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Bakugou lied down his bed, unable to sleep. The bedsheets were a mess from an hour's worth of tossing and turning. All his classmates were asleep by now.
He sighed, giving up the fight to sleep. He quickly grabbed a hoodie to protect him from the night cold and headed towards the door.
The blonde fetched himself a cup of warm tea and leaned against a window in the hallway. The hallway barley had any lights. Only the moonlight served as a dim light.
It was peaceful late at night, he thought. No noise or harsh lights even if he was the source of ninety percent of the noise. It's nice to be in a comforting silence with only soft cricket noises. The moon and stars shone gently onto his face. What a nice feeling.
"Oi, Shouldn't you be asleep?"
Well, here goes the peaceful feeling through the window. He looked around as he heard quiet footsteps draw closer.
"I wouldn't want to hear that from someone who functions on energy drinks." He quietly spat.
It was Aizawa.
"What's keeping you up at this hour. That's past your bedtime."
Bakogou glared out of habit rather than anger. And he was trying to avoid the subject.
Aizawa settled on the window beside him.
"Why are you awake?" He asked again.
He sighed when he got no answer.
"Come on. Let's go for a walk."
Bakugou followed wordlessly, the tea cup long forgotten somewhere.
They headed outside into the quiet city streets with only stars for company. The once comforting silence was turning into thick tension.
Aizawa was getting tired of the silence. Contrary to the public belief, Aizawa hates silence. Especially the uncomfortable type.
"So, Bakugou, what's your...favorite color?"
"I don't know."
"Favorite drink?"
"I don't know."
"Favorite food?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know your favorite food?"
"..."
Aizawa sighed. "Listen, kid, I'm trying to start a conversation with you but you're not helping."
"Why?"
"I'm trying to get to know you."
"Why does it matter, anyway."
"Because, I'm your teacher. I care about you."
"pfft, yeah, right."
"Whatever."
They kept walking for a few minutes.
"Let's grab something to eat. My treat." Aizawa said.
They headed to a small supermarket. It was almost empty except for a few late night costumers and tired employees.
Aizawa headed for the energy drinks section while Bakugou picked a packet of orange juice.
Aizawa returned with an energy drink and Bakugou stared at him like he's the craziest man in the world.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
"Who the hell consumes energy drinks this late."
"Night shifters? Gamers? Overworked employees? I don't know maybe Tired, Hardworking heroes?"
"But non of that applies to you."
Aizawa felt like he was roasted better than a chicken. Bakugou chuckled.
The tired teacher felt the ghost of a smile at the corners of his lips. He paid and they got into the quiet streets again.
"Bakugou, do you ever think about what happened at the camp?"
Bakugou visibly stiffened. "Sometimes."
"Is that why you were awake tonight."
"Yes."
"Was it a nightmare?"
"Look, I don't like talking about it, okay?"
"You know it's okay to talk about your feelings, right?" Aizawa said with a soft voice.
"No, heroes don't do that. They're supposed to be strong."
"Is showing emotions a weakness?" Aizawa expressed a totally non amused face.
"Yes, what kind of hero would I be if I cried for something as silly as that? Heroes don't get scared."
"Silly? Is almost losing your life silly? Bakugou, it's okay to be scared. Anyone would've been scared back there. You're only 16. You're still a child Bakugou. Of course you'd get scared of losing your life. There's nothing to be ashamed of."
Bakugou felt his face get red and his nose and eyes sting. He didn't know why but something about Aizawa's words tugged at his heart. Tears began to stream down his eyes.
"I-I don't want to be scared. It's childish. It's weak. I want to be a hero. How the hell am I supposed to beat All Might that way?"
Aizawa sighed. This child still has a lot to learn. "Bakugou, heroes do get scared sometimes."
"Even you?"
"Especially me."
"But you're strong. You're one of the strongest people I know."
"I get scared all the time. I was so scared when you were kidnapped."
"Why?"
"I was scared that something would happen to you. That you'd get hurt. I don't think I can comprehend the fact that you could've been fatally injured or dead."
"..."
"But you know what's the difference between a hero and a victim? A hero doesn't give up to his fears. Instead, he gets up no matter how many times he has to fall. I didn't give up to those fears. I used them to my side. To save you."
Aizawa sighed once again when Bakugou didn't respond. "Bakugou, it's okay to not be okay." He said as he pulled the crying teen into his arms.
Aizawa sat both of them down on a bench. Bakugou was still crying. He was sure he looked like a baby. Aizawa hugged the blonde tightly and wrapped his arms around him, resting Bakugou's head on his shoulder.
After a while, Bakugou's silent sobs turned into sniffles. "Sensei, sometimes I can't bear to look at myself in the mirror. The events of that day never left my mind. They hunt every waking moment of my day and even in my sleep. I have seriously been considering dropping out of UA. The feeling of failure is weighing down on my chest."
"Bakugou, hey, look at me," Aizawa lifted Bakugou's head to lock eyes with him. "That's totally understandable. And it's normal, too. We all get scared. We all have emotions. That's part of being human. But, I want you to promise me something."
"What is it?"
"I want you to promise me that you'll never think about giving up ever again or dropping out of UA and if you ever need to talk about your feelings, I'm right here to listen, okay?"
"Okay."
"Yes, kiddo, that's the spirit! Your dream of becoming a hero is over there waiting for you so go get it. I believe in you."
Bakugou rested his head back at Aizawa's shoulder and they sat in a comfortable silence.
After about God knows how long, Bakugou yawned and spoke in a soft sleepy voice.
"Sensei?"
" Hmm?"
"Thank you."
"Anytime, son."
And Aizawa was thankful that the blonde's breath evened and slowed letting the silence engulf them again. He wouldn't have known what to do if Bakugou heard him.
Nevertheless, he carried the sleeping boy piggy back style and headed back to the dorms and let's just say, Bakugou has never slept that peacefully in a long time.