Here we are! Another update, and the next shall be in the usual two weeks! Enjoy! ^-^
The day of Knight Eye's funeral, I admit that I don't know what to do with myself. I barely knew the man, yet he had been instrumental in me being rescued. I likely owed my life to him. And for Eri being safe. So I attend, of course. For paying my own respects, and to be there for Izuku and the others. Ura wasn't close to the man either–likely hadn't met him more than once before the day he died–but she had been there when he was hurt. She had tried her best to keep him safe afterwards. She likely had to wash his blood off her hands. I held her perfectly clean hands tightly. I kept her steady when she wobbled as the casket was taken away. Guilt. It's in her eyes, her dismissals of concern, her eventual wobbling lip and clinging hug. I knew it. I felt it. And I did everything to help her through. Tsu as well, but she mainly helped me mop up after Ura.
Izuku was quiet. His eyes were dull, and his hands remained in fists by his sides the whole day. I hated it. Like seeing only a shadow of Izuku. A shell. He dodged Mirio, and his lips pursed so tight during the Eulogy I wondered if he might draw blood. It was a weird day for all.
Work studies were put on hold for the time being. Hardly surprising, and I did my best not to land the blame at my own doorstep. I didn't make the Yakuza get involved. No, the League did that. I reported the Vision attempt in Dad's apartment to the police, and they were glad of the information. Yet another apology from Toshi's friend on the force, yet another look of pity. Then again, I should likely have made the most of them whilst they existed. Once the information about my parents was revealed, that was all going to change, wasn't it? No more pity. It would warp into revulsion, or even fear. Would they all hate me? Would they demand my removal from the Hero course? I didn't know. Dad said no, but then again, did he really know either?
Bit too late to think of that now.
The room beyond filled with reporters, I could hear the chairs creaking, the notepads being flickered onto fresh pages, the pens being checked. Cameras were being set up and mics plugged in. So many eyes. So many ears. It wouldn't get as much immediate coverage as my previous press conference, after all, that followed Kamino. That was a big deal. This was just Eraserhead's daughter wanting to make some public statement. But it would gain traction quickly. It would hit headlines once they knew the extent of my confession. The news cycle. Fuck. It would run over and over again.
I was right to have already told my classmates.
Right before we headed to the interview. I had twenty minutes to explain to my friends that I had murdered my own parents. Weirdly enough, the words fell into place surprisingly easily. Their eyes went wide. I assured them they had every right to react however they wanted to, however they needed to. I wouldn't blame them for anything. Mina hugged me so tight. She apologised and asked if I was sure about the press conference, if I wanted her to go with me. Ura followed suit, along with the rest of the girls, all huddled round, hugging me, all apologising about crying. They didn't know why they were, but I did. They were doing it because I couldn't. No tears for me. Not right now. My emotions had to be in check for this interview. I had to be steady.
Then Izuku came over, he asked if he could do anything and just hugged me when I assured him there wasn't anything. Finally I felt like he had come back out of that shell a little. A small portion of his warmth had returned. For me. How mad is that? And then he said it, the words I hadn't even realised I wanted to hear from him.
You're still a Hero.
It wasn't that it hadn't meant as much from Sho, Dad or Bakugo, of course it meant the world from any of them, but for some reason it coming from Izuku cut me right down the middle. I clung to him and said thanks. Iida bid me best wishes for the conference, but I could see he was still processing. The Hero code was very dear to him, of course it is, after his slip up with Stain, he has been so careful. I smiled at him. He had nothing to look so ashamed about. I said they had every right to react however they needed to, and that was all he was doing. Kirishima and Kaminari fist bumped my shoulders and told me to give the reporters hell, that they'd gladly back me up any day. I knew that, they knew I knew that. They're good guys.
So my class at least were prepared. The last thing I wanted was them to be blindsided by this the next time they turned on the TV. or left the dorms and potentially got questioned.
Any minute now.
The room beyond got louder.
I was glad I asked Sho and Bakugo to come with me. They wouldn't join me on stage, but they would keep me calm in the run up. Toshinori paced with Dad, murmuring about things that they had decided I either don't need to know or don't need to hear. I adjusted my wig; a more demure option this time, plain black pixie cut. It wouldn't exactly have struck the right tone to sit with Unicorn colours or sparkles. It might have given the reporters a few giggles, but it would have jarred the second I revealed what I wanted to discuss. No. Professional. You are a young Hero-in-training. You are revealing this information yourself, so that the villains cannot use it against you. You are not evil. You are not bad. You are not a villain.
I gripped Sho's hand.
My eyes bleared, my breathing grew ragged. Could I do this? I closed my eyes and took a long breath through the nose. I could. Of course I could. I know I could. Dad believed in me, they all did. I believed in me dammit. There had been too many obstacles, too many chances to give in. I would not give up in a fucking conference room. I've faced the most terrible super villain this world has ever known, and survived. What the hell is a couple cameras after that?
Sho's thumb ran along the back of my hand. "I was thinking the other day that we should go back to that coffee place."
I blinked. "The… What, the one you found me in when I ran away?"
"Yeah. Though I then realised that we could always pick a place with better coffee. It was pretty terrible."
Bakugo snorted. "Lemme guess, the place you'd rather go Half n Half happens to do great Soba as well?"
"No…"
I pursed my lips against a laugh. Bakugo called it.
Bakugo stood and shoved his hands in his pockets, his hoody was too big on him everywhere but the shoulders. With a hood up is the only time I'd ever seen his hair flat. Odd.
He scuffed the carpet and nodded towards the small opening where we could see the edges of the reporters seating. "You're gonna give them hell, Alex. They're just a bunch of parasites."
"He's right." Sho said, smiling at me softly. "You're allowed to stop this at any ti–"
"I know guys." I chuckled and adjusted the wig again. "I'm okay. I'm just…"
"Processing." They both said and I blushed, looking down at my shoes.
No matter what happened, no matter what words I tripped over, or what shitty questions were thrown my way, they're both waiting for me. Sho with his soft smiles and light touches, Bakugo with his barking laughter and loud distractions. I've had plenty of shit to wade through, but you know what? I'm pretty fucking lucky in a lot of ways.
I grinned. "We'll go for coffee, and Bakugo you still have to show me that weird flip move you use."
"Hey it ain't my fault your dumb-ass counsellor changed your appointment." He rolled his eyes and huffed. "But yeah, of course. As long as you're actually cleared for combat training."
I stuck out my tongue. Dad had made it clear that I would only be rejoining training if I was truly up to it. If necessary, I would resit first year. But I was determined for that not to be the case. I would be going on supervised runs with Sho to ensure I didn't exhaust myself, and Bakugo had agreed to helping me with strength training. Kirishima was involved too. They were all being far too generous with their time. Let alone Izuku with his Toshinori training.
Speaking of which, the sunflower haired man ambled over and tapped his foot. "They're taking forever to set up out there. Should I go try and hurry them?"
"I dunno that you would help the issue, Tosh–All Might." I corrected myself and cleared my throat.
Dad stopped pacing as well and adjusted his capture weapon–the suit had been laid aside for today, because today he wanted to be seen as a Pro Hero, not a teacher or Father. It wouldn't help much, but I appreciated the sentiment.
He shook his head. "I'll go, they have five minutes to sort their shit out or we're leaving."
"Dad… This is not going to be helped by antagonising them from the start." I got up and brushed myself down. The uniform was supposedly going to show that I was being backed-up by the school. The Principal was doing a good job at brown nosing me. "I'm just going to go out there and sit down. Pretty sure they'll shut the fuck up at that point. How's that sound?"
Toshi chuckled. "Efficient."
I nodded. "Right, you following me on, All Might? Dad?"
"Right behind you." Toshi squeezed my shoulder.
Dad smirked, a little bit of pride in his gaze.
Sho stood and squeezed my hand. "We'll be right here."
Bakugo snorted. "Get the fuck on with it."
I grinned and strode out into the open. The second I passed into the light, cameras flashed and questions were flung. They knew I wouldn't answer, yet they threw them anyway. Idiots. I sat down and waited for Dad and Toshi to be seated on either side of me. I raised my brows at the rabble. This was my show. I would command the press.
It would have just been super helpful if my legs weren't made of jelly.
I took a sip of water and stood, recalling how my injury had trembled the last time I stood in a room like that. This time? My back was fine, it's just my heart threatening to give way. This was a part of being a Pro though, the media, the watching eyes. Maybe my classmates were already watching at the dorms. Maybe they're already wondering why I hadn't spoken yet. I wondered if Iida would ever manage to look me in the eye again?
I cleared my throat and dipped my head. "Good morning, thank you for gathering here at such short notice. There will be time for questions in a moment, but for now I wanted to give you a prepared statement. Please do not interrupt."
They all waited, pens on notepads and cameras zooming in.
I dipped my head again, pretending I could still feel Sho's thumb against my hand. I looked between two cameras.
"I have asked you all here today to hear some information recently revealed to me and my family, as well as the Hero association and UA high school. This information is now being presented freely to the press to avoid it being used in a malicious manner later by Villains connected to my past, or indeed any other unknown third parties wishing to stir trouble. I ask for your understanding and your patience."
I took another sip of water, hoping I imagined the sound of pitchforks being sharpened.
"Following the Kamino incident, there was a lot of speculation about why I had been to visit All for One within the Tartarus prison. I have given no statement on this, so anything you have heard or deduced was pure speculation. I can now clarify that it was because he wished to inform me about some details pertaining to my birth parents. Since he made his claims, we have been trying to investigate their validity. Because let's face it, he's keen on lying."
A few chuckles went round the room. I drew a long breath. Echoes of All for One's laughter tickled the back of my mind, making me shudder. Cameras clicked. Pens scratched paper. Keep going. One word in front of the other.
"As it turns out, part of his story was true. I won't specify his words, but will explain what we have found. I was born because All for One wanted powerful children to use, so he gathered people willing to breed. This isn't unheard of, I know, but I had no idea prior to this recent investigation. My parents had me for him. Then they sold me to him." My throat thickened and I cleared it. "D-During that transaction, things went wrong. It's unclear at this time whether All for One had anything to do with their fate, in forcing my quirk, but for now we have to leave it at 'maybe'. According to the police reports from the time and the scene that was found, my parents were found dead, with their spinal columns removed, in an alleyway."
Clicking. Whispering. Wide eyes and furrowed brows.
Get the noose.
Sharpen the pitchforks.
Ready the bonfire.
I clasped my hands tightly. "I would have been barely a toddler at the time, likely only just able to stand on my own. But it would seem that my power is responsible for their deaths. Perhaps I didn't want them to leave me, I wanted them to stay and simply latched on. I don't know, because I don't remember. Be that out of suppression myself or other means, but I have no recollection beyond a vague notion of an alleyway. I am however, admitting this to you today, because…" I swallowed, but it's like my throat is filled with sand. "Because I still intend to become a Pro Hero. I have had a violent past, I have had my life messed with by villains from the start, perhaps my whole life is in existence because of a Villain. But I do not wish for that to define me. Having been so young, I will not have understood what was happening, but I do not excuse myself. I only seek to use it as even more reason to learn to control and understand my own power. I have both my Dad, Eraserhead, with me today, as well as All Might, and they are both in support of me and my decision to reveal this, and continue my training. I can also assure you, on behalf of my school, that UA also stands with me in this."
Faster clicks. Faster pens.
I then dipped my head again. "You may now ask your questions, but raise your hands, let's keep it civil."
Cameras.
Clicking.
Writing.
Gasping.
Whispering.
Then the slow rise of a dozen hands, like wavering flowers in a park, waiting to be plucked. I sipped my water, I tucked my chair back in and sat down, glad my knees had held out.
I nodded to a lady with bright pink glasses.
She smiled and stood. "I have two questions, if I may?"
"Go ahead."
"Thank you. Firstly, will Eraserhead and All Might be accepting questions as well?"
They both nodded.
"Very well, and my second question is about your mentioning 'other means' of not remembering the incident. There has been talk that you do not have full recollection of your recent captivity within the Yakuza compound either. Is this a recurring memory problem or is it believed a quirk is at play?"
I clasped my hands in my lap. "At this point, that's unclear. It is believed that there is a quirk at play in regards to my more recent memory problem, which yes, I'll go ahead and confirm. But as for when I was a toddler, we don't know. The specifics around that day are, understandably, a little vague. We only knew to go looking for the police report due to All for One's original taunting. So… maybe a quirk for the past issue. But my recent captivity was not a lapse in memory, it was a purposeful removal of information."
She smiled and sat down, scribbling away.
Next was a man with a white goatee despite his black hair. Kinda looked like a badger.
"Miss Aizawa, were you not concerned about how this would affect your public persona?"
"Very, it's why I'm bringing it to the table before a Villain could, and skew the facts in the process. Public opinion is important, not only for the polls and popularity nonsense, but the main issue is trust. People need to trust in heroes. So the last thing I would want is for this to be 'exposed' like some sorided secret. It happened, I cannot change that, but I can choose to accept it and admit it. People will have their opinions on whether I can be an effective hero or not, but I'd rather than was questioned due to my present actions and training, rather than any past mistakes that frankly, I can't be held accountable for in any court of law. Well… except that of public opinion." I added with a small smile and shrugged.
A blonde woman with a tell-tale bruise on her neck went next. "What if people demand you not be allowed to become a Pro because of this?"
"Unless they can legally block me, which they can't, I would simply work twice as hard to convince them otherwise. I'm fine with being at the bottom of the ranks, that's okay. I'll still want to be a Hero, I'll still want to give all that I can to the people that need saving or helped."
She grinned, a sparkle in her eye that I dared to hope for comradeship in. "So you're not bothered about the top ten or the number one spot?"
"Have you met my Dad?" I raised a brow and the room chuckled. I bit my lip. "I want to serve, to use my power to help, as long as I can pay my bills, that's all I need."
A man with a beanie stood. "That's interesting. Kinda sounded like you were talking along Stain's lines a minute ago, but now you've mentioned a pay day."
"Is there a question in there?"
He clicked his pen. "What are your thoughts on Stain's ideology?"
"He's a zealot with a lot of ideals but little grasp on reality."
He laughed, but I think it was more in shock than anything. He swallowed. "Could you uh… Could you expand on that at all?"
"To suggest someone isn't a hero simply for being paid to do it, is kind of ignoring the fact that people need to pay their rent. We live in a world where you need a bit of money to get by, that's just the long and short of it. No, we don't need millions, and yes some heroes earn a lot. Debate that all you like. But to suggest even a normal salary negates any notion of heroism is just ridiculous to me. Sorry, I like food and shelter, having lived on the streets, I'm good with avoiding that again."
Again I get a chuckle. The guy raised a brow and raised his pen for a second question. I give him the go ahead.
"So what did you mean by 'popularity nonsense' earlier? You clearly don't think the system is perfect."
"No system is. My relationship with the media, as you may well know if you've ever tried to take a pic of me when I'm just walking along the street, is a bit mixed. Happy to be honest, but I am still a person and still entitled to my privacy. And often the popularity of things can come down to the heroes willing to give endless interviews, and the ones who would prefer to just get on with their jobs."
"Y'realise how weird that sounds considering you're relying on the word of All Might to help you? Not afraid of pissing off someone wanting to defend y–"
"Miss Aizawa wouldn't have to fear anything of the kind. She's not 'pissing' on anyone." All Might sighed, and the reporter jolted. "You had your questions sir, sit down please. I fully appreciate the difference between my own approach to the Hero lifestyle and that of Eraserhead. However, I was aiming to be a symbol, to be something people had in their heads whenever they thought of the need for a Hero. Something to hope for. That kind of thing. Eraserhead is more than happy to simply be there in the background, and he does amazing work. It's why he's been a teacher for so much longer. This business isn't all one page or area of a stage. It's a whole book, or every aspect of a theatre. One doesn't work without the other."
Scribbling. Mass whispering. Lots of cameras.
A man with a fabulous bow tie was next. "So you fully support Miss Aizawa's want to continue her training? You do not worry over where her past might infect her future?"
"Infect?" All Might chuckled. "That's an odd word to use. Personally, I look at someone like Miss Aizawa and see someone determined to overcome her past, and make a brighter future. Which is admirable for anyone. It's easy to be a hero in peaceful times, but she's already been to war a couple times over, and yet… still wants to help people. I see someone to be celebrated, not discarded."
Oh boy they liked that sound bite.
I blushed like mad as he put his hand on my shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. He was laying it on thick for effect, but I knew there's a small part of him enjoying watching me squirm.
A lady with blue hair raised her hand. "How is your eyesight?"
"It's almost fully returned, the only issues right now are occasional black patches where the blurred spots persist. But Recovery Girl has surmised that it's the last part of the quirk, trying to hold on. Kind of like a virus apparently. She's studying it closely. It should be gone soon and not get in the way of my training."
A voice sneered. "So… What all this really comes down to. Essentially. Is that you're asking people to be okay with a murderer being in the Hero association."
Well… that changed the tone of the room.
There had been no raised hand. No nod or dip of the head. They hadn't even stood up.
I raised a brow and looked around the group much like everyone else. "I won't answer a question from someone not even willing to identify themselves as the asker."
"Very well." He stood and tilted his head, hair as floppy as before, glasses shining in the many ring lights. Camera guy. The sleazy shithead who snooped around the dorms. "I don't mean to antagonise Miss Aizawa, but when we get right down to it, that's what you are. Age aside, and statute of limitation aside, you killed your parents. Yes?"
"Yes."
Silence.
He snorted. "You have no further defence?"
"No, I did it, I have their blood on my hands. You want more, but what would be the point?"
"People have a right to know your thinking, Miss. If they are to truly trust you."
Dad was about to take over. But I stood and put on my most polite smile. "Very well. I could mention my parents' moral standing in having a child for the sake of selling it, but most would consider that hardly comparative to killing someone. Others might say it's worse. Being sold into servitude, is it worse than death? A big debate that I can't weigh in on here. I could also mention my age and the fact I couldn't hope to control my powers at the time, nor understand what death even meant, nor that I was even hurting them in all likeliness, but that also depends on how quickly it happened. But I don't know."
"Because you claim to not remember."
I smiled softly. "So that's the real question, isn't it?"
He didn't believe that I couldn't remember. Sure. That's his right. But my god did I want to smack that smirk out of place. I wanted to wring his scrawny neck and have him choke on his floppy hair. I guessed it would be something to talk to the counsellors about; the want to make this reporter's lens quirk implode and fill his body with shards of glass. Shithead. Bastard. Wanker. Fuckwit. I hated him. And I didn't even really know why. Maybe it was because he knew something about me and hadn't said what. We hadn't had any news on his awareness of the white-haired relation I supposedly had, but I guessed Dad intended to stop him from leaving the conference without clarification.
The wanker pushed his glasses up his pointed nose. "Hm? Real question?"
"You're questioning if I'm telling the truth about my memory."
"And if I was?"
"Well, that itself is a bit stupid, because really, that's a fairly poor defence. I've said what happened, I've even mentioned there's a police report that no doubt these fine folks have already started requesting access to." I gestured around and a few faces went pink. "So why pretend to not remember? All it does is make me look a little stupid and perhaps even weak. Maybe it's a sympathy angel you're suggesting I'm going for?"
He shrugged. "Pretty little girl, recently in captivity, humbly revealing a terrible secret. You even opened with the oh-so-terrible reason you were born. Sounds like a sympathy plea from that angle."
"Sure." I nodded. "That's a perfectly valid opinion. I personally can't stand when someone looks at me with pity, but again, only my word to go on there… so I guess I'll have to leave it at that. Present it however you wish, mate. Twist things, sell those papers, and enjoy the new yacht. I'm just trying to be honest and get on with my life."
"And ask others to put theirs in your hands."
I laughed. "I'll tell you what, if I do become a Pro, and I do meet someone who would prefer not to be saved by me, based on what has been revealed today, I'll accept that. But if someone is being held as a hostage, or is about to be crushed by a building, shot by a burglar or even swept away in a flood, I kinda doubt they'll be nitpicking on the moral standing of my past from when I could barely stand."
The room stared at him. I didn't break eye contact for a second.
He grinned. "It'll be fascinating to see where you go Miss Aizawa. Have you picked a hero name by any chance?"
"Stasis. Now sit down, you've already had enough time without having even raised your hand."
"Wherever are my manners."
"Likely where you left your decency." I winked and continued with more questions.
The interview continued for another half an hour before called it to a close. We headed back behind the screens as the reporters left. Dad made a bee-line for the Camera guy and Toshi went alongside to add pressure. Or maybe even leverage. I excused myself from that conversation, afraid that I might actually snap something if I had to be anywhere near the smug shit–and I didn't mean snapping furniture.
I stepped into the gloom and closed my eyes, taking a long breath through my nose and then out my mouth. Chairs creaked to the left, likely where Sho and Bakugo had been waiting and watching the whole time. I continued to breathe, climbing down from my adrenaline high one rung at a time. That's it. One. Then the next. Then the next. Come back to yourself.
"So… How do you think I did?" I opened my eyes and smiled at their grinning faces. They seemed impressed. "Good then?"
Sho came over and kissed my cheek. "You were astonishing. We haven't even had media training yet, and you have them dancing on the ends of strings." He then whispered in my ear, voice low. "I've the most beautiful, strong and fantastic girlfriend in the world. Lucky me. I can't wait to kiss you properly later."
Well fuck, that doesn't help the jelly legs.
I bit my lip and nudged him, he put an arm round my waist.
Bakugo punched my shoulder lightly. "I thought they were going to wet themselves when you started ripping into that camera guy. Seems he's as much of a shit as ever, huh?"
"Yeah. Dad and All Might have gone to drag that information about the white haired relative out of him. Though I doubt it'll be straight forward…" I glanced back, but could see them still talking to him amongst the chairs. I then looked back to Bakugo and Sho. "I really wanted to hurt him."
They exchanged a glance.
I shuddered. "Fuck, it was so loud in my head."
"I wanted to blast his face off." Bakugo nodded. "Pretty sure the chair Icy Hot was in was close to being melted as well. He gets under your skin, it's part of his gimmick."
I nodded. "Right."
Sho squeezed my middle. "It doesn't make you bad."
"R-Right."
Bakugo snorted. "Don't go micro-managing every tiny emotional response you have. You'll drive yourself nuts like that. Or us."
I smirked. "Can't have that."
"I got enough shit going on without adding to it." He tapped his temple and went back to the chairs to grab his hoody, slinging it back on and pulling the hood up. "Back to dorms, now?"
"Yeah. Dad asked about seeing Eri for me, but she's in the middle of being tested, the less outside interruption the better apparently. Just… back to School. Back to some normality."
Sho sighed. "Whatever that means for us."
Apparently 'normal' means a school festival. A chance for everyone to have fun, and for the other courses to really shine. I hadn't thought of it at all, though I suppose that's understandable. Something fun. Just… kids being kids. Sounds perfect. Although I'm kind of at a loss of what to suggest our class do. I mumbled something about films, but then realised how pricey renting those for public showing can be, and so I rescinded it. Iida thanked me anyway, almost looking me in the eye. The class managed the start of a list anyway, so that was something. The whole class buzzed with excitement. I smiled as my friends nattered excitedly. So normal. Isn't it amazing?
Then it's on with coursework.
It seemed strange to be simply writing in an English class, or jabbing at a calculator. Normal. Mundane. So fucking refreshing. I started on the homework when I finished early, eager to get ahead in anything that I possibly could. Something about studying at the same level and place as my classmates is so great. It shouldn't feel this odd, but it does–it took a lot of all nighters, but I had caught up. Damn, I hoped second year would be more boring.
The topic of team ups appeared as lunchtime approached. Seemed everyone was looking to the future, which made sense, though my own semed murky. I'd avoided the news ever since my conference. No doubt the debates were raging. Dad and All Might had persuaded the reporter shithead to share his findings with us, just shy of getting a court order. So we could expect the information in the next few days. Hopefully. No doubt, he would try to wriggle out of it again.
Mina gushed with Ura about how they would kick ass as a team, Mina being able to tackle so many more enemies if she was lifted into the air. It was a great image; the flying Alien Queen. Amazing. Mina would take the media world by storm; between being absolutely gorgeous and talented, she had that effortless charisma that people were drawn to. They won't know what hit them. Ura would win them over with her determination, not to mention being adorably pretty. As a duo though… oh boy… unstoppable. I was still imagining it, sketching in my jotter when I noticed them looking at me expectedly.
They blinked.
I looked down at myself and behind me. "Huh? What?"
Mina rolled her eyes. "C'mon, you'd be part of the team too, right? Stasis." I knew she liked the name, but my blush appeared anyway. I snapped my name back at the camera guy to shut him up, but I guess that kinda makes it official too.
I looked at the sketch, the two of them fighting some blob bad guy, big grins on their faces. I'd love to be in that picture. If I could. My cheeks warmed and I scratched the back of my neck, my rainbow wig brushing just shy of my nape.
"I'd love to."
"But?" Mina tilted her head and raised a brow. "You said it yourself, the info on your parents doesn't–"
"I'm just... "I pursed my lips. "Just trying to keep in mind that people might really object. Heroes are in dicey enough of a situation without me having thrown that into the mix. I… I'd love to be on your team though." I pushed the grin a little harder.
She mirrored it easily. "Damn right. You could make my acid go so far!"
Ura clapped. "And extend my zero gravity!"
They started talking about matching costumes and I returned to my sketch, pencil drawn to the blob villain. Dad said he was going to monitor what was going on across the media, on the networks as well as online. It's not likely anything serious would come of it. But I didn't want to fully ignore it. I could try, but I hadn't reached his level of "fuck you" yet. Maybe one day. I smirked. What an aspiration.
After lunch we're taken to gym Gamma for more ultimate move work. This being after Dad asked how I was feeling. And all I could say was that I was eager to get back to work. My gym gear felt great, even if a little big at the moment. I stretched with Bakugo and Kirishima. They'd be working together; Bakugo wanted to increase the speed of his smaller shots, and Kirsihima found blocking them great practise for his hardening. A perfect match. Sho continued to develop using both sides, his stamina needed to come a fair way yet. Izuku was slowly raising that percentage of power, and as he sparred with one of Ectoplasms' doubles, I could see it so clearly. Every hit landed that much harder. He'd come so far.
Dad handed me the blindfold. "You sure about this?"
"Absolutely. I want to work more on my tactile use, and the blindness isn't something I want to forget. If I'm caught out at night, it'll be a huge advantage that an enemy might not even think of."
"I agree." His eyes lingered on the material. "But if it gets too much, say so. It could make you panicky. This isn't the time to–"
"I'm not going to ignore any signs of distress Dad." I smiled and squeezed his arm before moving a little ways away and tying the blindfold into place.
I took a long breath, rolled my shoulders and sent out a pulse. Dad stood in place, holding three fingers up. Sero approached from the side, having agreed to train with me to see if I could pinpoint his tape attacks. Another figure approached as well. I gritted my teeth and pulsed again. Momo.
I smiled. "Three fingers, Dad. Sero is four metres from me, readying his left elbow and Momo is behind me at about six metres."
"Good. Sero is three metres though. But damn close. Want to go for another room read? Or want to try the attacks?"
"Attacks." I widened my stance and readied myself. They wouldn't throw anything hard yet, just tape and likely soft things from Momo's creations. But it would help. And no doubt, doing it like this, will make it easier to apply to when I can see.
They started.
I felt the shift in the air. No command from Dad other than a look I guess.
Perfect.
In the field I wouldn't have a countdown, or someone asking if I was ready. I just had to be ready. Tape soared towards me. I flung it upwards, balling it up as tight before throwing it back. Sero laughed and dodged. At the same time I deflected the small items Momo threw. One hit my head and another my side. I sunk lower and added a Shield, coating my body. The pressure built in my chest, but as I took long breaths, it eased.
"More?"
I gave a thumbs up.
The tape doubled. Both elbows. Then Momo's objects started to vary in size, weight and trajectory. Sweat beaded my brow. The pulse wavered. I lost track of their closeness. A few more projectiles bounced off my shield, and some tape landed nearby, unaffected by my attempts to grab it. I groaned and sank to one knee, waving my hand for surrender before bracing against the ground and concentrating on breathing. No nausea. No nosebleed either. My chest ached dimly, but that could have just been down to the sudden increase in my heart rate.
I think… I think that went okay. I smiled and loosened the blindfold, blinking as my eyes adjusted to the light. A small dark patch emerged in the left of my vision. Damn patches were being persistent.
"How was that?" I asked, looking towards Dad, finding him grinning and my classmates looking utterly elated. Wow. Okay, so maybe I was right. "Good?" I laughed softly.
Momo clapped whilst Sero came to help me up.
"You did great!" He looked at the large ball of his tape. "That's seriously gonna help me continue to practise my mass production as well. Thanks so much!"
"Of course." I blushed at Momo's continued clapping. "What were you throwing?" I looked at the scattered plush Mina and Ura dolls. I laughed and spotted a Jiro one too. Perfect.
"I'm practising more intricate designs for things, as well as variation. You deflected most before they touched you, but a few got through, hopefully not the heavier ones?"
I shrug. "It was fine. I had a shield up as well."
"As well? My goodness!"
Dad approached with his clipboard. "Thank you, both. Go about your own training. You did great, kid. I have some notes of course, but how was the pain and nausea?"
I handed back the results and I can't deny it's a thrill to see only a dash of surprise amongst the pride. Yeah Dad, I can still do this, huh? I'm a little surprised too.
"And being in the dark… Was it okay?"
"Yeah," I realised that I felt nothing but the focus for the exercise. "Maybe it's because of the situation. Real tell will be if I'm on a practise mission… The quiet might make it hit harder. Not sure."
"Subtle." He tapped my nose with his pen. "I've talked to the Principal about a potential work study for you with me on patrols, he's looking into it, all right? It's gonna take time though."
I grin. "Damn, you saw through me."
He rolled his eyes. "Menace."
Once again, I opened my eyes to darkness. I guess after the fifth attempt at sleep, it stopped mattering what time it was. I checked anyway, wincing at the brightness of my phone's screen. It was still in that late early no-man's land. No point in fighting it. It was just one of those nights. To avoid waking Dad, I headed downstairs to the common kitchen area and set a kettle on to boil. Down here no one should hear me. Even so, I carefully removed a mug from the cabinet, it clinked softly against the countertop and the tea bag rustled against the mug. Water bubbled. I leaned on the counter, hunched over, hands over my tired eyes, mind still rattling about nothing. That was the issue really, I couldn't pinpoint the problem.
My coursework was okay, I'd caught up in theory for sure, and my physical training had been all right due to the side effects of my captivity. My Endurance had come on leaps and bounds. No more back troubles, no more nosebleeds. Small mercies. So no, it wasn't that.
The League were still out there sure, and they had the bullets for removing quirks, but there had also been no sign of them since I finally beat the Vision guy. And even that was likely Dabi acting out on his own. So again, not that.
I handed Endeavour's ass to him.
Sho's happy.
Dad's happy too, and pleased with my progress.
And the councillors were all fairly pleased with my progress.
So what the hell am I losing sleep over? I thought back over my list, pouring the hot water. Oh. My cheeks warmed. Guess I hadn't stopped to think about how I'm actually feeling. Whoops.
Okay… I took the peppermint tea to the breakfast bar and perched on a stool, stirring the tea bag with my power, watching the colour of the leaves bleed into the water. Okay, so how did I feel? Well, evidently a little restless. Perhaps a little unsure. I swallowed hard, well aware that I had my back to the large glass doors, and as soon as I'd actively thought of it, I had to check. Nothing. Empty patio. Soft drizzle falling. Nothing to fear.
My stomach clenched.
Nothing to fear, huh? I couldn't be sure of that though, could I? There had been nothing to fear from that small market, when I went for noodles. Nothing to fear at all. We were getting snacks, likely heading for a milkshake afterwards. Damn. I had wanted to try that Oreo one. Guess I could ask Sho and Bakugo if we could go sometime soon, but it might upset them. That was the last thing I should be doing. Unless they would want me to say something, to voice what I want. That would be the healthy thing, right? I blew on my tea. I'd ask my councillors what they thought.
I sipped. My lips pursed. The media frenzy was ongoing; polls on people's opinions, calls for me to give more information on my time in the Yakuza, demands for UA to reveal more information about my training progress. But also support. Many applauded my honesty, suggesting that those demanding more from me should take my age into account. That I was just a child. I couldn't help but smirk at that, whenever it popped up. Sure, my body is sixteen, but by what measure am I still a child? Innocence? Yeah right. Ignorance? Hardly. I've seen far too much shit already. I'm short, I'll give them that.
A gentle cough sounded at the bottom of the stairs.
I suppressed the jolt, even if a shield did immediately seal into place. I glanced over and blinked, not expecting to see Bakugo of all people. Not because it was late–I knew he got restless sometimes too, I'd seen him on enough early morning runs to understand his nightmares often got the better of him. But it was odd that time, because he stood there looking almost meek. Or at least as meek as was possible for him. As if he were guilty of something.
He came closer, scratching the back of his head. "Nightmares?"
"Nah, just a noisy head. You?"
He shrugged and made himself a tea. "Kept nearly ending up in one, so I gave up trying to sleep. Fucking Kamino footage all over the news always brings it back." His broad shoulders slumped. "That sounded way less fuckin' pathetic in my head."
"Not pathetic. Understandable." I patted the stool next to me, and he sat, closing his eyes over the steam from his mug. "Sorry about that, I guess. It's only all over the news because people are dissecting my shit."
"Sifting for a story that you already told." He smirked before frowning and then opening his eyes to glare at me.
"What's that look fo–"
"Stop apologising for shit that has nothing to do with you."
I bit my lip. It didn't seem to matter how far he grew, he always had that harsh edge to his kindness. And in a way… I'm glad. It's him. It's Bakugo. He cared so much, with such force, and it just rushed out of him. Perhaps clumsily, but very honestly. Brace yourself, Bakugo gave a shit.
I sipped my tea again. "Bad habit, still working on it."
"Well work on it harder, nerd. It's fucking annoying." He grumbled and blew on his tea again.
A silence fell between us, but not the usual kind. Normally it would be us studying, or simply enjoying a quiet moment. Silence wasn't really an issue when you got along with someone so well. But this one was strange. Like he held his breath, or something went unsaid. But with Bakugo it was best to be patient. Best to wait and see. If you pushed too hard, he clammed up even tighter.
"Listen…" he started and then sighed, steam billowing from his cup. I continued to wait. I continued to listen. "I kinda wanna talk to you about something."
"Okay…"
"I just can't get it out of my head since I saw you speak to your Dad after you found out about your parents."
"Uhuh." Safe to say, I was completely lost.
He looked at me in accusation. "But I'm not gonna bother if you're only planning on digging yourself into a fresh hole of bullshit. That's not fuckin' happening."
I traced the lip of my mug. "Well that's weirdly cryptic of you, I'll do my best not to?"
"You fucking better. Half n' Half said I just needed to say it, and go from there but–"
"So Sho knows about… whatever this is?"
Bakugo nodded. "Needed his advice."
I nodded. In all honesty I'm thrilled they've gotten closer. Both of them could do with being more social, and if they can manage it between them, surely the rest of the class isn't far behind. Then again, do they bond over the fact they're both incredibly awkward? Probably to some extent. If they know it or not.
Bakugo grumbled to himself for a second, then turned to face me. "Okay, just listen and don't get weird."
"Deal." I then winked. "If you get the fuck on with it." I smirked and he almost matched it.
"Yeah, yeah. Alright... So, it's about when Toga jumped me."
I clung to my mug, the warmth suddenly invaluable.
His knee nudged mine. "If you need me to stop, just say so. Okay?"
"Right."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
And then he finally got to the story.
I felt sick. Not only did that bitch stab my friend, she violated him whilst looking like me. Why the hell was that her tactic? Just another sick game? Or had I somehow given off the impressions of that being an angle they could use? I can only imagine how weirded out he had been. He said he didn't immediately throw her off because of course he thought it was me, he thought maybe I was going through some shit and just acting out because of it. But then he keeps repeating how he didn't respond. He didn't. He promises. His face got that little bit redder every time. And Sho knew all about this. He's okay with it, they talked. My mind fizzed.
Bakugo ran a hand through his hair. "So… Yeah, that's it."
Words stalled on my tongue. How do I respond to that?
Golly that' swell, someone violated you in my image. Fancy another cucumber sandwich old chap?
He finished his tea and put his head down on the counter. "C'mon, speak, nerd."
"Uh… I… Well I… Thanks… for telling me." I looked at my slippers, well aware of how awkward this could be, but also very aware of how not awkward I felt. "Can I… Can I ask why you wanted to tell me so badly? I'm glad you did, but it seems like you were thinking about this for a while?"
He sighed heavily and brought his head up, leaning on his hand like it weighed a ton. "I just figured you'd had enough secrets flung at you lately, and… Well I guessed that Toga bitch might eventually try to use it against us. Y'know, if we were ever a team on the field or somethin'. Or hell, that she might wanna use it to fuck up your relationship with Sho or… I dunno."
I smiled, mind latching onto the promise of the future instead of anything else. "You'd wanna pair up with me at some point? As Pros?"
He rolled his eyes and got up, pacing. "Of course I would, what kinda dumbass question is that?"
"Sorry. And… Well I know you'll get pissy about it, but I'm sorry that she did that. If I… I dunno if I made her think that it was a–"
"That." He stopped pacing and crowded close, glaring as he jabbed a finger at me. "That right there, fuckin' stop it. This ain't on you."
I shrunk. "I only meant–"
"Don't care. I don't want you feeling guilty for what that bitch did." He glared harder, a slight shine coming into his eyes. "You hearin' me? I don't want that. Never. I don't wanna make you feel like that."
He blinked, and it seemed like he might have said too much, or rather, more than he intended. He straightened and lowered his hand, looking towards his empty mug before clearing his throat and returning to his seat. I guess the whole thing had knocked him sideways. No wonder. Seeing me waltz in with my skirt hiked up, shirt open, voice all breathy. Poor guy must have been mortified.
I sent our empty mugs to the sink, them carefully clinking against each other. "All right, this isn't on me. It's just another fucked up villain game."
"Nearly convinced me." He snorted.
I nudged him. "I'll work on it, okay?"
"Mm."
A little tension seemed to ease from his shoulders, his jaw loosening a bit too.
I laid my head on his shoulder. "I'll get her back, Bakugo."
He chuckled, knocking his head against mine. "Yeah, me and Icy Hot figured that much. That Toga bitch is doomed."
"Too fucking right."
So... What's the Camera Man know? Did you recall that little bit of information from EOOONS ago? Haha, I was looking forward to that coming back into things. And here's a little sneak peek (kind of) for next time... Dabi POV... that's all I'll say. Muhahaha! Thanks so much for reading, following, faving and of course reviewing! Shoutouts below! Thanks again, and see you in two weeks!
(I also realised that the timing on this was kinda bad... no romance and its valentines weekend... annoying as there's some MAYBE some fun times approaching for Sho and Alex in the next update? Kinda annoying really haha, if I was just that ONE update ahead, would've been perfect timing! Oh well... CYA NEXT TIME!)
SHOUTOUTS:
Leafnova: Haha, glad I could get a bunch of different emotions going on haha, never want a chapter to be one note! Thanks so much for chiming in ^-^ hope you continue to enjoy!
Zikashigaku: haha, I enjoyed writing the Endeavour scene SOOO much, you have no idea. I hope you like how the conference went, I had a lot of fun with that one as well. And I'd be intrigued to see what you think about my little tease about a Dabi pov coming up... haha! I hated that reporter character the second he popped up, very suspicious all round... lol. I dunno about his canon concept but to me, he's a shifty shit. And yes! Alex is growing haha, and finally not jumping to the worst possible conclusion... or at least, not head first without thinking to ask anyone anything. I love their little trio, it took a direction I hadn't expected, but it's a lot of fun to write! Thanks again for chiming in, hope so much that you're still enjoying ^-^
