Chapter Ten: The Plan

It had been over a week since the attack at the camp, Veronica had returned to teach her classes and things seemed to fall back in place. She hadn't talked to Aizawa much since the hospital, though Yamada started giving her odd looks whenever she walked by him. She brushed it off for the most part. She simply assumed that the puppy look was because he felt bad about her getting hurt.

Veronica was called into a meeting by Nezu after classes; she was certain it was a follow up to what had happened. She just wasn't sure why she was needed, she already told Nezu everything that had gone down when she returned the UA Monday morning.

As classes ended for Saturday afternoon, Veronica packed her things into her bag and smiled as the students finished cleaning the room and filed out. A few waving at her and wishing her a good weekend.

Once the kids left and she finished gathering her papers to grade over the weekend, she made her way to the conference room. When she arrived, there were a few people already seated around the long deep oak table.

Aizawa, Yamada, Nezu… those were to be expected. However, there were a few other heroes too, a few she had even yet to officially meet. Suddenly she had a feeling there was a little more to the meeting. She took one of the available seats as her eyes wandered to Aizawa who seemed a little more on edge than usual.

"So glad you could make it Veronica! We can start now!" Nezu spoke cheerfully before crossing his hands on the desk, seriousness in his eyes.

"As you all know, there was an attack last week at the training camp. We were able to gather some information from those present as well as some intel uncovered this week. It seems as though the attack was aimed at Eraser Head, and though we don't know why, it at least seems as if the students are not at risk at this time. However, we do want to get to the bottom of this attack and assess further risk. The villain had made remarks about returning, so we do think they will attempt again." Nezu spoke over the room.

Veronica looked around and began to take in everyone's responses to Nezu's announcement. Most had some worry, even hints of rage, all very normal reactions to the situation. Her attention turned back to Nezu who was now focused on her.

"This is why I called you in Veronica." he began.

Veronica was taken back a bit and looked towards Aizawa who seemed to be clenching his fist despite his facial expression remaining the same. He looked back to Nezu as he continued.

"It's your specialty to profile villains, correct?" he began, not actually needing an answer "We want to see if you can get into their head. See if you can figure out what the motive is, if that woman is working solo or a part of something bigger." he nodded.

"You can't send her out into the field…" Aizawa stood, his voice quiet but stern.

Nezu raised an eyebrow to Aizawa "It's not up to you and she's our best bet at finding out anything. She has a great stealth quirk and her knowledge on villain psychology is crucial. Trust me, I've ran through all the calculations Eraser…" he stood up himself.

"It's fine, I'll do it." Veronica finally stood, looking between the two.

"Oh good! Now, all that's left is, I want increased patrols at the school. Mic, keep an eye on Eraser as much as he'll let you. If they do decide to plan another attack, I don't want the students to get caught in the crossfire." Nezu concluded.

Everyone stood from their seats as the tension in the room clung to the air like a dense fog. Veronica finding Aizawa who was visibly on edge still, his cold eyes finding her. She shook his gaze and made her way for the door. She thought about the way he stood up and slowly began to feel an irritation well up in her.

Did he think she wasn't capable? Was it because of her quirk? Did he think she would fail? All of these questions ran through her mind, each creating a sharp pain in her chest. She held her bag tightly to her as she left the UA building, just ready to head back home and think about her new assignment.

"Veronica!" a familiar voice called just as she was outside the school's gates.

She ignored the call and continued walking.

"Dammit Veronica, stop!" Aizawa spoke again "Don't make me restrain you…" he added.

She sighed and turned to face him, her arms crossed in front of her chest, "What?!" she spoke sharply.

Yamada was standing back in the distance, keeping his eyes on them but far enough to give them privacy.

"I'm sorry…" he started.

"Look, I know that I don't have the best control some days, but I know how to do my damned job Shoto!" Veronica began "Nezu thinks I am the best for this, and I am going to do my best! I'm not going to fail!"

"I…" Shoto's face fell "I know…"

"Then what was that!" she spoke as she gestured to the building.

"I just… I don't want to see you get hurt again… not on the behalf of me…" he finally spoke "No one should get hurt over a crazed villain wanting me."

Veronica stared at him for a few moments, her arms falling to her side "I want to help… We all do, that's what we do." she spoke softly "I'll be fine. I'm more resilient than you think, I can handle myself." she finally added.

"I know… it's just…" he looked back to see Yamada grinning wildly and giving him a thumbs up. He gave him a look that quickly caused Yamada to turn about face and start strolling in the other direction.

"It's just what?" Veronica looked at the distracted Aizawa with a raised eyebrow.

"It's just that…" he brought his attention back to Veronica "… I… don't want to see any more of my colleagues get hurt is all." he finally spoke.

Veronica gave a nod "No need to worry about me, I'm just gathering information, how much trouble can I really get in to?" she laughed softly.

Aizawa shook his head "With you, I'm not sure…" he spoke softly.

"I'll be fine. I really should get home, I have so many papers to grade." she patted her bag "Try to enjoy your weekend, especially with your new security detail." she gave a playful wave to Yamada.

"Yeah… thanks…" he shook his head as he looked back to Yamada who was waving energetically.

Veronica gave a soft bow before turned and making her way down the road. The sun began to set in the distance as Veronica approached her building and made her way inside just as a gentle rain began to fall. She sat her bag down on the couch and looked around her small apartment before moving over to the kitchen and making herself a simple dinner.

She cooked a chicken breast in a pan with some butter and then cut it into small pieces. She sat the cut chicken onto a bed of greens and then poured over a light vinaigrette and sat on her couch. She ate the meal in silence as she looked over the papers she had to grade. The television was on in the background, a drama show was on.

After she did the dishes and finished grading her papers, she turned off the television and went to take a shower. As she prepared herself for bed, she sat in bed with a book, leaning against the headboard. After only an hour, she soon started to drift asleep with her book falling to her side.