Chapter Text
Shinsou would always gaze up at Mr. Aizawa.
They were training so Shinsou would be ready to transfer to the Hero Course of his second year. It’s his first summer of attending UA. Shinsou’s training had started a few weeks back, with Mr. Aizawa’s proposal of making sure that he’ll be ready. They have been spending every morning and afternoons together since.
Dawn of day, as the sunrise begins to peek through the black-shadowed trees, Shinsou would get to see Aizawa’s illuminated skin. Sometimes covered by his hair, Shinsou would witness the transition of the warm hues reflect on Aizawa’s being.
As the sun continued to rise, the more Shinsou would take in Aizawa’s pallid complexion. He could never look away. It was hard not to, since he was being guided by Aizawa’s training.
They would spar for what feels like hours for Shinsou, but soon it would be time for a break. Aizawa would then guide the boy to their usual resting area. Aizawa always guided them and Shinsou would have to watch his back as they walked. Shinsou noted that Aizawa would always be untouched with debris, while Shinsou varied from being covered in scrapes, bruises, dirt, and sometimes leaves.
He never thought of himself getting this… dirty.
But if it meant getting to become a Hero with his quirk, then so be it.
Though he didn’t think Aizawa would be the one to train him. At first, he didn’t know why it would be Aizawa. Sure his quirk was powerful and they are kind of the same person, but Shinsou wanted more combat, not mediocre meditating. Though, it all made sense after that one time…
Shinsou’s naive quirk activation settled in and Aizawa stood up, looking right at Shinsou emotionless. They were taking a small break after the first few days and Shinsou was beginning to think that Aizawa was a let down. He thought he could take on Aizawa, to prove how worthless of a teacher he was. He thought it worked, since Aizawa’s eyes dimmed. But boy, was he wrong.
Aizawa gave him a sudden smirk. Shinsou thought he was in control, but Aizawa was just pulling his leg. Literally. He unleashed a binding and purposely tripped Shinsou. Before he could get up from the fall, Shinsou felt tight and motionless. He looked down and felt the older man’s bindings were wrapped around him.
When Shinsou looked up at Aizawa, his breathing halted. The smirk faded and was replaced with an malicious stare that made Shinsou uneasy. Aizawa then growled out, “Do you take me for a fool?”
Shinsou didn’t speak.
“You have a long way to go before you’ll ever be able to take me on. I have got years and hard training that got me where I am today. You are not ready solely from luck and your powerful quirk. And you won’t be if you keep acting like this. Drop your childish attitude. I know you don’t trust me right now. But you will someday.”
Shinsou never tried it again. Eraserhead will always be able to easily stop his Quirk. That’s what Shinsou told himself on that day. But after that, Shinsou realized something else.
With or without his quirk, Aizawa’s a strong man. He has a strong mind. Unlike Shinsou’s. His respect grew immensely for Aizawa after that. With Aizawa’s lessons, Shinsou worked on improving himself. Equally practicing mindfulness and building his body up. Training tactics and increased mobility. Everything.
On some breaks and after training, Shinsou would find ways to keep practicing what he learned. Even if his entire body would throb from the pain or from the amount of mental exercises he was put through, he kept going.
Aizawa’s training was extremely difficult to keep up with on top of that. Like, Shinsou expected. But he didn’t mind at this point. He was getting stronger because of Aizawa. It was more than he could wish for.
But today, Shinsou wasn’t doing so well compared to yesterday. Or even the day before. He was covered in more cuts and gross things than usual. He didn’t like it. Shinsou was also becoming rather clumsy, and not as quick.
Like Midoriya, Shinsou had to work on a lot more than willpower to become a Hero. He was just taking baby steps. He wanted to be a great Hero. But man, it hasn’t been easy lately. Like his training had been slipping away. Aizawa might have noticed already. He will have to just train harder.
“Quiet today, Shinsou?”
Shinsou woke from his memories and deep thoughts and looked up at Aizawa’s back.
“Uh, yeah. Sorry, Sir.”
Shinsou scratched his head, letting some dirt fall from his unruly hair.
“I didn’t sleep as much as I wanted to last night and-”
“I can tell.”
Shinsou felt the frustration from Aizawa’s tone. How quickly he responded wasn’t a good sign either. Shinsou decided to tilt his head down and not speak another word. But after the moment of silence, Shinsou decides to look at Aizawa’s back once more.
Shinsou’s consistent staring might had come from his developing attachment to Aizawa. He didn’t know why he was feeling this way. He also didn’t know what feeling he could put on it without it sounding… rational.
Aw, man. He’s been clinging on his words and manners now too.
But how could he help it? He’s been spending a lot of time with Mr. Aizawa.
It was late morning when they arrived at the recreational park. Where they trained was in a secluded forest at the end of the Musutafu’s limits. But with a mile walk, they arrived at the park. Shinsou relaxed against a tree as Aizawa went to grab some drinks. Shinsou felt like Aizawa felt guilty or something by his quick comment from before. That’s why he was getting him a drink. Or so Shinsou thought to be half-true.
That’s another thing. Shinsou’s thoughts weren’t completely irrational. He noticed Aizawa’s demeanor softened a bit recently. Sometimes when they trained and Shinsou is clearly struggling, Aizawa would offer a small word of encouragement.
And when he did speak those small, kind words, Shinsou noticed the warmth in his voice. But it never lasted for long. With Aizawa’s fluctuating attitude of caring and not-caring, it was hard for Shinsou to predict what the man was thinking.
But maybe he was like this with his other students? Was all of this normal? Shinsou didn’t know.
Aizawa returned and offered Shinsou a drink. Aizawa went and sat down next to Shinsou in the shade. He took a few, long gulps of his iced tea. Shinsou couldn’t help but watch as he took a small, timid sip of his own. He wasn’t thirsty.
“It’s a nice day out,” Aizawa said as he glanced around the park. Shinsou glanced around as well. He noticed there were some people walking, kids playing on the playground, and birds chirping in the trees.
Was Aizawa trying to make Shinsou feel better? He thought it’s a little unusual for Aizawa to bring up the weather. Shinsou wasn’t sure how to respond so he just nodded lightly to be polite.
They sat in silence and continued to drink their teas.
“Shinsou,” Aizawa spoke. Shinsou turned to face Aizawa as Aizawa moved closer to Shinsou. Shinsou froze. He was confused about what was happening. Aizawa lifted his hand above Shinsou, pulling something off of him. Aizawa returned to his original spot and held onto the green piece that appeared. Shinsou suddenly realized it was a leaf bud. It must have been in his hair this whole time and Aizawa decided to grab it out.
Shinsou looked away at first, completely embarrassed. He was expecting some remark or side comment from Aizawa. But when Aizawa didn’t respond, he looked up. Aizawa was looking at the bud instead.
Aizawa twirled it around before he finally spoke.
“Why don’t we call it a day? You’re not fully here, Shinsou.”
Shinsou’s sudden embarrassment switched to feeling unsettled. He tried to quickly apologize.
“Mr. Aizawa, I-”.
“It’s alright,” he said flatly.
He responded quickly again so Shinsou didn’t try to continue. Aizawa then got up, dropping the bud and walked over to the trash can and tossed the empty can away. Aizawa then yells loud enough for Shinsou to hear, “Rest up today. That’s an order.”
Shinsou felt hurt as he watches Aizawa walk away back into the shrouded trees. He knew that he disappointed Aizawa.