Maybe We'll fix Each Other

Chapter 38

"We've gone over the plans over ten times tonight, Aizawa," Tsukauchi sighed, rubbing his hands down his face. "At this point, what happens happens."

Aizawa hummed and tapped his finger on the kitchen table as he thought.

"If this doesn't work then what woul–" Aizawa started, but the detective cut him off.

"Aizawa," he said bluntly. "We've set everything up the best we can. I made sure my information and profile was readily available, and from what I can tell the HPSC has been poking around. And now that Centipeder is banned from UA and Nighteye's agency under review for his own charges, we don't have to worry about him feeding the Commission more intel."

Aizawa frowned and leaned back in his chair. "I know," he admitted. "I know that. I just...I don't like leaving things up in the air."

Tsukauchi gave him a weary smile and pushed himself up out of his chair, stretching his arms above his head. A quick glance towards the clock let him know it was pushing 11:43pm.

The detective dropped his hands back to his sides and yawned.

"I'd hardly call it leaving things in the air. We have a plan in place for the trial. But we need to get through tomorrow's hearing first," Tsukauchi offered.

Aizawa sighed and nodded. "Yeah. Right. Just start with tomorrow," he replied.

Tsukauchi stepped over and dropped a hand on Aizawa's shoulder, earning a glance up to meet his eyes.

"Aizawa, you're doing right by these kids. Whatever happens, you're not in it alone. We'll figure it out," Tsukauchi said seriously. "You've been dealing with a lot. That kind of stress...if you need to talk to someone..."

Aizawa reflexively got ready to defend himself but managed to bite his tongue. Tsukauchi wasn't wrong. He'd been dealing with so much, he'd hardly had a chance to process anything. But he honestly didn't think he'd be able to relax until this entire fiasco was behind them. But still...having friends like Tsukauchi at his back helped calm some of his buzzing thoughts.

"It doesn't have to be me," Tsukauchi continued when he saw the hesitant look unconsciously cross Aizawa's face. "It can be on your own time, but you should practice what you preach."

With a fond smile and squeeze on Aizawa's shoulder, Tsukauchi released his grip and moved towards the door to grab his coat. He made sure to carefully step over some of Eri's toys that were strewn about the floor.

"It's late, and we should get some sleep," the detective finished, pulling his coat on. He looked over at Aizawa and gave a nod. "I'll see you at the courthouse in the morning."

And while Aizawa wanted to review the evidence just one more time, he knew Tsukauchi was right. He'd do himself no favors running himself to the ground the night before the hearing.

He nodded back, standing up and closing the door softly after the detective took his leave. He rested his head against the wood of the door and let out a breath before straightening up.

Aizawa turned to head off to his room, when he paused and stared at the couch.

Or rather, Keigo on the couch. He had been staying at Aizawa's apartment ever since the Commission had made their threat. Aizawa didn't want to risk him being out on his own.

The man's feathers were piled up haphazardly on the loveseat while he laid on the couch, rolled onto his side so he faced the back of it.

Aizawa narrowed his eyes as he inspected Keigo before letting out a sigh and walking over. He stopped a few feet from the couch, staring at the back of his head.