Shigaraki and Scribe II

End

Chapter 31

Kohei arrived the next morning with All Might. Aizawa joined them at the back of the student common area as Scribe said her goodbyes. He'd been with her the night before to explain everything to Eri. As Aizawa had half expected, the child was surprisingly rational about the whole thing.

"You're going back to Shigaraki-san?" The child's big eyes watched Scribe.

"Yes, Eri-chan."

"And I will stay here with Aizawa-san." Eri turned her large eyes toward Aizawa. He inclined his head.

"For...for now, Eri. We believe it is best for you. Both Tomura and I."

"And me." Aizawa added. "I believe we have a lot to learn from each other, Eri. And eventually, there is another school that you can go to to learn even more about your quirk and how to use it."

The child nodded. "Please tell Shigaraki-san that I am grateful for all he did for me. And I'm sorry I lost control of my quirk." She looked down at her hands for a minute, then back up, her eyes shining with tears. "I will miss you, Scribe-san."

"Oh baby." Scribe picked her up and held her close. "I wish..." But she didn't complete the wish, and Aizawa wondered what it was even now as Scribe said goodbye to the students, Mic and Midnight. Then she picked up Eri again, holding her so their foreheads touched, Eri's horn parting Scribe's shining hair. They stood that way for a long moment, then Scribe handed Eri to Midoriya and turned away.

Aizawa couldn't read her emotions and he knew she was guarding them carefully. He picked up her bag and followed her toward the door. She shot him a sharp look. Shouldn't you stay here?

I have no intention of leaving you with Shigaraki before I know you're safe. He remained unperturbed.

That's not rational, Shota. She paused by the black sedan outside, and he held the door for her.

I gave up being rational about you a long time ago.

The drive to the rendezvous point was quiet, giving Aizawa a chance to reflect on the news Kohei had given him about the raid on Overhaul's headquarters. It had been a successful one from all accounts, with few if any casualties on the side of the League. Kohei had seemed pleased, although Aizawa couldn't figure out why. It definitely showed that Tomura Shigaraki had become an effective leader. And he did it for Scribe. So she'd be safe from Overhaul.

Scribe sat silent next to him, her hands in her lap. Her thoughts were closely guarded again, her head bowed so he couldn't even see her face. He didn't realize she was crying until a tear dripped onto her hand.

I wish...

Her unspoken wish echoed in his heart. It might not be the same wish he had, but he thought maybe it would accomplish the same thing. I wish things were different.

It was irrational to be in love with Scribe, who loved another man. Yet he couldn't wish that love away anymore than he could hang onto her now that her way was clear to return to Tomura Shigaraki.

She raised her head and turned toward him. Do you ever wish you'd kissed me again on your own? Her eyes met his and he saw the wish there.

Every damn day. He handed her a tissue, then took her free hand in his and they waited in silence through the rest of the drive.

***

Scribe was comforted by the touch of his hand, but she was also nervous about the upcoming reunion of Tomura Shigaraki and Naoki. She had no real way of knowing what it would be like. When she told Tomura who it was, he'd been noncommittal. She knew he was keeping a tight grip on his emotions, trying to make sure his quirk stayed under control.