Colors in the Dark

[44] Infiltrate

A/N: Sorry about the late chapter, drowning in four classes' worth of homework a night is slowly (quickly) killing me. But hey, we're getting closer and closer to the big event in this story, and I'm just as excited as you are to get there! Ayami's resolve has only been getting stronger the more she's found out about the mission, and it's almost go-time!

The case files were handed out to the local Pros while Ayami and her classmates (including the Big Three) sat quietly at a small table. Kirishima lifted his head, revealing eyes holding back tears, his teeth grinding against one another. "You must be hurting, man," he told Midoriya in a pained tone.

It seemed the news about Eri had gotten to everyone, which was only further indicated when Ochaco sadly reserved her possible-crush. "Deku..."

He didn't look up, and from a quick glance, Ayami could see Mirio looking just as desperate, Tamaki beside him trying to wordlessly comfort him.

Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by the ding of an elevator. Ayami's weary eyes shot up to see Aizawa, hints of concern showing on his otherwise-devoid-of-life expression. "Holding an all-night vigil, are we?"

"Mr. Aizawa!" Tsu exclaimed.

"You can call me Eraser outside of school," he corrected. "Anyway... I was planning to talk with you all about ending your Work Studies today."

Alarm flared in Ayami's chest as she worriedly stared at him, eyes wide. Kirishima stood up suddenly. "What!? Now, of all times!?"

"You heard about how the League of Villains might be involved in this. That makes this a whole different ball game," the black-haired Pro explained. He scratched his head, looking to the panicking Midoriya beside him. "But Midoriya... You still haven't earned my trust back."

He dropped to his knees to see eye-to-eye with his student, and his voice grew quieter. Not too quiet for Ayami not to hear, though.

"But unfortunately, if I were to cut you off now, it's all but guaranteed that you would leap into action anyway. So I'll watch over you. Let's try to do things right this time, Midoriya." Aizawa reached up to fistbump the boy's tie. "You understand, you little troublemaker?"

"Aizawa's dad side is showing again!" Ansaluia fangirled, much to Ayami's displeasure. At least no one else could hear her, but it was really ruining the wholesome moment for the ginger.

Finally, Tamaki- who finger was stretched across the table, gripping the tablecloth- spoke up. "Mirio... keep your head up, man."

"Hey, I understand, Toogata!" Hadou comforted in a toned-down version of her normal optimistic voice. You've got regrets, so you're feeling low. But that's just how it is sometimes, got it?"

The blond wiped his nose. "Yeah..."

"If it makes you feel any better," Aizawa continued, "when you reached out with those hands to help Eri, even though you failed... I bet you gave her some hope. So pick yourself up," he instructed, standing up himself to regain his slouched posture.

"Y-yes sir!" Midoriya exclaimed, leaping up from his chair.

"I'll follow you to the ends of the Earth, Eraser Head!" Kirishima exclaimed.

"No need to go that far," the Pro huffed.

By now, the faux redhead was practically yelling. "Sorry!"

"Pipe down, Kirishima... Anyways, with that being said, the Big Three are on par with the Pros, maybe even better. However, you four," He gestured to his students, "will have much more reduced roles. Asui, Uraraka, Ayami, Kirishima; you four aren't exactly here because you volunteered. What do you think?"