The Burden of Time [Aizawa x OC]

- thirteen -

"Change into your costumes and head to orientation." Aizawa commanded, before turning to head into the testing site. The students obeyed and disbanded to the changing rooms.

I wordlessly followed an irritable Aizawa, while a giggling July and Joke trailed behind. The pair were obviously hitting it off, firing jokes one after another. Joke shoved July's arm, one of her cackles filling the entire space. July, in his relaxed stance, stumbled to the side a bit before correcting his balance.

Although I was thankful for July distracting Joke, her presence was still unsettling for me. My thoughts were consumed with trying to identify when I began caring about Aizawa's private affairs. I didn't remember making the decision that I cared, and it certainly wasn't a gradual build up to caring, either.

My mind shifted to the entire two times he was definitively nice to me. The first being when he sort-of defended me in front of July for being called a freak show. The second being him lending me his hero ethics book. Any other time, he was as aloof and unreadable as ever, aside from when coffee was involved. I also couldn't forget to factor in the horrible things he said about me being a type of hero he despised and only in the profession for the attention. Although he hadn't been necessarily mean since then, he also hadn't apologized either.

I turned these thoughts over and over again in my mind. It wasn't as if we had been developing a relationship outside of being coworkers. So when did I start caring about his private affairs? Better yet, why did I even care?

"Wait," Joke expressed, pulling me out of my inner analysis. "Did you not warn your kids, Eraser?"

I snapped my head between Aizawa and Joke. "Warn them about what?"

Aizawa continued to walk as if Joke had said nothing. I glanced at July, who looked just as confused as I was. "Warn them about what, Joke?" July pressed.

We had just entered the seating area, which was styled like a massive arena. It was circular in nature and was filled with multiple terrains and obstacles. I scanned the area, taking in all of the options. There was a city, waterfall, mountain, highway, and what looked like a factory - set up within the confines of the arena. I hummed in surprise, impressed with the options available.

Students could either go with the terrain they felt most comfortable maneuvering and defending, or decide to venture out with a terrain that would compliment their quirk and put others at a disadvantage. This way, students could play either offensively or defensively.

We had just taken our seats and Joke was about to reply, when we heard a familiar voice over the loudspeaker. "I'm sure each of you have different terrains that you like or want to avoid." The voice was just as lazy and disinterested as I remember it. "Use your quirks well and do your best. Or not. Whatever."

"I fucking hate that guy." I said freely, not giving a shit who heard me. He might be the president of the Hero Public Safety Committee, but he obviously is not fit for the job. Nor does it seem like he even wants it.

"Yes, I know, it makes for a great reveal, doesn't it?" His voice was laced with sarcasm. "And for what?" He breathed as he slapped his hand on his forehead. I was amazed at his sheer lack of passion and professionalism in front of the aspiring heroes. "So much sleep lost for this... Hopefully some of these kids are fast and we can get this over with. Until then, I'm going to rest my eyes."

"BOO!" My head snapped toward July, who was now standing out of his seat and cupping his mouth with his hands to increase the volume of his voice. "SOMEONE GET THIS GUY OFF THE STAGE!!!!"

I yanked July back down to his seat by his arm. He fell back with a huff, crossing his arms. I ran my hand down my face and sent a warning look in his direction. Joke, however, was laughing away at his response and slapping her knee.