Insomnia [Shota Aizawa x Reader] (Rewritten Version)

Chapter 28

"But at the very least," the dog policeman bowed down to the students and you, "I, as a fellow human who keeps the peace, give you my thanks."

You hated this. A thanks from just the small group of witnesses wasn't enough. The students earned recognition for what they did. Taking down a dangerous villain while still in high school, with little help from you, and saving a life.

But "unverified individuals to cause injury with their quirks without specific instruction from guardians or supervisors is clear violation of rules", apparently.

You clenched your teeth, knowing you had no say in the matter. You weren't their guardian or supervisor at that moment so yes, they did indeed cause harm with their quirks without permission, but still.

Endeavor getting the credit left an even tighter knot in your stomach that couldn't get loose.

However, the students looked fine with it, so you let it be for now. Once the police, Manual, and Gran Torino left, the students let out a sigh of relief. Midoriya smiled at you.

"Thank you so much for being there and helping us, Mx. [L/N]." He looked guiltily at your bandaged arm and hands before bowing to you. Iida and Todoroki did the same.

You shook your head. "You guys did all the work. You would have been fine even if I wasn't there." You let out a small laugh. "I'm just glad that you're all okay. Eraserhead and I were worried about you."

"If you weren't there, my injuries would have been more fatal, or worse, I could have died," Iida said firmly. He lifted his arms a bit. "I truly apologize for worrying you and getting into this much trouble."

You smiled softly at him. He was really going to turn out to be a wonderful hero.

<•>

The next day, the Hosu incident was all over the news.

You were discharged sooner than the students surprisingly, even though the healing quirks at the hospital didn't help you.

The fact that you couldn't do anything but lay in bed, which made you feel sleepier, made you really want to leave. Luckily, you were an adult and was able to convince the doctors to focus on the students' health and let you leave.

Your arm that was stabbed and the hands with which you grabbed Stains' sword were bandaged.

"I'm fine," you reassured Will. The Anteiku manager gave you a worried look but nodded, knowing whatever he says won't stop you.

"Don't you ever just take a break?" Rina called. She stepped over to you, setting down a plate. Business was slow today, and the one customer that was here had just left. "You're injured and literally just left the hospital."

"It doesn't hurt at all." You shrugged, twirling a pen in your better hand. "Doing work helps me stay energized and awake."

A bell rang, signifying someone either entering or leaving. You looked towards the door, ready to greet them, and saw a familiar face.

"Eraser, morning." You nodded at him. He wore a casual attire that didn't look too much different to his hero attire. Rina left your side in a moment, turning to prepare a drink.

"Morning." He raised an eyebrow at you. "Just call me Aizawa, I'm off today. You've been more of a hero lately anyway."

You noticed you have been calling him Eraserhead rather than Aizawa, even though you two were colleagues. It fit, considering he was a hero that you believed would take you in as soon as he heard that you had anything to do with the villains.

"Guess you've heard. The students did all the work." You twirled the pen in your hand again. "How'd you know I was here anyway?"

"I didn't." Aizawa shrugged. "I come here regularly."

"Really? Since I introduced you to the place?"

"Yep." Rina popped back in, setting a cup of a coffee down in front of Aizawa, smiling. "Every morning. You just barely miss him sometimes, but that's no wonder considering your schedule that's all over the place."

"Didn't realize you enjoy it here," you commented. Seeing Rina leave once again for another task, you dropped your voice a bit but still in a joking manner. "Or do you just want to keep an eye on me?"

"The coffee's good," Aizawa reassured. He blew gently at the coffee before taking a sip. "You being here today is just a plus. I wanted to thank you. Again."

"For what?"

"For taking care of the students. Endeavor made it to the scene after the students were fighting. Iida, Midoriya, and Todoroki were there and you helped them out fighting Stain. You went out of your way to help them, didn't you?"

You bit the bottom of your lip. He wouldn't know that Endeavor was not the one who brought down Stain, but rather the students. You nodded your head, regardless.

Now that you thought about it, you weren't sure why you did what you had. You could have just left, and no one would have known. You originally became a teacher to betray them, but now, you really did care for them. You were barely denying it, like Aizawa was.

"Yeah," you said softly. "I'm glad they're safe."

Aizawa took another sip of his coffee, sitting in the silence for a moment before lowering the cup again. A small smile was on his face as he stared into space, as if unnoticed by him. "Watching someone succeed thanks to your influence is a nice feeling."