I'm With you, Forever, The End

by Katsuki-1x

In the world of quirks 90% of the population has a quirk. Scientists believe that soulmates and quirks are somehow linked. Izuku and Katsuki are training at the beach when Izuku finds a fruit. Izuku eats the fruit and gains a power. On the beach the boys save a group of strangers that have washed up on shore. Izuku finds out what is power is and what it is called when the stranger

50. Chapter 50: Lonely Hearts

Aizawa walks to Nezu's office on autopilot, this situation is direr than Aizawa could have predicted. Somehow Eri is not only under Izuku's protection; claimed by Fuji, but also from what Katsuki was saying Fenrir feels something strong for the girl as well. He needs to make sure the committee in charge of finding the girl a home keeps her close to U.A. He hopes if he explains the risks of taking the girl away, Nezu will have some pull in keeping her here. Aizawa reaches Nezu's office, takes a few breaths to steady himself, and knocks.

"Come in," Nezu sounds from the other side of the door.

Aizawa opens the door, trying to hide his troubled thoughts behind his usual tired expression. "Got a minute?"

Nezu studies the teacher, the man's eyes have a touch of wariness Nezu can't ignore. Something is troubling one of his best teachers, and he thinks he knows the cause. He nods, "I've got some time. Tea?" he offers.

Aizawa typically declines the offers of tea Nezu usually offers him, but tonight he caves and nods his head. He accepts the cup of bitter ginger tea. He doesn't take a sip instead he glares at the cup as if it has all the answers to life he needs.

Nezu waits patiently for Aizawa to talk, but when it becomes obvious that the man won't start the conversation, Nezu clears his throat, "As much as I enjoy company during tea, I believe that was not the purpose of your visit."

Aizawa glances up from his cup of tea, eyes just shy of bloodshot, he sighs, "I just dropped Midoriya, and Bakugo off from their visit with Eri."

Nezu perks up, "How is the girl?"

Aizawa runs a hand through his hair, "All things considered she is doing well, though I think we have the boys to thank for that."

"Oh?" Nezu questions.

"It seems the girl has been put under Izuku's protection," Aizawa states glaring at nothing.

"Oh? Did he claim her?"

"No," Aizawa states. "At least not yet. Fuji has claimed her, and Katsuki said he feels intense feelings of longing for the girl, which he believes comes from Fenrir. When I asked about it, Izuku said she just left a bad family, he didn't want Eri to think their version of a family would be like her time with Chisaki."

Nezu considers what he is told, he hums, "did Bakugo tell you why Fenrir feels so intensely for the child?"

Aizawa gets a troubled look on his face, debating if he wants to tell Nezu about the conversation Izuku and Katsuki had on the way back. He pulls his hand through his hair again and sighs, "no he didn't say. All Katsuki told me was when he saw the picture of the girl, images of a wolf chasing the moon crossed his vision, then he felt an intense feeling of longing before Fenrir refused to talk to him about it." He pauses for a moment, "Katsuki has claimed people since Fenrir has woken up; but he said he didn't feel nearly as strongly for them."

"I see," Nezu hums, "what did Izuku have to say about that?"

Aizawa sighs and leans back on the couch, a brief thought of being in a psychiatrist's office comes to mind. "He spent the drive home so lost in thoughts we thought he was having another vision. When he finally came, he informed us he was talking to Fuji. He felt the same feelings of longing for the girl coming from Fuji but to a lesser extent. Izuku told us Fuji told him about Fenrir's children Skoll and Hati. Hati chased the moon, Skoll chased the Sun. According to the myth, they would catch their prey to begin Ragnarok. But we know Ragnarok never happened because Fenrir was saved by Fuji. Fuji believes they were either imprisoned or killed by the Gods. When Fuji saved Fenrir, he was too injured to look for his children, by the time he was healed enough, they were nowhere to be found."

Nezu's eyes sparkle, "So Fuji thinks Fenrir can sense his child in Eri? That is where the intense longing comes from?"

Something like grief flashes in Aizawa's eyes, "Izuku thinks Fenrir is so upset because he misses his children, and being bound to Katsuki, he is not free to look for them."

Nezu hums consideringly, "if Fuji thinks Fenrir's child is bound to Eri… it makes it even more important to make sure she is under U.A.'s care. We would need to know for sure if it is true."

"I fear what will happen if they separate the girl from my problem children. I have never seen Katsuki look so distraught over anyone other than Izuku. If Fenrir is sensing his Child in the girl… it would be catastrophic if they are separated," Aizawa worries.

"I will see what I can do to make sure she stays with U.A." Nezu vows.

"Izuku suggested something I wanted to talk to you about." Aizawa begins.

"Let's hear it," Nezu's eyes spark intelligently.

"Izuku's mother is the girl's Medicinal Guardian until a capable family member can be found. Izuku asked me if it was possible for teachers' soulmates to live on campus as well." Aizawa hints. "He wanted to know if Shanks moves to the campus can his soulmate move in with him?"

Nezu hums, "it has never been done before. Typically heroes do not want the soulmates in the spotlight."

Aizawa narrows his eyes, "Izuku wants his mother to adopt Eri, he said if anyone deserves a kind mother; it's Eri. Since Inko is Shanks soulmate, and if she could live on campus, Eri would be close to me if she lost control over her quirk. There is also another reason why Izuku wants his mother on Campus."

"Oh? What's that?" Nezu asks already having a feeling he knows the answer.

"If the league is really after Izuku, he fears they will target his mother as a way to draw him out. If she were on campus, we wouldn't have to send additional heroes to make sure she is safe. She would already be here under constant protection." Aizawa explains.

Nezu hums, it is a great suggestion to a problem they have been considering, however, "what would her role be?"

Aizawa smirks, "he covered that too. Inko Midoriya is a nurse practitioner, she could work with Recovery Girl and Law. Or she could teach a class on emergency first aid."

"Heroes sometimes need to help with the casualties if there is a shortage of hands." Nezu nods, "I will consider it. The committee is still looking into the girl's family for anyone capable. They have ruled out the mother, and grandfather due to being unfit. Eri's father is deceased, and Chisaki is in prison. As far as the committee knows there are no living family members willing to take her. Because of the nature of her quirk, she cannot go to a regular orphanage, at least until it is under control. So, the committee is still deliberating whether to give her to us or put her in a high-security institution."

Aizawa snarls, "Like a prison?"

Nezu nods, "yes, exactly like a prison."

Aizawa's quirk flashes in his anger, "Why?"

Nezu steeples his fingers in front of his mouth, "they do not believe U.A. is the safest place for her. Given that we have been getting attacked by villains"

Aizawa pulls his anger in with an iron fist as an idea comes to mind, "what if we can prove she will be safe here?"

Nezu's eyes sparkle intrigued, "Oh? How?"

Aizawa smirks, "The School Festival. It is only going to be open to a few people, it is the perfect place for her to be around people. If she starts to lose control, I will be there to stop her. Izuku has already offered to take care of her during the festival."

"What about your class's performance? Wouldn't Izuku be a part of it?" Nezu asks.

"During the time Izuku is preoccupied with the class activity Eri will be in my care. If we open the event to the parents, she could also be with Inko. Maybe we can put out to the students if they want their parents to be there, they will need to fill out a request for a temporary access pass." Aizawa suggests.

"Yes, that would work," Nezu agrees. "Have the deadline two weeks before the festival. No exceptions."

"Yes Sir," Aizawa confirms. "Thank you, Nezu"

Nezu hums, "No need for that, I have been pondering this issue for a while, you have given me what I need to ensure Eri's care here at the school." Aizawa flashes Nezu a confused glare, "I was already planning on fighting for her, but all I could go to the committee with is you and Recovery Girl. However, with Inko Midoriya as her guardian, and being under the protection of not only one fiercely protective wolf but two… well I couldn't think of a safer, comforting place for her to call home." Nezu takes a sip of his tea before he clears his throat, "Sure she would be safe in an institution, but a child needs more than just safety. If they put Eri in an institution she would be nothing more than a lab rat, to be studied and examined. If I can offer her a better home here, it is my responsibility to do so."

Aizawa nods, he sometimes forgets that Nezu has experienced time at a high-security institution. Nezu understands better than anyone else, how damaging that can be to one's mental health. His respect for his principal has raised a few notches, "I understand."

Nezu nods, "I will talk the committee into holding off the final decision until after the school festival." Something foreboding flashes in his eyes, "if the school festival is attacked, we lose our chances of securing Eri."

"I'll put my life on the line to make sure that doesn't happen," Aizawa promises.

"We will have all the teachers on guard. It would also be good if Izuku and Katsuki could keep an eye on things. Their range with Observation Haki far exceeds the sensors the school has. They would be able to notify you or Shanks if a threat is in their range." Nezu plans.

"I will inform them," Aizawa states. "They are just as invested in getting Eri to be here as we are. If anything I wouldn't put it past them to abandon the class activity to patrol."

"I don't doubt it," Nezu sighs, "however, if another student is involved in an attack on school grounds our school might be shut down. We have the extra security to make sure that doesn't happen but do try to keep your problem children from running into a battle."

Aizawa sighs, "I make no promises, but I will threaten them with expulsion if I must. If it comes down to it, I will allow the use of Midoriya's paralysis as a last resort."

"That is agreeable." Nezu nods.

The tension around Aizawa slightly, though he still has a troubled air about him. Nezu studies the man, "anything else I can do for you?"

Aizawa shakes his head, "no, this is something I need to work out on my own."

Nezu nods, "Well if there is nothing else, you could benefit from a bit of sleep."

Aizawa nods and puts his still full cup of tea on the table, "Thank you, for the tea." He turns towards the door bids Nezu a good night with a bow and slips out. He walks slowly towards Heights Alliance, now that the pressing issue of Eri is dealt with, another issue encroaches on his mind. Since they have rescued Eri he has yet to see Kakashi. He wanted to thank the other teacher for helping him get to Izuku in time.

As emotionally stunted as the Ninja is, Aizawa can't help but enjoy the man's presence. The quiet moments they had in the Elemental Nations, the brief encounters here, bring a small smile to his face. Kakashi didn't need to put himself or his subordinate at risk to help them save Eri. Even though Izuku's plan was solid for a last-minute change, Aizawa feels guilty putting them in such a dangerous situation. He was too out of it after the battle to really take in the state of everyone. He knows Kakashi helped him, but after that everything is a blur. He's not sure but he thinks he was leaning on Kakashi while the paramedics took care of the more critical people.

He halts in his steps, not realizing he passed his building already, instead he is in front of the dorms given to the Ninja. Aizawa shakes his head and turns around. As much as he would like to talk to the other man, he is unsure of his welcome. It is almost midnight, and he is sure the Ninja is asleep, as he should be. He has been so busy with class 1-A during the day, then watching Eri at the hospital until evening, he hasn't had the time to even catch a glimpse of the Ninjas.

He reaches his building, uses the stairs to avoid making any noise, and risking waking the sleeping students. As he passes his problem children's suite, he senses more presence in the room than there should be. But Aizawa doesn't bother with it right now, after the last few days the pack has had, Aizawa will let this time slide. No doubt Izuku wanted to cuddle with the entirety of his pack.

As he enters his suite, it is dark, cold, and lonely. He is known as being a recluse, preferring the trusted company of very few people rather than a large crowd. The Grandline was a little overwhelming for him, too many unknown people in a small area, nowhere he could retreat to if he need to be alone. But he had Shanks, spent time with the man's crew. He got to know Whitebeard, Mihawk, and Rayleigh, and the other pirates. He will admit the calm, happy atmosphere was nice. At night, gazing up at the stars, not drowned out by light pollution was a pleasant treat. The dark waters mirroring the sky as if mixed with glitter, it was peaceful, calming.

The elemental Nations were easier, sure they were confined to Fuji's back when they were flying, or in small caves and clearings when Izuku needed a chance to rest. But he knew the majority of the people there, he had Shanks and his problem children to look after. The younger ninja and his problem children got along spectacularly, and Aizawa is thankful for them. Children have always been easier for Aizawa to deal with. While Aizawa wouldn't go so far as to assume the younger ninja can't protect themselves, they are still children, no matter how strong they are, he will always offer his help to children. Whether it is to learn a new technique, or they need an ear to listen to them. Out of the adults, Aizawa could see himself being friends with Shikamaru's dad, Shikaku Aizawa thinks his name is, the blonde that walked through Izuku's mind, and Kakashi.

Gai is too much brightness for Aizawa to handle, he is like Hizashi in personality, just as loud too. Aizawa didn't think it was possible to meet someone like Hizashi, and it is impressive because as far as Aizawa can tell Gai doesn't have a voice quirk. Jiraiya reminds Aizawa of a pervy version of All Might, and everyone knows his feelings for the Lumbering Idiot. The Female Hokage Tsunade, Aizawa can admit scares the shit out of him. She has the vibe of punch first asks questions if there are any survivors. Truly terrifying.

On nights like tonight, the loneliness kicks in extra hard. The apartment-like suite feels colder, darker, and larger. And he sometimes wishes that they were still in one of the other worlds, at least then when he can't sleep, he can justify it by watching over his problem children. So tonight he lays in his bed, looking up at the ceiling, hoping sleep would claim him. And sometimes, like tonight he wishes he had someone else here, even if he still wouldn't be able to sleep; the presence of another person would make the suite warmer, more like home.

After a sleepless night, tossing and turning Aizawa rolls out of bed, dragging himself to get ready for the day. He makes himself a small breakfast, consisting of his usual jelly packets. He goes to the teacher's lounge to grab his stuff for the day and a giant travel mug of coffee. As usual, he is approaching the classroom right as the late bell rings. He ignores all the good mornings and mostly half-hearted pleasantries. Something changes as he goes through the morning announcements. He knows his problem child well enough to know that he wouldn't be offering to sit out of a class event if he didn't have a good reason to do so.

He knows Izuku doesn't get along with Iida, but it appears he has missed something. He knew since the start of school Izuku, Katsuki, Ace, and Luffy have been growing their pack, slowly gaining the acceptance of a few others in the class. But it seems the closer they get to others in the class, the more vicious Iida seems to be. Aizawa believed that because he hasn't seen any amosite between the two that they have decided the other didn't exist. Aizawa wishes it could have been different, but the best he could have hoped for was indifference. It seems Aizawa was wrong, Iida has just taken to demeaning, and isolating them out of the eyes and ears of the teachers.

Aizawa wants to be angry at Izuku for not coming to him about this, but he understands Izuku's stance on this matter. Iida has the potential to become a great hero if the teen can let go of his hatred and distrust of Izuku and those close to him. There are only so many olive branches Izuku can extend to Iida. But every single tactic the boy has tried, only seems to make it worse. Aizawa wonders how much longer Izuku can take this. But Izuku is too caring, too nice to cause anyone unnecessary pain, no matter how much Izuku wants to.

After morning announcements, Aizawa finally gets that nap he was craving, he wakes a bit earlier than he would have liked. But he wants to be in the class before the others get there. Something about Kaminari's breakdown, makes him wonder what happens before the teachers get there before the students settle down.

What he finds out makes his blood boil, in a way he hasn't felt since before Nighteye reached out to him. As he thought most of the class besides Tokoyami, and Shoji treat the group with distaste, halting their conversations so Izuku wouldn't hear them, flashing the teen wary looks of fear, and distrust. That is to be expected, though Aizawa wishes the fear and distrust would have gone away by now. Izuku has had a hand in saving most if not every single one of these students, if anything the boy has proven time and time again that he would put his life on the line for every single one of his classmates. Proven during the first week of class, during the U.S.J. incident, when Izuku pushed his classmates out of the way and took a killing blow to the chest so no one else needed to get hurt. Saving Iida who has been nothing but hostile towards him, not even getting a thank you, but regardless he would do it again and again. Even saving Tokoyami before his own packmate or Soulmate. Aizawa knows Izuku knew who was in each marble-like ball. What more does Izuku have to do to erase those looks of hatred from the others in the class?

As the last couple of students trickle into the classroom, Aizawa's rage spikes. The distrusting looks of the other students are nothing in comparison to the venom-filled, pure hatred that radiates off Iida and Ochako. The two students ignore his growl, smirking vicious smirks as Izuku squirms in his seat. Now Aizawa knows Izuku is not afraid, or uncomfortable with Iida or Ochako. The glowing green-eyes, elongating fangs, and his hair starting to stand on end give away that he is trying to hold Fuji back. Aizawa understands, there is a chance Izuku could end this if he let Fuji out to put Iida in his place. But there is a greater chance that would just make things worse.

So Aizawa hardens his features, he can't show favoritism towards the problem children. He tells the class they have 5 minutes to change and get to Gamma Grounds for training. He wishes he could beat the shit out of the arrogant teen, or at least expel him, but unless the situation turns violent his hands are tied. However, he smirks internally, he can make training as brutal as possible, and he will make sure at least Iida and Ochako don't have any stamina left to be healed by recovery girl.

He waits for the students outside Gamma Grounds, Shanks approaches him with a hard look in his eyes. He tells the man the pack is going to talk to Nezu during training. He tells the man about what happened in homeroom and goes on to tell him what happened after lunch.

Aizawa smirks at Shanks' fury, "Gonna lend me a hand in teaching them a lesson?"

Shanks smirks back ferally, "What do you have in mind?"

Aizawa hums, "Since I physically cannot hit them, I was going to run them into the ground. Then physical training until they drop. I want them so sore, and stamina drained that Recovery Girl can't heal them."

Shanks eyes brighten manically, "Like boot camp?"

"Exactly like boot camp," Aizawa confirms as he tilts his head back and sighs as he puts his eyedrops in.

Shanks sparks dangerously, "After physical training, we can bust out the training sticks and go over swordsmanship. If they get hit with the sticks, then they need more training."

Aizawa grins savagely, "I like that."

The students show up, Izuku tells Shanks he is going to work on his gear, and leads the pack, with the addition of Asui towards the main building. Shanks watches them go, observes the tension in Izuku's frame, the close hovering of Katsuki crowding into his space. He also notices the subdued air around the others, like a cloud of pressure is weighing them down. Shanks hardens his resolve, anger flaring witnessing the walls and guards slamming up around the pack.

"Today we are going to start with a run." Shanks glares.

"How far?" Iida questions with an air of smug righteousness.

Shanks smirks wider, "that doesn't matter, we are running until I say so."

Iida opens his mouth to say something judgmental, but Aizawa cuts him off, "Without quirks."

"Huh? Why?" Iida questions indignantly.

Shanks smirks as he explains, "because using your quirks are not going to improve your stamina or your endurance. Or because we are the teachers, and we told you to." Shanks shrugs, "I don't care what reason you choose."

Iida glares but wisely keeps his mouth shut. Aizawa ushers the students to the starting line. Before Aizawa can give the command to start running Iida notices something, "Why aren't the others participating in this training?"

Aizawa and Shanks can clearly hear the venom that belies the curiosity in Iida's voice. Shanks sighs, "because unlike you all, they do not rely on their quirks for strength. With or without quirks they run faster and longer than all of you. This is an opportunity to get closer to their level."

Aizawa glares at Iida, "Izuku and those involved in the Overhaul raid have therapy right now. They will be doing their training when they are finished with their mandatory sessions."

Iida concedes, grumbling something under his breath. Aizawa thinks he plans on watching them to make sure they really do train after their sessions. Little does he know; they are not being released from here until they are barely on their feet. With a smirk, Aizawa shouts "start". As the students take off running Aizawa and Shanks keep pace at the rear of the class.

Aizawa looks down at his watch, at about a half-hour and 3 miles into the run Ochako falls out. Aizawa tells her to keep walking until the others stop. Around the 6 mile mark, Iida, Tokoyami, Ojiro, and Sato fall out to walk. By the time they are hitting the ten-mile mark the rest of the class is starting to walk. Aizawa waits until the others reach them at the start of the Gamma Grounds.

He leads the group into the Gym, "now we are going to work on physical conditioning."

"Huh? We just ran ten miles!" Iida screeches, "This is ridiculous!"

"You're free to leave if you can't keep up." Aizawa smirks, "of course if you choose to leave, I will take it as your resignation from class and take you off the roster."

"You can't do that!" Iida shouts.

"Feel free to take it up with principal Nezu." Aizawa shrugs, "I have been given 100 percent freedom on how I train my class. If I feel you do not meet the requirements to be a hero, I will expel you. If you can't handle the physical requirements, I will deem you unfit to be a hero." He challenges Iida with a glare, until the teen grumbles and starts working on his physical training.

Aizawa smirks, "that's what I thought." He has a maniacal grin forming on his face as he watches the students. Around an hour in the students are reaching muscle failure. Shanks shows up with training sticks.

"Everyone partner up," Shanks commands.

Grumbling is heard throughout the class, but no one outwardly disputes the command. Shanks hands out two training sticks to each pair. "We are going to work on swordsmanship. It is important to be able to use a weapon in the event you can not use your quirk. Today we are going to work on the proper technique and footwork."

By the time the students are starting to collapse, Aizawa starts to feel a bit better. He dismisses the group telling them to get some rest. He doesn't tell them, but they will be doing this all over again tomorrow. Tomorrow he is going to have the others participate to show the large gap between them and the rest of the class. He knows Izuku, Katsuki, Ace, and Luffy will take to this training as if it is a warm-up. Shoto and Kirishima have been training with them long enough that they will last a lot longer than the average person in the class. Kaminari, Ashido, and Asui could benefit from this training.

After the students trickle out, Aizawa makes his way over to the Ninjas dorms. He opens the door to watch the training Izuku and Katsuki are instructing. He has to admit the training they are putting the ninja under is intense. He watches as Izuku walks through the other holders in releasing their spirits. Gaara and Nii manage to do a full transformation. When the Giant Sand Spirit forms Aizawa can sense the massive amounts of power the spirit has. Aizawa understands that Gaara can't hold the form for very long, and he listens to Izuku call the Spirit his brother. Izuku promises that as long as there is breath in his body, Gaara, and by extension, Shukaku will never be lonely again. Aizawa watches the exact moment Shukaku believes him. As the sand retreats back into Gaara the large bushy tail and black-tipped ears remain.

He continues watching Izuku instruct the holders, knowing it would be best to stay out of the way for this. The last thing the holders need is for their attention to be divided. But he keeps an eye on Izuku and Katsuki, because he is the overprotective older brother, it is his duty to step in if he has to. Even though he knows it wouldn't do them any good, he doesn't have Conqueror's Haki to help the holders regain control of the spirits. So he shakes his head and lets his eyes flit to another group.

He watches as Shoto, Luffy, and Kirishima help Ashido and Kaminari with Quirk training by literally beating the crap out of them. But as he observes, Ashido and Kaminari have matching grins of determination and accomplishment. While Shoto, Luffy, and Kirishima have proud, fond looks on their faces. He wonders what new moves Ashido and Kaminari have created. Knowing Izuku's theories, probably something considered impossible, that is until it is proven to work the exact way Izuku said it would. He smirks, the rest of the class is missing out, if only they trusted Izuku he could have shaped them into stronger heroes than most of the pros out there.

A bright flash followed by what Aizawa can only describe as a smokescreen steals his attention away from the quirk training. His eyes flit over to where the smoke is the thickest, waiting for it to clear to make sure no one is injured. His eyes fall on Ace and Sabo, facing down a grinning Asui. Aizawa watches as Ace launches another stream of fire toward his frog classmate. He is about to step in, when a stream of water coming from Asui's outstretched palm, meets the fire and engulfs it. He didn't know she could manipulate water. He continues watching, Sabo makes a series of needle-like weapons shooting them at the girl. She dodges most of them, and to Aizawa's shock, some of them go through the girl. One even goes through her forehead, but it is almost as if Asui is made of liquid as the needle passes harmlessly through her. He finally understands, Izuku must have deemed her trustworthy enough to offer the girl a devil fruit. A water logia type it seems, and Aizawa thinks it is perfect for the girl.

Aizawa starts to walk over when he hears Izuku ask the trio how training is going. He pauses as Izuku engulfs the girl in a hug, splitting from Katsuki and Gaara to talk to Asui about her new devil fruit. Aizawa approaches, "I see you have given her the Water fruit."

Izuku smirks, "It is the perfect Devil Fruit for her. Giving enough training she could have the entire ocean under her command. The Water Fruit is the only Devil Fruit not weakened by water. And she seems like a natural at it already."

"I see," Aizawa smiles lazily, he always enjoys the spark of excitement that flashes in Izuku's eyes when he gets to see a new power in action. "I know under your capable hands; she will be a master in no time."

Izuku nods determinedly, Aizawa turns his attention towards Asui, who fidgets under his gaze, Aizawa uses conscious effort to soften his features, "I am sure you know the risks of letting anyone know you have a devil fruit, so I won't bore you to death with threats."

Asui nods, "Yes, Sensei."

Aizawa smirks at the girl's honesty, "Good. Now tell me, which overprotective wolf claimed you?"

Asui hums, "I think they both did. But I am pretty sure Bakugo claimed me first."

Izuku smiles and shrugs, "I can't win them all." He laughs, "Kacchan is new at this, so he is very possessive."

"I see," Aizawa hums. He flashes his eyes to Katsuki, watches as Ace starts to pester Gaara. He witnesses the moment Katsuki's claim over the red-head rears its head with a snarl, "Leave my Panda, alone" Then Aizawa watches as Katsuki blushes and gets defensive over his new claim. Only placated a little by Ace saying he has no problems with Katsuki's claim, just shocked and thought Izuku claimed him first. Aizawa watches as Katsuki blushes and admits that Gaara is both of theirs.

Aizawa is strangely reminded of Shoto when Gaara disputes being called a panda and instead goes into an explanation that his features are actually from a Tanuki. Surprisingly, or perhaps not Katsuki is gentle with Gaara, explaining that he looks like a panda, or more specifically a red panda. In fact, Katsuki is treating Gaara like he does Shoto if a bit gentler. Aizawa has noticed there is only a couple of people Katsuki is gentle towards. Except for Izuku, it used to only be Luffy that would see a gentle side to the explosive teen. Then Shoto came into the picture, and for some reason, despite the strength, Shoto has from his brutal training under his father, Katsuki is a little less harsh with his teasing, he doesn't goad the other as much as he does to Ace or Kirishima. Aizawa can confidently add Asui and Gaara to the small list of people Katsuki is gentle towards.

Aizawa resists the urge to facepalm as Ace goads Katsuki while getting Gaara involved. Calling Katsuki a Bomberanian. Ace even explains to Gaara why Katsuki looks like one when he is angry. Predictably, Katsuki starts getting angry, only proving Ace right, as Gaara agrees like it is a universal fact that Katsuki does indeed look like a Pomeranian when mad. The yelp that Ace releases as he is pounced on, grabs Sabo's attention. Sabo looks completely done, while also unbothered as he engages the red-head in conversation.

Aizawa turns his gaze away, giving the two unconfirmed matches a chance to talk without being watched. His gaze lands on the still training Ninja, Kakashi leads the ninja in Chakra manipulation. Using the water balloons Aizawa bought earlier. Kakashi is focused on what Aizawa can guess is rotating his chakra inside the water balloon. As time passes the ninja look a little rumpled, tired of trying to keep their chakra contained while letting it out of their bodies. Aizawa wishes he could help but while he knows what they are trying to do, he doesn't know how to do it. So he observes as the ninja struggle until a loud pop sounds through the training room.

Naruto stands in the center, an accomplished look on his face and a large red welt growing on his forehead. Aizawa thinks Naruto was the cause of the pop. With his confidence up, and morale revitalized he grabs another balloon. This time the rest of the ninja watch as Naruto does what he did before. Kakashi, Itachi, and Sasuke have their Sharingan activated, Neji has his Byakugan activated, a look of understanding flashes through their eyes as they finally understand what they did wrong. Soon after Naruto's balloon pops four others echo behind it. Now understanding what they did wrong they work on trying to help the others so they can all progress to the next stage together.

A muffled distressed sound pulls Aizawa's attention from the ninja to the duo crouched on the floor. Aizawa approaches cautiously, not wanting to distress Gaara more. As he gets closer, he understands why the teen is upset, he is afraid, he didn't want Sabo to know they were matched yet. But Sabo's gentle hands, calm presence, and soothing voice pull Gaara out of his own head. He helps Katsuki keep the others from disturbing the two, agreeing that this is something they need to work out on their own. Naruto looks like he is going to be stubborn but as understanding fills his eyes, he watches over the two protectively but not interfering. Aizawa doesn't realize the tension he is carrying until it leaves him in a rush, happiness filling him as the two accept each other as soulmates.

Izuku flashes a challenging look towards the Masked Ninja, smirking at the emotionally constipated man. Of course, Izuku would know Kakashi was his match. And while he might have been mad about it, he knows Izuku is only trying to protect him and Kakashi. Izuku wants them to work it out on their own. Like Shoto proved before he admitted to Ace, they were soulmates, as long as one doesn't outright reject the bond, no one will die. Granted the pull eventually becomes too strong to ignore, and like last night, it took all of Aizawa's willpower to ignore the urge to find Kakashi and tell him. Don't get Aizawa wrong, while not actively looking for his soulmate, he has always wanted to meet them. He wonders if Kakashi feels the pull as strongly as Aizawa does. He also wonders what is stopping the other man from at least bringing it up. Aizawa doesn't think he has given the other man any reasons to believe he would be rejected.

Then again, Aizawa wonders what is stopping him from just waltzing up to Kakashi and demanding they talk. Are his reasons for being too busy, just convenient excuses, or is there more to it? Sure he is busy with his classes during the day, but for the most part, he has the mornings off. He is a homeroom teacher and sometimes he helps with the heroics classes but that is not until the afternoon. He typically uses the mornings to nap, but couldn't he take some time to just speak with the man? He supposes, subconsciously he has also been putting off talking to the other man. So he gathers himself and meanders to the Masked Ninja. Not sure what he wants to say but he doesn't want to fight the pull anymore. Maybe if he stops fighting the pull, he will finally get some sleep.

Aizawa studies Kakashi as he approaches, Kakashi's headband is pulled up revealing his Sharingan. There is a scar that looks like it cut his eye in half and he wonders if he has the Sharingan because he lost his original eye. Kakashi's other eye is closed, focusing his sight through the Sharingan. The glowing red eye spins anxiously, showing Kakashi's nervousness. But even if the man's posture stiffens, he doesn't flee, or retreat. Aizawa takes this as a good sign. He stops a couple of paces in front of the man, clearly waiting for Kakashi to give him a sign that it is ok to come closer, "Hey Kakashi," Aizawa's throat feels dry, nerves coming up to choke him, but he wills it down with a throat-clearing, "can I talk to you for a moment?"

Kakashi studies him for a moment, Sharingan eye recording the encounter to be dissected later for any hidden intent. He nods and relaxes his stance as he doesn't notice any negative intent right away.

Aizawa sighs relieved, "I wanted to thank you."

"For what?" Kakashi asks confusion lacing his voice.

Aizawa runs a hand through his hair, pushing his fringe out of his eyes, "for helping me reach my problem child in time. I wouldn't have made it in time on my own." He bows sincerely in front of the man. "You didn't need to come on the mission, and I'm not sure if you did because Izuku asked, or if you did it for the experience. Regardless of the reasons, you could have told us no, but you didn't, and because of that I was able to save one of my precious students. So thank you, Kakashi."

Kakashi is shocked silent, usually, when people thank him, he can usually play it off by saying he was just doing his duty to protect the village. But this time, he wasn't protecting his village, he wasn't performing his duties as a Shinobi of the Leaf. To be honest, Kakashi doesn't really know why he agreed to help and put one of his subordinates in a dangerous situation. It could have been any number of reasons; it could have been because Izuku asked. It could have been because a little girl was involved. It could have been for the chance to get some more experience. Perhaps it was ingrained Shinobi training to never refuse orders that forced his hand. Or maybe it was for the chance to fight alongside Aizawa again. Or even more likely it was a combination of all those reasons.

Kakashi thinks back to his first mission here in this world. He remembers the fear of being separated from Neji and the slight doubt that rose up leaving Neji in Izuku's hands. But he pushed the doubt down, chose to trust in Izuku's promise and abilities to keep Neji safe. Instead, he focused on pushing forward with Aizawa, Shanks, and another hero he thinks was called Nighteye. When they broke through the wall to reach the others, the devastation of the room the teens were trapped in was something Kakashi has never experienced from a human before. A quick glance around the room shows Neji and Katsuki relatively safe, standing protectively in front of a small white-haired child. In front of the two defending teens, Izuku stands, barely on his feet as multiple spikes pierce his body. One in the side, one through his shoulder, and one through his leg.

He is stunned for a second watching as Aizawa leaps after Bakugo to help the teen force the villain back. Kakashi moves to Neji's side to protect his subordinate and the little girl's retreat. He repels the spikes with his activated Sharingan and a kunai. Shanks moves to catch the worn-out Izuku, forcing the teen who did so much to save a girl to retreat. Nighteye engages the villain and Shanks leaves to try and locate Aizawa, noticing the other man is missing, Kakashi wants to go after the man, but then no one would be protecting the kid's retreat. Then Nighteye was impaled and a force Kakashi didn't know existed but reminding him of a Kurama-influenced Naruto was on the move. Engaging the villain and pushing him back, fighting with his life on the line to save the girl in his clutches. Suddenly, Izuku, the girl, and the villain are moving to the surface from a hole in the ceiling. Kakashi watches as Katsuki blasts his way through the hole to follow Izuku.

Kakashi leaves to help find Aizawa, he follows the twisting halls and runs into Shanks. Shanks explains he can sense Aizawa close and Kakashi is reminded that they have Haki that reminds Kakashi of Chakra sensing. Eventually, they find the man, and he is pinned to the ground with a knife sticking out of his shoulder. One of the villains poises a sword right above Aizawa's spinal cord at the base of his neck. Kakashi throws a kunai towards the villain hitting the man in the hand, forcing him to release the sword. Shanks kicks the sword out of the way and knocks the villain out. Two of the other teens, Ace and Shoto come running to them, delivering Nighteye's prediction that Overhaul the villain, monster, the thing is going to kill Izuku.

Shanks hands over the responsibility of supporting Aizawa to Kakashi, letting him know he is going to try to change this foreseen outcome. So Kakashi leads the injured man to the ground floor, it takes a while, it seems Aizawa's limbs are working in slow motion, heavy, and sluggish. But as they clear the stairs leading to the outside, a loud, agony-filled scream cuts through the air and into the hearts of everyone present. Aizawa's hair whips up as his quirk activates, it is unclear to Kakashi who he aims the quirk at, but it is successful in stopping Izuku's anguished screams. As Kakashi felts Aizawa slump against him in relief, he led him over to the side to wait for the paramedics to make their rounds. He pulls Aizawa to lean on him because the man still has a knife in his back and Kakashi doesn't want to force the blade deeper.

Aizawa moves, and follows his gentle pushing and pulling easily, slumping against his side like this is not the first time they have done this. Kakashi thinks Aizawa is more out of it than originally thought, so Kakashi dedicates himself to watching over the others like he has seen Aizawa do while in the Elemental Nations. He watches as Izuku, who was just writhing in unimaginable pain, spends hours healing Nighteye. Then makes his rounds towards the rest of them, healing Aizawa without being directed to. If Kakashi thought Aizawa was relaxed against him before, he is practically glued to Kakashi. Aizawa lets out a peaceful sound as he leans further into Kakashi's side.

After the paramedics take the most severe to the hospital, they check on Kakashi, Aizawa, Shanks, and Neji. Shanks helps Kakashi guide the boneless Aizawa to the back of the ambulance. Shanks waves off assistance saying he is uninjured, Kakashi agrees and accepts Shanks' offer to take them back to the school.

When they get back to the dorms Gai is waiting outside for them with Shikamaru. Kakashi goes over the mission with Gai, the injuries sustained. That it could have been worse according to Nighteye, Izuku was supposed to die. Gai inspects him for injuries, knowing Kakashi as he does. Kakashi tells him they are uninjured. Gai looks like he wants to interrogate them some more, but one look from Kakashi and he tells the two to get some rest, they will talk tomorrow. Kakashi flashes his (reluctant) friend a genuine smile and a thankful nod.

Kakashi spent that night, tossing and turning. Thinking about supporting Aizawa's weight and how right it felt to be trusted with it. And he is scared because he is the reason Obito is dead, well according to Izuku he is not dead, but consumed by madness. He is the reason Rin died, even if the girl said it wasn't his fault, he still spent 15 years blaming himself. The truth was he wasn't strong enough, fast enough, smart enough, good enough to save her. He is the reason his father killed himself because Kakashi couldn't show that he loved him, didn't know how. He has lost everyone he has let close to him, by his own actions, or his own hands don't matter. What matters is he is responsible for all their deaths. The only one he thought he wasn't responsible for was Minato's death. But that changed when he found out it was Obito who freed the Nine-tails, and even though he was consumed by madness; Kakashi is to blame because he killed Rin.

So Kakashi is afraid of getting close to Aizawa because he knows deep down, he is going to be the reason why Aizawa dies. Whether he won't be fast enough, strong enough to save him, or by his own hand. But he is troubled because he can't reject Aizawa (for the man's own safety) because that would kill him too. But Kakashi doesn't think he can handle another death on his hands, he might just break. So Kakashi spends the rest of the night thinking, overthinking, how can he ensure the man's survival. Maybe Aizawa will reject him, and as much as that thought hurts his heart, at least Aizawa would be able to live.

But if there is a chance Aizawa wants something real from him, could he find it in himself to open his heart again. Knowing the risks of possibly being the cause of his own soulmate's death, probably not. Kakashi knows himself enough to know, he would accept the bond, but he would insist in distance to make sure the other man doesn't get cursed through him.

Then he thinks, maybe the universe matched them to cancel each other's curse out. Somehow the Universe believes Aizawa is his perfect match, the other half of his soul. So does that mean Aizawa has death on his hands as well? Will Aizawa understand Kakashi in ways not even Gai or Minato ever could? Maybe, just maybe they can be good for each other.

If Kakashi was honest with himself (he usually isn't) then he is tired of being alone. Since he was five, he has not felt like he belonged. Obito and Rin were a few years older than him, he graduated at the age of Five, they were 9. He became chunin at 6, he couldn't connect with anyone except Gai. Gai made him his rival, someone to beat and prove himself to. Gai didn't become a true friend until, Kakashi dropped in front of him after a gruesome Anbu Mission, basically catatonic, Gai took care of him, helped him bathe the blood off his skin, his blood, or the families he was ordered to exterminate is anyone's guess. Gai took to challenging him in anything he could, climbing the Hokage mountain, eating contests, pushups, and running the farthest. Anything they could compete in they did, but it helped keep Kakashi's mind out of the darkness of his thoughts. But still, Kakashi keeps Gai at an arm's length, never letting the man close to him emotionally, never talking about what is on his mind. Because those thoughts are for him and the memorial stone.

Kakashi wishes the memorial was here, wishes he can seek guidance from the ghosts of his past. Minato would know how to deal with finding his Soulmate. His memory of Obito would tell him to "Stop being a Bakashi, and just talk to him, you emotionally constipated ass!" and Kakashi would probably hit him for it, and then he would call him pathetic and agonize over it for a few days, finally doing exactly what Obito said he should. As he lays there in bed, it occurs to him, Obito's memory is right, he needs to stop being a Bakashi and talk to Aizawa.

So the next day comes, and he sits outside under a shady tree, reading the bible of all books. It's not that he loves the stories but reading porn in public is a great way to keep unwanted people from trying to talk to him. Don't get him wrong, the stories are good, maybe with a little less raunchy smut, but the few scenes between the smut are well written and beautiful in a sense. The main character sort of reminds Kakashi of Minato, he had so many women basically throwing themselves at him, but the man was too oblivious and wrapped up in trying to woo Kushina he never noticed. Kakashi thinks, Jiraiya starting writing these novels to tease his student, but as smart as Minato was, the teasing just went over his head.

It's late afternoon when someone disturbs him, but it wasn't the person he wanted it to be. Instead, Izuku dangled the promise of training in front of his face with a smirk. And Kakashi couldn't say no to him because he knows the others are getting antsy. So he goes through the training, mind clear of anything unrelated to learning Haki. At the end of the training, he catches a glimpse of Aizawa, but before Kakashi could get his thoughts in order the man is gone, taking Izuku and Katsuki with him. According to Ace, Aizawa is taking them to go see Eri, the little girl they saved. So, he buries his disappointment and vows to try the next time he sees the man.

Now, watching Aizawa bow to him, Kakashi doesn't know what to do. All he knows is he doesn't want the man bowing to him of all people. So he reaches an arm to the man's shoulder, "it's fine, Aizawa. Nothing I wouldn't have done for my village."

Aizawa wants to thank him more because it wasn't for his village that he accepted the mission. But Aizawa realizes what Kakashi is trying to do and straightens back up, "call me Shota."

Kakashi nods, a possible smile pulling the fabric of his mask. He wants to talk more with Aizawa but other than blurting out that they are soulmates he really doesn't know how to breach the topic. Luckily Kakashi doesn't need to because before he can predictably make a fool of himself Aizawa glances to the other ninja, "How's training coming along?"

Kakashi sighs and sends his thanks to the gods that they have an excuse to continue talking to each other. "It's coming along, we are relearning the basics of Chakra manipulation. I spared with Izuku before the raid, my control was shot and Izuku decided it was best that we didn't use chakra yet." Kakashi finds talking to Aizawa is easier than he thought it would be.

Aizawa hums, his eyes shine with interest, "How was the spar with Izuku?" He turns to walk away, motioning with Kakashi to follow him. He wants to find somewhere quiet they can talk, and maybe discuss the soulmate issue.

Kakashi follows easily, "It was interesting. I don't normally have to go all out against someone in a spar. Izuku even handicapped himself so I can test my chakra against him."

"Handicapped how?" Aizawa asks intrigue clearly expressed on his face.

Kakashi smirks, "he refused to use his wolf abilities, including his healing." Kakashi pauses for a second, "He was so focused on trying to keep the spar fair by holding back his wolf form, he unlocked another part of his quirk."

Aizawa gasps because it is rare that Izuku loses control over his abilities in a spar. "What happened?"

"Izuku called it Black Whip, but it was uncontrolled and whipping him around into trees and the ground. My Sharingan helped me predict and dodge the random tendril. Katsuki shielded Shikamaru from harm. Izuku eventually managed to get it under control." Kakashi explains, "No harm was done, but it has been so long since I needed to use most of my abilities to stay in a fight. I wouldn't mind another spar once I get used to my Chakra again."

Aizawa sags in relief, "thank god no one was hurt. Izuku would never forgive himself for accidentally hurting someone in a spar."

Kakashi nods, "regardless, it helped us realize our chakra is denser here. It takes less Chakra to do our Jutsu, and my Jutsu was much more powerful. It's like we are back in the academy, except with reserves like Naruto."

Aizawa hums, "hence the chakra training?"

Kakashi nods, "I thought about what you said, to help Naruto. So we are training in reverse. We have too much Chakra to do the simple control exercises like tree climbing and water walking. So we are working on the Rasengan first."

"What does the Rasengan help with?" Aizawa asks curiously.

Kakashi hums, "The Rasengan is the external manipulation of Chakra. To successfully form the Rasengan, Rotation, power, and containment needs to be perfect. Too much power will cause the Rasengan to explode, rotating too slow or too fast, will cause the Rasengan to dissipate. A weak containment, then the Rasengan won't keep its shape."

"Sounds difficult," Aizawa hums.

"It is," Kakashi agrees. "Took Minato 3 years to create it. Took me several months to be able to use it. Jiraiya told me Naruto managed to learn it in a week." There is a fond smile pulling at Kakashi's mask.

Aizawa hums, "Naruto sounds like a gifted Shinobi."

Kakashi nods, "I didn't always believe he was. I don't think anyone had any faith in him. I am ashamed to admit I was one of them. I focused more on training Sasuke because he was easy. I didn't need to think of another way to teach him, he just understood everything I told him and completed the Jutsu. I didn't need to teach Sakura Chakra control because she has such small reserves that she has no choice but to have perfect control. But Naruto couldn't get the simplest concepts, and I was at a loss to teach him any other way. I never had to learn different ways to do things, I was what some would call a prodigy. Everything, every concept, every Jutsu just came naturally to me."

Aizawa understands, he has had students that needed more work than others to understand things. And even now, sometimes he is troubled when one of his students doesn't understand something and he doesn't know how to explain it differently. Kaminari is one of his students that would be failing if it wasn't for Izuku taking him under his wing. Explaining things in a way that Kaminari can understand. "it's not just your fault."

Kakashi smiles fondly, "I know that Naruto is a genius in his own way. The things he does with Chakra so easily would kill most Jonin. Most people can cast an illusion around themselves to make them look like someone else, this is called a henge. But somehow Naruto instead actually manages to copy that person, even down to their chakra coils. A skilled Shinobi can sense through a henge, and they know to dispel it, the Sharingan doesn't need to dispel it because it can see right through all illusions. Naruto once henged into Sasuke, and the Sharingan saw Sasuke. It was incredible. When I asked him what he did differently, he got confused, said he always did it that way."

"Impressive," Aizawa whistles.

"It would be," Kakashi gets a sad look on his face. "But I figured out that Naruto taught himself to do the henge because no one at the academy would teach him. Just like the clone Jutsu, the Academy knew he would have never been able to perform it, and it almost barred him from graduating."

"How did he graduate then?" Aizawa asks.

"I was on a mission, so I don't know the entire story," Kakashi states, "but from what I was told; after failing the graduation exam, one of the teachers approached Naruto. In his vulnerability, and his desperation to pass Naruto hung on the teacher's words like they were law. The teacher told him that there was a makeup test. If Naruto could successfully steal the forbidden scroll and learn one Jutsu from it, without being caught; he would pass. Somehow, Naruto managed to get into the Hokage Tower, past the guards, into the Hokage's office, distract the leader, and walk out of the building and into the forest without being seen." Kakashi smiles, "it shouldn't have been possible. Everyone is always watching Naruto, wanting an excuse to lock him up as a dangerous beast. Naruto was wearing a bright neon orange jumpsuit, with no real shinobi training and managed to steal the forbidden scroll from right under the Hokage's nose."

"Why would the teacher put an academy student through that?" Aizawa glares at the ground, ashamed to be in the same profession as someone who would willingly put a kid in danger.

Kakashi shrugs because he doesn't know really, Mizuki could have attempted to steal the scroll on his own. He would have been caught, but he had no way of knowing Naruto would have been successful at it. "Naruto managed to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu from it. It is a highly Chakra Intense Jutsu that makes solid clones of the original. From what I was told he managed to master the technique in about 10 Minutes before anyone found him. Iruka told me Naruto made thousands of himself to protect him from the other teacher." Kakashi sighs, "Apparently the other teacher was planning on giving the scroll to Orochimaru. Iruka found out and went to go find Naruto to keep him safe. When Mizuki was unconscious Iruka graduated Naruto."

"I hate that Naruto had to go through that," Aizawa sighs, "but at least he was able to graduate."

"The council was up in arms about it too," Kakashi runs his hands through his hair. "They wanted to put him under Danzo's control, but he is my teacher's son I couldn't let him be turned into a mindless weapon for Danzo. So I fought for him, told the council that I could tame him with the Sharingan. It was the only way to make that agree to me being his teacher. But of course, they put a bunch of restrictions on me. I couldn't tell him or teach him anything his father made. I could teach him anything more than just the basics. I basically had to ignore him and keep telling him to work on Chakra control." A sad almost heartbroken feeling radiates off Kakashi, "But I couldn't let Danzo take him. So, I agreed to their conditions."

"Why did they put so many restrictions on you?" Aizawa asks softly.

"They were scared Naruto would become too strong and they thought he was the reincarnation of the Nine-tails," Kakashi states truthfully.

"But isn't he the son of the fourth? Didn't they know that?" Aizawa asks puzzled.

Kakashi shakes his head, "Minato had so many enemies that he didn't tell anyone about his relation to Kushina. The people who did know thought Minato's child died with them. As far as I knew at the time only me and the third knew. Minato wanted Naruto to be viewed as a hero, he didn't want the village to know he had Kurama sealed in him. So he split Kurama's chakra, half went into the newborn baby, the other half followed Minato in death. Someone with enough power on the council must have witnessed the sealing because the next thing I know is they are calling for the newborn's death."

"That is terrible." Aizawa put his hand on Kakashi's shoulder, "come on. You look like you could use some coffee."

Kakashi lets himself be steered towards the main building where all the classes are held. They walk the silent halls, taking turns, and stairs to end up in front of a door. Aizawa fishes in his pockets for the key, finding it, he unlocks the door and turns on the light. Kakashi realizes they are in an office-like room, there is a large desk covered in paper, reminding Kakashi of the Hokage's desk. There are a couple of chairs in front of the desk, they don't look too comfortable, but Kakashi has sat on worse. Off to the side, there is a small comfortable-looking couch, with a nice teak wood coffee table in front of it. Aizawa leads him to the couch and forces the man to sit. He goes over to the area behind the desk, where his coffee pot is sitting on top of a short filing cabinet. He watches as Aizawa prepares a new pot of coffee. After the coffee is brewed Aizawa turns and holds up sugar and creamer. Kakashi shakes his head no for either of them, preferring his coffee to be black. Aizawa nods and heads back over with the cups and holds one out to Kakashi. Kakashi takes the cup with both hands, "Thanks, Shota."

Aizawa hides a smile in his scarf, "No problem. It's decaf so it shouldn't keep you awake."

Kakashi nods, he takes a sip of the coffee, to give himself time to think. He made a vow to himself that he would talk to Shota about them being Soulmates, but he is finding the words difficult to express out loud. He chances a look at Aizawa, the man looks content nursing his own cup of coffee with a peaceful expression on his face. He watches as Aizawa keeps moving his hair out from in front of his face until he sighs and rummages through one of the end tables. He pulls out a hair tie, pulls his hair back, and fastens it into a messy-looking bun. Now seeing all of Shota's face, Kakashi can admit the man is not unattractive. With his face soft in contentment, there is an easy smile on his face. Kakashi wonders where Aizawa got the scar under his eye from. It looks like it healed nicely, but he is curious. Kakashi gets a random passing thought of tracing the scar with his thumb to see if it follows the other man's cheekbone. Kakashi watches as Aizawa unconsciously plays with a strand of hair that keeps falling from behind his ear. He must make a sound because Aizawa glances at him curiously and tilting his head a little in Kakashi's direction. Aizawa slowly drops his hand from the side of his face and looks like he is going to say something.

Without thinking Kakashi moves his hand towards Aizawa, "Allow me." He reaches out for the stubborn piece of hair and lightly brushes his fingers over the scar on Aizawa's cheek, as he moves the strand of hair back behind the man's ear. Aizawa's breath hitches at the soft almost buzzing touch. He unconsciously follows Kakashi's hand with his own. Kakashi blushes under his mask, thankful it hides his embarrassment. He clears his throat and removes his hand from the side of Aizawa's face, allowing the man to retreat if he wants to. "Sorry, I don't know what came over me," Kakashi mutters apologetically.

Aizawa gulps, "It's probably the pull," he states absentmindedly.

"Pull?" Kakashi repeats slowly, confused.

Aizawa still dazed from the buzzing touch blurts out, "the soulmate pull. It is common for soulmates who haven't accepted the bond to feel a pull. The pull intensifies the longer the bond goes ignored."

"Oh? So that is what I'm feeling?" Kakashi whispers, "I didn't know for sure, but I had a hunch since Izuku said he couldn't have pack rejecting pack."

Aizawa blinks and blushes in embarrassment, "Sorry I didn't mean to blurt it out like that."

Kakashi reaches for his face mask, he wants to show this man his face. Since he was a child, before his father died, it was Hatake's custom to wear a mask until you found your soulmate and accepted the bond. He pauses, he found his soulmate, but the bond has not been accepted yet. So instead he scratches his cheek, "Nothing to be sorry for, I was trying to find a way to bring it up. But I didn't know if you knew or not."

Aizawa reigns in his embarrassment and hardens his eyes slightly to show he is serious, "I found out when we were fighting that Shark guy and you activated your Sharingan." He takes a sip of his coffee to give himself a moment to conceal what he is feeling, it wouldn't do to look too hopeful yet. At least not until Kakashi accepts him as his soulmate. Aizawa looks back at Kakashi tired eyes drooping slightly, "So now that we both know, what happens now?"

Kakashi hums, "I don't know." He chances a look at Aizawa, the man's face is unreadable, it is now or never to lay his fears out there, lay his insecurities out in the open, let Aizawa choose if he wants to accept a bond with someone who is so close to broken. He sighs, "I'm scared, Everyone I have let close to me has died because I wasn't enough to save them." He looks away not wanting to see Aizawa's face as he bares his soul to the man, "Obito died because I lost my eye and couldn't see the large boulder about to fall on me. He pushed me out of the way just in time for him to get crushed instead. I killed Rin, used my Chidori, and punctured her heart. My own father committed suicide because he need someone to show they loved him, and I couldn't do it, I didn't know how. And Even Minato, I'm the reason the nine-tail was unleashed, I'm the reason Obito fell to madness and unleashed the nine-tails, forcing Minato to give his life for the village. I'm the reason Naruto had to grow up unloved and clanless. I wasn't strong enough to protect Obito, I wasn't fast enough to save Rin, I wasn't smart enough to sacrifice myself in Minato's place, And I wasn't good enough to stop my father from killing himself. Everyone I let close to me dies by my own hands, or by my own actions."

Aizawa pulls the distressed man into his arms, "it is not your fault. No Kakashi listen to me, it is not your fault. Obito chose to save you and sacrifice himself so you could live. Rin chose to use you to kill herself to protect the village. Minato did what he had to do to protect the village, if it wasn't Obito that unleashed Kurama, it would have been someone else. I don't know your father; I don't know why he killed himself. But I do know no child is responsible for the death of someone else. I had a friend once; he was going to be a great hero. But during our internships a villain attacked. I froze and my partner went into action to move the preschoolers away. I was the only one who could stop the villain, his quirk I believe was called rebound. Everything we shot at him, he absorbed and shot it right back at us. I engaged him, dodged a blast from him that hit the building behind me. While I knew my partner, my friend was close to the debris, I thought he was safe. I could hear his voice in my headset urging me on, to keep fighting. Eventually, I managed to subdue the villain. I helped the clean-up crews dig my friend out from the rubble. He was dead when we found him, I found out later he died the moment the rubble fell on him. My comms set was broken, everything I heard my friend cheer for me was in my head." Aizawa takes a couple of steadying breaths, "for the longest time I blamed myself, I withdrew from my friends and moved to be an underground hero. I didn't want to be responsible for any more lives. I met Nighteye one night and he told me something I would never forget. A hero's job may be to save everyone they can. But it is impossible to save everyone. People have their own thoughts, and it leads them to do sometimes reckless things. You can't blame yourself for the actions of others. I had to accept my friend chose to sacrifice himself to make sure the kids got out of the way unharmed. I met Shanks after that, he gave me tools to be strong again, he gave me a way to make sure I can save those I can."

Kakashi clutches onto Aizawa, shaking subtly for several minutes. He wants to believe this man; he wants to finally tell himself that it wasn't his fault. And Rin is alive now, thanks to Izuku, but still, he has the chance to atone for her. Obito can be saved from madness, according to Izuku, and Kakashi wouldn't need to die to appease his old friend. Izuku even hinted that there is a chance Minato and Kushina will be revived, and possibly his own father. And Rin did say it wasn't his fault, she chose to use him to kill herself. She chose to leave him behind. So did Obito, Minato, and his father. They all chose death instead of him, but what about Aizawa. Will this man, that is telling him in his own past of bloodied hands chose death over him? He hopes he doesn't, he wants this man to chose him. So he steals himself, collects his damaged heart, locks his emotions down because right now is not the time to break down. Right now is the time to finally go for what he wants, and right now he wants to be comforted by his soulmate, he wants to be accepted by this man that has been through the same pain and found a way to cope. "You asked me what happens now? Well, that depends, what do you want to do about us being soulmates?" Kakashi whispers just barely loud enough to be heard.

Aizawa takes a moment to consider what Kakashi is asking him, he sighs, "If you are asking me if I am going to reject you? The answer is no. I have waited too long to meet my soulmate, I wouldn't dare reject you. If you are asking me what I want from this, then I guess that depends."

Kakashi wills himself to pry away from Aizawa's hold, "depends on what?"

Aizawa closes his eyes for a second, "it depends on what you want from this. I don't really care too much about romance. I have spent the majority of my life alone, and while I didn't mind the isolation. I find myself not wanting to be alone anymore. I don't know how much more than that I can promise you. But what I can promise you is, if you accept the soulmate bond, I won't let you be alone anymore."

"I can live with that," Kakashi states wistfully. Who would have thought Aizawa would be the same as him. He has never cared about romance, or dating, or really any of that. He never had the time to think of such things. He doesn't care that Aizawa is a guy, he doesn't care that they are from separate worlds. He has been alone since he was five, and he just doesn't want to be alone anymore either. "Not being alone anymore is good enough for me. I accept you as my match." Kakashi states confidently.

Aizawa nods, cups Kakashi's masked face, finally letting his caged emotions out. His eyes soften in sincerity, and hope, "I accept you, Kakashi."

Kakashi's breath hitches as he reaches up to Aizawa's hand that is cupping his cheek. Suddenly nervous he hooks his fingers over Aizawa. "You can remove the mask, if you want," Kakashi offers in a whisper.

Aizawa hesitates, "why do you wear the mask anyway?"

Kakashi blushes, "it is Hatake's custom to wear the mask until one is accepted by their soulmate. It ensures that the soulmate is the first person to see their face, the first person to see all of them."

"Oh," Aizawa breaths out. "You don't have to show me your face if you are uncomfortable."

"No!" Kakashi panics slightly, squeezing Aizawa's hand to prevent the man from pulling away. He pushes the panic down and sighs, "I'm not uncomfortable, just nervous. I want to show you, my face."

Aizawa nods, "if you insist." He gives Kakashi a moment to back out if he wants to, when all Kakashi does is nod, Aizawa raises his other hand. He slowly pulls the face mask down, the skin revealed is lighter than the skin Aizawa has seen. The scar Aizawa saw earlier but is now covered by a headband continues below the mask for about an inch, ending almost level with Kakashi's nose. Kakashi's nose is slightly crooked, evidence of it being broken at one point or another. Aizawa slowly pulls the mask down the rest of the way, thin slightly pink lips greet him, and a small beauty mark dots the left side of his chin. Aizawa lets the mask pool around Kakashi's neck, takes a moment to study Kakashi's face as a whole. Kakashi removes the headband that covers his Sharingan eye and lays it on the table. His gravity-defying hair falls slightly. Kakashi opens his Sharingan eye, Aizawa notices is spinning lazily. As Aizawa takes in the man's face as a whole, he can admit Kakashi is a very beautiful man. He reaches out to cup Kakashi's face again, this time thumb landing over the scar under his Sharingan. The new skin under his fingers is soft, and Aizawa sort of loses brain cells, "you are very attractive." Kakashi blushes and now that Aizawa can see his entire face, well Aizawa has never been attracted to anyone before, and he didn't think that would change. But maybe, he was always subconsciously waiting for his match.

Or maybe, perhaps more likely, the soulmate pull isn't satisfied just being accepted. The soulmate bond takes many different forms, there are bonds so powerful the pair can't physically be away from the other. Like Izuku's bond to Katsuki. There are bonds that start off reserved, but eventually grow and strengthen to a romantic coexistence, like Ace's bond to Shoto. Then there are bonds where the pair are like two peas in a pod, or partners in crime, like Luffy's bond to Kirishima. Maybe the universe is trying to unite two lost, broken, and lonely hearts together. Because he feels the urge to kiss this beautiful man, and he doesn't know if he can, or if he even should resist the pull.

Kakashi remembers asking his dad why Hatake Males wear masks until they find their soulmates. He didn't know at the time if is father was joking or not, but his father chuckled and said that Hatake males are very desirable. His father chuckled as he told him that the unmasked face of a Hatake male is powerful enough for most people to pursue a relationship with a Hatake, instead of finding their matches. Watching Aizawa with the Sharingan activated and catching all the man's inconspicuous twitches of his face is mesmerizing. There is an unknown, but not unpleasant feeling building in his chest. He didn't lie when he said he was never interested in romance, but he can't deny wanting to at least give it a shot. Maybe this was what he was subconsciously waiting for, because this ruggedly attractive man, is looking at him with soft and dazed eyes.

It is unclear who moves first, as both men lean toward the other, eyes falling closed as if spellbound. Neither man fights the pull any longer, finally listening to the pull and accepting any outcomes of it. The press of lips is soft, hesitant, but special and right. It feels like closure, finally letting their hearts out. There are no sparks, or fireworks like Jiraiya wrote in his book, but Kakashi can't deny that it feels right to kiss Aizawa. Aizawa deepens this kiss, greedily taking everything he can from Kakashi. And the strangest thing, really, is Kakashi lets him. Even as his breath is stolen from his lungs, lungs burning to need precious air, Kakashi doesn't struggle, doesn't fight. If this is the way he dies… so, be it; he's had a good run.

All too soon, or perhaps an eternity later, Aizawa pulls away, seemingly coming to his senses, and Kakashi captures the moment panic bleeds into Aizawa's eye with the Sharingan. But Kakashi is too breathless to say anything, too boneless to do anything, so he sits and stares, tries to get his breathing under control.

Panic bleeds into guilt as Aizawa hastily apologizes, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." then he backpedals, "not that I didn't want to…it's just," he trails off hopelessly. He tries to pull away from Kakashi, he tries to flee.

Well, that won't do, because as shocked as Kakashi is he wanted it too. So this time, he takes the initiative and cups Aizawa's cheek. Sharingan capturing the slight disbelieving widening of Aizawa's eyes. And Kakashi smirks in a way some would call devilishly, "I would like a repeat performance, I rather enjoyed it after all."

Aizawa gulps, "yeah?"

Kakashi nods and closes the gap this time. Slotting his lips a little more firmly, a little more desperately, then their first press of lips. The kiss is passionate, feeling expressed, all the things they couldn't say exchanged and understood. And it is perfect, evident by the small smiles they exchange as they part again. It is only when they separate the second time that Kakashi notices he has the other man pinned under him, pressed into the cushions of the couch. Aizawa looks up at him with wide dazed, but blissful eyes. Kakashi blushes slightly at the position they are in, a giddy feeling in his chest that wants to escape in a fit of giggles. So he presses his forehead into Aizawa's chest, shoulders shaking slightly in his small chuckles.

Aizawa's confused one moment Kakashi is kissing him like his life is in Aizawa's lungs, and the next moment Kakashi is shaking in his arms with his face buried in his chest. It takes Aizawa a few seconds to realize Kakashi is laughing, or better yet giggling in his hold like a madman. Aizawa runs his hand over Kakashi's back, not really sure what to do with his hands, but figures this is good enough.

Kakashi settles his giggles and peaks up at Aizawa. While Aizawa's face is the picture of confusion, he looks content to just lay there and draw mindless shapes up Kakashi's spine. Kakashi smiles at him, lifts himself slightly, "sorry. I'm just ridiculously happy."

"Ah" Aizawa hums, he closes his eyes feeling more relaxed than he should at the moment. He finally feels like he could sleep. A yawn breaks through him he tries to stifle it behind one of his hands. But Kakashi has one of his hands trapped under his knee, and he doesn't want to stop doodling on Kakashi's back, So the yawn slips out.

Kakashi knows his soulmate is tired, can see the fatigue in the other man's eyes. And he is selfish, he doesn't want to part from the other man. While Aizawa looks like he is content to just fall asleep right here, Kakashi knows it is not a good idea. So, regretfully, but not before stealing a firm hug he detaches himself with a small pout. At Aizawa's confused frown, Kakashi pouts more and looks away slightly, "you seem tired."

"Ah I am," Aizawa states honestly. "I have not been sleeping well since we came back from the elemental nations."

"Why?" Kakashi asks curiously.

Aizawa blushes and looks like he wants to hide his face in his hair, or scarf, but both being either out of reach or tied up, he instead turns his head slightly into the back of the couch. "Sometimes my suite feels too cold, too quiet, too lonely, I can't sleep. It has been getting harder to ignore the loneliness." Aizawa blushes harder, "last night it was so hard to ignore, I uses all my willpower to not get up and find you."

"Why didn't you?" Kakashi asks quietly because he was restless too last night, and he wonders if this is another pull thing.

"I wasn't sure of my welcome," Aizawa states.

"I wouldn't have turned you away." Kakashi reassures, "even if you weren't my soulmate, I still wouldn't have turned you away."

"I'll keep that in mind for next time," Aizawa smiles softly, "It was after midnight, and I thought you would be asleep."

"I didn't sleep too well last night either," Kakashi admits. "I was restless, I couldn't stop thinking I was missing something, or forgetting to do something. I chalked it up to being in an unfamiliar place and still adjusting."

"Makes sense," Aizawa hums. "I think if our situations were reversed, I'd probably be restless too. Not having anything to do for most of the day would get to me."

Kakashi nods and moves to sit up all the way, working to put his mask and headband back on. Aizawa stops him with a questioning glance, "it is getting pretty late, you need your rest to deal with your students."

Aizawa nods and lets Kakashi retreat putting his mask and headband on. Aizawa fiddles with his scarf in his hands, clearly there is something on his mind, Kakashi waits for the man to get his thoughts in order. Aizawa sighs, and blushes, "would you be comfortable sleeping with me, tonight?"

Kakashi blushes and sputters at the implication, before he can put his foot in his mouth Aizawa continues, "it's just I don't want to be alone right now. If I go back to my suite, I won't be able to sleep."

Kakashi's face softens seeing the open vulnerability in Aizawa's eyes and frame, "I'd like that."

Aizawa relaxes and shows relief in his expression, "thank you, Kakashi. Your room or mine?"

Kakashi shrugs, "doesn't matter to me. Your room works, it's closer."

Aizawa nods and instead of thanking Kakashi a few dozen times, he fixes his scarf around his neck to hide his blush and tilts his head towards the door. Kakashi hums as he follows Aizawa out of his office, waiting patiently leaning against the wall for Aizawa to lock up. Kakashi follows Aizawa like a loyal shadow to the Heights Alliance dorms. Their footsteps are silent as they make their way up the stairs to the fifth floor, Kakashi notices a light coming from one of the two doors on the floor. He flashes a look to Aizawa, Aizawa shrugs and passes the door leading Kakashi to another door further down the hallway. He unlocks the door and turns on the light ushering the Ninja in.

Kakashi studies the apartment-like suite, there are three doors branching off the living room/kitchenette area. One door Kakashi guesses is the bathroom. He flashes a look to Aizawa wondering why the man would have two bedrooms. Aizawa answers his unasked question, "the other room is empty, Shanks was supposed to be my suitemate, but he declined. His soulmate is Izuku's mother, and he wanted to stay with her."

Kakashi nods because that is a valid reason. He looks around the living room, there is not much more than the bare necessities, a couch, identical to the one in Aizawa's office sits against the wall, a cheap coffee table in front of it, with papers covering the surface, Kakashi thinks the papers belong to the students. Probably tests or some kind. A bookshelf with various books on fighting styles and history line the shelves. A corner table with a small plant sits next to it. Aizawa clears his throat, snapping Kakashi out of his observations.

"I can lend you some sleeping clothes. You are a little taller than me, but I like my clothes to be a bit looser than normal. I'm sure I have something that will fit you." Aizawa offers softly.

Kakashi nods and fiddles with his fingers, "I don't mind sleeping in what I'm wearing. But since you are offering, I'd gladly accept."

Aizawa nods and leads him into his room with a head tilt and a blush. He points out the bathroom, on his way. Kakashi observes the room while Aizawa shuffles through his closet looking for something to change into. The man's room, if possible is even barer than his living room. Just a bed, queen size by the looks of it, a nightstand with a single picture and lamp, and a desk shoved up against the wall. Kakashi thought he was minimalistic, but Aizawa bring him to shame because he has absolutely nothing more than he needs. Even Kakashi has a couple of relics from the past in his room, even being from another world, he has more personal stuff than Aizawa does. To Kakashi, it seems like Aizawa doesn't consider this place home. Maybe the man has another home, before being forced to move into the dorms. But Kakashi doesn't think that is the case, it seems much more likely his soulmate doesn't want to get attached to anything.

Aizawa appears out of the closet and gives Kakashi a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. Kakashi accepts the clothing and heads to the bathroom. He changes into the clothes and is unsurprised that they fit him almost perfectly. They are unrestricting and loose enough to be comfortable. He debates whether or not to take his mask off, well Aizawa didn't mind his face before so it should be ok. He takes off his undershirt, with his mask attached and his headband. He hastily runs his fingers through his hair, trying to tame the messy gravity-defying strands. He gives up and leaves the bathroom, hoping he gave Aizawa enough time to change.

He walks back into Aizawa's room, just as the man is pulling down his own tank top. There is a nasty-looking scar that covers one of Aizawa's arms in an explosion of knotted scar tissue outlined with cracks. He wonders what caused such a scar.

Aizawa follows Kakashi's gaze to his elbow, and clears his throat, "an Injury I was gifted for keeping my students safe."

Kakashi swallows, "does it still hurt?"

"Sometimes," Aizawa hums, "but the memory of what this scar almost cost me is far worse."

Kakashi tilts his head in confusion.

Aizawa sighs, "the class was scheduled to go to the Unforeseen Simulation Joint to conduct rescue training. The villains infiltrated the school and got a class roster, they staged an attack hoping to kill All Might. All Might wasn't there, and it was just me, another hero named Thirteen, and twenty mostly untrained students. A portal opened up and more than 70 villains infiltrated and jammed our alarms and communications. It was up to me to protect the students, but 70 against one, and well a villain warped past my guard. Thirteen protected the students, but Katsuki, Izuku, Ace, and Kirishima tried to take down the villain and were warped away with most of the class to fight villains in the different areas. The main villain grabbed my arm as I had to blink and started to decay my arm. And when I still didn't stop trying to protect the students the villain sent out a monster. I couldn't erase the being's quirk and he managed to shatter both my arms and crush my skull into the pavement. Because of this injury and the fight, Izuku was forced to heal me, revealing he could heal to the villains. The main villain told the one that could warp to grab the kid. Katsuki intercepted and pinned the villain to the ground preventing Izuku's death or capture. Then the villain told the monster to kill the kid, another student, Shoto, froze the villain. This bought enough time for All Might to show up while the monster broke his limbs to get out of the Ice and regenerated them in a few minutes. The monster started to charge the students, All Might thought the target was Katsuki, so he snatched the boy out of the way and freed the warp villain in the process. The monster didn't stop, instead, his target was Izuku, and because Izuku was healing me, he only had enough time to push everyone else out of the way. Then he shielded my body with his own and took the full force of the monster's punch to his chest so I wouldn't get hurt. He almost died, and while sometimes my scar aches in phantom pain, it is much more often, that it aches in guilt. If I didn't get so injured, if I could have lasted a few moments longer until All Might got there, Izuku would have never gotten so hurt."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Kakashi murmurs. "I'm glad you and Izuku survived. Remind me to thank him the next time I see him."

"He didn't do it for thanks," Aizawa mutters. "He wasn't about to let his older brother die."

"Still," Kakashi smiles softly, "I wouldn't have met you if he didn't heal you. I wouldn't have met you if he didn't survive to lead you to me."

Aizawa blushes and grumbles something under his breath, that even with Kakashi's slightly enhanced hearing didn't pick up. Aizawa seems to be done talking for the night as he makes his way to the bed and pulls the blanket down. He gets in and flashes Kakashi an impatient glare to get the other man moving. Kakashi snickers and allows Aizawa to retreat, he turns off the light, and assisted by the Sharingan makes his way to the other side of the bed and lays down. Aizawa fidgets slightly to get comfortable, finally sighing and turning on his side closer to Kakashi. He seems to debate with himself about something until he finally plops his head on Kakashi's chest and wraps his arm over him. Aizawa sighs contently, small smile felt against his chest as Aizawa snuggles deeper to make himself comfortable. Kakashi stiffens for a moment before relaxing and getting comfortable himself, wrapping one arm around the small of Aizawa's back so his hand rests on the man's hip. His other arm is pillowed under his head. He feels Aizawa's breath even out, not quite asleep yet, but getting there. Kakashi pressed a kiss to Aizawa's head and whispers quietly, "good night, Shota."

Morning comes peacefully, in fact, Aizawa doesn't remember that last time he slept so well. He is comfortable, warmer than he has been in a while. He feels like he is being embraced, and for the life of him, he can't remember the last time he felt this. It's peaceful, and he doesn't want whatever this is to stop. Shifting from under his head makes him pause slightly, he tenses and throws his observation Haki out. He highly doubts anyone with the intent to cause him harm would be allowing Aizawa to cuddle on them. With his observation Haki out, he observes his surroundings. Starting from the limits of his range, he feels his problem children just stirring and getting ready for the day. The rest of the building seems to still be asleep. Aizawa pulls his senses closer, he feels Kakashi next to him. Everything from last night comes rushing back to him, but he doesn't panic, instead, he smiles softly, and snuggles deeper into Kakashi's hold. According to his Observation Haki, the man is still asleep, though he is a ninja. He has probably trained his body to be able to fake sleep in case he was ever captured.

Kakashi subconsciously tightens his grip on Aizawa, feeling the man shifting slightly in his hold. Kakashi has been alert for almost a half-hour, but too comfortable and too pleased to disturb the man still using him as a pillow. Kakashi thinks about the night before, it feels like a dream that he was accepted by his soulmate. And as he came to awareness, he realized it was indeed reality. And while old thoughts of distancing himself to save his soulmate from death or pain are still in his mind, the whispers are quieter, easier to ignore. Kakashi notices the moment Aizawa starts to wake up, he quickly pretends to still be asleep, slowing his heart rate and breathing to mimic a resting state. He waits to see what the other man would do, or how he would react upon realizing he shared his bed with Kakashi. Aizawa comes to awareness slowly, peacefully. Kakashi shifts slightly, causing the man to freeze for a moment. A tickling sensation crawls along his skin, he forces himself not to shiver. The feeling isn't oppressive, just observing, investigating threats. Kakashi supposes this is Aizawa's Observation Haki, he has never felt it before, even though the man has used it around him a few times. But maybe since his training with Izuku, he is able to sense it. The feeling spreads around him and past him, Kakashi thinks he is maxing his range and checking up on his students. For a few moments nothing happens, then the feeling shifts again, pulling closer to him and circling around him in a sort of caress. As Aizawa senses him he relaxes, Kakashi can feel a small content smile spread on Aizawa's face as he feels him. Aizawa snuggles against him again, getting comfortable, coming to the decision he is going to wake up lazily.

Kakashi chuckles slightly, Aizawa reminds him of a cat. While typically Kakashi is a dog person, mainly because of his summons, and growing up with his father's wolves, he didn't mind the cats that hung out in the Uchiha Clan. He even used to sneak them treats when he would go drag Obito out for training. He liked the cats that were cuddly, begging for his attention, and they would wait with him until Obito's bitching would send them into hiding. On those days Kakashi was a little rougher in their spars than he should have been.

Aizawa shifts his head to peak at Kakashi, Kakashi's face is soft in amusement. He has a peaceful expression on his face as he smiles at Aizawa. The morning sun catches Kakashi's silvery-white hair, turning it into an almost pale golden color. The light makes his Sharingan eye, which is spinning in mirth, glitter, and glow like expensive rubies. His grey eye is dark but no less beautiful because of it. And Aizawa loses more brain cells because it should be illegal to look this good in the morning. Especially when Aizawa has a class to get to. So he pouts because this is the type of morning, he didn't know he was missing, and now that he has had a taste, he doesn't ever want to give this up. Not just for the great sleep and believe Aizawa the sleep was the best sleep he has ever had, but for the chance to not wake up alone, to know that someone is there waiting for him to wake up, someone is there smiling at him like he is something to be treasured.

Commotion from outside his door forces him to pout and sigh, "I should probably get ready for the day." Aizawa says, like it is a burden to even wake up, let alone do stuff.

Kakashi chuckles, "Your class needs you."

"You're probably right," Aizawa sighs. "I trust Izuku and Katsuki, but if someone pisses them off… I might not have a class to go back to." He regretfully pulls himself out of Kakashi's hold. He stretches and makes a little pleased sound as his muscles loosen and his joints pop. He walks to the closet, grabs his usual black outfit, and moves to the bathroom. He doesn't take long to get dressed, and when he is done Kakashi is lounging on his couch waiting for him. "Do you want to go get breakfast with me?"

Kakashi looks like he is going to politely decline, but Aizawa continues talking before he can, "The only ones downstairs are Izuku, Katsuki, and for some reason Gaara."

Kakashi looks puzzled and decides he will join the other teacher for breakfast. "Sure I'll join you."

Aizawa nods and locks up his door, he turns to Kakashi, "class doesn't start for another hour and a half. Izuku and the others wake up at this time so they can have the kitchen to themselves. Typically Katsuki will cook them a nutritious breakfast so they can function for the day." Aizawa smiles fondly, "I'm not sure when it started, he used to only cook for Izuku, occasionally for the others when he wanted to say thank you or to cheer them up. But it seems like every morning lately Katsuki is making the entire group breakfast."

Kakashi follows the man to the kitchens, he observes as Katsuki is standing at the stove making eggs, and hashbrowns. Katsuki must sense someone in his range because he tilts his head back with a curious frown and studies them. Kakashi watches as Katsuki's eyes flit back and forth between him and Aizawa, the teen raises an eyebrow and smirks knowingly. Katsuki blushes, thank God he put his mask back on.

Katsuki flits his eyes back to his teacher, "Morning, Lazy-Sensei." There is amusement in his voice. Aizawa is in too good of a mood to glare at him for the nickname, he lets it slide. Katsuki smirks wider, he turns and heads to the fridge pulling out more eggs and adding them to the pan to scramble them up. Aizawa takes this as an invitation to sit at the table. Katsuki hums in approval, and moves to the coffee pot, "What's your poison, Sensei?"

"Do you have any Stumptown left?" Aizawa asks. Katsuki nods causing Aizawa to smile softly, "I'll take that, then."

Katsuki nods again, he turns his gaze to the other man, "What about you, Kakashi?"

"Maa, whatever is fine." Kakashi waves off, not really having a preference.

Katsuki busies himself making the coffee, as the coffee brews, he returns his attention to the eggs and other things he is making. Now that Kakashi is sitting at the table he chances a look at Izuku and Gaara. Izuku tilts his head in curiosity but doesn't mention his arrival with his teacher.

Kakashi wonders why Gaara is in this building, when did he arrive, and did he tell the others he was leaving? Izuku must sense his confusion because he smiles, "Gaara had a sleepover. After you and Aizawa left, Gaara asked Gai if he could hang out with us some more."

"Ah, I see." Kakashi hums appeased. Gai must have realized Gaara wanted to be around his soulmate, so he let him come over.

Izuku smirks something dangerous, "So, what brings you here, Kashi-nii." It is said knowingly, almost threateningly. This is protective Izuku he is dealing with, the same one who warned him he can't have pack rejecting pack. And even though Kakashi is, or becomes pack in the future, Aizawa has been pack longer.

Aizawa sighs, wanting nothing more than to go back to sleep, preferably with his new pillow. But he knew this was going to happen, so he hides his smile in his scarf. As much as it sometimes grates on Aizawa's nerves that Izuku is this protective over him, he is thankful that the teen cares enough to threaten his soulmate.

Kakashi relaxes, doing his signature eye smile, "I was just spending time with my soulmate, Otōto."

Izuku smirks, accepting the answer as truth and nodding. "So you are now officially my older brother, Congrats your mine now."

"Maa, I suppose I can live with that." Kakashi rubs the back of his neck, "if that means that I have your approval to be with Shota."

Izuku smiles blindingly, "of course, Aniki. After all, I can't have pack reject pack."

Kakashi relaxes in his seat, feeling Aizawa's comforting hand on his leg. He chances another look at Aizawa, the man is sipping his coffee that Katsuki must have sat in front of them during Izuku's stare down, but he looks content, a happy air around him. Kakashi decides whatever happens with their bond, he will do anything to keep this man looking happy.

Commotion from the common room warns of the arrival of the other members of Izuku's pack. Ace and Shoto lead the charge into the kitchen. They smile warmly at Gaara, then flash shocked looks at Aizawa. It only takes a moment for the shock to fade and be replaced by protective guarded expressions when their eyes fall on Kakashi. Aizawa smiles fondly, hidden by his scarf at the clear protection the other packmates give him. Ace looks to Izuku for a reaction, Kakashi notices Izuku is smiling at his protective packmates. He gives the two a small nod and the heavy protective weight dissipates.

The others come into the kitchen, Luffy is wrapped are Kirishima, while talking animatedly to Sabo. Once Sabo clears the kitchen, he meanders behind Gaara's chair, Sabo brushes his fingers gently over Gaara's back to land on his shoulder. Gaara looks up at him in a sort of content daze, Kakashi gets it, this is all so new to the teen. Gaara is used to believing no one would care about him, least of all his soulmate. But it seems Gaara is slowly getting used to people showing positive affection. First in the form of the literal Human Sun named Naruto. Then, Izuku's gentle warmth wrapped in soothing fire, the teen who pulled Gaara out of the border of life and death, and said I won't give up on you, I can help you, I can care. And Kakashi thinks Gaara is still slightly in a disbelieving shock because no one has ever cared. Izuku with bull-headed determination pushed through Gaara's sand armor, latched on to the lonely child underneath, pulled him out and into a hug, and held on determined to never let the boy go. Sabo sits next to Gaara, still holding onto the other teen's shoulder.

What surprises Kakashi is behind the horde of pack members, Neji and Lee trail behind and enter the kitchen last. Kakashi raises an eyebrow at their appearance. Izuku chuckles, "Gai wasn't about to let Gaara come over here by himself."

Lee nods excitedly and bounds over to Izuku's side, "Do you have any more Hero movies I can borrow?"

Katsuki barks a laugh, "We'll bring some over before training, Green bean."

Lee radiates happiness, Kakashi is unsure if it is because of the nickname, the promise of training, or even the promise of getting more movies. Or perhaps Kakashi realizes, it is most likely a combination of all those reasons.

Izuku removes himself from the table to get extra chairs. He tells Ace to set the table, then he goes to stand behind Katsuki looking over the other teen's shoulder. Kakashi notices the Ash-Blond teen leans his weight into Izuku and hums contently. Kakashi looks away to give the two a semblance of privacy, he feels a weight settle next to him, on the opposite side Aizawa has claimed.

Neji sits next to Kakashi, he looks content, thoughtful, and Kakashi wants to know what happened to put such a relaxed look on someone usually so stoic. He decides he will ask later, Neji, Lee, and Gaara all look content to be around Izuku and his pack, Kakashi won't disturb that.

Shifting weight pulls Kakashi's attention to his soulmate. Aizawa relaxes fully against his side, tension bleeding out of the other man. The happy, relaxed atmosphere around them lulls the two adults into a sense of calm and peace. Well, that is until Ace does something stupid to set of the literal walking bomb. And Kakashi was too absorbed in his soulmate he misses what was said. All he knew was he heard a growl, and a small pop of an explosion followed by a yelp as the culprit gets pounced on.

Izuku laughs at the chaos, so this is a daily occurrence, and breakfast continues with light banter, and growling remarks.

Before the other students can make their way to the common area, Izuku tenses and starts cleaning up. Katsuki helps him and they move like a well-oiled machine. Aizawa glares at something Kakashi can't see, but he decides he might bring it up later. Once the kitchen is cleaned the teens make their ways to the main building. Izuku tells the others they will meet them in class and continues dragging Katsuki, leading the kidnapped ninjas back to their dorms.

Aizawa stops Kakashi from leaving, "I wanted to talk to you about something school-related. I only have homeroom this morning. I can come to get you after that."

Kakashi nods, "Sure, I'll spend the time getting ready for the day. I'll meet you out here when you're done?"

Aizawa sags in relief, "yea that works. Thank you, Kakashi." Aizawa blushes slightly, "Sorry about breakfast earlier."

Kakashi smiles warmly, "Don't worry about it. I didn't mind it at all. They just worry about you."

Aizawa smiles softly, "yea, Izuku claimed me when he was seven, they have always viewed me as their older brother. I'm not sure about the others but at least Izuku, Katsuki, Ace, and Luffy see me as their brother."

Their time together is interrupted by the sound of the warning bell. Aizawa looks regretful, and just a touch sad, but there is an overwhelming feeling of acceptance and happiness. Kakashi wants to kiss this man again, so he does. Quick and as sharp as the lightning he wields so easily, Kakashi moves his mask down and breaks into the man's guard. A quick lingering peck is placed on stunned lips, and before Aizawa's brain can reboot, Kakashi is moving back and replacing his mask.

Aizawa watches stunned as Kakashi bounds away towards the dorms, there is a subtle skip in the man's step as he meets up with Gai. Aizawa watches as the bushy-browed man startles and looks at Kakashi like he is an imposter. Aizawa sighs and smiles fondly and turns on his heel and heads to class. He buries his still slighting flushed face in his scarf. Absolutely nothing can through his happiness today, not the thoughts of the future, and definitely not Iida's venom.