Class was...anti-climatic. The teachers were all nice and easy to get along with and none of them thankfully made a big deal about her not being able to read hiragana for shit and barely grasping katakana...let alone kanji. English class when Mic was teaching the others the lovely language of English she was being tutored on reading and writing in Japanese. The only down side? Aizawa sensei was apparently giving up his nap time to teach her and frankly Ally was terrified of aggravating the tired man.
"R-really Aizawa Sensei. I can..I can do this. I can study by myself! You don't need to worry about me. Really!" She exclaimed, waving her hands in front of her face nervously. Said tired man gave her a deadpan look. She studiously tried not to glance over at Uraraka who seemed to be side eyeing her paper with a frown.
"If you don't need help, then I'm assuming you've noticed the character for SE is wrong?" She blinked and frowned down at her page.
"N-no it's not I...wait..." She had forgotten one of the marks. Groaning, she let her forehead fall onto her paper.
"I'm never gonna catch up." She mumbled in English. A calloused finger gently tapped on the back of her hand.
"Stop sulking and add this mark here." He stole her pencil and wrote down the correct character. "And work on your S set. Got it?" Frowning, she nodded and studiously began going back over her characters.
Why? Why did this whole thing have to be a thing? She seethed internally. Cheeks flooded with color. By the time she was beginning to get down the S set and could do a few other characters of the K and N sets, the bell for the end of the day rang. Jumping she glanced up at the clock and back over at Aizawa who was patiently studying her paper with an oddly calm expression.
"Aizawa Sensei. We meant to ask." Ally glanced up at the speaker to see Midoriya had somehow gotten over to her side of the room with no noise. Most of the others had already packed up their things and with scrapping chairs were leaving the room.
"What was that Problem Child?" Aizawa said tiredly.
"Um well." His large friendly green eyes glanced down to her bright teal ones and he suddenly smiled brightly. To bright. "Some of the others and I were going to go to the mall this weekend. Um just Uraraka, Iida, Tsu, Yaoyorozu and I. Can uh, I mean, may we bring along Jo-uh Ally-chan?" Midoriya stammered out with a nervous grin.
Aizawa sighed and tilted his head slightly. "Your phones are to remain on at all times. Don't be there longer than five hours, I don't want to risk it. The plaza next to the school, it's a ten minute walk. No where else. Understood?"
The few students who remained in the room nodded eagerly. Aizawa grunted and stood up, a hand briefly ruffling her hair as he passed by and then disappearing back in his pocket. She blinked owlishly and smiled shyly at Midoriya.
"Thanks for asking him...I um..had no idea how to...to..." Midoriya nodded, standing awkwardly nearby and Ally found it odd. Normally most people would just walk off by now right? ….right? Snapping closed her books and pushing the papers and books all into her bag, she stood up. Shouldering her bag she paused to find Midoriya still standing there, his cheeks filled with red and he rubbed the back of his head. Is he...shy?
"I um...I know you aren't really familiar with the campus yet...so I...would you like to walk with me?" He asked nervously, face red. Blinking rapidly, she smiled and bashfully and jerked her head in a nod.
"Sure." Ally pretended not to hear the nervous breath he let out. Stepping out of the classroom he turned right and she quickly walked after him.
"Where are your um..friends?" He glanced down at her and raised a hand to scratch his cheek. She flinched slightly at the movement and focused on her feet. It was quiet for a few moments, just the sound of their feet as they walked to the end of the hall.
"They're at the dorms. I told them I'd talk to Aizawa Sensei and let them know." He paused to open the door and held it open. She blinked teal eyes up at him and ducked under his arm to step out.
"Thanks. Sorry if I'm prying, was just wondering. I figured you'd be with them." She murmured softly, the warm breeze rustled tree leaves above them. The soft sound sounding like the hair was shushing them.
"Oh no, I mean, usually yes we are together. I just...well I didn't want to overwhelm you. You don't seem to like too many people around." At his confession she parted her lips in surprise, jerking her head up to look up at him. He noticed that?
"Oh...well thank you. I am...excited to get to um...meet everyone properly. Outside of class that is." She quickly looked back down and missed the soft look he shot her.
"You know you can always visit the dorms right? I'm sure Aizawa Sensei wouldn't mind." She huffed softly and tucked a lock of blue hair behind her ear.
"Mmm maybe? Um...thank you for walking with me." She offered another smaller smile and awkwardly dipped into a bow before jogged the rest of the way to the teachers dorms. She could feel those radiant green eyes on her back.
Opening the door to the teacher's dorms, she bolted across the lounge ignoring the handful of teachers who looked up sharply. She ran up the stairs, not having a key to the apartment she banged on the door. The knob turned and opened up, Shinsou's tired eyes widening in surprise as she ducked under his arm and nearly bowled him over to get to her the guest room. Shinsou shut the door tiredly and quickly walked to the door, listening silently to make sure she was ok.
Inside her room, door shut and sitting on the floor, Ally held her hands over her mouth. She wasn't sure why but something about Midoriya dredged up a memory. That last moment, the afternoon sunlight filtering through wild green curls. Equally bright emerald eyes practically glowing and suddenly she was five years old. In a house, with a little boy that had that same look. A similar boy who strove to make her laugh, who tried to welcome all new kids into the home. Only it never worked. And for a horrible moment, sitting on that floor, struggling not to sob. All she could see was Kyoya's bright eyes and dimples.
Would it work this time, Kyo? Can I...truly...fit in here this time?
X * X * X *
Another night of no sleep found Ally sitting at the table. Sipping on a cup of very sweet coffee that was strong enough to peel paint of walls. Aizawa had a small bag on the table...no it is a purse? Hizashi was still asleep and she had no idea where Shinsou was. Although, Ally doubted the boy was sleeping either.
"I've put one of our credit cards in here, don't lose it. You have your own wallet for now, it'll have your student ID in case it's needed. Your cell phone, it doesn't have much on it but Hizashi picked it up last night and already has it activated. It is pre-programmed with both of our numbers and Shinsou's number. Understand?" He asked tiredly, the low timbre of his voice soothing to her frayed nerves.
"Yes sir." She murmured, cheeks filling with color. "You...really didn't need to get me a phone. I'm fine without one...and...and...that's your money. I can't-" She started talking faster in anxiety. Aizawa held up a hand to silence her, ignoring the small flinch for now. They would work on that.
"First off, we are doing it because we want to. It's fine, between five jobs we have more than enough. Secondly, you need clothing and essentials. If it bothers you that much, I'll make you a list of vital things you can pick up." Her cheeks darkened even farther in embarrassment. No way did she want Aizawa making a list of things like underwear and hygiene products.
"What are the rules again?" He asked tiredly, setting the purse beside her elbow...the one with her new black wallet and new top of the line smart phone with a bright purple case. Swallowing, she struggled not to sigh but knew she failed to hide her annoyed expression if his unimpressed look was anything to go by. Immediately she felt guilty.
"Um...don't talk to strangers?" He scowled and she hurried to list the rules to avoid his ire. Whatever that may entail, but previous homes told her it would NOT be good. "Keep my phone on at all times, if something happens – anything at all – call you or Mic Sensei. Um, if I get lost, wait in the food place?" Aizawa hummed, tapping his index finger on the table as he sipped his coffee from a literal bowl. Her eye brow twitched, why a bowl?
"Yes, text me when you get there. Ok?" He said tiredly, the exhaustion palpaple in his voice. She nodded and hesitantly spoke up.
"If..you're tired. I can tell them no and stay here." After she spoke, her stomach cramped and did a swooping sensation, he was giving her a very strange expression.
"No, Ally. Go ok?" She nodded and stood up, taking her glass to the sink and washing it. Walking back over she rocked back on her heals nervously. Finally leaning forward she hugged the man briefly, feeling him tense. Letting go just as quickly, she grabbed the small purse and quickly darted to the door and toed on her shoes.
"Thank you Aizawa Sensei. I'll let you know when we get there." With that she darted out the door and ran to the 1-A dorms. Jogging down the trail, her purse slung across her body, Ally picked at the sweats she was wearing. Not exactly her choice, but it was something and that was more than she usually had. It still blew her mind that they wanted her to get things. I'll only get the bare essentials. I can't repay them... She thought fiercely, a slimy heavy feeling in her stomach and chest.
Taking the steps two at a time, she finally got up to the door and bent at the waist. Hands on her knees, sweat on her forehead as she gasped for air. Damnit she really needed to get a running buddy and work on endurance if she had any hope for heroics. Raising a hand to knock the door swung open.
"You don't have to knock to come in!" Uraraka chirped happily. "Come on in."
Ally smiled sheepishly and stepped in past the friendly brunette. Her cheeks flooding with color. She is so pretty today! Ally thought. Uraraka grabbed Ally's wrist in a tight grip, sans a raised pinky, and drug her inside. Five finger contact quirk. She noted in surprise.
"Yeah, it's a five finger contact! Anti gravity." Uraraka replied happily.
"Oh did I say that out loud? Sorry." She murmured, getting a soft giggle from the bubbly brunette.
"Oh don't worry about it! Deku does it all the time!" With that, she let go of Ally and raced over to where a group of other teens were gathering. Deku? Shaking off the confusion Ally decided she'd ask at some point if it was brought up again. Although, she noted, he group was bigger than it was supposed to be. She recognized Uraraka of course, the boy with engines in his legs...Iida? The adorable frog girl Tsu, and Yaoyorozu. But there were some new ones to the group. Well she had seen them in class but still hadn't interacted yet... a girl that had pink skin and a very tall buff looking boy that had multiple arms. Biting down on her bottom lip, she stood awkwardly in the entry way. Her heart pumping rapidly. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear again, she rocked back on her heels and tried not to be too awkward.
"Oh you came!" She blinked and looked up in surprise at Midoriya. He was smiling brightly down at her and for a second, she saw Uraraka's smile fall. Studying the two of them intently. Why does she look like she wants to throw me into a sun? Ally thought nervously. Swallowing, she turned her attention back to Midoriya and offered a small quirk of her lips.
"I said I was coming didn't I? Anyways, um where is this...um...this..." She snapped her fingers trying to find the word. Scowling she started muttering in English, not noticing the group approach. "It's literally a market. A thing..I just learned the word yesterday." A loud laugh pulled from the pink girl.
"I keep forgetting Japanese isn't your first language. We should do a study group to help you learn!" She jumped a foot in the air at realizing she had their full attention. A...hand? Appendage? Appeared by her with a mouth that suddenly opened and spoke.
"A study group wouldn't be all bad, we could even do other classes too." The tall boy with six arms said.
"That's such a cool quirk..so useful too." She whispered, staring at the appendage. The tall boy looked like she had given him the moon. What the heck was with these people? Grimacing she nodded and tried to turn the conversation safely OFF of her.
"Y-yeah a study group sounds good." She hiked her purse up higher on her arm and avoided eye contact. Mina proceeded to coo at her and Ally promptly wished dearly for Uraraka to throw her into the sun. Seemingly able to pick up on her anxiety Yaoyorozu quickly ushered them out the door. Thank. God. Ally thought.
The walk itself wasn't bad, like Aizawa sensei said, it was only a good ten minutes or so. It wasn't bad and honestly the sights were worth it. Ally was sure she probably looked like a spastic bird or squirrel, head turning this way and that as she looked around at everything. The scenery was so much different than what she was used to.
"I'm Mina by the way!" The pink one, Mina, said happily. "Just in case you didn't catch my name. That's Shoji!" The tall one nodded to her politely.
"I..it's nice to officially meet you two." Mina gave a wicked grin and grabbed Ally's arm to drag her to the first shop. Ally would forever deny the squeal that was pulled from her throat with every fiber of her being.
"How about this one?" Mina asked, almost desperate for the approval. The gaudy bright pink shirt was like a neon marker. Ally wrinkled her nose and shook her head sharply.
"No...but I like that shirt style." She quickly found one in black and draped it over her arm. Mina promptly puffed out her cheeks and put the pink one back.
"You can not just buy black. I forbid it, you need color!" Mina jabbed a finger at her and Ally could feel a bead of sweat drip down her temple.
"Um...I do have color. See I got a purple pair of shorts!" Ally said quickly, trying to appease the other girl. She held out the stretchy soft fabric, breathable but something she could lounge or work out in. She got one in black, gray and purple.
"You are impossible." The acid quirk girl abruptly threw her hands in the air and huffed loudly. Ally grinned impishly and slowly grabbed a yellow shirt.
"I do like the yellow." She lied, really it was horrible. A mix of sharpie and mustard. But if it got the pinkette to calm down, she would bare it. The loud squeal was...worth it but not. Sighing, she added the dreadful thing to her pile of clothes. So far she had managed to get brand new undergarments, a few pairs of pants, the shorts and now the different styled tops. Mostly t-shirts as she never was one for style. Although the black shirt with rainbow space cats with totally worth the expression from Mina. It was cute, so what? After buying the clothes she slipped out of the shop with her bags and walked with Mina to the center of the plaza where a small water fountain sat, the burbling water spraying upwards catching the mid morning sun was honestly mesmerizing. Although, the low hum of electricity and pulsing wires kept distracting her, she really hoped Mina didn't think she was rude.
"Ok, that's it for clothes. But you really do need some new shoes." Said girl pointed down. Ally frowned and glanced down at her tennis shoes.
"...what's wrong with my shoes?" She asked in confusion. She'd had the things now for five years. The shoes had once been big on her and now they were a little snug, the fabric more gray than blue with threads coming loose. The rubber bottoms held together with tape and yeah they weren't the best but they were functional. Glancing up she saw the pinched look, the others were now arriving and Mina waited until everyone was there to pitch a fit.
Go figure, Ally scowled and her face flushed with embarrassment. Aizawa said nothing of shoes. Only necessities. She got enough clothing and under wear to no doubt satisfy him, as well as hygiene things. Nothing of shoes. Shoes were not necessary.
Her pulse picked up and she couldn't breath. Everything was so loud, the light was hurting her head and dark spots were clouding her vision. Leaning forward, she placed her hands on her knees and struggled to inhale. A gentle hand smoothed through her hair and she flinched, breaths coming in harshly. There were voices around her, but she couldn't focus on what they were saying.
I can't get shoes, I can't. He said essentials, I'll get in trouble. Trouble means pain. Please, I can't. Don't make me do it, please. She begged in her head, struggling to get in any air. Some part of her knew she was panicking and she needed to calm down but she couldn't. What if Aizawa got mad at her? What if Yamada did? They were...they were all she had. What would they DO if they got mad? A hand started smoothing down her hair and someone was murmuring by her head.
A gentle tapping sensation registered in her mind, along with the sound of static. Something..chirping? Dinging? The tapping became clearer and Ally found herself trying to slow her breaths to mimic the taps. Blinking rapidly she found herself coming too, sitting on the paving stones with Yaoyorozu sitting in front of her and...Shoji hovering. Ally realized with relief he was blocking them from view of pedestrians.
"Are you with me now, Ally?" The gentle voice of the black haired class vice president pulled her attention back. "It's ok, you're safe. Aizawa sensei won't be angry ok?"
Ally shook her head and gasped out softly, "no no I-" and she cut off. The familiar voice of Aizawa registering. The sound slightly distorted to her ears, as if he was coming through a speaker. Eyes widening she saw the phone in one of Shoji's hands.
"I'm not angry, good job calming her down Yaoyorozu. Do you need to come back?" The calm exhausted voice of her teacher – guardian rang out.
"No sir, we should be ok. I'll pick up another pair of shoes for her, really it's no trouble, and then we'll be back." The prim vice president said calmly.
"Be safe." With that the line disconnected. Oh god, she just freaked out on everyone. Mouth opening she tried to choke out an apology but pink arms were winding around her. Ally had to convince herself she wasn't being choked out.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't realize that would happen. Are you ok?" Mina's voice was subdued and softer than before. Hesitant really. Ally hated it.
"I'm fine, let's just...let's just...continue. I'm so sorry for...for um panicking and..." No one said a word, the silence felt rather grim and heavy. Why can't you be normal? The voice of her first mother snarled in her head. Swallowing heavily, Ally clenched her fists at her sides. Shoji, the wonderful person he was, took all of the girls bags in his hands and carried everything. She was mildly miffed he wouldn't let her carry hers, but she wasn't going to push it. Not after her freak out.
One hesitant shoe shopping trip later, Yaoyorozu buying a new pare of sneakers, a pair of shoes for school, a pair of heals and a pair of house slippers...all for her. And again, that feeling of guilt and embarrassment filled her chest. The walk back to the school was quiet she could feel their eyes on her, appraising, studying and she hated it. By the time they made it back to the school and through the gates, Ally was so angry and frustrated that her eyes were watering and her throat was tight. Thankfully Shoji didn't say a thing as he handed over her bags gently. Turning to leave she paused at Uraraka's voice, hesitant and kind.
"Are you ok Ally? For real?" Blue bangs covered her eyes, jaw clenched taught as she briefly glanced up to find the hetero-chromatic eyes studying her. Worried green ones beside him.
"I'm fine, thank you for putting up with me today." She gave an awkward bow and quickly turned to leave.
"We aren't 'putting up' with you." One of them called out, although with the static in her ears she couldn't be sure which. Probably Yaoyorozu if she had to guess. She stayed put, her back to them and shoulders tensed. After a long moment she let them drop slowly and spoke up quietly.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be this way. I promise I'll get better, I just...need time. I don't know why I reacted that way over fucking shoes." She spat angrily, rubbing her eyes. Slow footsteps came up behind her and side stepped to come into her field of view. Midoriya, her brain supplied helpfully for once.
"That's ok. You're suffering from trauma right now, it'll be a bit, but it's ok. Trust me, after the USJ incident...um well the league of villains broke in and attacked us, we were all a little jumpy too. None of us are blaming you in the slightest. Ok? Take your time and...we are here. If you still want to do the study sessions or talk. Ok?" She stared up at his green eyes and nodded, swallowing. Turning to glance back over her shoulder she was surprised to see the varied expressions, all of them were kind though, like heroes.
"Thank you, can we...can we do something tomorrow? All of us? It doesn't have to be studying just..something?" The little grin from the girls and the pleased responses from some of the boys had her fully relaxing.
"Of course. Today...well when we called Aizawa, Mina took the liberty of putting our contacts in your phone. So please, feel free to text any of us at any point." Iida said, little hand chops punctuating it that had her giggling.
"I will. Thanks guys." After their goodbyes she walked to the teachers dorm building and stepped in. She knew she must have looked like a right mess if the concerned look that Cementoss shot her was anything to go by. She offered a tired smile to her literature teacher and quickly moved to the stairs, cradling her heavy bags in her arms. How much could Shoji bench? These bags are heavy. She really needed to ask him at some point. At the landing, she dropped the bags to reach into her purse to make sure the wallet and phone were still there. Pausing when she spotted a key. An odd feeling filled her chest when she pulled it out, a little key chain of Present Mic hanging off of it. Lips quirking up she unlocked the door and stepped in nervously.
Glancing around, she spotted no one. Setting the bags down, she toed off her old shoes and dug through the bags for her house slippers. Putting the old tennis shoes on the mat besides the black combat boots...Aizawa's shoes...her brain unhelpfully reminded her. Slipping the one fluffy slippers on, she picked up the bags and froze. Just in her line of sight were a pair of black jogging pants standing there. Closing her eyes she looked up and met Aizawa's calm gaze.
"We need to have a talk." And just like that, all sense of peace went out the window. Fuck.