Clipped Wings

Jacu

The stranger sits across from you with only sugar to sweeten his black coffee. You have something ridiculously sugary yourself, and pretty enough you'd snap a pic if it weren't for present company.

"So," you begin awkwardly, "what's your name?"

"Shouta Aizawa."

You introduce yourself though he may have read it from your card already. Something about his name niggles at the back of your head. You've seen it somewhere, heard it before, though you have no idea how.

"Do you live in the area, Mr. Aizawa?" you sip on your drink and delight in the sweetness of the drizzle against your tongue. His dark eyes seem focused on your mouth, then he blinks.

He shakes his head. "No. I was finishing up a patrol actually."

"You're a hero." You almost want to smack yourself. Of course, you've heard of the pro who teaches at UA, close friend to the fairly popular Present Mic. Some fans speculate there's more to their relationship and you may have written a piece where they share a lucky fan between them, so you cannot believe you didn't recognize the guy in front of you. "Eraserhead."

His tired eyes gleam brighter for a second. "That's right. What is it you do, Miss?"

"I work in childcare at the Hawks agency," you reply, feeling far less interesting and not a little embarrassed. To think your internal monolgue called him homeless-looking, you could die.

Though you also thought he was hot. He is hot.

You might have to return to him as a smut subject after this.

"Are you arlight? You're a bit flushed." His dark brows knit in worry and you drag your thoughts from the gutter before they descend into the explicit.

"I'm fine," you assure him, squeezing your hands in your lap to avoid touching your cheeks. You know they're blazing now, but there's nothing for it. You'll just have to play it off. "My quirk makes me resistant to cold; I really shouldn't have gotten a warm drink today."

He nods along with your weak excuse. "Would you like some water? I'd be happy to get it for you."

"No, please. I'm supposed to be treating you, remember?" Your smile is genuine enough he relaxes back in his seat and returns it.

"Alright then."

"You teach at U.A., right?" you ask to try and steer the conversation somewhere more comfortable, and it works pretty well. You're able to get him to launch into discussing his students from there.

The scruffy man is passionate about what he does, there's no doubt. He gives you a rundown on his teaching philosophy and the overall personality of 1A and you're astounded by the talent and drive of a bunch of teenagers.

"So the kid didn't even want his medal after that?" You lean forward in your seat, head on your hand as he regales you with the events of the Sports Fest. "But he won."

Shouta shrugs. "He didn't view it that way. After all, Todoroki wasn't at his best, and he won by the skin of his teeth. He didn't think the fight was over, let alone that he won."

"Sounds like he'll make one hell of a hero someday."

"Yeah, I think he's got what it takes."

You catch movement from the corner of your eye and turn toward the big, kitchy clock that swallows up a good deal of the wall. "Is that the time?" You check your phone to find another minute has ticked away already. "Oh my God, it's been two hours! I am so sorry to have kept you!" Your cheeks flare hot and you stand.

"It's fine," he says, though his eyes are even more red-rimmed than when you began and you're astounded he's still standing knowing he was up all night. "Again, thank you for the coffee."

"It's the least I could do." You fish out a pen and receipt and scribble your number down to hand over. "And, I mean, if you ever want to do it again..." Is it your imagination or is he blushing? His cheeks and ears are both flushed and you hope it's a sign of interest because it's the cutest damn thing you've ever seen.

And you are definitel using this as writing material when you get home.

"I– I'd like that." The man shoves away the receipt and you scurry out the door before you can make a fool of yourself. Your feathers ruffle as you bob upward in excitement, then lecture yourself on keeping in the excitement. It's just hard because you asked out a pro hero.

You asked out a pro hero.

Oh gods above, below, around. What the hell did you do? You glance down at your phone again and try to ground yourself. Weren't you supposed to be running errands or something?