Chapter 3: Welcome Home

Both of my parents and I were walking side by side, making small conversation with me as we approached terminal gate Number 9, where I would be catching a flight straight to Musutafu from Chicago. It had already been around a week after I received the call from Midnight for filling in a position as a teacher. The next day I brought the topic up with my parents. At first, they reckoned that it was a bad idea for me to go back, but when I told them about how the position there wouldn't involve me in any sort of fighting or pro-hero missions, they told me that I was free to take up the offer. Midnight called me on the same night again, and I told her that I'd accept the offer. She was ecstatic, making sure that the principal and Aizawa knew of my arrival while also offering to let me stay at her apartment. I didn't know what madness persuade me to take the job. Maybe it was the students? All Might? Seeing Kayama again? Though any of those could be some sort of potential reason to do this, I honestly can't take it back now that I'm here.

"Are you sure you both are alright with me doing this?" I asked my parents, turning to both of them as we stopped by the seating area. My dad as expected scoffed as a small satisfied smirk crept into his mouth. "Well as long as this gets you to quit your job, then all is well with me." He said this as if to provoke me, and I narrowed my eyes while giving him a small glare of annoyance. "Richard." My mom standing next to him nudge underneath his shoulder hissing his name, but he didn't seem to mind or take notice of it at all. I slowly inhale a deep breath to keep myself in check and to not yell at him while we were in public. "I didn't quit my job," I told him firmly, replying to his rude remark. "Maurice just told me that I could have some time off for myself because I seemed overworked. It's not being fired, it's called a 'temporary leave'." In the last sentence, I spoke very harshly in the same provoking tone he used, and in response his eyes turned into a glare of warning, not liking how I was talking with him. I couldn't have cared less about that though we were in a public place. "In any case," My mum, being the one to step in and calm the situation down, steps in between us, just cutting him off and speaking out before dad was about to say something back to me. "We are proud of you for accepting such an important job offer at your old school. It will be a new experience for you and you'll finally get out and live a little. No matter what, we are both proud of you Jess." As she said the word 'we', she hooks her arm in with dad's, pulling him close as she smiled at me widely and he just pouted.

Though mom was one of the 20% in the world population that was quirkiness, to me she was always a sort of heroin in a unique way. She was petite, small, and seemed helpless at times, but she had this kind of spell on her that would make you feel safe and empowering to be around, however it would also make her scary when she gets flustered or angry. Maybe it was because my dad and I knew that she was somewhat of a fighter so that she could solve conflicts between us. I was able to calm down a little, looking into her eyes and reply to her with a light smile. "Right." In return, her smile grows a little while.

"Well, your flight won't be until the next half an hour," she then said, checking out the giant clock above the exit behind her, which read a quarter to 9 in the morning before she turned back to face us. "I'm gonna grab us some drink, and I'll leave you both for some time to sit down and talk." She already begins to walk away from us, but she turns back around and looks at me with an apologetic look. "Sorry Jess, is there anything you want me to get for you? Coffee, maybe?" I smiled at her, giving her the to-go (since I wasn't usually the type for coffee in the morning). "I'm fine, thanks." As she turns to leave, I started feeling the tension grow between me and my dad as we both stood side to side alone. We both watch her leave until she's no longer in view, and that's when I turn my back on my dad and started walking to an empty seat near the big window looking out into the plane deck areas as other flights were being held and readied.

Since it was another hour before the flight began, and there weren't many people waiting around the terminal, so I was able to get a good seat easily. The only other people I saw around us who were also waiting, were an old senior couple, a group of teenagers on their phones, and a man in the far back typing on his computer. The reason we were here early, was because dad was afraid that we'd get into traffic and we'd not be able to find a good parking spot near the entrance. (Hence, that was the kind of things people would fuss about these days when coming to the airport.) I sit down on a chair, and feeling his presence next to me, he sits down in the chair next to me, not talking or starting any conversation. We both sat in awkward silence for a few minutes, and I think to myself that at any moment now he would give me one of those kiddy pep talks to try and talk me out of going back to Japan. Pro intuition was right.

"Listen," My dad let out a small sigh as he started, sounding a little hesitant. "I know I have been tough on you with your job at the club, but I only did it to you then because I wanted you to stop making bad decisions for yourself. You don't haft to do this." I was a little stunned by how coincidental his words matched up with my thoughts, but I didn't let that stop or prevent me from feeling angered and offended by him calling my choices 'bad'. "I thought you were happy that I left the club," I said to him coldly, crossing both of my arms on my chest and looking out the window, ignoring him. "I am." He replies to me with a grumbled voice and a sigh, placing his face in his hand before looking at me again. "But I didn't want you to go walking into another dangerous job."

Is he for real? I can't believe him… "It's a sub-teaching position," I told him, my voice still cold as I tried not to let my annoying thoughts slip into words. I didn't want to start any arguments with him, since I know he was trying to prove a point with me, I needed to not speak out harshly or think against him. "What's so dangerous about teaching a bunch of kids?" As I asked that, he became quiet for a few seconds, which made me wonder if I accidentally said something to shut him down. My eyes look next to him, where his eyes narrowed and his mouth into a deep frown. "We both know that UA has been under a lot of problems, with its villain attacks against the students." His tone turned stern, which was something he did when he was trying to make me listen to him more seriously. I didn't pay much mind to it, but I still listened to him as he continued talking. "What do you even know about teaching kids anyway? They just call you up and say that you're on with no teaching degree or any kind of certification that you would be allowed to do this." I sigh, looking out the window at one of the passing planes that entered the runway and preparing to take off. "I don't understand all this."

Honestly, neither do I. I admit, I concur. Everything happened so fast, I don't even think I properly understand this ether. While talking with Kayama in a recent call a couple of nights ago, she told me that I didn't need to know much about the job until I got there, since the principal himself wanted to meet me before he could give me the job, so I can't say for sure that I've already got the job. "Kayama told me that I didn't need any of that stuff," I explained to him briefly, trying not to sound as if I were any more certain with this than I originally led on. "I was given an invite by the principal to teach and provide another hand to help the students. I know I don't make it sound as good as it is, but at the very least the only certification they need from me is the ability to use my quirk and the experience of being an ex-pro. I won't go on missions or get into danger, so I don't understand why you're not trusting me on this."

"It's not that I don't trust you, or that you can't protect yourself!" He started to raise his voice, seeming as if he was trying not to lash out. I could see his feet standing on the edge, and I was expecting him to continue with a fury of rage in his voice, but to my astonishment, he took a few deeps breaths for a moment to calm down, which was unlike him, before he spoke again with a calmer tone. "I know you are capable of doing those things and so much more." He pauses, for a moment I thought he couldn't bring up the right words, but also, I thought that he knew there would be no convincing me to change my mind. However, I was very wrong, and I regret thinking that because of what he said next. "It's just… I'm afraid." In his words, I could hear the hesitation and sadness in his voice, and looking at him with new eyes, I saw that he was looking to the ground as if he was in front of someone's grave. He sniffles back as if holding in tears as he continues. "I don't want to see my daughter hurt, not after what happened last time. I don't want the colour black to be the last thing I see resinating from your body, a colour that looks of despair. Though I act like such a bother to you, as your father all I want is for you to be happy. However, more than that I want you to be safe and well. You don't know if you'll be safe. Though you can just teleport out of there, what kind of trouble do you think you'll find yourself in. You'll get hurt, and maybe… maybe you won't be able to recover from it again. Not like the last time."

Last time… I then suddenly understood it all, why his actions lead up to this point. It came to me like a bullet to the head. How he tried to get me out of my dangerous job and pestering me about my decision to become a pro-hero, all this time he felt guilty. He was guilty of how he was not able to protect me or help me when I needed it the most during those moments of agony I felt. I start to feel my stomach sink, my breath felt shallow. He was not the only one hiding something he burdened. Though I lost my pride in being a hero, as well as the joy it gave me, I blindly neglected what happiness I already have. Not with just my friends, but with my family too. I disregarded everything that I had in front of me while thinking I had nothing more to be happy with. I feel like such an idiot.

"Dad," I suddenly began, trying well to hide my shaking voice. "it's not gonna turn out like last time. What happened was… unpredicted. That's how all accidents are— or at least how mine was meant to be. Back then, if I had chosen a different path to follow, I probably would find a job that would make you happy and that I would never need to get hurt. Though the thought of that kind of life would've been more to make me content with my choices, I don't have any regrets on choosing my path as a hero. Sure, I may not be one anymore, and though I acted recklessly in saving someone who cost me that career, the things I've seen and done are experiences that I will treasure forever. Saving lives, fighting villains, pushing the limits, I was never gonna find them with just any normal job. The life I had always made me happier than I ever been, and it made me even more so when I look out and see everyone smiling at the safer world we lived in. This probably doesn't correlate with anything that revolves around this decision, and I know that you and mom thought you knew what was best for me, but even if I—"

Before I could finish, I was suddenly embraced by his arms and he crouched in front of me, as if I were a small kid again, and squeezing me tightly that I felt as if he would crush my back. At that moment, my thoughts wanted to push him away, but I was weak against his grasp on me, as he then said such gentle words into my ear. What he said, made my mind stopped for a moment as I could feel my chest hurt with his words. "The only thing I ever wanted for you, was for you to have been happy. Not with what we wanted what was best. We both love you, Jess, never think that we don't." Sinking into his chest, I couldn't help but whisper back to him as a small tear rolled down my cheek. "Me too." I hugged him back tightly and I almost let my legs collapse as we held each other in a desperate embrace, as if letting go of each other would be taken away if we do. We stayed like that for a while before back sitting down in our seats, talking to each other more about what was happening between us and the teaching position I was offered at UA. Though our conversation had a few bumps, (speaking to each other about how stupid our life choices were), but soon, we were beginning to make new ground, with a couple of laughs as our discussion turned more pleasant as the topic changed and we rambled on about others that were less serious.

"Hey, you two." We suddenly hear my mum's voice, as we both turned around, she approaches us carrying two coffee cups in both her hands, smiling at us and seeming like she didn't hear what we were talking about. "Is everything okay?" She asked her faced a little concerned as if she predicted we would have fought. We both looked at each other, as we understood our knowing gazes and knew what answer would we say. My dad was the one to speaks for both of us. "Nothing's wrong honey, right Jess?" I nodded, in agreement and replied to look at her with a kind smile, "Right." Though I expected mum to give us one of those looks like she didn't fully believe us, I was a little relieved to see her face softened as she too sat down with us, her smile growing a little brighter than her last.

Time went by during the rest of the hour, my parents and I were able to talk more about what was going on with me, and how I know Midnight and Aizawa from high school since I never really gave them much insight on my life when I lived overseas. I didn't expect to have made amends and grown closer with them the day I would leave them again, but I guess with this sort of story, I was able to do a good think out my life to solve my issues before tackling new ones which I will haft to battle at UA. "Calling all for the morning flight to Musutafu City, Japan. Please make your way to Gate 9 for boarding." I felt my heart weaken as I started to set my handbag up and got ready to say goodbye to my parent.

As the other passengers got up and boarded through the terminal and into the jet bridge, I stayed behind and gave both my parents a big hug, almost wishing that I didn't want to leave before my mom pulled away and placed a small brown paper bag into my hand. I look at the bag and back to her surprised as she explains with he happy expression that was a little flushed, "The flight will be long, so I packed you some snacks just in case you get hungry. I know they would give you nuts and such, but just in case, here is something a little sweet and bitter that I thought you'd like." I curiously peered inside the bag to see a handful of some of the favourite snacks I liked, dark chocolate, red lickerish, salted pretzels, and even some brandish gingersnaps biscuits. (I like what I like okay?) I smile down at the bag of goods then up at them both. "I'll call you both when I get there tomorrow."

"I don't think you should," Mum then said, looking at me a little worried with the suggestion. "It will probably be too late to call and I'm guessing that you'll need to be well-rested for the first day when you start teaching, right?" She asked me, I had to admit that of course she made a good point and I didn't think too well about what I would do as soon as I get there. Another thing you should know is that my mom thinks ahead of time to prepare and would sometimes focus on them as if not doing one would cause a mistake or error in later plans. "Call or text us when you have the time." She then said, making her suggestions straight on point as if she were informing me on what I needed to do for a hero mission. "Make sure to tell us everything that's been going on, and make sure to eat healthily, sleep well, and don't overwork yourself if you think you need to—"

"Hon, I'm pretty sure our daughter can take care of herself just fine." My dad then interrupts, placing a hand on her shoulder and tries to be reassuring. My mom's face softens, realising how she was overreacting, but still seemed tense as if the worry didn't fully leave her mind. They both turn their heads to me, both giving me sentimental smiles as dad lightly pats me on the shoulder with a warm and assuring feel to his touch. "We'll be here waiting for you when you come home, so do what you gotta do and give it your best." I look at them both, almost wanting to cry. This whole thing seemed too much all too sudden. They were about to let me go, again, probably praying that I don't get hurt or die. I was a little envious of their trust towards me, as well as the bravery they have watching me leave them behind.

"Thank you." I give them both another big hug, almost wishing that it wouldn't end and knowing that I was going to miss them. I let them go and headed for the bridge, giving the flight attendance my ticket to check-in. I look back at them a final time before walking through the doors, but most of my gaze was on my dad. What he and I talked about earlier, and he said about the last time, I didn't want him or mom to worry about me because of what happened that night. I noted to myself; that as soon as I get to teach at UA, never should I get myself mixed up in anything having to do with villains or fighting to save my life. I needed to look out for myself to make sure I don't get hurt again, or hurt the people around me a second time. I pass through the doors as they closed as I made my way through the bridge and onto the plane. 'I promise to stay safe. I love you both.'

2 years ago when the incident occurred. The last mission I have ever gone on as a pro-hero, the one job that ended my career, crippled my leg whilst blinding my eye. Though it was a horrible night to reminisce, unlike most of the jobs I had ever gone on, I could recall nearly every detail, every action, and reaction that occurred as if it were a movie that I've seen over 100 times over. Remembering everything from that night with each passing day, it was like a continuous movie on repeat.

That night Mind-Walker, my past co-worker, and I, along with the other pros assisting us with the case, were sneaking outside both the warehouse's perimeter and roof of the surrounding buildings that overlooked it. (I was part of the extraction team, since being the only one who had a teleportation quirk, I was the only one who had to take the UA student out, while the rest of them, who all had defence quirks, made sure that we were able to escape). I'd remember how excited I was for some reason, wanting to dive into battle was one of the many things I liked about the pro-hero job. The adrenaline, the risk for danger, tiptoeing around your opponents to provoke them as well as reading their movements and predicting what they would try to do next. I had always been skilled at analysing a stereotypic situation, visualise how the fight would play out, and thinking of the ideal strategy to better my opponent. However, though I knew the plan wouldn't follow towards the exact best-case scenario, the other heroes and I were not prepared to face the surprise attack that had occurred.

Though by then the UA student was in safer custody of the police, some of the heroes, myself included, were fighting off the yakuza associates of Shie Hassaikai, also known as "The Eight Precepts of Death". However, we were only starting to get the upper hand of the fight until a member of the organisation called Rappa, had turned the tide of the game to make sure we didn't have a chance to have a certain victory in the battle. The ground shook beneath our feet, and the next thing we knew, the roof above us started to come down. Both heroes and villain agents were making a break for the exit while I stayed behind, trying to keep a level head and making sure everyone got out safely while helping to avoid them getting hurt as best as I can.

My eyes scanned the room looking for other heroes to help escort out, but just as until I spotted the silver briefcase that was left on an oil drum near the far centre of the building. The case was still open, and among the contents of the case were lines of small silvers bullets lined in a row and alongside a gun. Though it didn't stand out to me as something to worry about, at the side of my mind, by the way, it looked, I had a feeling that whatever was, in that case, had to be important, or at least relevant in some way for why they kidnapped the UA student. From the corner of my eye, the yakuza operative in the red crossed mask was racing for it as if it were life and death. The place was still coming down hard, the ceiling had become more unstable, and even the walls were losing their balance on holding the place together. 'Is he crazy!?' I then started running straight towards him without even trying to consider what sort of motive I'd have to get us both out. 'Idiots gonna get himself killed. I gotta save him.' I could still remember the smell of the rubble coming down, and the shaking of the ground beneath my feet with every quick step I took as I sprinted towards the case as a giant chunk of the ceiling started to fall on top of us.

It was only for a split second, just as we approached the briefcase and the oil drum, I had pushed him out of the way with my body and he tumbled onto the floor. He avoided any of the downfalls of the building, but I was not so fortunate. At that moment, the world around me darkened as a heavyweight fell on me from my back. The thing that lingers to me from that moment of darkness, was the immense pain I felt in my body, especially in my left eye and leg. I tried to turn my head to look at my leg, but my view was short-sighted in the darkness and I wasn't able to find space between the rubble to see if it was okay. The briefcase was held tightly in my arms, I could feel its shape around me as I tried to wriggle my arms around to what I could do. Frankly, there was nothing I could do. Using a small bit of my hand, I brushed away a wet substance that somewhat covered the top of my eye, which I assumed had to be blood. Luckily apart from my body's lower half, I was able to move a bit in the small pocketed space that formed around me from the cave in rock. However, I was undeniably trapped and unable to lift any of the rocks in risking to collapse.

I admit I was terrified. It wasn't because I feared of the numbing pain in my leg and the eye was serious or the darkness that was caving in on me, thinking that it might collapse at any moment, but I was wary of who could be out there, and I didn't know if who I would call out would be friend or foe. I was desperate still, and I tried to listen carefully for any sign of movement near me. At first, it was all dead silent, but moments after I then heard shuffling a few steps from me, and the sound of heavy breathing of a person. Without thinking I called out as best I could from the position I was lying in while barely breathing any air. "Help! Is somebody there?!" My throat was dry, and I could feel the sides of my rib cage hurting from the concrete ground beneath me. "Please! I can't move my leg! I need an ambulance! Please help!" However, though I was very hopeful in those few moments of relief as I was myself rescued, the one who found me under the rubble, was the masked villain. The events after that were all too sickening to ever talk or think about to anyone. It had left a bad taste in my mouth to think about it, as well as a weight on my chest that made me lose the trust I had when getting close to others.

However, though I had tried my best to use my arms to protect the case from his grasp, with my leg severely injured keeping me trapped, as well as agonising numbness in its feeling, I was not able to stand my own against him. He had the advantage in having the higher ground, and the case slipped from my tired and bruised hands. At that very moment, just looking at them, I kept wondering how could I have not seen them for the monster they are, and what was I to them? Someone close? Or a pawn? "You bastard! Why?! I trusted you! Please, don't do this! I saved your life!" I screamed after him as he was limping away, with a briefcase in hand. Though only for a vivid while, I saw their silhouette fading as I never saw a glimpse of them again. "COME BACK!" I continued shouting after them, as tears streamed down my face and my throat raw while I was wasting breath and strength on them. It hurt so much, I couldn't understand it. I wanted to, but all I could do in those moments lying under that rubble was to cry out to them in anger while never hoping to see them again. "DON'T LEAVE ME HERE! COME BACK!"

"…Miss?" Through the darkness, I heard the faint voice of a woman, one which I didn't recognise. "Miss?" My eyes opened in shock as I awoke from the dream. I became confused about my surroundings for a minute before remembering that I was on the plane flying to Musutafu and had fallen asleep when we were around 10 hours into the flight. The young flight attendant, who was the one who woke me up, stood in the walkway while peering over at me and lightly shaking my shoulder. I must have given her a bit of a scare, when I woke up my hand had shot out and grabbed at her hand tightly as if she were a threat. I felt a little embarrassed, and I let go of her hand while apologising. She gave me a nervous smile, seeing as if I was someone who looked as though I would pounce at her any moment if she tried to touch me again, and had quickly explained to me what was going down. "We're about to land, so would you please fasten your seatbelt?"

I looked down at my lap, seeing how my belt was not on, and I remembered that it got uncomfortable when I started trying to sleep. "Oh, okay." I did it up again to fasten, as the flight attendant then went to check on the other passengers in front of me. However, as I look up to see her leave, I catch her giving me a backward glance at me from beside the passenger's chair in front of me. She flinches as our eyes met, and she almost trembled as she approached me again trying to look composed. I felt as if I were a beast she was trying not to wake from their slumber. (Which remembering what had happened just then, I could now then understood her actions.)

"Are you alright miss?" She asked me so sincerely, and with a concerned look that reminded me of my mothers. She was young too, which made me think about how Kitten looked at me when we last spoke. It made me sick, but only in a way that unsettled my stomach anxiously as I tried not to look disgusted to her. So, though I knew I didn't look like I wasn't in the best shape, I forced a smile and answered a small, "Yeah, I'm alright." For a few moments, the attendant said nothing, only gave me a small half-smile before walking back up the aisle as the announcement went back on. I could see the disbelief on her face, and I thought to myself what a terrible lair I was.

I was still tired, even after spending the last 5 hours of the flight asleep. I couldn't shake the dream out of my head as I was walking out with everyone on the plane. A flight to Japan would have taken just about 13 to 17 hours, but as we landed and headed out the plane, I thought it would have been a little over 10 p.m. so I didn't check the time. Though I was not entirely sure where to go, I just followed the crowd of people that were on my plane. I couldn't remember most of the japans characters and symbols on the signs, so I just followed a small crowd of people who were on my plane and who were all most likely heading to the bagging area, which was where I needed to go to grab my suitcase.

Trying my best to have enough space to walk, I kept on accidentally bumping into other people, both from my plane and who was departing on other flights, and I ended up apologising to everyone I made contact with. I just couldn't find the room to move, and it was getting harder to walk as we progressed downstairs like I was in a sea of hoarding animals travelling in a pack. 'Forgot how crowded airports can be in Japan.' I thought to myself. It was after around 10 minutes, we finally approached the downstairs area of the airport, and like the crowd, I was stepping onto the escalator and heading downstairs. 'Baggage collection should be around here somewhere—' As my eyes for a moment glanced away from my phone as I stepped off the bottom of the escalator to mind my footing and I then spotted a familiar figure standing at the back of a small crowd of people who were welcoming some of the new arrivals and holding out signs of other peoples names written in Japanese. He wore dark clothing from head to toe, his hair was like a black mop over his tired eyes, and he had an unusual scarf hanging from his shoulders. No way, is that… "Aizawa?"

He was looking on his phone, reading something I guess, before he slowly looked up at me and turning it off as I called out his name. "Hey, Jess." He greets me with a low voice that resembled a bored grumble. "It's been a while." His expression was dull and lifeless as I could see heavy bags under his saggy eyes. (He looked worse than me when I stayed up too late.) "Um, yeah, it has," I answered, not sure what to say to him since I was only still getting used to processing the Japanese language again like when back a few years ago, and also since I was only expecting to meet up with Kayama to pick me up, not him. "Did you have a good flight?" Aizawa asked, though looking as if he wasn't very interested in my answer. I replied to him uncertainly, before quickly, my voice sounding unsure as I then added in a question, "Um, I did— but what are you doing here?" He replied, seeming despondent. "Kayama doesn't have a driver's license, so she asked me to pick you up."

"Isn't she here too?" I asked, turning my head both ways and expecting to see her walking to us. However, on both sides of me, apart from the crowd of people standing around and walking past us out of the airport, I wasn't able to see anyone who looked or resembled my old (fetish obsessed) friend. "No," Aizawa answered to me again, his facial expression narrowing in annoyance (almost like how I do it) when I turned to look back at him. "Although she's your friend, she doesn't want to be the one who bothers on collecting you at 2 a.m." I looked at him in shock and utter disbelief. 2 a.m?!

I pull out my phone to look at the time, which I had didn't notice before, and saw that my clock had changed timeliness and it was indeed 2 am in Japan. I felt stupid for not noticing it before, but since I didn't seem that tired from those few hours of sleeping on the plane, my mind was still in a daze and I didn't think that it was this late in the night. "It's already that time," I mumble this under my breath before I turn back to him a little concerned. Even at 2 o'clock, I was amazed he even agreed to do this while still barely keeping his eyes open. I asked him, "Aren't you tired though? How long have you been waiting?" He answered with a shrug while grumbling, "Around half an hour, and I'm used to staying up at late hours like this. Or did you already forget the kind of work I specialised in?" He made it sound as if it were a statement more than a question and I felt a bit annoyed by the way he asked it.

The history behind Aizawa and me is that though we've gotten along fine during high school and pro-work back in the day, there were always a couple of times that when we were alone, we'd sort of talk without hesitation and say whatever we think. (I don't know if others would have felt the same, but the thing we have is like, we can be truthful and blunt with each other and not sugar coat it, I guess.) "It's probably not safe to talk here." He then said to me, his eyes looking from around us, and I too noticed how some of the people that were passing by, were watching us keenly as others whispered to each other frantically. I heard a few murmurs amongst them that said 'Is that him? Eraser head', and 'Who is he talking to? A friend maybe?'. However, other whispers weren't so pleasant, like 'We should leave before another villain shows up', and 'He's nothing but a bad influence on those UA kids.'

I felt bad for Aizawa for getting this kind of crap from others (almost so that wanted to punch them), but I guess with him being stated as 'UA Teacher of Endangered Class of First-Year Students', I can understand why people would give him so much attention even when he doesn't try to get it. I knew that the incidents on the news with his class had nothing to do with his bad rep as a teacher, but thanks to modern media and the crazy press of Japan, they made it look as if he was the bad guy, even though they were completely unpredictable events and he was trying to protect them. As much as I want to punch the suckers who were making those nasty comments, I had no right to get myself involved with their opinions even as Aizawa seems to mind. The look on Aizawa's face seemed to have wavered from his tired one, but I could tell that he wanted to leave. His voice was still low as then told me, "The bagging area is down the hall to the left here, in case you didn't know." I followed his finger as he points in the direction of a crowd of people standing by the end of the room. He continues, "I'll be waiting outside, but don't take too long."

I nodded, mouthing him the okay just as he turns towards the exit to leave. The crowd watched him silently before turning to me as I went off to the bagging area that Aizawa said. No one approached but only stared and whispered, though I was not able to make out what they were saying. I kept my hands in my pocket, trying not to take notice of the people giving me some mean and curious looks while I quickened my walking. 'Not exactly the reception I was hoping for coming home.'

The car ride was honestly very uncomfortable and awkward. Aizawa didn't speak once when we left the airport parking lot or started any small talk when we entered the freeway towards the city. I was able to get out of the airport without being questioned by most of the standards, and Aizawa pulled up in front of me just in time when I got out. I didn't thank him, neither did he ask for one, but I wanted to make some sort of talk with him, after all, it has been nearly forever since we last saw each other and spoke. "Thanks for picking me up," I spoke, feeling a little awkward how I wasn't able to come up with any other conversation starter. He replied sounding very apathetic, "Well it's not like I have anything better to do at night." He kept his eyes to the road, not sounding interested in the conversation. (Then again, I've always known him to be this low-key and anti-social). "You mean you don't have night patrol anymore?" I then asked him, my eyes turning their attention to the road and building lights around us.

"Working as a teacher sometimes gets you to stop doing those sort of things." He answered blankly. "I don't usually go, but when I get the time it happens." I was a little glad that we were making a bit of conversation. I then, wanting to continue, changed the topic as I asked him, "So how are things with Hizashi?" For a few moments he didn't speak, my eyes looked in his direction and he seemed a bit hesitant. He then slowly replied and asked me, "What about him?" I was a little surprised by his response when he spoke in a stern but cautious tone as I answered. "Don't you spend time with him, now that you're both married?"

Just as he was turning out of the highway, I could feel the car jerking unexpectedly to the right side of the road, and my body was stiffened for a few moments. I hold onto the door's handle as he straightens his car, and drives along the road again smoothly as if nothing had happened. We pull to a red light, and I turn to see his face. Stone stiff with his eyes narrowed down slightly. "Midnight told you about us?" He asked in a low serious tone as if he was asking if I killed someone. I answered him, not sure what sort of reply I should say since I didn't know all the details. "Was she not suppose to tell me?" He looked like he was about to say something, his mouth moving up and down aimlessly, but no words were spoken. Instead, he let out a heavy sigh, almost as if mimicking the kind of ones that I used when I was annoyed with Kitten at the club. I reach into the cupholder between us, where Aizawa had put a plastic bottle for me to drink out of. Carefully not spilling on myself, I had taken a few sips of the water, before he then asks me from out of the blue, "So how have you been these past 3 years?" I almost spat out the water as I was not prepared for this question while secretly hoping that he wouldn't, and thinking that this was some sort of karma for asking too many questions. I heaved a quiet sigh, before answering in a grumble. "I've gotten by fine."

"And your leg?" Without warning he shoots me off with another uncomfortable topic I don't like to talk about, it almost made me a little pissed off. "It's doing alright too," I answered him again quickly in a harsher but more grumbling tone, wishing that he would change the subject before I blew up in his face to shut up. Luckily though, I was a little more relieved with the next question (thank god). "You also cut your hair. Dyed it too." He asked as I could see him looking at me from the corner of his eye. He aimed for my head of course, and that kind of made me feel a little giddy since I don't usually get a lot of people talking about it. When I went back home after the incident, I was in a very dark place and I didn't want to look at myself as the person I was. So with some shears and hair dye from the nearest chemist, I gave myself a whole frickin makeover and made that sorrowful reflection disappear. Though for a while it felt as if it were a relief, I began seeing that sorrowful expression, changing did nothing for me but cover up and hide behind a mask I didn't recognise. "Yeah," I mumbled, my hand unconsciously grabbed a small strand of it while I wrapped some of it around with my finger as I turned my eyes away from his. "thought it'd be nice to change my look a little since I retired."

"Seems like a lot of things have changed since you retired." Aizawa then adds in, looking back to the road as he changed lanes. "I'm surprised you remember how to speak fluently Japanese." I noticed that too. Though not understanding the characters, as I use to when living in Japan, I've been able to speak the language like a pro, and it didn't come to mind till after running into Shota, but I managed to do well without even trying. (Talent for it I guess) "I didn't realise," I confessed, sounding a little embarrassed though not meaning to. "Guess it was like a second language when I lived here. Even after retiring, there are still things that never change."

"Hmmm." He only responded with a small hum before there was a dead awkward silence between us. For a few moments, all was quiet and I began to wonder if he just wanted some quiet (which was fine with me), but as I thought that, he supposed me as he then asked, "You sure you want to do this?" I turn to him, as expected his eyes were fixed on the road. I knew what sort of question he was asking, but I tried to make a joke of it, acting as if I didn't to humour myself (and mostly clear the air a little with some sarcasm.) "By this, you mean living in the same house with Kayama?" I asked him in a sarcastic tone, I smiled while putting both my hands behind my head as I leaned down on the chair. "If I survived high school with her, then I think I can handle living with her for 3 months." I closed my eyes for a few moments before I hear him sigh heavily, and so opening them again, I saw that his gaze was on me with a serious and tired glare while still looking to the road. "I mean, are you sure you want to spend 3 months teaching a class of teenagers?" My charismatic smile faded as I knew he wanted a straightforward and serious answer."Honestly, I'm not even remotely certain." I confessed to him bluntly, with a sigh. "I was asked to take temporary leave at my job, and on the same day Midnight called and asked me for the position."

"And took it despite not knowing anything about teaching." As if on cue, Aizawa said this to me instantly. I see him turn his head towards me as he looks at me with an 'I can't believe you did this look', and it almost made me wonder whether if there would be any other excuse I could make for doing this. I couldn't just say it was out of the goodness of my heart or that I just got fired, (cause that is not something I'm not open to discussing), but his gaze made me feel as that if I hold anything back and not give him one truth at least, he would probably do something to coerce me otherwise. "I just wanted to take some time away from home." I half-confessed to him, a little hoping that this interrogation of his would end. "Besides, all you need to do is read out whatever's on the handbook, right?" As I asked that, I realised that I was sounding like a selfish prick.

"There is more to teaching than just that. Don't ever think it will be that simple." Aizawa's voice, though still was stern, had a kind of softeners in it too. (Strangely and weird to add, it made me think he was giving a funeral speech. However, best not to say it aloud.) "Be aware that each of the students you're gonna meets tomorrow is the next generation of our society's future. They chose to attend UA hoping to become the better versions of themselves, become heroes who would go beyond and achieve the impossible. Class 1A represents a group of individuals who are still sharpening their new blades before preparing for the big wars we could face in the future. Though they know what sorts of dangers could await a pro, all of them still have a long way to go before they're ready to handle bigger challenges like we have faced. As a teacher to that class, though you should treat them firmly and with discipline, you also haft to understand and see each of them for more than just students."

He goes quiet, and I look at him with new eyes widened as they stare at him in awe and amazement. It took me off guard, and never had I seen Aizawa Shota talk about something with… passion? Pride? Were those the right words to describe it? I had listened to him with keen interest, baffled by the way he spoke so highly of his students. Though from the research I've done about the Class 1A, they are pretty good, Aizawa could see more to his students for their potential and power as well as their teamwork. (However, those were my thoughts on it. His morals and thoughts of his students could be completed more different or selfless if I had to guess.) I lightly chuckled as I muttered, "You've really haven't changed these past 5 years." I hear him sigh as he replies back to me without any filter or hesitation in his words. "I wish could say the same for you." I didn't know how I could respond to that. I wanted to, but yet, I didn't have one. The words froze and vanished just as I wanted to say something back. He had the last word, leaving them thick in the car's air and stuck with me as I turned my eyes out to the window.

For the rest of the time during the ride, Aizawa and I were quiet, only ever talking to each other whether I had a question about the school and other things including for me to move into the student dorms in his old room after spending a few nights in Kayama's apartment. Pulling up into the driveway of the apartment complex's entrance, I could see the dark silhouette of a woman walking towards us as I stepped out of the car. At first, I didn't recognise who it was, I couldn't even tell it was her since she was dressed in clothes I didn't think she owned; a baggy sweatshirt that revealed her shoulder hanging down, and trousers that lengthen down three-quarters of her legs, along with candles on her feet. Though I have seen Kayama in causal wear and pyjamas before, I never thought that her change in style would change.

"Jess!" Her voice rang out through the driveway, making me almost fear that she would wake up her neighbours, wrapping her arms around me in a tight bear hug embrace. I felt her rub her cheek mine as if she spoke again, her voice still a little loud for comfort. "It's so good to see you again!" 'Would have seen me sooner if you came to meet me too.' I think to myself, almost wanting to mumble it aloud to her, but keeping it to myself to not ruin the moment. While still hugging me tightly, I was able to tilt my head towards Aizawa, who was already taking my suitcase out from the boot of the car and rolling it towards us. "I'm leaving her to you." He said to Kayama. "I already wasted 2 hours of my night doing this and I need to get ready to fly out tomorrow." He hands her my suitcase, which she receives from him as she releases me from her bear grip hug. I look to Aizawa questionably, "Your flying out tomorrow?" I asked.

"Yep, he and Mic are gonna start their honeymoon," Kayama spoke up in a chipper tone, answering my question before Aizawa could. "Tell me how you two go and bring back a couple of souvenirs, okay?" She batted her eyes at him before she winked playfully, and making me roll my eyes to the side (Same old Kayama). Shota looked at her with a frown. "Aside from that, Nezu thought it'd be a good idea for me to get away from the media until things die down. I'm not taking my time away from teaching to be your overseas gift shop." Saying this, Kayama's face turned into a pout that was almost childish but annoyed. Aizawa's eyes turned away from Kayama's and looked at me. "I have my written number in the faculty room on my desk." He said to me. "I'll keep my phone on me at all times just in case you need to reach me. You both have a good night." He heads back into his car, and both Kayama and I watch him drive out of the parking lot and back onto the road.

"Have a nice time!" Kayama shouted after him, waving her arm to him as he disappeared. I wished that she would calm down to not wake up the whole block, but then again, I had already gotten used to being around that side of her since our high school days. "You cut your hair?" Kayama then asked, giving me a cheeky wink as her hand was on top of my hair and petting me as if I were a dog. "Yeah, got some stuff done to it," I replied, reaching my hand up to the ends of my hair as if to make sure I was right, and almost forgetting I was no longer long like it used to be. "It's nice seeing you again." I then said with a smile when she finally removed her hand from my now tangled and messy hair. "Yeah, and sorry, again, that I didn't come to pick you up." She replied to me, though not really sounding apologetic. "It all slipped my mind and I didn't have a licence, so I was lucky that Aizawa was out when I asked him to pick you up."

"You're an adult, shouldn't you learn at least how to drive like everyone else?" I asked her, almost glaring at her in disbelief. She smiles widely at me, in a way that said that learning to drive was not a big deal. "It's not like I don't know-how, it's just that I never took an interest in it." She grabs the handle of my suitcase and starts walking towards two doors leading into the main entrance. Turning her head back to me while dragging it behind her, she then tells me "Anyway, follow me." Walking close behind her into the main room, we soon approach an elevator where we rode it up to the fifth floor. We soon walked down the hallway, which was all dark and quiet, considering that this was way after 3 a.m., and reached Midnight's room number; Apartment 29. I am immediately hit with a heavy strong fragrance as we both enter the apartment and closed the door behind us. It smelt like perfume, but it was almost too much as if someone used the whole bottle on themselves, and I wanted to hold my breath to block out the stench. I pull my suitcase with me from behind as I follow Kayama out of the main entryway.

"That's the kitchen to your left and this is the living room," Kayama said, pointing to both our left and opening up into the bigger space which was her living room. I stopped almost dumbfound and shocked by what was displayed in the living room. It looked like a bomb blew up and recked the place, dirty clothes were piling on everywhere I looked, like the couch, the coffee table in the middle, I even saw a few bras hanging on top of the TV like a drying rack. There was also a couple of cupped noodle containers lying around on the floor, along with a few bar wrappers and small scraps of leftover foods. The kitchen was no meadow either, dishes were also piling on top of each other in the sink, probably hundreds of dirty stains were covering the tabletop and stove from leftover overheat up food containers. It was a disaster zone, but though as much as I wanted to tell Midnight that, I knew that right now wasn't the right time to make a fuss about her living skills. So I kept telling myself to hold it in til later.

Following close behind, she leads me into a smaller hallway that looked to be connected to 4 other doors to different rooms. She explained what was here as we approached each of them, "This is the bathroom, the toilet is the door across. The linen cupboard is at the end of the hall, and you'll find a couple of pillows and blankets inside, but if you need anything else, you may need to buy them yourself after you move into the dorm." I slightly groaned but stopped myself short so I wouldn't let Midnight hear me. Earlier in the car, while talking to Aizawa, he mentioned to me that I was permitted to move into the student dorms. The reason for this was because, in the event of a villain attack, they would need someone to help protect them, while also keeping them supervised. I had agreed that wouldn't be a problem, but living under the same roof with a class of teenagers was still a big step for me since I still haven't met my students nor did I have my first day of teaching. I didn't know if I was gonna get along with these students or be of any help to them with what I can teach them or instruct them, but I'm hoping that the first will be a piece of cake so that I could put things together and manage them on my own without any help.

"It's not home, but I hope it's not too small for your liking." Kayama then says as she turned to me with a worried smile, looking as though she knew I was disgusted by the state of the living room and kitchen from earlier. "It's fine," I said to her assuringly before quickly asking her, "Can you tell me what time we need to leave in the morning?" As if almost robotic, she answers briefly while opening up the door that leads to her bedroom. "Classes start at 8 sharp, but I was told to bring you there at 7 so you could talk to the principal before you meet the students."

"Got it." I nodded to her, though not feeling very ecstatic about tomorrow and thinking about the possibility of things going wrong with my first impression on the school's principal and staff. (Maybe just tired though.) With a yawn she enters her room, turning back to me as she leans against the door with a tired smile. "So I'll see you in the morning— another couple of hours that is. Do you wanna take a bath before you rest?" I shook quickly while waving my hand. "I think I'll wait till the morning— that is if you don't mind." Kayama smiles, waving her hand at me as if not to worry about it. "Not at all." She stops, lowering her hand, and her smile softens as her eyelids are just about to close fully. "Have a good night Jess, it is good to see you again." She said this, closing the door gently before I could respond. I stood at the door for a few minutes, before I whispered to myself, a sudden feeling of sadness washing over me. "Same here."

I turn back to the hallway and walked into the living room. Though I was getting very tired, I made the effort and removed some of the clothing from the couch, tossing them to the side and trying to make it look comfortable for me to sleep on. I grabbed a few blankets and pillows from the linen closet as Kayama told me, however they didn't make the couch-bed any more satisfactory. Laying there, my mind wandered off until I had suddenly remembered the brown paper bag my mom prepared for me. I didn't get a chance to eat many of the things inside, so I reached down into my bag to scoop it out, reaching inside for a strap of red liquorice. Though I knew this would probably keep me awake for a while, I tossed it into my mouth, putting my hands behind my head as I chew on it slowly. I closed my eyes to sleep and waiting for the next day to arrive. 'Hopefully, I didn't come all this way for squat.'

Hey Everyone! Thank You for reading the end of this chapter!

Sorry that I wasn't able to finish at the end of the month like I usually would, but things have been kind of tough for me adjusting to my new schedule I have this year, so I haven't really been at my A-game lately. (If most of the story does not make sense or have a good flow on how it's narrated, please forgive me since I didn't properly look over it.)

I'm gonna be spending most of this year writing the next part of one of my other OC story, so I probably won't have any time to do this one. My cousin and I haven't had any contact with each other recently and I would really need their help to continue, but it may take some time to touch base and get back. I could continue this on my own, however, I'm only motivated to do so unless you guy would kindly ask for another chapter in the comments. I read through and check every week, (not at all surprised no one has commented) and if you don't want a continuing chapter, still feel free to check out some of my other fandoms on my profile.

Have a good one and I'll hopefully post again soon! -Ryan