Chapter Text
Like Cats and Dogs
He didn’t know why he even bothered or when those thoughts started recycling themselves inside his mind. He was there for only one reason and one reason alone. Yet it seemed like his tired eyes gravitated toward the large window of the Café he found himself in. Soft pitter patters of clawed feet echoed within his ears. Reminding him constantly of what was before him. He would shake his head and attempt to stop the continuous thoughts in his mind from repeating. Bending down and glancing at the object of his affections he smiled warmly. A soft purr emitting from the small soft creature in front of him. He felt a warmth overtake him and as his calloused hands glided along the fur of the content cat.
Said cat gave a small meow toward the taller tired looking man. Happily accepting his attention as he continued to run his fingers down his back. He eyes felt dry and he rubbed at them slightly, hoping to remedy the feeling from his eyes. His lip gave a small smile toward the small cat in front of him. Its paw padding against his now still hand. A soft chuckle escaped his slightly chapped lips as the cat butts its head into his palm. Its whiskers tickling his wrist as the cat tilts its head.
Movement caught his half-lidded eyes and they moved quickly to look out the window. His heart was beating slightly quicker and he let out a soft tsk for allowing a rush of excitement to enter him. His eyes landed on some small children looking into the café excitedly. They laughed and pointed at the cats that were lazing around. A loud huff escaped his lips, irritation crawling up his skin as he looked back down to the black and white fuzz ball that has been enjoying his attention.
“Mr. Aizawa, your coffee is ready.”
At the sound of his name being called he lifted his bored face to look at the barista. Their smiling demeanor slightly crumbling as they looked over at the scruffy faced male. He grumbled slightly and lifted himself off the hard-carpeted floor. Giving the cat one last longing look and a soft caress on his head. He noticed the cat’s eyes close happily and watch him as he walked over to the counter. He took the coffee from the barista begrudgingly and turned to leave the Cat Café. His mission accomplished for the day. The sound of the bell ringing resonated within his ears. He grumbled at the offending noise only to cast a glance toward the door that he would be exiting out of. He felt his body freeze suddenly and it took everything in him to stop his eyes from widening. He forced his face to remain stoic as he was welcomed with the kindest (E/c) eyes he had ever seen. He was acknowledged by a beautiful large smile and a soft good morning.
“Ah! Good morning Ms. (L/n). We have your coffee ready.”
Your smile seemed to brighten even more at the of the sentence. Your eyes leaving Aizawa’s as you made your way over toward the counter. He looked at you over his shoulder for a moment. Taking in your smaller form. Black and white mesh runner shoes had been your norm when you entered the small café. He had become accustomed to seeing you in such a state. Though the colors changed from day to day. Today you wore black capri leggings that appeared soft to the touch. A large black runners jacket secured around your waist. Your white V neck shirt ran down your curves and appeared slightly translucent but was obscured by your white sports bra. Sweat was wiped from your brow as you let out a soft breath. Smiling and laughing lightly with the barista. Your (H/c) hair tied in a low pony tail was slightly messy with a few strands that fell here and there to frame your face. A white ear bud could be seen with your hair pulled back. Indicating that you were listening to some kind of music along the way here. Always the same routine since he had begun to come here months ago. Your orders differed occasionally but you normally kept with your Vanilla preference. He turned back toward the window and couldn’t help but hum slightly. The cats intrigued by the creature outside that was staring into the café. Some were puffed, their hairs sticking straight up and making them look fluffier than normal. While other’s hit the glass attempting to scare the large intruder away. He had to smile a bit at their behavior. The large dog panted lightly, fogging the window in front of him and causing the cats to tap on the glass repeatedly, as he watched from the outside. His brown eyes never leaving his owners form. A loyal companion to a vibrant soul.
Aizawa had to admit that the dog was beautiful. His snout black that faded into a lighter brown that ran along his eyes and down his jaw. A dash of the black still framed his gentle brown eyes. It almost looked like the dog had eyebrows as the black fur ran from the top of his head all the way down his back and tail. The white tuff on his chest was the only other color the dog had on him as he continued to stare into the café. His tail wagging happily behind him. Aizawa felt the presence behind him and quickly made his way out of the café. He noticed the dog tied securely to a pole. His tail wagging more fiercely as the ringing chimes of the café alerted him that his master had returned.
You smiled at Aizawa and gave a small nod his direction. You smile never faltering as you turned toward the dog and reached out toward it. You giggled happily as the dog stood and placed its massive paws on your shoulders and began to lick your face. You continued laughing but allowed the dog to continue its affection. Aizawa grimaced slightly at the thought of the dog slobbering over him. He shuddered slightly at the image of saliva entering his mouth after the dog had finished licking him. He was not very fond of dogs per say but tolerated them enough to appreciate them from afar. Your smile was large as you placed the dog back on the ground. You lowered yourself to its level and gave the dogs side a quick pat. You leaned forward and gave the dogs nose a quick kiss before grabbed onto his leash and untying it. You and the dog began to walk away happily as you took sips from your coffee.
It had become somewhat familiar to him at this point. He only knew your last name and that you were generally a very happy morning person. You would always greet him with the brightest of smiles that would put Hizashi to shame. Your eyes seemed to sparkle with an unfathomed amount of gentleness and kindness. He knew you would take runs with your dog around the area and then stop at the small café for a pick me up. You would then leave walking with your dog at your side.
The bond between the both of you was strong. He first noticed it when a newer barista was trying to flirt with you. You would smile politely and laugh, though you never did engage back. He noticed how your shoulders would tense just enough with worry. Your eyes would dart back and forward from the barista to your dog outside. Had he not been as observant as he was he would have never even noticed these small subtle movements. Once an opening presented itself you were quick to bid goodbye and rush outside. He had watched as you made your way over to your companion and immediately bent down and embraced it. The dog seemed happy and seemed to enjoy your arms around its neck. You breathed a sigh of relief and apologized to it as if it could understand you. The relief that had coated your face was something that he could not shake from his mind. The adoration and love that you held for your companion was admirable.
Since that day he came by the shop regularly. He would sit in the café for a moment while they attended to his order and he would be able to enjoy the soft adorable creatures that set his mind at ease. Though most of the baristas couldn’t get a read on him, most of them too afraid to speak to him, they pretty much just left him alone to his own thoughts. You were an added bonus to his routine. He enjoyed watching your interactions with the cats when one rubbed against your leg or would jump up on a ledge nearby you. Your warm smile and gentle caresses to the fuzzy beast would make Aizawa’s heart skip a beat. Although you normally would follow it up with statements about how your dog wouldn’t be too happy about your small interaction with it. Those comments normally made him chuckle softly to himself. You were a constant sight for him in the mornings, that he did not know what he would do if you missed even one day at the café.
Aizawa rubbed his dry eyes and turned to walk the opposite direction from you. His mind not allowing him a moment of peace. He often wondered if you also would occasionally think about him. Were you curious about him? Did he make you uneasy? Or did you even give him a passing thought? He nudged that thought from his mind. Feeling a sinking feeling overcome him. He took a sip of his now lukewarm coffee. The bitter taste of it lingering on his tongue. His foggy mind finally clearing as he turned toward the direction of the UA School.
~
Aizawa sat at his desk tiredly. His pen moving across the paper at a rapid pace. His mind blank but knowing exactly what needed to be done. His students had long since gone home for the day yet he was still stuck at his desk grading and filing papers. He knew he could easily take it home with him and finish it but the quiet office area seemed to assist to keep his mind from wandering. He continued grading papers until he heard the door slide open from across the room. His eyes glanced over to the side and he immediately knew who had entered. He continued grading unaffected by the body that had entered the room.
“Hey! Are you still working on papers?”
Came the loud and overly bubbly voice of none other than Hizashi, Yamada, also known as Pro-Hero Present Mic. He walked over casually and look a seat next to Aizawa. His smile never faltering as he glanced over at the pile of papers in front of his old friend. Aizawa didn’t say anything as he continued to scrawl across the papers. Hizashi let out an annoyed sigh and frowned at his over worked friend.
“Hey, Aizawa lets go out somewhere! Take a break and finish these tomorrow.”
Aizawa gave a sidelong glance at his hyper active friend. Not bothering to cease his writing. Hizashi let out an annoyed sound and grumbled to himself. He pouted at the tired male in front of him and thought carefully about his next words. Knowing his friend for a long time and knowing the one thing that would get his attention.
“Why don’t we go the cat café by your house? I heard they got a new cat there today.”
To the untrained eye Aizawa’s face did not change from the bored expression he normally wore. He showed no real interest or seemed excited about the thought of visiting the cat café. Hizashi smiled triumphantly at him as he noticed Aizawa placed his pen down and begin to tidy up his desk. His movements may have seemed slow or sluggish to others but there was an air of excitement surrounding the Pro-Hero. Hizashi stood from his spot when he noticed Aizawa turn toward him. His half-lidded eyes seemed annoyed that they weren’t moving out the door. Both males left the school. Hizashi talking loudly and excitably about nonsense. Aizawa listened but did not put much effort in replying. He mouth set in a firm line. Both males seemed like the most unlikely of friends. The blondes animated nature and Aizawa’s reserve personality would assume people to think that they would never get along. Aizawa didn’t mind Hizashi’s outgoing nature and enjoyed his company more so than others. He didn’t have to try hard to be liked or to even say much. He was friends for the sake of being friends and Aizawa appreciated his oldest friend.
The familiar café came into view. His eyes wandering along the roof and sides of the building. He look toward the front of the building, expecting nothing to be out of place. He felt himself stiffen and shock made his body want to freeze. Though on the outside his eyes only shifted slightly but went back to normal just as quickly. There outside of the café sat a familiar dog. His tail wagging back and forward happily as his loyal stare continued to remain on his owner that was most likely inside of the café. His heart pounded within his ears as they walked passed the dog. Aizawa glanced down at the dog, but the dog didn’t even notice his presence.
“Wow! What a beautiful dog. Odd to bring one and leave it out here and go inside of a cat café.” Hizashi mumbled out loud.
“Its owner normally comes to get coffee and then leaves instantly.” Aizawa said flatly.
Hizashi looked at Aizawa’s face from the corner of his eye. His yellow sunglasses slipping down a bit to fully take in the information. He noticed how Aizawa’s eyes lingered on the dog for a moment and then toward the door. He walked in and stood beside Aizawa and noticed his friend’s eyes scanning the small café and then stopping. He followed his friends gaze and a large devilish smirk appeared on his face. He noticed the subtle change in his friend’s movements as he watched his friend stare at the female in front of them.
Hizashi had to hand it to Aizawa. You were a looker. You wore light makeup that gave you a more natural look. Your large (E/c) eyes seemed to sparkle with joy as they landed on Aizawa. Your smile seemed to get even larger and a tint of pink dusted your (S/c) cheeks. Your (H/c) hair braided on one side with a (F/c) bow weaved into it and tied neatly at the end into a bow. You wore a simple (F/c) sundress that still showed off your curves and sandals to complete the look. You seemed to have a glow around you that made even himself want to know you. It seemed to draw them in like a moth to a flame. You seemed like an energetic, happy and expressive person. A major contrast to the normally dark dressed male beside him.
Aizawa felt his whole world around him go completely silent as he looked into your vibrant eyes. Your eyes closed for a moment as you flashed him a large kind smile. He felt his heart pick up speed and he didn’t know if he was even breathing anymore. You looked stunning standing there in the simple (F/c) dress. He always caught you in the morning after just running with your dog, but it turned out that he had been missing you in the evening time due to his work. He felt himself regret the time lost at his desk but shook it off as you began to walk toward them. He felt his plus hammering against his skin, his brain shutting down.
Hizashi looked over at Aizawa and wondered if he was going to say anything to you. How long had his friend been coming here and talking with you? Or was it possibly love at first sight? Hizashi knew the second option was completely out of the question. Aizawa was a realist and very logical. He had no doubt that you both have spoken at least a few times in the past and there was some sort of connection. Hizashi watched with batted breath but noticed your small nod toward the both of them as you exited out of the doors. The chimes indicating your departure. He frowned at this and looked over at his friend to ask him who you were. Only to find him already walking toward the counter. Completely ignoring what had just happened. Aizawa ordered his normal drink and went over toward the small waiting area and began to pet the cats there. Hizashi ordered as well and went over to his friend.
He paused for a moment and looked out the window and noticed you standing there still with your dog. You were knelt down at eye level with the giant canine with a soft and affectionate smile on your face. He smiled over at you and then looked over to his friend. Aizawa’s hair was obscuring his face but he was able to notice his hand hovering, pausing his caresses on the feline in front of him. He was hiding the fact that he was looking out the window at you as well. Watching and observing how you sat outside and spoke softly to your dog. You pointed at the cats that were still at the window. Giggling happily as the dog nudged you away from the offending beasts.
Your eyes snapped up for a moment and Hizashi waved as they met his own. You seemed embarrassed but nonetheless smiled and waved back. At that moment Hizashi came up with an idea. A mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Hey Aizawa, can you bring my drink to me once they finish it?” Hizashi said quickly.
Aizawa grunted his response and casually watched his friend walk out of the café and right over to you. Aizawa felt annoyed and a little confused by the sudden interest Hizashi seemed to take in you. He noticed how you stood from your spot and shyly introduced yourself to his friend. You both laughed and Aizawa suddenly felt envious of his friend’s social skills. Your laughter hidden behind the glass that separated the both of you. Hizashi leaned down and began to pet your dog happily. The dog receiving the attention seemed to absorb the attention with glee. The look on your face seemed so genuinely happy that Aizawa thought that maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to be licked by a dog. Especially if it made you smile like that.
He heard his and Hizashi’s name being called and he rushed over and took them without so much as a thank you. He walked toward the entrance. His heart beating erratically as he heard the bells chime from above him. Your laughter was the first thing that filled his ears. The gentle airiness to it made him stop and look over at the both of you. You were beaming happily down at Hizashi as he continued to make cooing noises at your dog. Your dog’s tail was wagging rapidly behind him causing the back of the dog to move along with it. He looked like he was smiling at the tall blonde and continued to accept his praises.
“What’s your dog’s name?” Hizashi asked enthusiastically.
Aizawa walked over and stood behind his friend silently. He waited for your answer but noticed you hesitate when you noticed him standing behind his friend. Your cheeks flushed a cute pink and your smile seemed to become larger as you acknowledged him.
“Hello, are you Hizashi’s friend?” You asked happily.
Hizashi hid his smirk as his plan was slowly starting to come into action. He turned around toward his friend and gave him his signature smile. He was still petting your dog happily but Aizawa could tell that he was up to something. He sighed tiredly toward the blonde but nodded at your question nonetheless. You perked up at this and bowed toward him a bit. Introducing yourself toward the taller male. His heart picked up its pace as he memorized your name instantly. He responded back with his own name and noticed how your whole demeanor seemed to brighten. He couldn’t help but give a small smile back.
Hizashi noticed the interaction between the both of you and grinned wickedly as he noticed how your cheeks seemed to darken even more so when Aizawa smiled at you. Though the smile was small and his friend seemed like he was about ready to collapse. It was obvious that he had been coming to this specific café just for you and you as well seemed to be doing the same. He wondered what had made your eyes meet or how this became a norm for the both of you. It was cute to see this side of his friend but it was cuter when he noticed how flustered and shy you became with Aizawa standing there.
“So, (L/n) what is your dog’s name?” Hizashi decided to cut into both your thoughts.
You looked away from Aizawa and back to the other pro-hero in front of you. You smiled excitedly as you looked down at your dog. The same affectionate stare that he had seen earlier made its way to your face.
“Hero… his name is Hero.” You said proudly.
“How sweet. How did you come up with that name?”
Aizawa listened intently to this conversation. Learning more about you seeming to fill whatever it was that he had been feeling toward you these last few months. Your smile could brighten the darkest of rooms and the fond look on your face made Aizawa’s heart flutter and grip tightly as he waited for your response. Though from where you were standing he seemed bored and unimpressed with the conversation. His expression never changing other than the smile you had received earlier. You didn’t mind though. It never bothered you with what people around you thought about you. You smiled largely at the both of him. Replying to the question as if it was the most obvious answer.
“Because he saved me.”
Aizawa had to think about your sentence for a moment. Sure, there had been stories about dogs jumping in the line of fire and rescuing their owners and other people. Yet it didn’t seem like there was any major trauma to you nor the dog. You seemed very happy, almost too happy to have said that. So, he had to wonder, how did he save you? Aizawa opened his mouth to ask the question only to be cut off by his friend.
“You are a very sweet girl (L/n).” Hizashi said happily.
Aizawa felt his heart squeeze at that moment. It took a lot for him not to flinch at the feeling. The dark blush on your face as you gave him a small sincere smile made Aizawa wish he would have said that himself. You bit your bottom lip gently and timidly brushed some strands of hair behind your ear in a nervous manner. You let out a small airy chuckle and glanced to the side of the sidewalk for a moment. Your eyes shooting up momentarily to look at Aizawa and then back down to your dog.
“Well, we should be heading home.” You said softly.
Hizashi stood from his spot and smiled. Waving a small goodbye to you as you were about to turn around and head home. You stopped and bit your lip for a moment and looked over at Aizawa. You smiled at him and seemed to hesitate before opening your mouth.
“It was nice to finally meet you Aizawa. I’ll see you around.”
You turned before he could see the blush spreading across your face. Aizawa didn’t say anything or stop you from leaving as you and your dog started walking down the street, side by side, until you were out of view. Aizawa didn’t realize he had been standing there for that long until Hizashi took a hold of his drink and coughed lightly into his hand. Bringing the pro-hero out of his own thoughts.
“She was nice.” Hizashi stated knowingly.
Aizawa nodded at the statement. Knowing fully well that his friend had caught onto his interest in you. He felt anxious and awake. Knowing that tomorrow you and him would see each other again in the morning around the same time. Aizawa let out a small smile at the thought. Already wishing that tomorrow was here.
~
He sat at nearby the cat tree today and waited for his coffee to finish being made as he played with the paws of the white cat in front of him. The cat purred and swatted at his finger and would roll over on its side. Aizawa smiled down at the cat and felt a knot of nerves suddenly dissipate from his body. He had thought about how today would go. Thinking of what he could say to you or how he should continue to approach you from here on out. Now that Hizashi had bridged the gap, he was unsure of how to interact with you now. Do you both continue on like you normally did? Only acknowledging each other with a nod and a whispered good morning? Did he even want to go back to how you both normally interacted?
Aizawa tried not to look impatient as he heard the chimes of the front door. He tried not to look up quickly but instantly felt his eyes move on their own and glance over to the counter. He noticed you quickly look away from him as he began to move and turn toward you. His name being called out at the same time you were finishing paying for your drink. He walked over to the counter and took his coffee in his hands. He took a sip of his coffee and then turned toward you. You were holding your hands together in front of you and were shyly looking to him and to the barista in front of you.
You noticed his body had turned toward you and you looked over at him and gave him your signature smile. Whispering the soft good morning he had come to enjoy. Today though seemed more so relaxing than before. The barista handed you your drink and thanked you for coming in. You nodded enthusiastically at them and bid them a good day. Aizawa motioned for you to walk and you quickly agreed. The silence between the both of you comfortable as you both walked out of the coffee shop side by side. You made your way over to your dog and happily greeted the excited canine.
Aizawa watched your interaction with the dog from a small distance and slowly made his way over to the both of you. He hesitated but then leaned forward and stuck his hand out toward the dog. The dog seemed to sense Aizawa’s unease with being so close to him and slowly inched forward and sniffed his hand. The dog’s tail began to wag happily and licked Aizawa’s fingers as if accepting him. The look on your face seemed so soft and happy that Aizawa suddenly wanted this scene to repeat countless more times.
“He likes you…” You said softly.
Aizawa gave a small smile at the statement and looked over at you. Your cheeks were red and your smile was so large that it caused your eyes to close. You let out a small laugh and he couldn’t help but continue to stare at you. You opened your eyes and looked into Aizawa’s dark eyes. You both seemed to fall into a trance as no words were uttered. No one wanting to disturb the peaceful silence you had created. You were so absorbed by each other that you didn’t notice your dog leaned forward toward Aizawa. His tongue sticking out as he suddenly gave Aizawa’s cheek a long and slobbery kiss.
Aizawa jumped a bit and looked at your dog with such a shocked expression. You looked at the both of them and couldn’t help the laughter that spilled from your lips. You gripped onto your stomach tightly as you continued to laugh. Your cheeks flushing pink and your eyes blurring with tears. Your dog sat down happily as he stared up at Aizawa’s face.
Aizawa looked from you to your dog. Wondering what was so funny that it would cause you to laugh yourself into the ground. He could tell that you were laughing hard by the tears pricking at the side of your eyes. He felt his heart warm though at the sound of your laughter. Even if it was at his expense. He looked at you and waited for your laughter to die down. Slowly turning into small fits of giggles every time you looked back at him. Your smile didn’t falter and you grinned happily at Aizawa.
“You reminded me of a cat just then.”
At that moment Aizawa felt something strong go through him. His mouth opened before his brain could stop him. The word’s the spilled from his lips surprised both you and him. Your wide eyes seemed to soften and your smile was gentle and sweet. You took out a pen from your runner’s jacket and took his hand into your own. Your soft small hands warmed his cold calloused ones as you quickly wrote down your number on his palm. You smiled up at him and quickly leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on the same cheek your dog had licked. Somehow making the past incident seem not as bad. You nodded enthusiastically at him causing one thought to run through his mind:
Maybe cats and dogs could possibly get along.