grasped her skirt where it had pooled around her hip. He pushed it out of his way before letting his hand brush against hot, silky soft skin — liking how she jumped just a little bit as he too felt something akin to an electric current run through his body at the skin to skin contact.
This time it was she who broke the kiss as she looked at him. Eyes half-open as he felt that odd sensation of reality being manipulated. Then he jerked back as he thought the exposed skin of his stomach being pressed against hers. Taking a quick superstitious look, he felt the heat rush to his face and ears. What he could see was nothing but perfect, flawless, pale skin. Her breast had dusky pink nipples standing straight as if begging for attention.
"Merlin, gods... woman..." he whispered as he felt her hands leave his back, just to thread through his hair and tug it.
"Shota, less talking, remember," she said, giving a devilish smile before she pulled his head downwards.
If you wish to read this steamy scene Please go to my AO3 (Link is in my profile for the account) as this breaks T.o.S. of FFN
He was thoroughly enjoying how vocal she was being. Her bodies responses to his touch as he tormented her. The way her sheath fluttered and clamped down on his fingers as he kept hitting her G-spot. The way her hands were now grasping the waistline of his pants as she writhed under him as he brought her in a matter of seconds to her second climax. His name being repeated over and over as he continued to milk her orgasm, making it last longer.
Pulling his head up again, he leaned forward, pressed his cheek to hers, speaking in a whisper to tease her further. "What merlin? Is there something you want?"
It was a dangerous game to play with her. She was passionate and fiery beyond belief. But now, with her aroused. The proof in the way she was crying out, his fingers pumping into her, making a lewd wet sound with her love juices.
"Yes. You. In. Me. Now!" Merlin growled back at him.
Smiling, Aizawa shifted just enough so that he could look her in the eyes. Enjoying the swirling kaleidoscope of colors.
"I'd rather not have our first time on my cou-" he said only to feel the world shift around him as her quirk activated.
When the world settled around him, Aizawa found himself in his room, on his back with Merlin straddling him. Her tiny hands were working deftly. In less than a minute, she had his belt undone, the button and zipper released and was grasping him in her hand. Letting his head drop back onto his pillow as she stroked him firmly, groaning his pleasure. His eyes watching her as she smiled and looked dangerous at the same time. When she raised herself on her knees, using her hand to positioning him before slowly lowering herself until her essence glistening curls brushed the tip of his cock enticingly.
"There will be no going back if we do this, Shota. You will be the only person I will ever be with after this," She stated voice.
He knew what she was saying. He knew what it meant. Merlin never did anything without a purpose. Aizawa looked at her hard for a few seconds before lifting his hands and grab her hips, curling his fingers into the soft satiny skin and then pulling her down as he thrust up until their hips were flush. Aizawa was burying himself deep into her hot, tight channel growling at her as her eyes shot open wide in a mix of please, pain, and understanding of his decision. And if it took this to make her aware of what he felt, then so fucking be it.
If you wish to read this please go to my AO3 (link is in my profile for the account) as this breaks the T.o.S. of FFN.
He felt his balls draw up, an electric tingle at the base of his spine just as Merlin cried out her release. Her sex was milking him as he fell over his edge with a muttered curse as he spilled into her. Barely registering the air becoming thicker as she brought her body to rest on top of his chest. His hands being pressed further into the soft, yet firm, mounds of her breast. Then the world seemed to blur before they were surrounded by an odd multi-hued tunnel that had blurred images flying by on the circular walls.
He was blinking as he caught familiar images of those of his students and fellow heroes. As well as images of the past as they flickered past. He tensed just a little bit as he saw other images. Confused, yet not like he was in danger, Aizawa tilted his head down to see Merlin looking up at him with a broad smile on her face. Eyes were glistening with unshed tears.
"Welcome to my world, the Slip Stream," she whispered to him.
He took a few minutes to process what she was saying as it dawned on him what it meant. If he didn't miss his guess, these images he was seeing were happening in the here and now. While others were in the past, so that meant if he looked, he would see potential future events and how they played out. It was daunting to know that Merlin's quirk was so damn powerful, and she downplayed it. Also, it explained why she was always running on her own time and loved to play pranks and lighten up the mood. She bore a heavyweight on her shoulders.
"How? Why?" he asked the two most impertinent and straightforward questions his sex fogged mind could come up with.
"How, because we are now joined. You are the one person in all the world, if not the universe, who could balance out this crazy power of mine, Shota," She stated simplistically. "And why? Because I love you. You've always been able to disable my quirk to a large degree. Keep me grounded. Don't think for a second that I haven't wanted to show you how I see the world all the time."
He nodded his head as he caught an image zipping by over their heads. It was them with a small teal-colored hair child wrapped in pastel green and yellow blanket. Both were smiling at the tiny bundle in their heads. In another, he saw his class graduating from the Academy. Then a massive explosion caught his attention, forcing his head to turn to follow it. There was no mistaking that large mushroom-like cloud that went off.
"You... see this all the time?" he asked, wiggling his hands out from between their pressed bodies just to wrap them around her body.
He wanted nothing more than to protect her from all the possibilities and realities. Feeling her sigh as she shifted in his arms and kissed him lightly on the lips. She was drawing his attention back to her, as she wiggled her hips with him semi-flaccid and still inside her. She was causing his body to heat up again.
"Yeah. I am used to it by now. Still, drives me bat shit loco, but now I get to share it with you?" Merlin replied.
He didn't miss the fact that she made her statement a question. Giving a small soft smile as he lifted his head and gave her a return kiss, pressing his lips firmly against hers. He waited a few seconds before moving them and letting his tongue slip out to lick at her bottom one before nibbling on it and eliciting a wanton moan from her as she reciprocated. This was a topic they could talk about later. Right now, he wanted to be with her. More so here, where no one would find them.
As he walked into his class, Merlin right behind him, Aizawa noted that every one of his students was sitting at their desk, silent and watching with smiles on their faces. He was looking for all intent and purpose little angels. But he didn't care as he kept trying not to smile. Last night was the best of his life. And he felt so much better now that the air between him and his best friend and now fiance, having asked her to marry him after they woke this morning.
Then again, as his mind darted back to their morning shower and seeing himself in his bathroom mirror. He had to make sure that he was not shirtless around anyone. It would figure that Merlin would mark him. Just he hadn't figured it would be a prismatic rainbow butterfly in the small of his back. Then again, only Merlin would be the one to get him to wear a tramp stamp. He wasn't fond of Tattoos, to begin with. But this one was placed by her quirk. And she was not without her mark. In the small of her back was his mark. An infinity mark did in black, red, and white.
He knew what those two things symbolized. Butterflies were harbingers of Change — something Merlin embodied. And infinity was forever — infinite change, and to change infinitely.
Coming to a halt before his class, Aizawa gave a small nod to Iida to do the opening routine for class. His mind was going through various things. Most importantly, telling Merlin's and his mutual friends and staff members that they were an item and planning to get married within the next year, especially if he could make that one scene a reality by the end of next year.
THE END!