Chapter 3: visiting the infirmary

The conversation All Might had to have with Aizawa was not a fun one. As the rest of the students from 1A went to get changed, he forced himself to make the phone call.

Aizawa answered almost immediately. "Is class over? How'd she do?"

"She was fantastic," All Might was quick to assure him. "Took down Bakugou in her first round like it was nothing. You've raised a fighter."

There was a beat of silence on the other side. Then, Aizawa said, "Something happened. I can tell."

All Might sighed. "Aizawa…why didn't you tell me she won't use her quirk?"

"Because she doesn't need to. She's learned to fight without it."

"That may be true, but it puts her at a major disadvantage. I thought by now the two of you would've found more creative uses for it?"

"It's not that simple," Aizawa said. "Akane's quirk holds nothing but dark memories for her. She can't even take off those damn gloves without reliving the trauma. She wants nothing to do with her power, and I sure as hell won't force her to change her mind."

"But Aizawa —"

"She's been through enough, Toshinori. It's taken two years for me to build even a semblance of trust with Akane. What do you think will happen if I force this on her?"

All Might paused. He'd have to tell Aizawa sooner or later, but God, he really wished it could've been later.

"So, here's the thing…"

"What happened?"

All Might sighed. "Akane might be strong enough to fight without a quirk, but it didn't stop her from getting a little…beat up, I suppose, in her second fight against Bakugou."

"WHAT."

"She's going to be just fine, I promise. I had Ida and Midoria take her to Recovery Girl straight away, but she'll be a little late to next period, so—"

"You let Bakugou beat my kid up?"

"I didn't let Bakugou do anything, Aizawa! You know the boy doesn't hold back. It's just a couple minor burns, I'm sure Recovery Girl will have them fixed up in no time."

"You're a damned idiot, Toshinori. If I find out it's any worse than you say it is, I will end you."

All Might shuddered. "Right."

"Now go babysit my students. I'm headed to the infirmary."

With that, the line went dead. All Might swallowed hard, hoping to God none of his students found out just how shit scared he was of their homeroom teacher.

xxx

Recovery Girl had just finished up kissing Akane's burns better when Aizawa burst into the infirmary. Midoria and Ida jumped, but Akane just held back a sigh. She knew her adopted dad would pop up sooner or later. Midoria and Ida, on the other hand, had no idea what to think, seeing their usually-disinterested homeroom teacher radiating an uncharacteristic distress.

"M-Mr Aizawa," Midoria said. "What are you doing here?"

Aizawa ignored him, immediately addressing Recovery Girl. "How is she?" He demanded.

Recovery Girl smiled. "She should be just fine. Give her a minute and she'll be ready for class." She looked to Ida and Midoria. "You boys should probably be heading back."

"Are you sure?" Midoria asked.

"Akane," Ida said, giving her a stern look. "Shall we leave, or do you require more moral support?"

Despite herself, Akane had to suppress a smile. "I'll see you guys in class. Thanks."

With final nods, the boys hurried off, looking nervously and curiously over their shoulders before they disappeared.

Once he was sure they were gone, Aizawa approached Akane, worriedly scanning her now-faded injuries. He picked up her arm, examining the marks more closely. Akane sat back and let him fuss, too tired from the healing to argue.

"Any other damage?" Aizawa asked.

"No," Akane said at the same time Recovery Girl said, "Her leg."

Aizawa arched an eyebrow at Akane before kneeling down to get a look at her leg. Like the other injuries, it was healing up nicely. Still, Aizawa's blood boiled, just thinking about that hothead Bakugou getting his dirty hands on his kid.

Finally, Aizawa got back to his feet. "You can walk?"

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I can walk."

Aizawa looked to Recovery Girl for confirmation. At her nod, he was satisfied at last. Father and son left the infirmary, walking back to class in silence for several awkward moments.

"All Might told me you did good."

Akane scoffed. "I lost."

"Against Bakugou, who came at you full-force with his quirk. You did good."

Akane said nothing, staring ahead as she walked. Just thinking about quirks made her feel sick. She'd rather not have one than have to think about the one she did have, and couldn't ever use.

Aizawa smiled. "I'm proud of you."

Akane stopped. She turned to Aizawa, her red eyes wider and softer than normal. In that moment, Aizawa couldn't help but notice how pronounced her scar was, and how young she was. This was a girl who had not received half the love she deserved. As much as it hurt him just to think about, Aizawa kept smiling, and gently ruffled her hair.

"Come on, let's get you back to class. Can't say I trust that oaf to keep a proper eye on 1A."