Chapter 6

Today wasn't to be spent in the classroom for lecture, for it was time to do preparations for the upcoming sports festival. Each teacher taking their turns bringing one class after another into the training ground to push themselves, making progress on their abilities.

The project was to be a solo one since the battle part was not executed in pairs during the elemination round.

Midnight's class was first, then Cementoss, then Aizawa, then his.

Hizashi waited in an anxious wreck, quietly with his face leaning against both hands as he stared hard at the back wall clock, watching the bar tick.

Usually his class was upbeat and loud, his students for the most part sharing in his obnoxious behavior. But today he was distant, pondering thoughts of the recent events he wasn't supposed to witness.

Even the students with their hands raised were ignored, lost in a nightmarish daydream.

"Sir Mic?," a female student called out, but received no answer. He wasn't even aware of his own surroundings, all he kept picturing over and over was his close friends arm draped over that girl.

"Oy Sir!," a male rang out. When he still didn't reply, he rolled up a paper ball and threw it hard at their teacher.

But it simply bounced off his head onto the desk, his unmoving posture causing concern.

"Welp that's it. He's broken."

Of all the years, all the damn time we've been together he'd tell me everything. Not like he had a very out there lifestyle. Why the fuck not tell me.

"PRESENT MIC!," everyone finally screamed in unison, snapping his attention up, successful in drawing him out from his strange behavior. His face bewildered, looking at each individual as their brows were furrowed.

Shit.

A wide grin grew on his face, pointing finger guns at them.

"Yo Yo sorry bout that!," he said back nervously.

The same female student stood. "Sir, it's almost our time to go train today remember? We should be getting ready to go, Mr. Aizawa's class should be finishing up right about now."

The mention of his name made his lip twitch. All night long he wondered how to go about confronting his friend. Even calling in to cancel today's radio show because he was so distraught.

Hizashi and Shouta had no secrets nor had they ever argued things on a serious level. But for today he wasn't sure how he'd handle seeing him. To make matters worse, he began to mull over the past, recalling plenty of times that Aizawa had been absent from the faculty room during off periods or lunch. He never voice any concern, assuming he was off to nap. But those little clues were starting to add up, jumping to conclusions before getting the facts.

He's never showed interest in women much, of all the times I set him up. So what the heck is this girl to him?

"MIC!," they yelled again, now all standing with their things ready.

He began to sweat.

If we go now, I'll end up catching him there.

The students had begun to move past their seats into the front row, making their way down the stairs to the door. With his hands flailing, yelling out to stop them, they dismissed his claim. Not like anyone respected his laid back attitude anyways, he barely had authority over them.

"Teachers acting weird today," he heard a few whisper as they passed, opening the door and making their way down the hall into the direction of the training grounds.

Hizashi took his glasses off, taking a deep breath before running his fingers through out his slicked back hair.

"Alright. Time to suck it up I guess," he said to himself.

oo

Todoroki iced the flames down that spread into the tree area, Bakugou still not listening and exploding the already destroyed debris. Each student was steadily cleaning up after themselves best they could for the next class that was about to enter.

Aizawa stayed back, leaning on the wall observing. For once in a long time, he didn't feel absolutely exhausted, waking to a perfect morning with the girl he stared at from across the clearing. Watching as she gravitated bits and pieces of fallen rock, struggling to hold it while others tossed it back to the mountain range area. They didn't mean to fall asleep for the entire night, but thankfully no one came in. Both had adapted to waking earlier than usual to help keep it hidden.

Her legs wobbled, arms shook with a struggling expression as her eyes clenched shut. Ochako stood very still to focus on the task, trying not to throw up. Especially since she knew he'd be watching. She just wished everyone would hurry it up.

She's getting better. In fact everyone has improved greatly than expected.

Aizawa was definitely impressed by his classes determination, eager to please and move onto being great heros. There wasn't a bit of worry for the upcoming events, except maybe when they would be faced against each other such as the more elite members like Todoroki, Midoriya and Bakugou.

Speaking of Katsuki.

The mechanic laughter rang out from him being the only one that wasn't helping clean up, in fact, making matters worse. He was waiting for another student to handle it, until he blew up a chunk of rock so intensely that a piece broke off, flying into the air in Ochako's direction.

She hadn't even noticed, being calm to not lose control.

Everyone stopped, gasping as none could make it in time to stop it, while Bakugou didn't care. He continued his assault, blasting parts of trees next.

A gust of wind brushed against her cheek as she jumped in startlement, peeking her eyes open at the culprit. Her eyes widened, seeing a sharp piece of rock inches away from her face, stilled in midair as it was caught by his long scarf before impacting her.

As everyone turned to face their teacher, he activated his quirk, putting a stop to Bakugou's power.

He turned immediately, both glaring hard at each other.

"I said our times over you idiot," he scolded.

Bakugou opened his mouth, ready to sass back before the loud sound of clapping rang throughout the building.

They all turned, halting in their movements.

Present Mic entered first, his class in tow with a wicked smile plastered across his face with his brows in an angry knot, taking a few steps inside before stopping. His eyes never leaving Aizawa's.

"Good job on saving the girl Sho~," he mused. "That particular one especially."

Aizawa raised an eyebrow at his funny comment. He released the stone and moved away from her, steadily waking up to his friend placing his hands back into his pockets.

"We're almost done here. My students are clean-"

"WAIT HOL UP NOW YALL! I've got an amazing idea!," he cut him off. "How about we give the kids a demonstration! You know, of what it Really looks like out there!?"

Aizawa's mouth opened slightly from being put on the spot like that. This wasn't on the memo as to what they were supposed to be doing today, and he was oddly going off script. He was the only one that noticed a malicious glint in Mic's eyes.

What the fuck is he doing?

Present Mic wheeled around and faced his class, opposite to his quiet self from earlier though this seemed even more frightening. Some took a small step back with worry, while others cheered it on in excitement to see their teacher in battle.

"Yeah Mic's class represent!," a male yelled with his fist in the air, getting the others pumped.

Aizawa's class exchanged glances at one another, even Bakugou sensing the discomfort as they all stepped away. Ochako placed a hand over her heart as she watched Shouta's expression harden.

In a flash, Mic whipped around and blasted his voice head on at Aizawa before he had time to block it. The impact was so severe several of the students dropped to their knees, gripping their ears hard. Ochako, standing not far from him was tossed back a few feet onto her side. While Aizawa, hit dead on, was thrown far into the clearing, slamming his back into the side of the mountain range. He coughed out, his head whipped back in agony.

Mic didn't let up. His voice range increasing, watching as Aizawa's body began to imprint into the stone as he struggled to fight against the force. Upon entering, he wasn't sure what came over him aside from this sudden burst of rage once Aizawa came into view. All the concerned thoughts vanished, replaced by a temper.

Aizawa couldn't move. The ferocity of his quirk leaving him unable to open his eyes, the feel of the rock digging into his back in jagged layers. Bits and pieces crumbled, flying past him and slicing small cuts into his chin and cheeks.

The students around had either stayed far enough away or were effected mildly enough by it that they were immobilized, not like they wanted to get in between whatever was going on. The air was heavy the second he came in.

Ochako on the other hand was only a few feet away. She could barely lift her head high enough to make out Shouta being slammed into the rock hard surface, his pained expression causing her to gasp.

I've got to do something. Everyone else is too scared.

Slowly she rolled over onto her stomach, soldier crawling in Mic's direction. Her movements went unnoticed as his intent was solely on Aizawa, not giving him a chance to activate his quirk to stop it.

Hizashi's students ceased their cheering before, noting the seriousness of the situation in an unfair advantage.

Finally she got close enough, reaching a wavy hand out to his boot. Her vision was growing foggy as a bit of blood trickled out from her ears, and she could swear the pressure was going to make her head explode. It hurt, every bit screaming at her to stop and not cause any more pain to her pulsing forehead.

Her finger lit up a bright pink for a second, pushing herself one more inch before touching him with a single finger tip.

Hizashi stopped, staggering forward as he began to float up.

His body flailed, looking down at the culprit whos body gave up. Ochako couldn't move, as she stilled, glaring back up at him with weak yet intense eyes. His widened at the realization of what he had done, but they'd have to deal with it after. They weren't done yet.

Aizawa slide down the wall, catching himself with his arms before he landed face first. He spit out a bit of blood, grimacing as his head spun. Ears ringing with white noise, just barely audible enough to listen in.

His head whipped up with extreme anger plastered on it, his students frantically running his way. But he held a hand up, signaling for them to stay back. Those fierce eyes never leaving Hizashi who trashed mid air, trying to force himself back down.

He staggered to his feet, panting heavily. "Ochako. Drop him," he wheeze out, still coughing hard.

Her fragile head looked at him, then back at Mic. She didn't want to, unsure if he'd behave or not and try to hurt Shouta again.

"I said Drop Him," he hollered much more sternly.

She bit her bottom lip as Aizawa stumbled their way.

With her small fingers pressed together, she listened. "R-Release."

And with that Hizashi dropped onto his knees, with her drawing herself up wobbling onto all fours. She couldn't contain the sensation any longer as she vomited from being overworked.

Immediately he sprang up, locked at each other as Aizawa used his quirk to cancel out his before he could do it again.

Both flared, like a strong aura that halted anyone from interfering or speaking a word.

Aizawa stalked closer as he did as well, his fist balled on each side.

"It's been a while since we've had good ol hand to ha-"

With a sudden right hook, Aizawa punched his glasses clean off his face. His tall body dropping flat on his back unconscious as he was laid out in the settling dust. The students winced, some cupping their faces in their hands at the intense blow, one hit enough to knock the man out cold.

Aizawa grunted, panting hard as he deactivated his quirk. What the fuck just happened?

"Yea dumbass, we don't do hand to hand because you don't stand a chance," he snapped, kicking his side hard.

He glanced over at Ochako who finished puking her guts out. She was breathing hard, sweat dripping from her face with bleeding ears.

She got too close to him.

Aizawa took a few steps her way, trying to pull her up by her upper arm. But she winced, crying out in pain. At this point everyone had came running forward to help.

Ochako leaned into him once standing, her vision closing as she began to black out. But it was the last thing anyone had seen before a light purple mist circled throughout the crowd, dropping everyone into a deep sleep.

oo

White. It was a plain, dry wall plastered ceiling that greeted her eyes when they fluttered open. A strong pounding forced its way up to her head, growing hard as she tried to move but couldn't. Her ears still rang but were muffled a little.

Ochako went to reach up to touch the foreign object in the canal but halted.

"Don't move," a voice said to her.

Her weak head turned in its direction, her vision barely in use.

Aizawa sat on a white bed next to her. She made out viles of cotton balls, q-tips, and needles behind him on a counter top. The wall painted a pale green color. The infirmity.

"Shouta..," she whimpered, reaching her hand out to him.

He had caught it before she strained herself, gently placing it back by her side as he stood.

"Don't move at all. Try and sleep.," he said calmly.

She noted the bandages along his neck and the side of his cheek from grazing the debris, one of his hands covered as well.

There wasn't much else to go on before she lost consciousness again.

It was thanks to her that things didn't get even more messy than they already were, and he was grateful for her bravery. But it cost her greatly and she'd probably need rest for the remainder of the day.

He had awoken an hour prior, insisting he stay by her side to advise over her condition. Not like he was allowed to go anywhere on campus currently anyways as they waited for the principal to get involved in the matter.

He brushed his thumb across her soft face, getting the hair along it out the way. Ochako looked tattered, dirt prints clinging to her cheeks and neck. Her hair all over the place. He'd like to care for her more, but this wasn't the appropriate place.

He heard footsteps coming so he stepped back, tucking his hands back into his pockets. The door opened, All Might staring at him and taking in his condition that appeared fine for now.

"Glad to see you're mobile," he teased, taking a step in and shutting the door.

Aizawa scoffed, turning his back to him. He knew what this was about and quite frankly he didn't have the answers himself to what Mic's problem was. At this point he didn't give a shit either. Only that he wanted to lay another hit on him for acting so foolish.

"Wanna tell me exactly what's going on?"

"How should I know?"

All Might stepped around Ochako's bed, glancing at her for a second. His face held pity for her, being in such a horrible state.

"You two are always together yet you can't tell me whats wrong with him?"

"Nope."

"Aizawa -"

He turned swiftly, boring red eyes at the mighty hero. He wasn't in the mood to be interrogated and things would be hard enough once he'd have to face Nezu over this.

"I said no," he retorted, glaring hard.

All Might raised his hands in defense. "All right all right. Figured I'd ask you personally before that mouse got to you."

Aizawa didn't answer, only turning to look down at her sleeping form.

"Mic is up."

"Dont care."

All Might frowned. It was strange how much colder Aizawa could get more than his usual self, sending shivers down his spine. Whatever he'd done, it must've been a great deal to upset someone as cheerful as he, who had awoken with a rather different way of handling it. Making Cementoss have to come in and hold him back from breaking down the door to try and find Aizawa.

"Either way I don't know what's up with you two but please cut it out. I don't want the two men that I get along with better than anyone else around here, getting fired for negligence."

Aizawa faced him again. "Me get fired for that? Tell it to him, he's the one that fucking fired first and you can ask each student that witnessed it."

All Might nodded repeatedly. "I know I know, but, try to get past it okay?"

The door opened, revealing an annoyed Midnight with a hand on her hips. She scowled at Aizawa, disregarding his company.

"The mouse is back and he wants to speak with you immediately. Follow me."

He groaned, running a hand through his hair as he stepped past All Might.

So much for a peaceful day in contrast to the content way he'd woke this morning.

They walked in silence, her heels clicking on the tile floor towards the head office of the school. They all wanted to know badly what really was taking place between the two, but even Mic held his tongue aside from the insults, cursing Aizawa's name.

As they approached the two head doors, she stopped in front of him. Turning around, "He's in there too ya know. So behave. Both of you."

Perfect.

The doors flung open as she moved aside to allow him passage.

He stared down at his friend who sat on the leather couch holding a cold compress to his cheek in one hand and the other grasping his broken glasses. Mic didn't look back at him, only scowling at the floor.

Across sat Nezu with a small smile on his face. Though the hint gave way that it wasn't a very kind one.

"Welcome Welcome Mr. Aizawa, please come right on in! Take a seat next to Mr. Mic!," he exclaimed, throwing his hands up into the air.

"No!," Hizashi shouted as Aizawa said so in unison but in a cold manner.

Their eyes met for a second before they both huffed, turning away.

"I said, take a seat.," Nezu said more cold.

Aizawa unwantingly accepted, very slowly making his way over. He watched closely for any sign that Mic would assault yet again, ready to use his quirk. But nothing.

He took a seat pressed super close to the very edge, farthest away from him. Mic tried to scoot away as well.

Nezu clasped his hands together playfully. "Good! Good boys!"

Neither said anything, only trying their best not to look at each other or say a word.

I still don't know what the problem is so I'm not gunna be much help.

"Now! Who wants to tell me what's going on?," he asked.

Again neither spoke. Nezu frowned.

"I can always make you hold hands!"

"NO!," they shouted.

"Then speak!"

Hizashi pointed a finger at Aizawa accusingly. "He's a dirty secret keeper and that's it!"

Aizawa looked at him confused and angry. "What the fuck are you talking about you idiot!?"

"And I thought we shared everything!"

Aizawa was baffled by this ridiculousness. Standing he towered over Hizashi, Nezu could've sworn he saw flames shoot out both of their eyes in a deathlock glare.

"That's it. Stay the fuck away from me you lunatic."

Nezu clapped his hands together. "Boys Boys! Language! Everyone settle down!"

They reminded in a heated mental battle, ignoring the mouse.

"Now Hizashi, what is this secret that's upset you so?"

Mic went ridget, casting his eyes away while both looked at him waiting for a reply. Aizawa raised his eyebrows in anticipation to get this over with, but it was clearly something very private. So bad that not even the mouse could know.

Suddenly he stepped back a little, his lips parted while the scowl dropped. His heart sunk in terror.

He knows.

Nezu watched the exchange. It was obvious no one was welcome to know about it.

So he stood on the coffee table to get a little more leverage, clasping his hands behind his back.

"Go home then," he chimed.

Midnight flung the door open, eavesdropping on their conversation.

Her face in complete shock. "Go home!? You're gunna let them go!?"

Nezu smiled happily. "Yes! They'll sort it out away from our ears"

Hizashi stood, still holding the ice pack over his cheek. He looked at Aizawa's stunned face, in a depth only the both of them understood, he knew that the pieces fit together.

As he walked past Aizawa, he nudged him hard with his shoulder causing him to stagger a little.

But he never reacted, letting Mic go without a single threat.

I'm such an idiot. I let my guard down.

There were times when he wanted to tell Mic, he just didn't know how to go about it. Just what was he supposed to say? How does someone even bring that up in conversation? Not to mention teacher student relations wasn't exactly a friendly thing to be open about with just anyone.

Suddenly he ran out from the room, hurrying to catch up two his friend that was halfway stormed down the hallway.

"Hizashi," he called, causing him to stop. But he didn't turn around.

"We'll talk about it later."

Midnight and Nezu watched from the doorway of the office to snoop in, catch any gritty details.

"Don't bother," Mic replied in a sassy tone before continuing on his way.

oo

His reply reeled over and over again in Aizawa's mind as he sat on the bed across from Ochako. Just how ridiculous could someone be? His behavior was completely out of line, and to do it in front of the students was insane.

Though one part had stuck with him, the fact that he spared his reputation and refused to reveal his secret in front of the others. No matter how angry he'd been, he didn't go that far. So possibly, when they both got over it, they could talk.

No one had ever seen Mic or Aizawa be upset with one another. Not ever. If all the years they'd known the two, this was a very rare sighting.

But Aizawa didn't regret it. Hell he'd rock him again if given the chance, just this time in private.

As he sat there mulling over the day, he drifted to her, softening his face. Worried more than his own over her condition. That was a hard blow to take having Mic's quirk used directly in front of her. And still she managed to move.

Maybe she does stand a chance during the festival.

The door slid open as Recovery Girl stepped in. She was surprised to see him still present since the day was ending and the students were sent home. The time read 7pm now.

"Why didn't you go home yet? I'll be here to watch her condition over night you know."

But his eyes never left Ochako's face. "It's fine," he muttered. "I should've done more so one of my students didn't get hurt so badly like this. I'd like to stay, if that's okay."

Recovery Girl simply stood there for a moment, her hand still on the door. It wasn't often someone could catch Aizawa with a compassionate look like this, especially directed at one of his students. Usually in the past he was cold, probably would've even kicked the girl out of his class for being weak.

She smiled softly. "Alright then. Makes my job easier."

"Come find me if anything happens."

She observed Ochako one last time before stepping out, gently closing the door.

Aizawa remained rooted in place for a bit, watching the girl take easy breaths. They hadn't gotten a chance to clean her up yet, surely she'd be embarrassed if she knew he'd seen her looking like that.

It made him smile, the thought of her flushed face scolding him not to look.

He sighed, pushing himself to his feet and up to the wall to flick off the light. The only illumination being from the computer screen on the desk in the far corner. It was ironic in a sense, the way they spent the previous night in comfort, sleeping soundly in each other's arms. To this, watching her from the side in a hospital bed.

"Goodnight Uraraka.," he whispered as he planted a soft kiss on one of her eyes before laying across from her on the other bed.

Thank you for the support!