Hey folks! Another update and a day early! Enjoy ^-^
Five years on from our meeting and here I sit in Shouta's classroom. To say it's surreal is an understatement. To say I'm excited is also an understatement. In fact… I'm not sure how to word an accurate account. Regardless, I'm here, fizzing in my seat, ready to learn everything. I'm going to make this all worth it Shouta. I promise. You didn't take this kid out of the trash for nothing.
The school hadn't been sure how to proceed once Shouta decided we had to reveal our connection to the faculty. Both for legal reasons, and so that if he slipped up we wouldn't be dropped in the shit with absolutely everyone. It's good to know he doesn't think of himself as infallible. I know I'm not, and now I'm covered. The teachers and staff all know. It was clear I qualified for the Hero Course right away with my exam scores–although the suggestion of Shouta playing favourites had me laughing my head off. The teachers had been debating the issue right in front of me when the giggles hit. I pointed out Shouta was more likely to be a bastard to me, to hold me to a higher standard than the other students rather than the other way around. I think the teachers liked my candor because most of them couldn't stop themselves smiling. Shouta glared, but I spotted that tell tale blush. He knew I was right. Eventually it was decided that my connection to Mr Aizawa–ha! That's never gonna get old!–should continue to be kept secret. Other students might assume favouritism, or worse, word could spread to the villains we had avoided for so long. Thus far we'd never heard from the Yakuza group again, but no point in taking chances. The world would find us out eventually, it was inevitable, but I wasn't to blurt it out. I rolled my eyes. Yes, I was totally going to just yell out this huge secret we'd been harbouring for five years. But still, I signed the papers. Documentation seemed over the top, but then again so did the Principal.
What I hadn't expected was being introduced to All Might. And then the other side of him, the smaller withered side. Another huge secret suddenly landed in my lap, but then again, I guess we had done the same to everyone else. But not on this scale! However, due to Shouta likely working longer hours in the coming months, I'd be in the teachers lounge a lot. Therefore, I'd likely have seen this anyway. Revealing it to me early was to avoid me getting a shock, or him panicking. The transformation was astounding, yes. Although apparently I wasn't meant to just blink and point out that I'd have assumed it was a janitor dressing the same as his favourite hero. It lacked tact. Although I did see Shouta smirk right before All Might cracked up laughing himself.
"You've got quite the sass-mouth here Aizawa. She suits you."
I raised a brow. "Mr All Might Sir, I'm not a handbag."
He blustered. "Oh! No, no I just meant–"
"She's teasing you." Shouta patted the poor man's shoulder and went to make tea.
I bit my lip and leaned forward, holding my hand out for the skeletal man to shake. Sure he looked different, but the guy was still All Might. Even street kids had seen that big cheesy grin blazing down from the posters and big screens. He was a hero. The hero. The idea of being a hero was planted in my tiny brain thanks to him. We shook hands tightly.
I grinned. "Glad to meet you sir, it's a real honour. Sorry for being a shit."
He chuckled again. "I can enjoy teasing as much as anyone else young Alex. I assume I can count on you to keep this secret?"
"How'd you assume that?"
"Shouta doesn't raise fools, I'd imagine." He grinned and I gripped his hand extra tight before letting go.
"Too right he doesn't, sir. Your secret's safe with me."
But back to the classroom.
First day and first in the room with my ass on a seat. I've gone for the back of the class naturally, but of course as they all file in that also makes me the point of focus. Dumb move. I think plenty of them already know each other from their younger years, but still a couple of them smile or wave at me. A friendly bunch, really. A bright pink girl comes right over and shakes my hand, she has a pretty smile. Did she say her name? I can't remember. Next I spot the blushing girl from the exam! Oh shit… What was her name again? I'd have to make an effort to learn their names, but in that moment I am just doing my best to not throw up. Sure, I'm good with my power. But I'm totally inept with people. Especially those who my own age. Damn, me and Shouta hadn't considered this as an issue, but my heart seems intent on making a fucking break for the front gates via my mouth.
An angry dude with spiky blonde hair sits in front of me and leans back so far I get a whiff of his shampoo. I'm definitely not used to people. He seems to be ignoring everyone in class, which in turn is making them all keep looking at him. Either he likes the attention, or he's a dick. Either way, his hair is nearly going up my nose. I make his seat tilt back a bit so he gets a balance scare. A barked curse escapes him and he sits properly, back hunched and occasionally growling. Maybe he's just crazy. He glances back, but I just watch the trees out the window. I did nothing. Nothing at all. I totally didn't use my power to make a chair move. Noope.
I don't know his power, so he won't know mine either.
Something about him seems familiar though…
A couple of them I recognise from the entrance exam, but the one that really makes me do a double take is the psycho who took down the big brute machine. Midoryia, from the bus. He looks so unassuming, so small and reserved. Maybe it was the uniform. The nervous uncertainty in the bus didn't match the brazen attack on the field. Was he for real with the nerves? Or had I been fooled? Or was he just a bit… a bit of both? I look at my hands. Maybe he's like me? Confident in the moment but nervous when unsure? I'm confident with my power but bad with people. Yeah. He could just be unsure of himself. Or he was trying to throw people off for the sake of competition. Oh well, time would tell. I kinda hope he's the real deal, he seemed so sweet.
"Sit down and shut up." Ah, my wholesome father figure, how endearingly he doth gaze upon his young minds to mold.
He doesn't even pause on me as he scans the room. So far so good with acting indifferent. Though he doesn't make it easy not to laugh with that damn sleeping bag. Making an impression; he has flare.
Though it does throw me through a loop when he sets up the damn quirk test. It was initially suggested that I keep my power under wraps to some extent, because telekinesis remained a coveted quirk. But now? Now he's glancing at me with a challenge.
Prove myself? You got it old man. Bring it on.
Standing out in the sunshine, most of the kids chat amongst themselves. I sit on the dirt and trace patterns with a stick, humming to myself. Shouta will take his sweet time heading down, he needs a fresh coffee.
The pink girl stoops down beside me. "Those are pretty."
"Uh…"
"You lookin' forward to the art course?"
"Uh…" I'm a little startled that someone has spoken to me, but I recover and give a smile as she remains apparently interested. I nod. "Y-Yeah, that and English. Hiza–Present Mic's always been a favourite of mine."
"He's a real character, huh?" She laughs and shakes her head. "Made quite the impression at the entrance exam."
"I reckon he always does." I held out my hand. "I'm awful with names sorry. I'm Alex, pleased to meet you..?"
"Mina, likewise." We shake and she offers to help me up.
She takes me over to the group of girls and I shake their hands as well, doing my best to be involved in their conversation. Though I do admit the world of shopping is kind of a weird one for me–then again, I've never really had the opportunity to wander a mall aimlessly and 'window shop'. Either because of being kept hidden, or simply not having any funds to buy anything anyway, or you know… being Shigaraki's prisoner. I shake my head free of the past. Be here. Be with potential new friends. Idiot. I do my best to be involved in the chat about a ridiculous jumper the Mina girl had bought, but frankly it seems like she would look good in anything. Thankfully the girl with the ear plug things, her name eludes me (I'm gonna need to write a list) she seems to share my point about shopping. She seems cool. Her hair is awesome.
"All right line up…" Shouta drones as he wanders onto the field, coffee in hand.
He starts some spiel about testing powers. It's the first day of school, he's well aware we have introductions to attend. Already he's playing hardball. These kids are gonna be terrified. Scratch that, they are terrified as Shouta threatens expulsion for whomever comes last. Shit. I can't even tell if he's joking. I know he's expelled whole classes before, he's been very forthright with me about how he teaches. Will he really send someone home? Nah… surely not.
We watch the shampoo seat balancer do his throw–I think his name was Bakugo? I'll admit I'm impressed at his quirk. The kid already has a decent grip on his power. Explosion. Oh I'm an idiot, he's the sludge villain guy. Seems I was right to assume he was powerful when seeing him on the news. I'm tempted to mention it, but I can easily assume he's had that a lot recently, and likely doesn't enjoy that kind of attention. Seems prideful. Maybe even arrogant. But hey, it's only the first day, I won't make hardline decisions on these kids yet. I'm hoping they're not making them on me, I've barely opened my mouth.
A couple more take their shots. My class is pretty impressive, no two ways about it. All the while Midoryia stares in awe. Just like on exam day, he seems genuinely amazed at everything, especially everyone's powers. Is he demented or actually that sweet? I can't make up my mind. When he is asked to take his turn, he goes pale. I'm not sure what to make of it until Shouta suddenly stops him from taking his throw. Huh? Shouta cancelled his quirk. He sends Midoryia to the side. Anger had been in Shouta's voice. I don't get it.
Then Shouta calls my name.
I approach the marker, feeling the sun against my hair and smelling the fresh gravel of the training grounds getting kicked up with my stride. The world shrinks to this little circle of white paint. The ball is small, doesn't weigh much. I turn it over in my hands. How far do I push this? Shouta already knows my capabilities, right? So who am I showing this to? Or does he doubt me? I swear the ground moves under my feet.
"Don't take all day." Shouta barks.
I flinch, expecting impatience in his eyes, but when I glance over I only see warmth. I see encouragement. The other students can't see his expression anyway, but I reckon they'd still only see bored disdain if they did. I'm glad I can read him. It's kind of an honour and a relief.
I lick my lips and roll my shoulder. Uraka, no… Urara… The floaty girl had already done an amazing example of power. Infinity. Unfortunately my power still has range issues. I draw back my arm and let loose, forcing the ball further and further. A pinch itches over my eye but I go a bit further still, gritting my teeth. Come on. Show them what you can do. Finally I take a breath and let go of my power. Phew. A couple hundred metres more than Bakugo, that would do nicely. I leave the circle and stand by the girls who congratulate me.
Tsu hands over a tissue. "Did you push too hard with your quirk, Alex?"
"Guess so." I wipe the blood from my nose. "It's fine. Barely a pinch of pain so–"
"There shouldn't be any pain." Shouta snaps.
The class goes quiet.
I hold the tissue in place and lean back when he strides towards me. He points to me and the Midoryia kid. We're both in the spotlight.
Shouta glares. "Both of you need to take limits into account. Powerful or not, if you're spent after a single action, you're useless."
I knew he wouldn't pull punches, but I feel like the air's just been torn out my lungs. Useless. You're useless. I swallow hard and dip my head like any other student would. Partly to keep up appearances, partly to escape that look. He's never looked so disappointed in me; not even when I did the stupid move with the weights, never. Shit. A new low? My eyes fix on the floor; I can't stomach that expression a second time.
No time for wallowing though.
The tests continue, and I do my best to rein things in. I got another nosebleed with the speed test, but that was the last one. Even so, repeatedly using my power in concentrated bursts takes its toll. Stamina is my weakness. A big one apparently. By the end of the session I have to sit down for fear of falling. Yeah. Like he said, useless.
Shouta looms. "Do you need to be taken to the nurse?"
"Nah, I'm good." I wave a hand but keep my eyes on the dirt, already feeling queasy after the exertion–if I saw his disgust, I'd definitely vomit. "Just ne-need a breather."
"Fine." And he moves off. No one would think of the word 'favouritism' any time soon.
Someone's rubbing my back and I give a little nod of thanks. My tongue is set between my teeth as I try to withhold frustrated tears. Fuck. For so long Shouta had told me how far ahead of the game I was, how well I was doing. Today has been a wake-up call. Maybe for both of us. Plenty of my classmates are using their quirk without any issue. Seems more like I've already lost the game. Has he been lying all this time? Or just totally blindsided himself about my supposed talent. Maybe. Either way, the truth is out. I have nothing special. I barely count as capable.
When he announces his lie about expelling someone, I'm hardly surprised. But there is a small, pathetically unsure part of me, that is also relieved. I look at the rankings and bite my tongue harder. Top ten. Not bad, I guess. But as the kid of a pro hero I should be higher, right? With this oh-so-coveted power I should be at the top. Right?
Like Shouta said.
Useless.
Tsu helps me up and we head to get changed. As we walk away I feel Shouta watching me, so I hold my head held higher. No doubt he'll scold me once we get home. No doubt I'll be given stricter training. No doubt I've made him question that supposed potential he saw in the alley. Shit. This hurts. But I can keep it together, lets face it, even if he yells his head off it won't be as bad as Shigaraki. Shouta isn't the type to actually harm me. No. He's not. There's no doubt in my mind.
And yet… my hands are trembling.
In the girl's changing room I shower and change in the cubicle. I like having my own bubble, and I didn't see any need to frighten them with my scars. These girls were normal kids. I'm a freak who's seen the bad side of things already. Do I have common ground with them? I have no idea. I want to. I need to. The way Mina smiled at me earlier, the kind gesture of a tissue being handed over by Tsu. It was lovely. Before today I didn't know if I even wanted to bother with friends, but now? Now I do. I want to belong, and they made me feel that way. I bite my tongue. Don't get ahead of yourself Alex, don't be stupid. If I have to be alone, I have to be alone. I can handle it.
The girls had been chatting but suddenly things grow quiet. Really quiet. Did they all suddenly leave? I didn't hear the door go. Did I fuck this up? Are they all wondering what the weirdo is doing in the cubicle? Am I already singled out as a freak? I swallow hard. Since when do I care so much about people's opinions?
I focus on getting dressed quickly.
Someone clears their throat. "Hey Alex, you okay?" Floaty girl.
"Yeah Urak… U-Uaraka–"
"Ura is fine." She giggles, and I sigh at my social ineptitude. Made sense, considering who I'd lived with for the past five years, but it still stings. "How come you're changing in there? You nervous about something?"
"I just prefer it. Uh… Sorry?"
"No need to apologise." The other girls make agreement noises. "We just wanted to make sure we hadn't upset you!"
I could have kissed her for being so clear. My head is up my arse clearly, assuming the worst of these girls already.
I breathe deeply. "Nah, just me being stupid about old scars and crap." I pull my shirt over the old bullet scarring, the many long knife scars I had on the other side and not to mention the nonsense on my back. The past lies over me like a map. Damn you Shigaraki. I'm never gonna manage to scrub you out, am I?
The room is silent.
I do up my buttons. "Uh… Guys? You still there?"
The clever girl with the big hair clears her throat. Momo, I think. Only she could sound posh with that little vocal use. "When you say scarring…"
Ah. Shit.
I guess it's not normal for someone our age to already look like a worn out battle horse. I put my head against the cubicle door. I'm so shit at this. I'm scaring them. First day and I'm gonna be the freaky scarred girl who gets lots of nosebleeds. I'm already dressed, apart from my tie, socks and shoes, so I head out.
Their eyes watch, but they don't scan. This is a really nice group of girls.
I give a shrug. "Not self-inflicted ones, but uh… Had a couple run-ins during my time."
Mina bites her lip. "So… Is it true?"
"Gonna have to clarify that one." I smile as she blushes, the shade impressive against her skin.
"Well some of us know each other from earlier on in school, but uh… well the rumour is that no one knows you because you uh… you were on the streets? That you got some kinda scholarship or something from All Might?"
That was… interesting.
I sit down on the bench and pull on my socks. "Partly true. Yes to the streets, but I've had a home for five years now. No to the All Might scholarship." I snort. "Like my shitty power could have earned me that."
"Not the word I'd use for your power." Tsu sits next to me and nudges my shoulder. "We've all been wondering what it actually is, but it was really impressive. Ribbit."
"You mean with my nosebleeds and getting scolded by the teacher? Yeah. Amazing." I swallow hard, determined not to tear up. I had a little cry in the shower and that would do. I sigh at the silence. "It's telekinesis."
A general 'ooh' goes round. I'm not sure how they still find it impressive. I roll my eyes at myself, being a depressive idiot isn't gonna win me friends. Head. Out. Of. Arse.
"Sorry girls, I'm just in a funk."
"It's fine. I think we all got a wake up call to the skills of our fellow students." Ura hands me my shoe when I drop it. "We've all got room for improvement, kinda the point in school, right?"
"Yeah." I smile. "Thanks. That makes me feel better."
Momo clasps her hands. "It's what friends are for, right?"
Mina grins. "And it's totally badass that you lived on the streets!"
"Mina!"
"What?"
I laugh and feel real friendships begin, soothing the day's bruised pride.
First day of school done. What a fucking shitshow. When the front door clicks behind me and Shouta, I make a bee-line for my room. I can lock the door and pretend he isn't pacing, being disappointed on the other side. Simple. I have an hour before I should start making dinner, so I could just pretend I didn't exist until then.
"Alex." His voice stalls my escape. I grip my bag strap tighter.
I'm shaking. Why am I shaking? It's not like he's gonna yell or beat me, yet I'm shivering like it's snowing. Guess I really do care about his approval. Good to know. The kettle fills and his shoes hit the floor. His coat rustles onto the peg and his bag clunks onto the kitchen island. I've still not managed to move. I don't know how to swallow his disappointment. Can I have a do-over?
He clears his throat. "Want some tea?"
"Not really. Was just gonna hang out in my room till dinner."
"Can we talk?" He sighs and I flinch. Already impatient. Something grumbles under his breath. "Sorry, the sigh was at me. Well… Both of us really. C'mon, let's not be emotionally incapable idiots for once and have some communication."
"Do we have to?"
His dry chuckle eases my mind. I let my bag rest against the wall and I toe off my sneakers. He brews some tea and as I perch on a stool I cradle my mug close. He sits opposite. The overhead lamp buzzes softly, almost comfortingly as a silence settles between us. I glance at him occasionally, but he's just watching the steam and occasionally frowning. It's like being back in our first few days together. Back when we were so awkward it made my toes curl.
I start, because I know he struggles to. "I'm sorry about today."
His frown sticks. "What're you apologising for?"
"Disappointing you. Pushing my power beyond its meagre capabilities. I could go on, but I know you don't like long lists." I sip my tea.
"You're an idiot."
"Well aware, Shouta." I snort, trying to be off-hand, but it catches in my throat. I stare at his hands instead, finding his expression hard to read all of a sudden. I grit my teeth. "You always said I was ahead of the game, but I guess today showed–"
"Nothing to the contrary." He rumbles, and I close my mouth. "You lost points because of the lacking form and power behind your quirk use today. Not a lack of control. Your classmates have impressive quirks… Well most of them. And some of them just have extra power behind the use right now. You're excelling at the control aspect though."
"But my nose–"
"Your endurance could also use work, yes. But the bleeds happen easier when you're stressed anyway." He sips his tea and reaches to tap my hand. I take the hint and look up into a surprisingly soft gaze. "You did well."
"Huh?"
"I had to be a hardass, for reasons you're well aware of. Don't go pouting because I'm a good con-artist."
My lips purse and my cheeks burn. "You called me useless."
"I also called Midoryia useless. It's how I teach. I push those with the most potential the hardest." He comes to my side of the island, pushing my hair back and shaking his head. "I know you're a full-on teenager now, but don't go and lose all your damn confidence? I'm already terrible at this, be kind to this useless old man."
I sniff. "You're not totally terrible."
"Thanks, and you're not a complete idiot."
"Dick." I laugh as he pulls me into a hug. I hold back tightly. "Can we get sushi?"
"Fucking needy, huh?"
"You were mean. Deal with it."
I can already hear his phone unlocking. "You better tell Nem I was a good parent and indulged you."
"Depends if you also get desert."
"Greedy little shit."
SHOUTA POV
He laid the blanket over both of them and got comfy as the film began. She nibbled popcorn and leaned against him, asking without asking for his arm around her. Of course he obliged, holding her close. Warm. Comforting. Familiar. When the routine had begun, he wasn't sure, but it was so normal now. Dinner, hot drinks, a movie. Had someone asked him five years previously if he would want such a situation he likely wouldn't have known what to say. Him? A parent? His eyes flicked between the movie and her, noting that slight tremor still in her fingers even as she laughed or paused to gaze in anticipation of the film. They had seen it a dozen times easily, but it was one of her favourites. Just what she needed after her first day at UA. Just what he needed too. The tremble worried him, but he guessed it was just nerves about school, nerves of fitting in. He could vaguely recall such notions. It wasn't that long ago he had been a teenager. Not… Not that long.
He propped his feet on the coffee table. Seeing her shine amongst her classmates had been strangely fulfilling, like seeing that final polish come to fruition. It wasn't that he doubted her ability at any point, instead he had doubted his ability to help her reach her potential. He had no idea how to parent. That had been made clear on many occasions. But at least now he knew she could use her power well with others, and even socialise to a certain degree. Awkward, duh. But able to adapt. It wouldn't be long before she had a close knit group, he felt that in the smiles and laughter that had followed her back into the classroom after the tests, once they had all changed back into uniform.
Most of the class showed promise, a few were simply there because of Mummy and Daddy having deep pockets. But at least he had a majority of decent students. The girls were a capable bunch, not a sour note amongst them. The boys… well there was a couple that seemed out of place for the hero course in general, and a couple that certainly needed their pride curbed. But no lost cases. At least none he could get rid of right away. After her throw, the Bakugo boy had kept glancing her way with something that seemed to be anger initially. Then it became something far worse, almost admiration. Shouta sipped his beer. Alex was a pretty girl, he already knew that, but he had kind of hoped he had a little more time before he had to literally beat boys away with a stick. Still, she seemed oblivious, and that was perfect. For now, he would keep the stick under his desk.
He knew he couldn't keep hold of her forever. Their time together would eventually come to an end and she'd be making her own life, but for the time being, he'd enjoy having her close. The word had never passed his lips to her, but he was certain it had after a couple too many drinks with Nem and Hiz; daughter. He truly considered Alex that. He hoped she knew it, even if he hadn't said it. At least he could comfort himself in the knowledge they were as emotionally defunct as each other.
About halfway through the film he noted she had slumped, and her head was resting against his chest. He looked down and smirked. Short hair all scuffed up, dark lashes against pale cheeks and a frown pinching her dark brows before a pout appeared. Fast asleep. Another word occurred to him and he grinned. The word would not be uttered out loud for fear of her wrath, but he'd happily think it as he kissed the top of her sleeping head. Cute. He'd thought it before; when she cried at the sight of her own room, when she let the milk for hot chocolate bubble over and she yelped like a puppy, and of course when she tried on his goggles and capture weapon when she thought he wasn't looking. There were plenty times he thought the word, but no, he dare not say it.
She grumbled and nuzzled closer, wrapping her arms round him and sighing deeper into her sleep.
Oh yeah. Very cute.
ALEX POV
I may have sucked at the power demonstrations last week–no one else thought so, but I'm nothing if not stubborn–but in hand to hand I shine. Bakugo left the ring cursing and rubbing his shoulder after it smacked into the ground with my quick deflection. Kirishima took the loss better, vowing to give me a better fight next time. And Momo surprisingly grinned as she created an ice pack for her lower back. I was about to tap out when the boy with half red hair, half white hair stood up. Shouta shrugs and goes back to reading, knowing that endurance was top of my priorities in personal terms, and in class terms. This was good practice for stamina.
The boy approaches and tilts his head, expression blank. "Do you have the energy for one more match?"
"Sure, though if I pass out, I'm gonna blame it on fatigue." I chuckle, and one corner of his lip twitches. Beyond that, I had to wonder if he'd even heard me. I sink into a fighting stance. "What's your name again?"
"Shouto Todoroki." He enters his own stance and the bell rings.
If memory serves, that means he's Endeavour's kid. The same kinda steely look is in his eyes, though admittedly I've never met Endeavour in great circumstances. It isn't likely the pro hero would recall an annoying street kid though, not when he dealt with big time villains at all other times.
Todoroki makes the first move and I dodge, he favours his left side for attacks, so I jab for the right. We dance about a bit and I get a couple decent hits in before he gets rattled. I have a couple bruises forming from him as well, but I don't think he expects to end up on his arse twice. Considering how lean he looks, the guy is surprisingly heavy. These uniforms are such a pain. I can't tell how built anyone is. This does no good for my expectation or deductions! Then again I suppose costumes might also hide this. Gotta adapt.
Ice forms on his left side.
"Not meant to be using quirks." I pant, dancing backwards to give him time to withdraw the use. The ice persists and he keeps approaching. I frown. "Seriously, don't use your–"
"I'm avoiding issue." He glares.
Shouta hasn't said anything, and he's right there. I glance at him but he just nods at me and goes back to his paperwork. All right, I guess I'm not privy to the information behind that vague statement. It does seem weird that Endeavours kid has ice powers though.
Despite my extra hits, we are essentially in a stalemate. If I keep going I'm just going to fall down instead. I tap out as my limbs start to tingle, failing to work properly after I fell to one of his attacks. He has a good leg swipe. Todoroki left his stance and dips his head, leaving the ring without a word. I lean on my knees and convince myself to stay upright. I'd definitely pushed too hard. Something in that steady but mis-matched gaze encouraged me though, invited me to keep pushing, keep trying. Whether it was intentional encouragement, or simply baiting, I'm not sure.
I slump next to Midoryia. We'd been getting along since the real classwork started, and it was easy to find common ground when you had both been called out as 'useless' by the teacher. We had banded together in our need to prove ourselves. His passion is infectious. I'd never considered myself worthy of much more than qualifying as a hero, I'm not someone people would admire like All Might. I'm…I'm just me. But when talking with Midoryia it was easy to get inspired, to start thinking of the bigger picture. Really, he's amazing. He also seems to be 100% the real deal, and as a result, too damn pure.
He hands me some water and I gave a breathless thanks.
He grins. "You did so well. Kacchan's still angry."
"Isn't he always?" I take a sip and groan. "Ugh, I am my own worst enemy."
"Pretty amazing though, where'd you learn those moves?"
"Here and there." I guess Shouta would be smirking behind his papers.
Kirishima and Kaminari take up the ring next. I put my water to my head and sigh, but it isn't nearly cold enough to actually help. My whole body feels on fire, or like coals left to smoulder. But then my bottle suddenly gets colder. I hum and press the bottle harder against my head, blinking my eyes open as I feel frost creep under my fingers. Huh? I hang my head back and see Todoroki retrieve a finger from touching the side of my bottle. He gives a nod and returns to watching the ongoing match.
I sit up and turn to him. "Thanks."
"You seemed overheated."
"Yeah." I take a sip and shiver. "Handy that quirk of yours."
He gives another nod, eyes fixed on the match.
Classes came and went, and gradually I feel more like a normal kid. Or what I assume is 'normal'. I chat, I laugh, I get into a group for tackling homework and any extra studies. Apart from Mineta I have time for all my classmates. Each one has something that makes me smile–Mineta just makes me use more hand sanitizer.
Another practical exercise comes into play a few days later, and as All Might bursts into the room I have to bite my tongue to avoid laughing. Get the man in front of a camera and he was golden, as a teacher he's a little awkward. Adorable, really. Apparently we're going to be using our quirks again, and we have costumes to try. I'm suddenly very, very nervous. Is mine going to be any good? Will I look stupid? Shit. I'd forgotten all about them. We all submitted costume concepts and apparently that department had been busy. Very busy.
This can't be mine.
In the changing rooms I look down at the black suit, it's kinda… cool? It's all black with a pattern of swirls of a slight shimmering silver. All in one, even covering my light footwear and attached to gloves. Like a second skin it hugs my form, but accumulates into a cowl type mask. With the eyes the same slight shimmering silver, cast in shadow beneath a hood like embellishment, I liked to think I looked pretty elusive. Apparently the material was very durable, not quite bullet proof, but near enough. I suppose in a way it was quite similar to Eraserhead, but I had at least avoided the white scarf or any gold near my eyes. It's silver. It counts as different. I can't help it, can I? The man's been in my life all my informative years. It left a mark.
My classmates seemed to like my costume anyway, theirs are pretty awesome as well. I share the feeling with Ura that the form fitting material would be useful in battle, but my god do I feel on show. Still, there was training to focus on. It doesn't matter that I had that sandwich at lunch, nope, totally don't have a belly now. Do I? I check a couple times, but I think I'm fine. Am I?
I'll need to ask Nem how she deals with these feelings.
All Might stands awaiting the class, grinning like always and eager to teach. I'd have to give him some encouragement later, because I can tell he's nervous. The man is all nerves under that smile, isn't he? He's got nowhere to hide in that costume either, I'll have to see how he deals with the attention as well.
We're split into teams of heroes and villains. Although due to numbers, I'm put in a three with the invisible girl and the tail guy. Dammit what are their names? Slowly names were sticking, but I did apologise profusely before asking my teammates again. They're too kind. Toru and Mashi. I can remember that, I can. I can at least try. We're up against Todoroki and the multi-arm dude. Okay I'm giving up on names for today, I need to steal Shouta's class sheet. Again.
Initially we're all taken to a small room to watch the other matches. It occurred to me that this seriously gave all those following on from the first match an advantage, but never mind. I can't question UA. I'm no one. The first match is Ura and Midoryia vs. Bakugo and Iida. The former are being the heroes and the latter are being the villains. I can already guess Bakugo will do fine getting into his role, due to his rather demented hatred for Midoryia in general, but I think Iida might struggle. He's all about the hero code. All about honour. I hope he can adapt. It would suck if he got penalised for that kind of thing.
It begins.
Ura and Midoryia move through the corridors carefully, working together to avoid detection and find the weapon. I guessed they would work well together, partly because they already had in class, but partly because they clearly like each other. A lot. It's cute. It'll also probably take an age for either of them to admit to it. I sense that Mina and I may have to help.
Bakugo is off on his own, leaving Iida with the weapon. Good start Bakugo, it's a team exercise you dumbass. He stalks around boldly, gritting his teeth and raking his eyes over the terrain. He just wants to hurt something. Anything. But mainly Midoryia. Whilst I'd never admit it outloud, Bakugo's power kind of scares me. Such raw energy, explosions here and there. It's so volatile. I swallow hard and look at Midoryia, trying his best to simply complete the exercise. To train. To become the best hero he can be. His motivations I get, Bakugo's… I have no idea, yet. All Might won't let things get too out of hand, will he?
I tug on his sleeve. "Sir?"
"Yes, young Alex?"
"You do realise that Bakugo is just looking for an excuse to rip into Midoryia right?" I nod to the screens, the hatred practically radiating off Bakugo and his damn grenade gauntlets.
All Might sighs. "Indeed, but we can at least hope to use it all as a method of teaching. Please step back and watch with the rest of the class."
"Yes sir, sorry sir." I step back and clasp my hands, hoping I'm wrong. Come on Bakugo, prove me wrong, please? You're passionate, you're driven, but are you actually an asshole?
They meet in the corridor. I am not wrong. And yes, it seems that Bakugo is in fact an asshole.
Damn.
But Midoryia isn't about to be taken down without a fight, who knew the freckled kid had such moves! He nearly has Bakugo in the tape before things go sideways. I can't believe how that went down. It was amazing. Sure Midoryia–no wait, it's Deku now. He just said that, when he's in hero mode, it's Deku. I can remember that. Maybe. Anyway, Deku might be on the back foot now but he's still stood up to Bakugo. I can't imagine that's easy in close quarters, not when you've known him for so long.
"Fucking maniac…" I mutter as Bakugo continues to rage out and search for a Deku to incinerate.
Ura has moved on, working her way upstairs to find Iida and the weapon. Iida has of course stepped up to the plate and taken on his role. Rather marvelous. His commitment to the role is amazing, I just wish it wasn't quite so amusing as well. Me and Mina keep shuddering as we try to contain our laughter. Go Iida. You amazing Villainous marvel.
Kirishima nudges me. "Bakugo's kinda going mental, right?"
I nod, keeping my eyes on the screen as the humour dies back. Bakugo is getting more and more wound up. He looks ready to literally kill Deku.
I sigh. "If the guy thinks this is the way to excell he needs his head smacked off a door."
"Alex…" All Might scolds and I purse my lips.
It keeps going. And it keeps getting worse.
I have a strong stomach, but even I am wincing by the time things are finally called to a halt and the heroes win. But at what cost? The smoke clears and I think the whole class is sick to their stomach. What a way to win. Sheer determination won over malice. I think that'll be what I try to take away from it rather than a fear for Deku's masochistic side, and a loathing for Bakugo's willingness to hurt classmates. As a hero Deku would be one to watch, as a friend, I think I need to look out for Midoryia. He seems to think he has a lot to prove. I get that. I understand that. But I don't wanna have to lose a friend to it either.
Time for the next match.
Time for my team's turn.
Okay Todoroki, let's dance.
And there we go! How will Alex's match against Todoroki go? See you in two weeks to find out!
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