However dark and scary
the world might be right now,
there will be light.
There will be light
- James Gordon
The sun was falling behind the horizon leaving the city in dusk's red and orange rays.
He walked next to Hawk unknowing where they were heading. He just followed not caring for their destination. His limbs were getting heavier with each step not being used to walking long distances. Not after nine months in prison and another two weeks in hospital.
His mind sways back to the first couple of months in captivity when they would bring him out into the prison yard in the middle of winter and force him to run till he would collapse. Then they would force him to continue even if it meant crawling. Just like Ashido had tried to crawl away before being killed.
He was jostled back from his dark thoughts by Hawk who stopped next to a familiar cart and got out his wallet. Shota couldn't see what he was buying neither did he really care. Not to long later they were continuing their way again.
He noticed that they were nearing the end of the city lesser houses and people being around them. Finally he spotted the clock tower. Old memories arriesed at that sight he glanced at Hawks uncertain but got no reaction. He just followed him.
When they were younger all of them would often come here and eat together. They would spend whole days there. On some days they would laugh and play maybe celebrating someones achievements. on other days they would spend hours in silence just enjoying each others company. The last time he was here with someone else must be years ago.
The sun had completely setted leaving a clear night sky as they arrived at their destination, the top and sat down at the edge like they used to do when they where younger. He was starring ahead once again lost in memories of better times when suddenly Hawks started rustling and got something out. He eyed him and a knot settled in his throat as he was given sea salt ice cream.
With a shacking hand he accepted the gift, the cold feeling of it in his palm grounding him. If Hawks noticed his hands shacking as he opened the package he obviously choose to ignore it. The he tremendously lifted the ice cream and took a hesitant bite as if afraid the moment it reached his mouth he might wake up. But he didn't. And with the blessed cold taste in his mouth came the realization that he truly was free.
"You were right,"Hawks said,"We really haven't done this for way to long"
"Why-"Shota's breath hitched overcome by emotions.
"Don't you remember?"Hawks looked at him questioningly"You said sea salt ice cream would be nice"
It was probably the way he said it. Like it was the most natural thing in the world. And just like that Aizawa's whole control broke and the tears came crashing down, sobs shaking his thin frame. Still he did not make a single sound. He didn't remember the last time he had lost control like this and just cried. In the beginning he couldn't because he wouldn't want to give them the satisfaction of seing him cry. Later he simply wouldn't be able to lacking the strength to cry. Sometimes when they would be especially cruel they would get him to cry. And they would enjoy it, laughing at him and mocking him.
He cried like he hadn't done in a long time. Cried for the nights he spent huddled in the corner of his cell hoping to be left alone for the night. Cried for the pain he had endured when they would come. Cried for the hunger that sometimes would be so intense he would eat his dried blood just for the sake of eating. For the injustice he had faced. And the betrayal. The deep rotting betrayal.
Hawks just sat next to him in silence, giving him the space he needed. His eyes welled up as well, but he stubbornly forced the tears back finding that he had to be strong for his friend. This wasn't about him. The way he had a complete broken down without making a single sound spoke volumes about what he had endured, causing his chest to ache for his friend. He watched him as he shakingly raised his Ice to take another bite. And then another. And another till it was completely gone.
A choked laugh emanated from Aizawa as he stared at his Ice cream stick
"Winner"He exclaimed as a hysteric laugh forced itself out.
Hawks had waited for him to calm down before he stood to leave. He walked next to Shota because it was obvious from the way his shoulders slouched even more and his steps started dragging that he would soon collapse. The moment it happened Hawks jumped and cought him before he could hit the ground. He draped his good arm over his shoulder and cautiously reached for his injured hip so that he would have a better grasp on him. Aizawa barely flinched as he touched his hip, either to tired or to used to pain. Hawks hated both possibilities but was aware that it was probably both.
"You don't have to. I'll manage-"
Hawks silenced him before he could continue.
"Just lean on me for a change"
The rest of the walk passed in silence as Hawks dragged Shota along. It was concerningly easy to carry the emancipated form of his friend.
He would have called a cab but he knew his flat was closer and it would probably take more time to wait for the cab then simply walk and not soon after he finally arrived at his apartment. Tightening his grip on the boneless body next to him he reached for his key and opened the door dragging them both inside and closing the door.
Without thought he dragged his friend into his bedroom and settled him on his won bed, ignoring the weak protest of his friend.
"Rest, Shota"
His friend just glanced at him for a moment conveying his gratitude with a single look before nodding and burying his head in the pillow, a single tear running down his cheek.
Hawks covered him with every blanket he had despite the summer heat, after noticing the shiver that shook his friends small frame.
"God knows, you deserve to rest"
He then left the room, quietly closing the door behind himself. trudging to the couch he fell into it, his head sagging into his hands. Now that he was alone he finally let go of his composure and cried, no longer having to be strong for his friend.