I'm With You (Aizawa x OC)

Chapter Seven

Pic- Unknown (Please let us know if you know!)

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Crystal clear water filled with an array of fish species surrounded the small girl. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she stood under the tunnel of one of the aquariums. She walked around shyly, her hands stretched up high towards the large shark that swam over her. It was the first time Eri had ever seen such beautiful creatures, and it was like a dream she would have escaped too, during her years of trauma.

The tall man stood there watching the young girl, a small smile on his lips. Beside him, Kazu was just as awestruck as the seven year old. Aizawa watched as the young woman followed this fish that darted around, her hands stretching out to the thick acrylic glass as if she was going to join the fish's domain.

Meanwhile, Kazu would never admit outloud, but this was also her first time at the Aquarium. She had always wanted to go as a kid, but after her father died, she hardly ever had the chance to go out. When Nezu offered her the tickets, she eagerly accepted them.

As they continued through the building, Eri and Kazu pointed out every animal they saw, taking pictures and giggling whenever the animals would eat off their palms. Aizawa was dragged behind, bringing his card out every time the girl's requested more fish food or snacks. Not that he minded, it brought joy to both of their faces and for some reason, it warmed his insides.

Growing up, Shota Aizawa never thought he would become a hero. After graduating from U.A. The erasure quirk user dedicated himself to his work. Although staying out of the limelight, he was a well respected member amongst the pros, and was commonly called to action whenever facing tough missions. The Eri rescue mission was the first time he almost thought he was going to lose. Memories of being pinned and bleeding on the ground flashed through his mind, and he had to push them away.

In the end, Aizawa felt like he went home with a prize bigger than gratitude and fame, for now he was the sole caretaker of a young girl who would put all his wounds to shame. Every day that little girl woke up and did her best, was a reminder of how strong and determined the fighting spirit within Eri was. It reminded him how precious life was, and how training the new generation of heroes rested on his shoulders.

Watching Kazu's face light up as if she were a little girl herself, showed Aizawa just the kind of person she was. Even though she was a thief, Kazu was also robbed of a childhood. The thought made Aizawa's stomach flip and he had to clear his throat to choke the emotion down.

"Look! It's the otters!" Eri squeals, pointing to the water tank where small brown creatures were flipping around.

"Come on!" Kazu ushers Eri, grabbing her hand while snagging Aizawa's arm and pulling him along.

Upon feeling her hand touch him, Aizawa felt his body heat up. He became painfully aware of the fabric of his clothes sticking to his body and he did his best not to yank his arm away. Kazu seemed to not notice the effect she had on the alpha as she helped Eri up onto the small stand that overlooked the otter enclosure.

Aizawa stared at the furry animals before his eyes glanced back over to the young woman. Her hair was pulled back in a sloppy bun, showing off her jawline and neck. Aizawa wondered what it would feel like to wrap his hand around—wait! Sucking in a breath, Aizawa quickly turns around, his eyes squeezing tightly as he tries to rid his mind of such sinful thoughts.

How could he think such crude things! She was his employee, a criminal in need of help, nothing more!

He took a deep breath before glancing back over, watching the girl and woman together. That morning he had watched them closely playing together, interacting with one another as if they were...mother and daughter.