The Burden of Time [Aizawa x OC]

- seven -

Several hours later, July and I were walking through the doors of the same conference room as before, as promised by Principal Nezu. This time, however, all of the heroes were dressed in casual clothes. It was now evening and teachers were relieved from their responsibilities, aside from watch duty. Hound Dog was covering first watch duty.

My eyes swept the room. There were more heroes present for this debriefing than earlier. Principal Nezu, Snipe, Midnight, Thirteen, Present Mic, All Might, Recovery Girl, Ectoplasm, Cementoss, Power Loader, Vlad King... and of course, Eraser Head himself.

I averted my gaze as soon as we made eye contact. If I didn't have to be here, I wouldn't be. I wished I could throw professionalism out the window, scream fuck this chaotic school and your rude ass-backwards ways of handling situations, maybe have some of your faculty take a class on manners, and retreat back through the portal back to America where I will undoubtedly spend the rest of my years in captivity until I die of old age... or if I'm lucky, in the heat of battle.

The teachers rose as July and I came to a stop in the front of the room. "Ah," Principal Nezu clapped his hands together. "Pro Heroes Stand Still and Uncle Sam! Thank you for coming to this debriefing on such short notice!"

All Might made his way over to us, enveloping us in a hug. Even in his deflated form, he still reaches a staggering 7'2" tall. Against my 5'8" frame, I barely even made it to his chest. "My favorite American Heroes!" He boomed happily. "It has been many years since I've seen you both." When he pulled away, he made a gesture with his hand, to indicate the height we would have been when he last saw us.

"All Might," July bowed deeply. "It's an honor to be in your presence again."

A large laugh left All Might's chest, as he slapped July on the back. "Uncle Sam, we are colleagues now! Stand up!"

July rose with a blush on his face and a slight shake in his hands. If anyone noticed it, no one said anything. I was sure this reaction was the norm when All Might made appearances. I stepped forward, hugging him once more. "How are you feeling?" I asked, my voice low so as to not involve the entire room in the conversation.

"You haven't changed a bit, Stand Still. Always worried about everyone but yourself." All Might gave me a light squeeze, his voice dipping low to match mine. "To answer your question, I am managing."

I nodded in understanding. I pulled away, returning a supportive squeeze to his forearm before stepping away. A silent way of conveying that he knows I am here and offering whatever I can. Even going through one of the worst events of his life, he still maintains such a calming presence. You would barely even know his livelihood has been destroyed. He's as strong as they come.

"I had forgotten that you both had met All Might previously!" Principal Nezu spoke up.

"Many years ago," All Might laughed. "During one of my stints in America. I don't think they were any older than twelve at the time."

"Twelve? You both were already training to be heroes at that point?" Cementoss asked incredulously.

"America had us enrolled in a special training program." July stated simply, shrugging his shoulders.

"But twelve?" Thirteen spoke up. "That's awfully young."

A dry laugh escaped my lips. I scanned the room before my gaze settled on Aizawa. "We were enrolled at the age of 8."  Aizawa's only response was to break eye contact with me, finding a sudden interest in the coffee cup in front of him.

"The United States doesn't fuck around." Vlad King let out a low whistle. "Glad you guys are on our side."

"Yes, yes. Anyway," Principal Nezu clapped his paws together, gaining the attention of the room. "Please take a seat. We must get started."