Black Mist And Fireworks

Asahina Aizawa: Origins

Breathe.

She felt another one coming. The breaths that she did take were uneven, each feeling as if it was a papercut.

"W-why...?" She held her head, "I-I'm so sorry... I-I'm so sorry."

Her words were shaky with each breath. Her mind was only playing the unforgivable sights in unforgettable memories.

Again, just breath in and slowly breath out.

Comforting arms wrapped around her shoulders. Her shoulders eased slightly as she realized that one of her guardians, whom she deemed uncle, was with her.

"Wow! Hang in there, little listener!" He tried his best to soothe her as he rubbed her arm. "Yo, Shouta! It's happening again!"

A man with a long sleeved tee and jeans came with his hair tied in a ponytail. He took her from the other man's arms, "What triggered it this time, Hizashi?"

"All it was is she was doing is practicing her language for me." Sweat dropped from Hizashi's brow. "She got her pronunciation wrong and..."

The two glanced at the poor girl, who was looking at them. She was breathing easier, seeing that her adoptive father was now in the room with her. She couldn't hear them speak to her, despite her efforts. The grasp of panic and anxiety was clawing at her chest. Months of screaming, crying, and hard knocks slithered through her mind like a venomous snake.

Until she smelled the peppermint essential oil vaporizer. Her third guardian, whom she deemed as her aunt stood in the door way. Their voices slowly returned, much to her relief.

"That's it... we're here for you, dear..." she smiled gently, standing over the three.

"We'll always be there for you." Shouta rubbed her back as she was settling down. She sniffed and hugged her father.

"Dad. I'm sorry about that."

"Don't say sorry. This was not your fault." He gave her the best smile he could, "I... we promised we would protect you no matter the cost."

"Not just him, but your Uncle Mic and Auntie Nemuri too, little listener!" Hizashi grinned and rustled her hair. She smiled and giggled a little.

"U-uncle... everyone..." she wiped her tears. They were heroes, much to be sure, and they were there for her. She asked herself what she could do to be more like them? How can they handle stuff like this? What does it take to be a hero? Was this her fate too? She was old enough to start looking into which path she wanted to choose for future, but she took precaution. "...Thank you."

"Say, you wanna have some grown up girl bonding time? Just the two of us?" Nemuri said smiling at her as she was standing up and dusting herself off.

"I-I would love to... but..." she looked at Hizashi, knowing she was still in the middle of her lesson.

"Hey, as long as your father is fine with it, so am I!"

"Daddy? Can I go?" She smiled at Aizawa, and he sighed.

"You guys spoil her enough already." He said and she blinked, oblivious. "...But considering that she has been excellent with her studies, I suppose she can."

"Yay!" Both girls giggled in excitement.

"When you get home, Asahina, I expect you to get your homework done."

"Yes, father. Thank you!" She giggled and kissed his cheek.

"Nemuri, watch her for me... and don't overdo it." He told her with a glare, "She just came out of a panic attack."