Aizawa's Cat (Old)

Chapter 30

Shoes squeaked against linoleum evenly, five short squeaks followed by one longer one as the person spun to pace in the opposite direction, the pattern repeating again and again.

He had been aware for a while, laying on what he assumed was a cot in the Infirmary, the smell of antiseptic burning his nostrils.

*How am I going to get out of this? As soon as I 'wake up' they are gonna be at my fucking throat asking questions. I can't answer them, no one can know what happened!*

"I know you're awake problem child."
His teachers voice made him realise he was hyperventilating, his body shuddering with every exhale. Cautiously green eyes opened, darting around the room only for him to relax when he realised it was just him and Aizawa there.
Sitting up slowly he kept his wary gaze fixated on the bandaged man, his mind racing.
"Who am I speaking to?"

Chewing on his lip, he wondered if he could pass himself off as one of the others, pretend he had no clue what was happening.
"Sir? What happened?"
He felt the harsh gaze of his teacher like brands as they roamed his face.
"You know," Aizawa moved to sit at the chair next to the bed, "Your disorder is fascinating."
A chill of foreboding ran up Batsu's spine.
"There are many things that stay the same, voice, looks and some mannerisms, like how you all mumble when stressed or nervous."

He was sure he hadn't mumbled, so that wasn't what his teacher was aiming for with his little speech and, true to what he had thought, Aizawa continued,
"However, there are some things that only certain Alters do. For example,"
he leant forwards to rest his elbows on his knees, eyes like daggers, "Inflection and mannerisms are the main ones, Izuku is quiet, stutters a lot, fiddles with his fingers and avoids eye contact. Shin on the other hand, has a lilting voice, almost musical, bounces in place and almost makes it a point to look someone in the eyes."

Batsu had to look away, his heart pounding in his chest as he swallowed harshly, the rich baritone belonging to the pro hero filled the room,
"You, however, you are guarded, your voice smooth and calm like your body. No wasted movement, making yourself smaller, less like a target."

"Fine, you figured out who is who, what d'ya want a fucking gold star?" Batsu rolled his eyes, ignoring the way his false bravado cracked.
"I want the truth. What happened that led to you claw at your arms and disassociate? It looked like you had a panic attack or flashback s-"

"It's none of your fucking business what happened! Keep your fucking nose out of shit that doesn't involve you!" The sound of a shifting bandage told the boy Aizawa was raising an eyebrow.
His voice was stern as he used a cast to turn the boys head so their eyes connected, "You are my ward, therefore it is my 'business' as you put it. I know you probably don't understand but I want to know what happened because I care, because I want to help you."

Sneering, the green haired boy pulled away,
"You can't help me. I don't want your help! Leave me alone." No matter how hard he tried, his voice still wavered, deep down he wanted help, wanted someone to look past the angry words and force him to accept it. He knew why he couldn't say it, it had been beaten into him to never accept help, no one is allowed to know how much he hurt.

Knowing that didn't stop the words getting trapped in his throat, wrapping up into a ball that threatened to choke him.

*See it! Really LOOK at me! Please!*

His eyes burned, screaming out for help as they stared into the fathomless black across from him. He could almost see the thoughts as they flew through the mans head, saw him looking and actually seeing him.