𝘙𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘺

Chapter 17

Vacant in the 21st Century by Matt Maltese

Movement by Hozier

———

I think part of me was looking for a fight.

The other part, just looking to fill his place.

I didn't waste much time, breaking into my own home to put on darker clothing and find a mask to cover my face. Where I was going- my identity would get me killed like fresh meat in the market on Sunday mornings.

I almost looked like a villain, like I'd fit in without any questions when I hopped onto the train and went into the inner city.

The train was empty, a few stray people drifted off to sleep in the corners, and the wandering eyes of a small child glanced over the scars on my arms curiously. I watched him, the two of us locking eyes before he smiled and turned back to watch the hands folded in his lap.

I thought of my father. Thought of the life we could've had. Should've had.

I was angry. Not only with Izuku and Bakugo, but I was angry with the world.

My phone was going off, forcing me to turn it off completely before Kirishima or Ochako's name came up on my screen again.

There was only one message which caught my attention.

All Might
Where the hell do
you think you're going?!

All Might
Alarm went off at home.
Was that you? Not mad.
Or upset. Need to know
you're okay.

All Might
Please Asami. I need to
know if you're okay.

All Might
If you tell me you're
okay I will find an excuse
as to why you left. Otherwise,
I'm sending every pro hero
that owes me a favor after you.
Do you know how many
heroes owe me a favor?

All Might
Young Bakugo and Midoriya were both
crying. Bakugo is awake and heading to
bed, and Midoriya went straight
to his room. They are facing punishment.
I don't know what's happened with you three
beyond fighting. If you respond, I can
get you out of any repercussions.

Asami
Everything's fine. I won't be
gone but a few days or so. Are they
okay? Did they say anything?

All Might
Thank god you responded. They're
fine, nothing but some hurt prides. I'll
tell Principal Nezu I'm pulling you for
special physical training with Mirko.

Asami.
Yeah. Thanks.

All Might
I don't understand what's going
on but don't be gone more
than a few days. If you wanna go
to America, I can have you
on a flight in an hour and we don't
have to tell anyone where you went.

Asami
I'll be back soon.
Don't worry about me.
I'll call you when I'm
heading back.

All Might
Okay. I love you kiddo. Be safe.

Asami
I love you too.

I didn't receive a message from Izuku. Not a phone call; nothing. A part of me was grateful, I think he just understood that I needed to get away. He still knew me better than anyone else, and he knew that I was suffocating.

He felt calm. A sense of worry that burned in the pit of my stomach quietly, a lick of regret mixed in there somewhere, but overall, he was calm.

Nobody looked my way as I held onto the poles of the train. Nobody looked at me when I kept looking over my shoulder, waiting to see Izuku staring at me like he'd done a million times before on this exact spot on the bus.