Erased (Complete)

A Good Beer and A Good Friend

"Well, Leah, what's got you down?"

I rolled my eyes under the mask. "Nedzu didn't tell you?"

"I thought I'd ask anyway."

"I haven't had friends since first grade. I don't know how adult friendships work. I don't even know if the relationship I have with you and the other pros is friendship. Potential friendship maybe, but I've only been around for my quirk."

"And because you're done with your quirk you're worried that potential connection is going to fade?"

I nodded.

He lead my hand to the drink in front of me, I didn't tell him I heard the bar tender set it down. "Don't let it."

I didn't respond as I lifted the glass to my lips... "Aizawa, I really don't know how. I'm not good at conversation, I'm not good at making plans. I'm so awkward around people that when I do make plans and try to have a conversation I end up saying stupid things. And then I go home and have an anxiety attack about the things I said, or the way I sat, or when I bumped into someone. I don't know how to have friends."

"The great thing about friends, is that they'll help you."

I frowned, "Yeah, well."

"Leah, you're ridiculous."

"What?" My mask fell to my lap before I knew he reached for it. I shot a surprised look at him.

I watched a corner of his mouth twitch as he laughed "You're beautiful, you're kind, you have people who want to help you--want to be around you. And you're letting yourself stand in the way."

I fell silent.

"You don't have to be the one to initiate plans, or conversations, just don't shut them down when the ball's in your court."

"That makes sense. But it's easier said than done I suppose."

"Everything is. Don't let it intimidate you."

I nodded. "The other thing bothering me was...well, i'm not sure what I want anymore. I still don't think I can be a hero, but now I'm not sure if I don't want to. Being around all of you pros, all of you have such big hearts, and you're doing good work. I want to help, but I don't know how I could."

"A conversation for another night. Your emotions are running high, after that nightmare its easy to want to do the opposite. Just focus on you for now."