The Burden of Time [Aizawa x OC]

- sixteen -

I knocked on July's door the following morning. "Come in."

He was still hunched over his laptop, typing away. His eyes still held the same red hue, but the bags under his eyes had gotten darker. "Don't forget we have rounds tonight for the school. Try to get some sleep before then."

"Yeah, yeah." July waved his hand dismissively. I shut his door behind me, heading down the hall toward Aizawa's room. I hadn't seen him since the meeting yesterday and I still had yet to return the book he lent me. I couldn't lie, a part of me was also concerned about his sudden exit from the meeting and simply wanted to check in with him.

I raised my hand to knock, but the door opened before I had the opportunity to. His eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by my sudden appearance. "Stand Still?"

"Good morning," I greeted sheepishly. I pushed the book toward him awkwardly. "I just wanted to finally return your book. Thank you again for letting me borrow it."

"Right." He said, taking it from my hands and walking over to the bookshelf to replace it. I remained in the doorway, causing Aizawa to raise an eyebrow. "Is there something else?"

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright." I rubbed the back of my head and chuckled awkwardly. "You seemed pretty pissed off yesterday."

"I'm fine."

I sighed and crossed my arms. "You don't normally lose your cool like that, though." I pressed.

"Take my answer the first time, Stand Still." Aizawa was now standing in front of me, close enough for me to have to tilt my head up slightly. Although there were only four inches separating us in height, he felt a lot larger and more intimidating up close. His eyes were locked on mine, as if they were daring me to press him for answers again.

"I'm sorry." My voice came out just above a whisper. I wanted to kick myself for being unable to find more confidence. Instead, I was allowing him to intimidate me. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

He rolled his jaw before clenching it. I tried desperately to not focus on how nice his jawline looked. After a long pause, a heavy sigh parted his lips. "The topic of the conversation yesterday was not something I was interested in."

Yesterday's topic? Meaning the lack of professionalism and being off topic? Or meaning the final part of the topic, which focused on my attractiveness? I was once again confused by Aizawa's brooding, vague behavior... I had to stop myself focusing on it for too long. If I did, I could see myself spiraling again trying to figure him out.

"Okay." I pursed my lips together. "Well, I'm sorry if I had any part to play in that." I offered, hoping to get rid of even a fraction of the tension between us.

"You didn't." Aizawa's eyes held a slight softness that I was unprepared for. I held his gaze for a few breaths longer, my heart rate rising with each passing second. Nodding, I turned to leave his quarters.

I hesitated before saying the final sentence. I turned my head over my shoulder, but kept my eyes on the floor. I couldn't look him in the eyes while saying this. "I don't like seeing you angry."

Walking away, I could feel his gaze on me until the elevator doors closed and it began its descent.

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July and I were patrolling the campus. It was now late at night. July had his hands clasped behind his head, walking casually. I kept pace with him while surveying the campus. We spent the last hour or so casually talking.

"So, that cop thinks you're hot."  July said, his eyes glancing my way briefly before returning his attention to his side of the campus.

I shrugged. "I guess." Truth be told, I hadn't thought much about it since Aizawa and I's conversation earlier. I had an idea that I must be conventionally attractive, seeing as how many people complimented me or tried to ask me on dates. However, being under the scrutiny of the American government, I had never pursued any of those. The United States preferred to keep me out of people's reach. Dating couldn't really matter to me when I knew it was unable to be achieved.