Work Text:
Aizawa Shouta considers the new group of students to be promising but reckless. He looks over the group of 20 kids and assumes he will expel at least one by the end of the year.
Shouta looks Bakugou, a kid with an explosive quirk and an even more explosive personality, and considers recommending therapy, maybe anger management.
Shouta looks at Todoroki and sees the trauma hidden behind a stoic mask.
Shouta looks at Tensei’s brother and considers sending his friend a text to congratulate the family on another promising hero.
Shouta looks at Yaoyorozu and understands she has potential hidden behind insecurity.
Shouta looks at Uraraka and understands the drive for stability.
At first, Shouta sees Midoriya and considers expulsion.
At first, Shouta sees a boy with a quirk he doesn’t control. He sees a boy with too much power and no restraint. Shouta sees a boy with potential but wonders if it’s worth it.
But then, Shouta sees the nervous boy explaining his new godlike quirk and wonders if punching All Might will make him feel better.
But then, Shouta considers the boy with bright eyes and a strong smile and creates a training plan to help him gain control of a power he must make his own.
But then, Shouta looks at the boy with shaking hands and strong resolve and remembers why he wanted to teach.
But then, Shouta sees the boy with hurt sewn into his being and hopes the world is kind to this class. This class with hurt children who want to fix the world.
Shouta looks at the boy who just broke his finger to throw a ball despite Shouta telling him to be careful and considers- not for the first time and certainly not for the last- handing in his resignation.
Shouta sees the boy with a heart too big for his chest and hopes the world leaves his class alone long enough to let them grow.