HELLO! Nearly at the two week mark, I know! Apologies, but technically not late haha! But to make up for it, the Birthday chapter is EXTRA long for you, and I'm trying out a new POV again, so let me know what you guys think!
Sixteen years old. That sounds so weird. I dunno what it says about me, but to be honest I didn't expect to get this far–specifically, I thought that when I was still on the streets. Survival has been rather more certain, or at least less of a worry, since Shouta took me in. Is that me being a realist, or a cynic? Maybe they're the same.
I tie my trainers tight and head downstairs, awake before anyone else, except maybe Midoryia. I fill my water bottle and head into the dim morning light, the sun barely peeking into the sky yet, deep blue paling towards the horizon. Beautiful. And still cold enough that this won't feel like torture. I push my headphones on and set off at a steady pace. I used to be so much faster, but recovery still has a long way to go–at least my overall endurance has started improving. At the moment I can manage two laps of the grounds, ending up at about ten kilometres, but this morning I'm only going to do five. I don't want to push my luck after the exam yesterday, after all those twinges. But I'd been fine overnight, so I'll at least get this much done. Plus it's my birthday, I can take it easier.
The campus is so quiet, the other dorms still asleep, or at most a couple desk lights have flickered on. The trees sway in a gentle breeze and I trail my hand along the lower branches. The leaves will start to turn soon, I bet it'll be beautiful on campus in Autumn. Will any of the leaves match Sho's hair? I chuckle and focus on my run. At least I try.
My mind slips back to last night; my phone clutched under the covers as the hour grew late. I hadn't heard Sho get back from his visits, but when my phone buzzed and I saw his name appear my heart gave a tell tale squeeze. I'm hopeless, aren't I? What can I say, I was worried. He had failed an exam for the first time and his Dad is a dick already, there was no telling what kind of scolding he might have gotten.
Sho: [Are you awake?]
Me: {Just about. You okay? You're back pretty late.}
Sho: [I'm all right, my visits went well. No one yelled at least.]
Me: {Dodged the arsehole then?}
Sho: [Just. My sister helped. Seems he had heard from someone at work and already called home in a rage. He's been trying to get me removed from dorms since he heard. He thinks its to do with a change in training or something.]
My eyes warmed, my throat suddenly dry as my hands shook. No. Could Endeavour do that? Drag Sho back into that cage? That would be horrible. Sho kept it hidden at the exam, but I felt the tremor when he saw the lack of his name on the board. It hit hard. Not due to his pride, but due to the ensuing shitstorm. Endeavour, you have so much to answer for.
Me: {So… are you having to leave?}
Sho: [No. If need be, I'll be perfectly frank with Mr Aizawa about the situation. I doubt he'd let me return to that. I don't wish to involve him with personal messes, but I refuse to end up back under that thumb.]
Me: {Dad won't let Endeavour do that in the first place, I dunno that you'd even need to explicitly explain the uhm… well the messed up shit. I'll help. I'll do anything I can.}
I don't know why I cried. Sho was fine, upstairs in his room. Endeavour wasn't anywhere near him, and couldn't drag him off. I guess I was tired, or I had been more worried about it than I realised. I sniffed and tried to calm myself.
Sho: [I won't let myself be taken back there Alex. I've got too much to do here, not to mention I have to try and stop my amazing girlfriend from murdering my father. Easier to do that with her in sight, no?]
I laughed and hid under my covers. I felt every bit the lovesick teenager, but couldn't help but wonder if he was deflecting. He'd gotten better at it recently, not wanting to burden me with things. Sure, I have shit to be dealing with, but that didn't demean his own struggles. At least, I never wanted that to be the case. We'd decided to be together, that meant helping each other. Not just me. At least, I never wanted that to be the case.
Me: {Glad to hear it, she might have to give that shithead of a dad a talking to if he tried anything with her awesome boyfriend.}
Sho: [Sorry if I should have contacted you sooner.]
Me: {Don't be stupid, you had to go see your family. I'd never want to be in the way of that.}
Sho: [Of course. Like I said before, you've no idea how kind you are.]
Me: {I just care, yeesh, I'm not a saint.}
Sho: [And I'm so grateful you do care.]
I curled in on myself, doing my best not to let my heart swell with too much happiness. As well as trying not to read too much into it. Sho considered the most basic affection to be so special, what the hell did that mean for his upbringing?
Me: {You're so cheesy.}
Sho: [It is almost your birthday, seems appropriate.]
Again, deflecting, quickly moving the subject onwards. I looked up at my ceiling, could I hear him pacing? Or was that just my imagination?
Me: {It's just another day.}
Sho: [Disagree.]
I rolled my eyes.
Me: {dork.}
Sho: [Beautiful.]
I laughed into my pillow, knowing he'd be bright pink after sending that. But I also knew I wouldn't be able to sleep without double checking on him. He had said he was fine, but something had me worried. I slipped out onto my balcony and raised myself onto his, carefully tapping his screen door. It only took a couple seconds before he opened it and let me in. I barely step inside though, cupping his face to kiss him.
His hands settle on my hips, pulling me a little closer. "You stopped replying."
"Felt like giving the message in person." I hummed and kissed him harder, lacing my fingers into his hair. He just brushed his teeth. Eventually I detached myself and put my nose against his, being careful to take note of his expression without making him feel studied. I nudge his nose with mine. "You really, okay?"
"Better than that now." He sighed, pecking my cheek before nuzzling into my shoulder. I doubted the hiding aspect was on purpose.
I kept running my hand through his hair. "Sho… I can feel you shaking."
"Guess I can't blame it on being cold." He hummed, holding me closer still, my arms going round his neck. "I guess it's starting to sink in… I've never failed a test before."
I hugged him tighter. "You'll get through, you'll ace the next one."
"Still so confident in me?"
"Fucking duh."
He laughed breathlessly against me. "I guess I'll focus on that instead."
The shaking continued, but I just held on tight. I knew I had to come see him, to hold him and not let the doubts win. He'd already done so much for me. Time to be there for him. My fingers ran through his hair, I pressed kisses to his temple, the shaking eased and he drew smoother breaths.
"Sorry." He cleared his throat. "I feel so foolish."
"You're allowed to be upset, Sho."
"Yeah, but in the grand scheme of things this is hardly–"
"Fuck the grand scheme." I scowled, leaning back and pressing a finger to his lips. He watched me, uncertain. And the worst part? I knew that doubt wasn't in me, it was in himself. "You don't have to justify feeling bad about something."
"Yes, but–"
"No. No wriggling round this. Feel what you have to feel, Sho, take that from someone as emotional stunted as myself." I smirked and he returned it under my touch, kissing my fingertip a moment later. "So… you're nervous?"
"Nervous, unsure, I suppose a bit outright surprised… As arrogant as that sounds." He wrinkled his nose. To think that the boy who outright sidelined a teammate during our first team exercise would look so disgusted by arrogance, it's kinda funny.
I rolled my eyes. "You said you'd never failed a test, of course you're surprised. You're an ace student, this test just showed you the areas you still need to work on. And that's what school's for."
He smirked again and bit the end of my finger. "I need to write this down so I can call out your hypocrisy whenever it hits."
I flicked his forehead. "Oi, we're focused on you right now, not me."
"You're only saying that so I forget."
I winked. "Damn, you're getting wise to me."
He slid a hand into my hair and pulled me into another kiss, lifting me ever so slightly as his other arm wrapped round my waist. I can hold my own in our hand-to-hand fights, but damn it I can't deny how his strength turns me to jelly sometimes. Then he set me back onto my feet. "Sorry Alex, but I'm paying very close attention these days. Can't seem to help myself."
"I think I'm okay with that."
He pressed a final kiss to my forehead. "Good."
"You know what might also help?"
"What?"
"Not letting hero work and me, be the entirety of your world." I smiled at his confusion. I gestured around his minimalist room. "Apart from loving Soba, what're your hobbies?"
"Uh…" His mouth opened and closed a few times.
"I'll give you an example. I love films, I listen to music, heck I even draw occasionally. Not very well, should probably put more time into it really, but there's other things for my mind to focus on beyond school and our relationship. I can switch off, just be me. What about you?"
His eyes scanned his room; the uniform, work gear, the study materials. Work, work, work. He slept, ate, worked and gave me a kiss. Beyond that, who the hell was he?
I cupped his face. "You've got so much to give Sho, let yourself take a little."
He blinked. "I… I'll think about it… You're right."
"I know I am." I winked and he smirked. It wasn't that I wanted less time with him, quite the contrary, I'd be happy to spend all day with him. But it wouldn't be healthy. The last thing I wanted for either of us was to become dependent. Our world isn't safe enough for that. Anything could separate us. We can be happy together, but we still have to function apart.
He put his head to mine. "Consider me told."
"Good! Though don't go picking up a pencil and immediately being a prodigy at drawing too? My pride can only take so much Mr Perfect."
He chuckled with me. "Thank you for coming to see me, Alex. Seems you're paying close attention too."
"Gotta, my boyfriend is an evasive twerp these days."
He pressed another kiss to the end of my nose. "He didn't want to add to your load, or dampen things before your birthday. But of course, we can help each other as well as ourselves. That's what we said… I'll keep that in mind."
"Thank you." I gave him one last long hug before going back to my own room, satisfied he had in fact calmed down enough that he might sleep.
Good girlfriend points? Or interfering? I'm still not sure, even now as I look back on the evening. But I guess time will tell.
My run hits about the halfway mark as I follow the boundary walls, well aware there was a series of safety measures and monitor systems in place to keep me safe. It's a few metres high, but the sensors mean it can slam another dozen higher at a second's notice. Higher still if the threat calls for it. No expense had been spared on the upgrade since the many incidents. Not only for our peace of mind, but to get the media off the school's back. I smirk and take a sip of my water, anything to keep the reporters happy, eh Principal? I admit I don't like him, but I will credit him for at least responding this seriously. Plus, he hasn't used me as a mascot recently, so that helps.
A blue flame lights ahead.
I slow my jog, at first thinking I had just imagined it. But no. It's there, flickering in the gentle breeze. I calm myself that the flame is on the outside of the fence, but it's definitely blue fire, and it's definitely Dabi. My run is hardly a varied route, so him knowing my routine isn't very surprising. But it's weird that he would risk being so close to the school, knowing it's so heavily monitored. Why the hell is he here?
I pause by the flame and slowly clamber up a tree next to the wall. He can't reach me. He won't be able to even send a spark over the wall before the defences react. I know they're on as well, I can see the blinking lights from here. The whole point of the system is to make it easy for students to note if there's any problems or interruptions in the defences. So yeah, I'm protected. So why is my heart hammering this hard? Oh yeah. Because now, this isn't my friend, now this is a villain who frankly scares the hell out of me.
But of course, I won't show that. Not for a second.
He stands under the shadow of his tree, having picked a particularly leafy one presumably to allow better camouflage. I raise a brow and look along the path, glad to see he is alone, but still clueless on him being here. It's not like he's going to remember it's–
"Happy Birthday, Gorgeous." He tilts his head and gives that lopsided grin. At one time, that grin had made my day; it let me know he was happy, the nightmares hadn't been so bad that night, or he planned something nice. Now? I don't trust it. I check the road behind him again and angle myself slightly more against the trunk of my tree.
"Not my name."
The blue flame fades. "Still feeling sour, huh?"
I blink. "Sour? You kidnapped me and helped torture me. As far as I'm concerned Dabi, we're done. Why're you here?"
"Done?" He laughs. "We got too much history for that Gorg–Alex. I'm a part of your past."
"Yeah. Behind me."
"Mm, one way to look at it. All I did was try to help you, try to wake you up."
I put a hand to my chest. "Oh right, sorry, so I should be thanking you?"
He rolls his eyes. "Look, I just came to wish you a happ–"
"Fuck off. You came to rattle me. To check up on my progress. To report back to Shigaraki. Well here you go, training, getting stronger, preparing myself for whatever else that shithead has planned. I'd say whatever you have planned, but you're clearly on a leash these days, so why bother considering you anything more than his pawn?"
Ok. Maybe he rattles me a little. Just a little.
I swear I saw a small blue spark as he glares. "I'm on nobody's leash. He doesn't even know I'm here."
"Oh gosh. I believe you."
"Snarky, bitch." He sighs and leans against the trunk. "Is it so impossible to think I'd wanna know if you were okay? You got pretty messed up at Kamino."
"And you got knocked out, if I recall. How was snoozy time?"
He glares. "This doesn't have to be it between us, Alex. I still care–"
"Lie to yourself if you want, but you don't care about me." I point to the remaining scar from his burn at camp, the one he used to haul Bakugo into line. The reason my friend had to endure the League alongside me. The reason my friend has ghosts in his eyes.
Dabi's gaze lingers on the mark and he looks down. For a second, I could believe it's shame, but that second is quickly gone. Dabi isn't a fool. He knows how to play people, and I will not be his toy.
He stays silent.
I shrug. "Right, well wishes received, you can report back to Shigaraki that I'm fighting fit. We done?"
He frowns. "You can't even try to see it from my side?"
I tilt my head. "What side? The side of terrorizing kids at a summer camp? Burning me. Tormenting me. Helping me be nearly bent to the will of a psycho like Shigaraki or have my power stolen by All f–"
"The hero world is done with." He bares his teeth. "All you're doing is letting yourself get buried under a tired system. I'm not tryin' to hurt you, I'm trying to save you, ya dumbass!"
I blink. If he really thinks that's what he's doing, I feel even more sorry for him. It's a total delusion. Shigaraki either has his hooks deep in Dabi, or these are homegrown delusions. I'm not sure. Looking back, I really can't tell when he started to properly slip. Then again, maybe that was why he left me. He knew it was happening. Leaving me was probably the kindest thing he ever did. Maybe.
Dabi leans forward. "I even hear rumors you're dating Shouto?"
"What of it?"
His nose wrinkles. "So you're actively getting involved in Endeavour's madness?"
This time, I do laugh. "Fuck off, Dabi. Me dating Sho has nothing to do with–"
"If you think that, you're delusional."
Oh the irony.
I click my tongue. "Endeavour hasn't played into our relationship at all. And if he ever did, it wouldn't be welcomed or given the time of day."
"He breaks things. He will eventually break you too."
"Your mother is doing well." I spit out, still rather unsure if any of this so-called family connected is true, but I see that reaction in his eyes. Pain. Real pain that he only manages to mask a second later. For all I know though, this could be part of the delusion. In wanting a scapegoat for his pain, he picked Endeavour, and warped his own mind into believing himself a Todoroki. Maybe. I have no idea. Sho wasn't even sure if it was true or not. Maybe I should have asked last night, but Sho was already shaking, I couldn't continue to pester him. Not about something I know so little about.
"He broke her like everything else." Dabi grits his teeth. "It's gone too far to look back now."
"Oh, so you're giving up? Right. Guess that's the worst part."
"I'm fighting." Blue flickers next to the tree trunk. He casts an arm along the path. "You in there, that reinforced bubble, you're the one giving up. Painting by numbers, ticking the boxes. You're fooling yourself."
He's in so deep.
He draws a deep breath. "You got no idea, Alex. They have plans for you. Plans with back up plans and back ups behind that."
I grip the tree trunk, refusing to let him see me shake. Plans. Yeah, I knew that. It isn't new information; they took a bunch of my blood for one thing, and for another, Shigaraki's newfound drive will only make him more stubborn. So this isn't unexpected. But still, fear clogs the back of my throat. No. You're fine. You're inside the campus, protected. You're fine.
Dabi continues. "No matter what, Shigaraki is determined to either get you back on side or destroy you. It's gonna happen. Those are the only options."
"Not from where I'm standing." I sigh to cover clearing my throat. I need this to end. Not only is this taking up valuable time from my birthday, the fear is making my spine injury feel ready to give way. Not today. Dammit, not today. I put on my brave face. "I'm doing just fine Dabi, worry about yourself."
"You're being a fool!"
I start to get down from the tree. "I'm trying to build something, all you wanna do is destroy."
"To build something new and better!" He yells, the first time his voice has risen.
I pause and raise a brow. "Built on what? Our bones, once we're all dead?"
His mouth opens, his eyes focus on the scar he gave me and his mouth closes. I shake my head and get down, blocking him from view as I continue my jog. I should be raising an alarm, yet I hesitate. He's just a villain, why can't I point the finger, have him locked up? Maybe because I can't stand to think of him in chains. Maybe because I see him as already in chains of his own making.
A few tears spring to my eyes. I run faster, dragging air into my lungs and refusing to stop. My back aches, twinging as I reach an incline but I refuse to slow down. I need to keep moving. I can't and won't let this ruin my day. Fuck that. It's what Dabi wants, it'll be the only reason he came. To crawl under my skin. I can practically hear Shigaraki laughing, scratching at his neck and giggling. Bastard. They could all rot for all I care.
Dammit. I have to let Dabi go. Before this hesitation makes me do something really stupid.
By the time I get back to the dorms I've calmed. I've stopped feeling like my heart is going to fall into my stomach, and my eyes stop itching. Today is not ruined. No. In fact I can use that horrible interaction as a means to be thankful for everything I have now. Instead of what I lost, or maybe never had in the first place.
I go inside, rubbing the small of my back as it twinges in pain. Before anyone else is up I'll need to take some painkillers. Don't want this damn injury interrupting today as well. I finally feel the right 'pop' and sigh, coming into the kitchen to find Ura and Mina hunched over the breakfast table. Weird. It's so early for them.
"Hey guys, what're you–"
They both turn and beam, running over and hugging me despite my sweaty demeanour. "Happy Birthday!"
They do not want me in the kitchen apparently. All right, I'll play ball.
I chuckle. "Thanks guys, you're up early on a weekend!"
"Things to do!"
I tug my headphones off. "What you guys up to?"
"Nothing at all!" Ura steps into my path, hands waving frantically. "You're up very early aren't you? It's your birthday, you should be sleeping in."
"Just felt like going for a run."
"You should go upstairs and then you'll have your breakfast thing with Mr Aizawa once you're showered, right?"
I nod slowly, wondering if either of them are aware of how utterly terrible they are at being subtle. I head for the stairs, noting that Momo and Tsu are also there, and a bashful Kirishima waves from the fridge. I tilt my head, about to ask more when–
"Go and fucking wash you mangy Telekentic." Bakugo barks from the patio door as he kicks it closed. "We got shit to do and you ain't involved."
I snort and head upstairs without further delay. Whatever they're up to, considering the nervous looks, I can't help but wonder if they forgot about my birthday and are scrambling to do something last minute. I wouldn't blame them for forgetting, it's been a mad time. Plus, a simple 'happy birthday' would do. They don't have to do anything beyond that.
I head for a shower, humming the song I had been listening to whilst on my run as I chuck my workout gear into the laundry basket and shimmy into the water. Yes. This is fine. My eyes wander to the window a few times, but I just block the Dabi interruption from my mind. He's outside the fence, can't get in.
I focus on the water. Perfectly warm. I lather my hair, scrub my face and then shave my legs etc. It's weird how simply wonderful I find the process. The foam strips away in long lines under my razor, revealing generally untarnished skin underneath. My legs are my main area that have yet to be scarred. It's the small things. Small victories. I wrap myself in a towel and get out, wiping my mirror so I can moisturise and get ready for the day.
Sixteen.
We can't be sure this is my actual birthday, but it's the day Dad took me in and gave me a new life, so it seemed fitting. Six years since I got shot, and got my chance. I smirk and trace the small loop scar on my stomach, tilting my head as I note how faded it's become compared to the pinker shades on my shoulder, arms and neck. Patchwork, but maybe they would fade too. Maybe. Another scar, and another survival, that's what Dad said.
A knock sounds at my door.
I shrug on my jumper, having already pulled on my jeans, and open the door to a bunch of flowers. I blink. Black and white roses.
Sho's face appears over the top. "Happy Birthday, Alex."
Holy shit they're amazing.
I take the bunch from him, allowing him into the room as I stare at the impressive display. We were official now, yeah, but I hadn't expected him to do anything for today. It was so early in our relationship.
"Sho you didn't have to–"
"I wanted to." He pecks my cheek. Looking between me and the flowers. "Are they all right?"
"They're beautiful." I laugh softly, looking around and realising that I don't own a vase. I fill my sink with water and prop them in there for the time being. Dad's apartment might have something that I can use, even if it's only a large saucepan. Or I could probably ask Momo to cook up a vase if I really needed it. The flowers are beautiful though, and they smell divine.
"How was your run?" He asks, hugging me from behind, kissing the nape of my neck. I jolt, despite doing my best not to. "Alex?"
"The run was fine, my back is fine." I quickly clarify, turning in his hold and kissing his cheek. "I just uh… had a surprise visitor."
He frowns and leans back, looking me over like the answer is gonna be sitting on my jumper.
I glance out the window again before making myself focus. "It was Dabi."
Sho steps towards the balcony, as if Dabi is going to be sitting there smoking and waving.
I sigh. "He was outside the fencing, came nowhere near me."
"Why did he... Did he remember it was your birthday or something?"
"Yeah. Claimed to just want to come say hi. I told him to fuck off back to Shigaraki with his report, obviously just checking up on me."
Sho tucks my hair behind my ear. "Did he hurt you?"
"Like I said, he was beyond the barrier. Couldn't touch me."
Sho keeps his hand against my cheek, thumb running under my currently dry eyes. "Yes, but still… Did he hurt you?"
I open my mouth to deny it, to push the sentiment away, but the words stall. My lips purse.
The corner of Sho's mouth lifts. "I won't pretend to understand what the connection is, because I can't. You survived the streets together, I imagine that creates quite a bond."
"But he–"
"You don't need to justify it to me Alex, take the time to try figuring it out for yourself. There's a reason you still care, there's a reason you didn't sound the alarm." He kisses my forehead. "As long as you're okay, that's the main thing right now."
I move closer, hugging him tight. "It's all so messed up."
"Never simple, is it?" He hums. "I didn't have the nerve to ask my siblings about the brother claims I'm afraid, but I will."
"Do that whenever you want to Sho, I told you for your sake, not mine."
"All right." He squeezes my waist. "Shall we refocus on someone's birthday?"
"Sure, thank you for the flowers, they're stunning."
He runs fingers through my hair. "Well you seem to have started to like your hair, guess it inspired me."
I grin. "You're paying attention."
"Can't help myself." He kisses me again, lingering, hands slipping down my sides and holding onto my hips. I step closer, threading my fingers into his hair, sighing as the kiss deepens. Yes, this is the present, one of the many things I need to be present for, aware of, that I want to keep fighting for. Nevermind the past. For now it can sit in the shadows. It's time for me to enjoy the sunshine.
Eventually we part and I'm proud to find him as breathless as myself. His eyes are bright as he stares down at me, seeming to struggle between continuing with the kiss or the day.
I bite my lip. "They'll only come looking for us."
"True enough." He releases my hips. "Can I give you your present now?"
I blink and look at the stunning roses again. How is that not the gift?
He nods to my art supplies and tilts his head. "I was worried I missed the mark, but after we talked last night… I think I got it right." He goes back to the door and dips outside, bringing back a package wrapped in silver paper. "I hope it's alright…"
Still, he's nervous. This guy is ridiculous.
I perch on my bed and undo the black ribbon, tearing the paper next. "You planning on spoiling me, Sho?"
He kneels in front of me. "If I can."
The paper peels back to reveal a stunning art set. High quality sketching pad, a water colour notepad under that. Then there's the pencils, the paints and a folder to keep all my efforts inside of. Across both notebooks is a design, and I recognise it as the doodle I always do on my course notes. My fingers trace the pattern.
He clears his throat. "Whenever we swapped notes you always had this swirling pattern in the margins. I figured you'd like it on your–"
I've tackled him to the ground and hug him tightly, face hidden against his chest. It's so much. Too much. I don't even know when his birthday is for god's sake!
I peek from under my fringe. "It's amazing. You're amazing."
"So, good present?"
"Amazing. Totally amazing. Now I've got no excuse, I better get practising."
He pulls me up his body and into a fresh kiss. Slow, gentle, making me forget anything exists beyond this, beyond us.
"I'm glad you like it, you're not very easy to buy presents for." He smirks at my blush. "I've never noticed you wearing perfume, or jewelry. Would you even wear jewelry if given it?"
"I dunno… I always asked for clothes from dad and Nem or Hiz."
"So… you'd try it?" He tilts his head and I nod biting my lip, hoping he doesn't get carried away. I have so little to give him. He notes my nerves, running his thumb along my lip. "Hey, I'm not going to drown you in shiny things."
I chuckle. "You're already so shiny."
He looks confused but as half eight appears on my phone, I lean in and kiss his cheek. "I'll explain later, for now I gotta go for birthday breakfast with Dad."
"Enjoy."
We get up from the ground and as he heads to the kitchen I head up the stairs.
I run up to Dad's room and knock thrice. Rushing heels approach the door and I grin, I'd been wondering if Nem and Hiz would be coming today. I haven't been able to see them much lately. The door opens and I'm dragged inside for the usual sandwich hug. Her perfume and his cologne mix, their hair tickles, their arms hold tight. Perfection. I hold them back, with my arms and my quirk.
"Happy birthday my beautiful girl!" Nem coos, cupping my face. "Sixteen already! My my!"
Hiz takes his turn. "Old lady now! You better not be too cool for us though, not seen you in forever, girl!"
I grin. "Sorry, between training and exam prep it's been mad."
"Fair dos, at least you didn't forget about this morning. Old papa zawa over there was getting worried you'd have better plans!"
I look to the kitchen where dad is busy making pancakes. His ears go pink as Hiz spills the beans. Dad was nervous? He thought I'd bail on birthday breakfast? I scamper over and hug him from behind, nuzzling between his shoulder blades. Silly old man
He pours a fresh pancake into the pan before turning and holding me close. "Happy birthday, kid."
"You're daft, Dad. There aren't any better plans than this."
"Thanks, glad to hear it." He hums, kissing the top of my head. "Go sit at the table and pour the coffee okay?"
I do so and Nem gathers the syrup and fruit. At what point it became a tradition I'm not sure, but every birthday I make him waffles, he makes me pancakes. We talk, we laugh and enjoy the food. I sit by him, head resting on his shoulder as Nem tells a couple stories from her recent patrols and Hiz has some funny moments from his radio show. For a moment, I could easily forget we're in the dorms, thinking we're back at our apartment. In our bubble. Nostalgia warms me. This is perfect.
"Present time!" Nem claps and dashes off whilst Hiz and Dad clear the table. Another rule of the birthday is that the one 'getting old' isn't allowed to do the dishes.
I enjoy my second cup of coffee, listening to the clink of plates and rustling of paper as Nem brings packages over. Once again, they spoil me. Some band t-shirts and oversized hoodies. A couple new fluffy blankets and classic films I'd been wanting. New headphones and brand new running trainers. All Might's package is brought out next and it's a photo album. It's already got class photos and pictures from the various training exercises we've been doing. I'm laughing in most of them, or Mina is standing with her arm round me, or Ura. There's plenty of space to add more as well. It's wonderful, I'll have to thank him properly.
All the presents are amazing.
But I can't help but note there's one package missing. It would be small, likely envelope shaped, holding papers inside with my new name; Alex Aizawa. But it's not there. I thank them for the gifts and hug them all. Nem and Hiz have to dash off for meetings, but as I'm left alone with Dad he leads me over to the sofa and sits me down, looking calm but serious.
He puts an arm around me. "Before you freak out kid, I've applied for the papers. They're just taking longer than expected, okay? I'm sorry, I know you were looking for the right sized package."
I bite my lip. "Am I that obvious?"
"A little. But I'm glad you liked the other presents, even so."
"You went overboard, again." I jab him in the ribs and he laughs. "Sho got me flowers and a new art set… so he spoiled me as well."
"I know." He smirks and I blink up at him. "The kid has a good head on his shoulders, he asked what I was getting you to avoid doubling up."
I blush. "Oh… that's… that's thoughtful of him."
"Attention to detail, seems like a good kid." He ruffles my hair. "I was a bit worried about the roses though. Wasn't so sure you were keen on the hair yet or not."
I play with the monochromatic strands of my fringe. "Yeah, it's been growing on me. Like any of the other scars, it just shows what I've survived, right?"
He nods. "Doesn't hurt that it looks pretty good too."
"Well what's a pro hero without a solid aesthetic?" I snort and he rolls his eyes, sending me down to see my friends as the time heads towards ten o'clock. Whether he was under orders from the likes of Mina or not, he was pretty insistent I don't dawdle.
This lot have been working together, haven't they?
Sneaky…
I head down and look around the apparently abandoned common area. It's so quiet. Maybe they got bored and left? I head towards the eating area, about to call out when suddenly I hear cheers, laughter and 'happy birthday!' erupting all around me. My friends appear from their hiding places, firing party poppers and throwing confetti.
I blow confetti from the end of my nose. "Guys… you're all bonkers."
Mina slings an arm round my shoulders. "We're amazing birthday ninjas, that's all! C'mon, we have presents and a cake for later! But after presents its time for a movie marathon and of course some well-intentioned games that Bakugo is not gonna ruin by being overly competitive."
The rager in question grimaces. "The fuck you sayin' Pinky–"
Kirishima puts him in a choke hold and grins. "We'll keep him in line, Alex."
"Pah, I'll do that myself." I wink.
And honestly? It's an amazing day. They've all gone above and beyond, and we have so much fun just… being kids. We laugh, we watch the films, we eat the far too sugary cake and then get in a right mess with the games. I won't lie, I end up getting too competitive with Bakugo anyway. Can't help it! It ends in a tie, but no doubt we'll figure out the real winner eventually. I hadn't had a chance to see him after the exam, so I'm glad to see him getting involved. Even if this could be bravado.
By the time I'm heading for my bed, I'm exhausted. I trail up the stairs with Sho, half phone buzzes in my pocket with a message from Dad. He wants to see me. I groan, not wanting to go up another two flights of stairs, but Sho helps me up the first at least. I leave him at his door, kissing him goodnight before venturing up again and knocking on Dad's apartment.
"Come in!"
I find a very nervous looking Dad. What's he got to be nervous about? I already got my gifts, they were amazing. I've had an awesome day, which I texted him about several times. Reassuring him it was great but also warning him to stay away unless he wanted to be dragged into things by Mina. Oh. Is he still annoyed the adoption papers? He gestures to the sofa and I sit. Or is there something he needs to tell me? Has something happened?
Presumably my face is betraying my fears because he chuckles. "Don't look so worried. Here, open it."
He hands me a box.
I undo the massive purple ribbon and carefully open the box, finding tissue inside and confetti in the shape of cats. It's very Dad. I push this aside and then jolt. Holy Shit. In a simple but beautiful wooden frame, sitting under thin glass to keep it safe from my immediate tears, adoption papers smile up at me. They arrived. There it is, my new name. Alex Aizawa. I'm officially Shouta's daughter.
Dad smiles. "They arrived this afternoon, but you were having so much fun downstairs I didn't want to interrupt."
I'm struggling to do anything but stare.
He glances at the box. "Is it… Is it okay? You can choose a different frame or–"
"It's perfect." I sob, putting a hand to my mouth. I set the box aside and hug him tightly. He stands, raising me off the ground as he spins and hugs me back. "We've come a long way, huh Mister?"
He laughs, stopping spinning and simply hugging me tight. "Too right we have, kid."
"I love you, Dad."
"I love you, my brilliant daughter."
SHO POV
The first time I saw Alex in class, I didn't know what to think. On one hand she seemed so like me; confident with her quirk, bold in her maneuvers and clearly skilled, but just as socially awkward. A loner. But then the others warmed to her quickly, gravitating towards her like she had used her quirk on their hearts. As much as it confused me, it won me over–I wanted to know more, to understand why her dark eyes seemed so interested in everything. Right from the start she fascinated me. Guess I should have known it would only become more so from then on.
On that first day, when we all showed off our quirks, she had the same tenacity as Midoryia. Thankfully she didn't have to hurt herself as much but she still pushed herself to the brink. She would use her own merit and no one else's; at the time of course I hadn't known she had anyone else's merit to claim. Little did we know that her father was there the whole time. He even reprimanded her. It fascinated me then, and it still does: nothing will stop her. In hand-to-hand she showed herself to be at my level, if not better. Bit by bit she impressed me, and I wasn't impressed often. It was as thrilling as it was unnerving–I had no way of knowing how to deal with such a potent reaction to someone.
And then she berated me.
She held up the mirror and showed me how close I strayed towards him. No wriggle room. No excuses. I had been an ass and she wasn't about to let it slide.
My heart was doomed.
Not only did she put me in my place, she started to wake me up. My classmates weren't distractions, they were another means to learn. To grow. I'll never be able to thank her enough. Without that who knows, I could have still ended up like him. Before we went anywhere near a battlefield, she already saved me. From then on, I knew she was important–not only to me, but for everyone. Like Midoryia, she sparked inspiration. With Midoryia, it's the passion to do better, to be better. With Alex, it's to work harder.
So, when I saw her having that panic attack, I had to help. So easily I could recall myself in a crowded space, desperately clawing at my composure. Father never allowed weakness. It hurt, turning even the smallest imperfection into a huge deal. Gradually I've dealt with it, but I know panic when I see it, and she nearly passed out. Or maybe a power surge. Looking back, I have to wonder if she suspected Shigaraki causing the false alarm. Looking back, I can't imagine her fear. She tried to do it all on her own. I can't bring myself to ask, and in all honesty she might not remember, but I do wonder if she had noticed me watching her that lunchtime. I couldn't take my eyes away. Along with trying to figure her out, to figure why she would help the likes of me, I had suddenly realised how beautiful she was. It hit me like a truck. Every twist of her short dark hair, the way her nose crinkled when she laughed. Her lips, so full until stretching over that unabashed grin. I had no idea what to do with the feeling. I hadn't expected it, so I pushed it down, I didn't think I deserved it and guessed she wouldn't wish it from me either. I swallowed it all. I'm a fool.
Then came the attack on the USJ.
She nearly died right in front of me. When her skin started to peel thanks to Shigaraki's twisted quirk, blood running down her arms and front, I thought I'd vomit. But she just kept going. When her nose ran with blood as she withheld the Nomu's attack on Mr Aizawa, she kept going. Nothing would stop her. Not even the threat of her own death. Such loyalty to a teacher was insane, and then she screamed 'dad' and it made even less sense. She loved her father. Entirely. Completely. When her shield finally fell away, and All Might carried Mr Aizawa, me and Midoryia were tasked with carrying Alex. So limp. So broken. Occasionally her eyes fluttered, still trying to fight. Thankfully she couldn't. Thankfully we got her to safety.
Strike one against my heart.
I hadn't realised how much I cared until I had to wash her blood off my hands. It took hours to stop shivering.
In the hospital bed she looked so small, bundled under blankets, mumbling apologies in her sleep. Of course as soon as she woke, she wanted to know how everyone else was doing. Damn. I think that was when I started to feel the fear; I was growing to care for someone who didn't value themselves at all. A dangerous game. But I'm confident she's worth it. Who knows, I might even be able to convince her she's worth worrying over.
I can't help but smirk at my optimism. We share a stubbornness.
When she returned to school after the USJ, I was thrilled to find her alone. I'd been edging closer for so long, and there she was; sitting alone in the sunshine. Beautiful. Dark hair looking like coffee when the sun caught it, that freckle just under eye, red lips stretching perfectly over a crooked smile. Any excuse to talk to her was a gift. So when she started talking about the Sports Festival it was perfect. Common ground. Not to mention she was saving me from going home. The second I passed the gate it was time to train to the point of vomiting. But that wasn't her problem. I couldn't whine at her. Then she spoke about my father, that damn bastard had even messed with her life. Yet she stood up to him–she extinguished his beard and ran. Even now it makes me want to burst out laughing; my imposing father, extinguished by a small child. She's amazing. I wish I'd laughed freely at the time, she obviously told me in order to amuse me. Yet I withheld. I didn't want to be loud. I wanted to tell her how much I admired her, how much I wanted to be her friend. But silence won. Every damn time. Instead, I asked about her relationship with Mr Aizawa. What had I even planned to gain? Did I hope he was a dick too and we could bond over that? I'm still not sure. I practically ran out of the classroom, nearly knocking Mr Aizawa down as I bolted. A damn coward, that was what I was.
Then the festival.
I got so wrapped up in my bubble, I nearly stepped on her in the corridor. I couldn't really believe what I was seeing; slumped against the wall, eyes rolled back, body shuddering. When I finally woke her, she clung to me so tightly. The vision villain had done his work, but I'll admit, at the time I enjoyed the sudden closeness. She was relying on me. Stupid, awkward, lonely me. She seemed apologetic but damn I just wanted to hold her closer. I wanted to wrap her in my arms and make all the shivering stop. But I couldn't really help. Not before she helped me. Her and Midoryia alike–that day, they both set me free. Claim the power for yourself. It was so obvious once they said it.
But whilst my world clarified, whilst I went to see my mother at last and turned a page towards progress, Alex stagnated.
When I found her after class after my father told me about the truth of the Festival incident, she looked so angry with the world. As though my shell had latched onto her instead. Seeing it hold her passion in, hold her at arms length from everyone, it was sickening. That wasn't her. I guess I should have seen her cagey-ness as a warning. But then again, we hadn't been close. Not yet. At that point she probably still saw me as a pest. But then she called me sweet. She might as well have hit me with a chair, I was so dumbfounded. Her kind heart still saw me as sweet, despite how awkwardly I spoke, how often I made her frown and lean away defensively. I still can't wrap my head around it. How she reached out and asked so carefully about my own world. Maybe it was only to distract herself, but the way her eyes shone with concern. For me, so stupid, awkward, and cold. But no… to her I was quiet, ambitious, stubborn and talented. Instead of resenting my foolish lamenting of my sheltered home and warm bed, she was simply glad I didn't have to be on the streets. Kindness. It flows through her like air.
One day, I hope she can know what actually happened to her parents. Or do I? As she said herself, right now she could pretend anything at all. Anything. The good or the bad. If she finds out for real, she might only know bad. Did they leave her? Did she accidentally hurt them with her power? No one seems to know. I still can't decide if that's better or worse.
At least that day I finally managed to up my courage and admit I admired her and respected her. Cold terms for what it really was. Every time she bit her lip I wanted to run my thumb along it, to soothe the pinked skin with my own lips. Every time she fidgeted, I wanted to lace my fingers with hers and kiss the back of her hand. To calm her. Steady her. But instead I 'admired' and 'respected'. I am an idiot.
But thank goodness I said something.
Only a few days later she went to that roof. I have no idea if my words helped or not, but I'm glad I said them. Shigaraki has burrowed so deep, nearly robbing us all of her. To think that she was nearly lost without anyone there to remind her how loved she was.
I have her right here, right now, she's sleeping right next to me, having been studying together in my room. I curl closer, my arm wrapping round her waist, feeling her body move closer to mine on instinct. She smiles. She sighs. Her shampoo smells vaguely like apples. I kiss her cheek. She's right here, yet I've almost lost her so many times.
My heart nearly jumped out my throat when I heard she'd run away–and I didn't even know about the damn roof yet. My father disapproved, but I had to find her, to know she was okay. It took several hours but it didn't matter. I found her. Huddled in a coffee shop, eyes distant as she stirred her coffee absentmindedly with her quirk. She was so surprised at my appearance, that I'd gone looking, that I cared.
I smirk and kiss her cheek as she sleeps.
Back then, she had no idea how much we all cared, the whole class. At that point I started to understand how foolish she could be. So my dumb-ass self went and confessed my feelings. Of all the times... though of course she thought I only meant as a friend. At least I knew we had that. Then she said my first name–I'd never had an opinion about my name, but hearing her say it made me love it.
It was nearly impossible to focus on anything whilst she was gone. I'm glad she was there to help in Hosu, but I'll admit at the time it was difficult to simply walk away and not drag her home. Class wasn't the same. Mr Aizawa wasn't the same. Nothing was the same. But it showed us what it might be like to lose someone, I think all of class 1A learned something during that month.
I nuzzle her neck as my mind drifts towards the summer camp. She hums in her sleep and rolls closer to me, turning and hiding in the crook of my neck. Her lips graze my skin. So close. At least once a day I can hope to hold her like this. I smirk. Unless I mess it up. But I refuse to let myself do that. I finally earned her affection, I'm not going to waste it. I trace small circles into her back as she sleeps, and her fingers grasp onto my t-shirt, holding tight. I dare to hope that she needs me as much as I desperately need her.
That night at camp, she saved me. Again. My mind had been reeling from another damn nightmare, imagining a whining kettle, hot water, panic, freezing, screams and fury, and she turned up like sunshine. I hope she knows how much she helped–through laughter she healed me stitch by stitch.
I shiver as I recall her held in that patchwork guy's arms. Something rang familiar about him then–and knowing he claims to be my brother hardly helps. I kiss her head. He burned her, threatened her, yet I could do nothing. I sounded calm, but I shook like a leaf. I thought I lost her again. I guess I very nearly did. My knees hit the dirt after they had vanished. Midoryia screamed in the corner, his arms destroyed and his heart in tatters. We couldn't save them, even though they were right in front of us. I kept quiet. I had no right to freak out any more than anyone else. She was everyone's friend, Bakugo too. And we watched them slip away. Her arm had been badly burned, and yet her body stayed limp in that freak's arms. So small. She looked too small.
As soon as Kirishima wanted to go find them, I couldn't refuse. Not only did I want to help Bakugo from being turned into a villain, I had to get to Alex. I had to actually be helpful. I kept thinking back to the coffee shop, to how she had trembled when thinking of Shigaraki. He tormented her dreams, her memories, so what would they do in real life? By the time we found her, I thought she was already dead. That Fate had finally stopped doing me favours. But then she coughed. She was alive. My eyes sting even now, recalling how beaten up she was, how torn into. Blood was everywhere, her body badly bruised by her own overuse of her power. The pressure was too much. I don't know if she could even see me, but I got a smile. So much blood. I thought I'd be holding her when she died.
As I touched her head with my ice, she sighed. She looked almost peaceful. I wanted to do so much more, but at least I gave her a moment of reprieve. They got her onto a stretcher, but I could stay with her. I was helping.
And then she made her choice.
I guess at some point we should talk about that. I don't want kids either, Alex. I'd never want to risk my father getting hold of my child, the only way to guarantee that is to not have any. I hope you've not worried about it. Then again, you'd likely just call that my problem and shove me back. You won't be talked down to by anyone. Of course not. You're too brilliant for such nonsense.
For two weeks she lay in that bed. Strapped down by tubing and machinery; one to breathe for her and the rest kept her blood moving. Four sets of dialysis. Infection threatened, a fever sent her into a series of seizures, and three surgeries had her body spent. Still her heart beat. Still she fought. Mr Aizawa was kind–he didn't question my lingering, he even offered me tea or food. Maybe it helped him to look after someone whilst he could only watch her and hope. Though he did have to intervene a few times when her powers surged. There was no telling what her dreams were doing to her. We had no way of knowing what horrors she'd be reliving.
Then she started to wake up. I managed to wipe my tears before she saw, but when I saw that smirk again for the first time since camp, I could have wept all over again. And even then I had to make her focus on herself. The damn woman would likely drive me mad with those impulses, but I'll take the strain any day, for a chance to be there when she wakes.
And now she's just downstairs. So close every single day and within arms reach. Her note was sweet, I couldn't stop rereading it, trying to find some grain of selfishness. But no. Once again she was more concerned about being a bother than her own pain.
I look down at her sleeping face and smirk. "You're going to drive me mad, aren't you?"
She frowns and nuzzles closer as I'd angled back slightly.
It means a lot to me to know that she can depend on me. But at the same time, her words from the night after the exam echo. We don't need to be each other's entire world. Having interests outside of this is good, healthy even. I'm so glad she enjoys her art and films. She's already shown me so many that have quickly become my favourites. My world's gotten that bit bigger thanks to her, but it doesn't need to be centred around her. I kiss her head, so grateful she came up that night. I kept typing the request, 'could you come upstairs?' but never sent it. Repeatedly I hesitated, not wanting to spoil the night before her birthday. But then, there she was. Seeing through my bullshit like always. I'd been a mess, still shaking after only just dodging my father's direct wrath, but then she kissed me, she held me close. After that, the noise lessened, the shakes calmed, the air wasn't so thin.
I chuckle and hold her close, running my fingers up and down her back, feeling the small indent where her bra sits. We're officially going out, everyone knows and so far it seems everyone approves. I'm glad to know that also includes Mr Aizawa. I think he also knows we sneak into each other's rooms. But I guess he knows he can trust us. At least I hope so. I'm a pretty good student, and it seems like she's pretty up front with him about things. Maybe I should talk to him, properly ask him. Then again, I'm not marrying her. Yet.
I bite my lip as she sighs against my neck again, her lips moving against my throat. It was nice to know I'd been right in guessing how soft her lips would be. So far we've only kissed, but I can't deny how much I want to go further. I want to know all of her. But there's no rush. I'll wait as long as she wants.
It seems too soon to consider my feelings as 'love', but then again, what else about our lives is 'normal'? Looking back, I can't pinpoint when I fell in love with her. The word itself is so tangled to me, so warped by false promises and good intentions torn by context. But I do. I love her. Then again maybe it wasn't one moment. Maybe it just grew gradually till I couldn't deny it anymore. But I won't say it so soon–I'd freak her out. We'd only been going out a short time, it didn't matter than I'd adored her for far longer. I'll wait Alex, I'll wait and then make those keen eyes shimmer with happy tears. Hopefully. Unless you go ahead and hand my ass to me instead.
She mumbles something and rolls onto her back, looking up with slowly blinking eyes.
I kiss the end of her nose. "Nice nap?"
"Not my fault you're comfy." She grumbles, rolling closer and kissing under my jaw. "Sorry if you were bored though. Didn't mean to fall asleep."
Last night she'd woken in tears. By the time I got down to her room she was a trembling mess. I held her for a couple hours and let her drift off in my arms. Sleep wasn't being kind.
I brush her hair back. "You need the rest. It's fine. We finished the reading."
"Mm, good." She rubs her eyes. "Did I help at all?"
"You're surprisingly good at working when half unconscious."
"Plenty practise." She shrugs. "Though the newfound Sho pillow definitely makes napping easier."
"Glad to be of service."
There's a moments pause before she traces up the collar of my shirt, fingertips lingering against my collarbone. My skin heats. I find her biting her lip. I'm too busy watching the skin pale under the pressure to notice her hand gripping my collar, until she suddenly pulls me down into a proper kiss.
Her fingers thread into my hair and I sigh into her control. Her grip tightens and she shifts under me, deepening the kiss, driving my logical mind to the limits. She's so warm, so close, so intoxicating. But what's going on in her head? My skin tingles under her touch. Instinct rules me. My hand skims down her side and lingers on her hip. She shudders like me. She kisses harder, her tongue making it hard to think of anything else. Fuck. I want more. She has to know what that does to me. Her hips move, rubbing against me, making me painfully aware of how hard I am. Fuck yes. A moan escapes me, rumbling onto her tongue as it continues to dance with mine.
But this is strange, for her to be so forward so suddenly. I have to think.
"Alex…" I breathe, trying to break the kiss, trying to get some space to think rationally. If I don't I'm going to give in, I'll peel her clothes away, letting my lips run riot over her skin. But she's having none of it. She doesn't want me to think.
"Sho." She pulls me back in and resumes. The grinding, the pulling, the tongue caressing mine. More. I want more.
Her teeth graze my lip, and her hand moves from my hair to my hand that grips her hip tightly. She pushes my hand down, pushing my fingers under the waistband of her skirt. I can feel the line of her underwear. So soft. Are they silk? What colour are they? She's only wearing long socks today, no tights, the skirt's already slipped up her thigh. I wonder how soft her skin is that high up. I wonder how warm it'll feel settling between her legs. I want to push her shirt up, take it off and let my lips linger against her stomach, moving up to her chest. I want to taste. What does she look like naked? Would I be able to make her moan?
I stop myself.
Wait, this is wrong. My hand stops no further than her waistband and the world slows.
Why now?
So much insistence after waking.
I break away and pant, staring down at her flushed face. "Alex, what's wrong?"
She frowns and tries to kiss me again. "Nothing."
I sit up more. "C'mon, did you have a bad dream or something?"
Her hand leaves my wrist and she looks to the side. A blush blooms on her cheeks. For a few moments she's quiet, I think she's hoping I'll blink first and simply resume kissing. I want to. I really want to. But if this is a distraction tactic, I can't let her run away.
She curls her hand against her own chest. "I thought…"
"What?" I swallow, very glad to know I had a good enough handle on my flames to not set the bed linen on fire. She bites her lip. I lean closer and brush her hair from her face. "Alex, talk to me."
"I thought you'd want to."
"Want to what? Take things further?"
She nods, blush deepening.
I laugh softly and she glares. I kiss her cheek. "Of course I do."
"Then why're you stopping?"
"Because I want to move forward for the right reasons, not because you're worrying about something and think this counts as communication." I raise a brow and she blinks. For a moment I think she's going to call me stupid, push me off and call me a prude. Fear prickles my spine; maybe I was just being over-protective. Maybe I had it wrong?
Then she just wears a look of disbelief. "Sho… How the fuck do you know me so well already?"
I laugh, fear melting as I kiss her gently. "Because I've adored you for a long time, remember?"
Her arms wrap around me. No grinding, no clutching, just holding me and needing me. That's fine.
She sniffs. "Dammit, Sho. You're too good to me."
"Disagree." I breathe, hoping the raging hard-on will die down. She must be able to feel it. "Care to tell me what led to this temptation session?"
"Just… Waiting for the other shoe to drop." Her voice is barely above a whisper, and for a second when I look at her, it's like she's back in that coffee shop. Small. Alone. Afraid. I lean on my elbow by her head and stroke along her cheekbone. I'm listening, I'm not going anywhere. She takes a deep breath and keeps going. Time. That's all she needs. "We're figuring out ultimate moves, we got together, my recovery is going well, Dad's adopted me, and my birthday was amazing… Everything's falling into place. I didn't want to let something get left behind."
"We're in no rush, Alex. We're not going to get left behind simply because we haven't gone all the way. We're plenty intimate in other ways." I kiss her hair, but she stays very still. A knot remains in her mind. I run a hand up and down her back. "Or did the dream convince you otherwise?"
She gives a small nod.
A couple times recently she had spoken of dreaming about sands running out, of loudly ticking clocks. Like she was always on borrowed time. I'd brush it off as a dream at first. But they kept happening. I have my own theories about that Villain's vision quirk, but she's convinced the dreams mean something. There's no point arguing. She's scared. She's allowed to be scared. I can't even imagine the fear she's already endured.
I hold her close. "Loud clock or sands?"
"B-Both. Except, everyone was standing around me, I could hear the clock, and then everyone started to fade, like they were made of sand and they were running out. You ran quickest."
I hold tighter. "I'm not going anywhere, Alex."
"Not on purpose, no." She breathes, and I just keep holding her. It isn't that she doesn't trust me, it's the world that has her on edge. I know this. I will not punish her for having experience. Fear doesn't play well with logic, my own father forgot that too easily, I wasn't about to do the same.
She sighs. "I'm sorry, I must sound fucking cra–"
"No." I kiss her hair, lingering. "No you don't. You sound scared, and I want to help. But I guess the best thing I can do is be here when you wake up."
She nods against my chest. Then she looks up, eyes shining. "By the way, I uh… I do want to… to do that soon though. Okay?"
I grin, I can't help it. The beautiful woman in my arms wants to be with me as much as I want to be with her. Sure we have plenty of things to fear, plenty still to fight, but we can still enjoy the moments of normal available to us.
"Of course, Alex. I want to as well. But we'll do it properly."
She nuzzles back in. "You're too good to me Sho."
"No, I think the rest of the world has just been particularly shitty."
"I'm having a bad influence on your vocabulary."
"Agreed."
We laugh. I could listen to her laughter forever. We'll need it going forward; tomorrow she goes to visit All for One. There's no telling what he'll say. But whatever it is, I'll be here when she gets back, whenever and however she needs me.
I love you Alex Aizawa.
Yup. Wholesome fluff with that little dash of tension early on :P hope you enjoyed! Thanks to everyone reading, following, faving and reviewing! I love chatting to you guys so check SHOUTOUTS below! See you next time! And as ever, if not on the week mark, it'll be no later than the two week mark without SOME kinda explanation from me ^-^ cya later!
SHOUTOUTS:
zikashigaku: I'm glad you still enjoyed the exam despite it not being quite what you expected! And yeah haha, she's a panicker, and quick to assume she has done something wrong. Still working on that. You're totally right though, she says Sho is an overthinker and yet... yeah... she is a bit of a hypocrite there lol! Yes! Someone else who finds the wind guy annoying, lol. I really didn't like him, buuut yes, the follow up was good fun, I'll admit. I always liked that Bakugo's attitude wasn't just for flavour, it ACTUALLY impacts his progress as a hero. It's so great! I am intrigued to see where they go with Endeavour, I don't read the manga, so I'm in the anime progress thus far. Personally, it'll take a LOT for me to see him as anything beyond an abuser. But hey, willing to be proven wrong. And I can totally admire the fact they're addressing such a complicated aspect of that kinda society. It's really intriguing from a viewer pov and a writer. I hope you enjoyed the birthday shenanigans! I had a lot of fun writing it! See you soon and as ever thank you sooooooo much for reviewing, it is SO awesome of you and genuinely makes my week.
kwekman: The fact you said the telekenisis was your only issue makes me hope you like the rest of the story? Haha, I wasn't sure. But hey, thanks for bringing it up. I canny please everyone of course, but its interesting to know what bugs people. Personally, just to clarify, I like to approach fictional powers in my own way, and as long as I'm consistent, I see that as fine. There are technically specific ways its understood to work, but at the end of the day, it's a fiction concept. It's not real. So whilst I know this isn't a traditional use RIGHT NOW, Alex is learning. Who knows where she might end up with the power :D And you're totally right, the power isn't being used to it's full potential yet, but neither she's not fulfilled her potential either! ^-^ Personally, if I saw a 15/16 year old character using a power perfectly and to it's absolute full potential, I would find it odd/quite Mary Sue like. They're at school, they're meant to be learning! Every single kid is still learning and whilst some are pretty far along, they're all still learning in some manner! I hope you reach this point so you can see my thoughts on your review, meaning you did still enjoy enough to keep reading, and know I hadn't ignored your review from chpt 5! Thanks so so much for taking the time to review :D like I said, even though it was something bothering you, I love to hear these things. It's something for me to keep in mind as Alex progresses, to keep her power's finess growing too, along with it's brute power! :D thanks again!
