The Burden of Time [Aizawa x OC]

- fifteen -

The next evening, I walked into July's room with two energy drinks in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. July rubbed his bloodshot eyes with one hand. I placed the energy drinks in front of him. "No sleep yet?"

He wasted no time in cracking open one of the energy drinks. "Nah."

I sat down on the opposite side of his desk when his laptop began to chime. We were expecting a video call from our US officials with the results of our paperwork submission. I took the opportunity to take the lid off my coffee for it to cool while July greeted Mr. Smith and Dr. McGee.

Personally, I was dreading this meeting. Being away from the United States for just the little amount of time has already been refreshing. Having access to the freedoms here was nothing like I had ever imagined experiencing. I wasn't ready for it to end... And while I knew July was planning on asking for an additional allotment of time for this mission, I still feared their denial.

"Uncle Sam!" Dr. McGee's voice already had me shrinking back into my seat. A brief pause. "Where is Stand Still?"

July didn't hold back his eye roll. He turned the computer screen toward me, where I sheepishly waved. "She's right here."

"Good, good. How have things been?"

"Well," July took a sip of his energy drink. "It's a lot. There is a lot of work that needs to be done here."

"I'm sure you two will be able to clean Japan up in no time!" Mr. Smith interjected. "You both are some of the best!'

I watched from behind the screen as July pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yeah, but we're not miracle workers." He said. I began to fiddle with the stamper perched on the corner of July's desk, using it to stamp on little sticky notes. "We're going to need more time, sir."

"More time?" Dr. McGee asked with a slight panic in his voice. "How much more time?"

"I don't know, at least another six weeks in addition to the four you gave us."

"WHAT?" Dr. McGee shouted.

Mr. Smith took this time to step in. Although I couldn't see what was happening, I imagined Mr. Smith resting his palm on Dr. McGee's shoulders. "Do you have any idea what you're asking for, Uncle Sam?"

"I do." July sucked in a breath. "But I wouldn't be asking for it if we didn't truly need it... Have you not been looking at the documentation I've been submitting to you guys? It literally spells it out in the documentation."

"What are we supposed to do without you guys here? You are supposed to be serving America, not Japan." Mr. Smith replied. He completely avoided July's question about the documentation. I wouldn't be surprised if they had it in a pile in a corner somewhere, untouched and unread since they received it.

This caused July to chuckle. "YOU are the one that made this deal in the first place. Neither of us asked to come here." There was a long pause before July spoke again. "Besides, I know damn well that the wellbeing of America is not contingent upon two heroes. That's why you have the others."

Again, another long pause. It almost sounded like Dr. McGee and Mr. Smith were whispering to each other. I fought back a laugh - two of the smartest men in the United States couldn't think to use the mute button. After a few moments, Dr. McGee sighed. "Very well. It shouldn't be a problem."

Shouldn't be a problem? What does that even mean?

"I want to make myself very clear, Uncle Sam." Mr. Smith spoke lowly. "Six additional weeks. You will not be allotted any more time. Do not think to ask again."

"Understood." July acknowledged through clenched teeth. "Now, can you tell me if the paperwork was sufficient enough?"

Mr. Smith sighed. "Everything seems to be in order. However, the packaging was a little odd. Why so many stamps?"