Insomnia [Shota Aizawa x Reader] (Rewritten Version)

Chapter 37

Sleep did not happen and it was day one of the school trip.

The students were piling up in the bus, sparing concerned glances at you. You likely looked like a mess, with bags under your eyes and unkempt hair and an overall catastrophic look.

"You okay?" Aizawa asked. Him just walking up to you had caused you to jump somewhat, not noticing him. Turns out the lack of sleep made you twitchy as well.

"I'm fine," you said shortly. "Just tired."

"...As usual." He raised an eyebrow and said nothing more. Once all the students were in, you and Aizawa got in.

"Are you alright, Mx. [L/N]?" Midoriya asked behind you, concerned. "You don't look so good."

"Don't worry about it." You smiled at him, attempting to reassure him, but the smile probably seemed more like a grimace. Why were you already annoyed when only two people asked if you were alright? You were usually not this grouchy.

"It'll take about an hour to get to the destination," Aizawa said as the two of you sat down in the front seats. "You could take a nap before we get there. Maybe even a bit more as the students do their first activity."

As soon as he said those words, the bus was filled with noise and conversation from the students, talking about what song to put on, Iida being Iida, something about Pocky, Bakugo yelling, yada yada.

"Don't think I can with that noise," you replied halfheartedly as he grunted an agreement. "What activity are you talking about?"

"Where we're going is the Pussycats' area. We'll be a bit far from the actual camp, and the students will have to get through those heroes' quirks to get there."

"That's evil," you joked. "They're not expecting that, huh?"

"I'm letting them have their fun now, aren't I?"

"Yeah, guess you are." You looked behind you to see the students smiling and chatting, having fun and unaware of the training they'll be in for.

There was silence between the two of you before Aizawa piped up. "I think your relationship with the students is really good."

"What do you mean?"

"You like them and they like you," he explained. "Considering your history, you're doing pretty well with them." He paused for a moment. "Sorry about telling Kayama about you without telling you by the way. I do trust her."

"Hm," you hummed in response, not knowing what to say. "Well, you are a hero. I appreciate you not already turning me in."

"I know I hide it, but I care about them a lot too," he admitted. He glanced at you, his capture scarf covering half of his expression. "I appreciate you taking the time to teach them and looking out for them."

Your eyes widened at him. Aizawa, Eraserhead, admitting to caring for his students? Were you hallucinating again?

"Yeah. I've got a soft spot for these kids. They remind me of... my brother." You couldn't really fairly compare your 'brother' Tomura to the kids, but the emotions you felt were the same.

Aizawa nodded. "Do you plan on staying?"

"What do you mean?"

"Staying here and teaching. Continue working at U. A. and work with us. Or do you want to stay out of all things related to heroes and villains?"

You weren't sure. On one hand, you weren't sure what Tomura and Sensei were planning and what the future held for them. On the other hand, if the other teachers and students found out about your history, it might be over for you anyway. Kayama was one thing, but the other teachers may not be as considerate.

"I don't know," you said honestly."I'll see at the end of the school year, I guess."

He nodded again, then closed his eyes, seeming to be able to sleep despite the noises of the students in the back.

You care about the students.

The students care about you.

How long would it be until you disappoint them?

You glanced back at the students. They were laughing and having fun, unaware of the vigorous training they were going to undergo in less than an hour.

Aizawa cares for them.

He doesn't want them to get hurt by villains.

Villains that you have connections with.

He wants them to be good heroes.

Heroes that will take down villains.

Villains that you have connections with.

You care about them.

Both.

You glanced back at Aizawa, who seemed to have fallen asleep quickly despite everything.

You care about him, as well.

You closed your eyes as well, attempting to block out both the students' noises in the back and the voices.

You care about him, they repeated.