Erased (Complete)

Real Talk

"So, you want to be a hero now?"

"I want to know if it's what I want."

He scoffed. "You can't possibly think you can do this without being sure it's what you want. People could die if you aren't one hundred percent committed."

"I would never let someone die because of me."

"That's not something you know until you're in the moment. It's not a risk you can take lightly."

"I know... Look I didnt go to UA, but i finished my training. I'll need to learn from you, they didn't teach the style of heroics I'll need, but you do--"

"I won't do it."

"I thought you wanted me to be a hero? Why are you doing this?"

"I never wanted you to be a hero. I knew that if you thought it was a possibility it would make you try harder, but there's a reason you didn't get into UA. And you know that."

"Yeah, but, you can train me. You're--"

"No, Leah. I can't. You aren' trainable. These past months have proven that."

"I-- "

"Enough. Good luck with your next move in life."

"Aizawa--"

The door shut between us and I could only stare.

I opened my eyes to the light shining through the window. Ah, another dream...another very realistic dream.

I glanced at the phone on the charging dock beside me. Barely seven in the morning, and I wouldnt be able to call for eleven hours.

Just enough time to psych myself out and have an anxiety attack... Good plan.

I sighed. The only way to make sure I talk to him is to let him know I want to. I picked up the phone and sent a text.

Hope your day at UA is going well. Can we talk tonight? :)

I pulled the blanket back and readied for the lonely day ahead of me.

I took a walk in the morning, listening to people rush off to their jobs, barely taking notice of me until they were close enough to bump into me or brush past.. I hadn't had a job in years. I wanted one, but no one wanted me. Outside of my home town I couldnt get past the interviews. I wasn't trustworthy because of my mask, and the explanation for it was unnerving.

Eventually, my parents told me to stop. The continued rejection was eating me, and my parents were well off enough to support a small apartment. I was ever grateful for them.

These people rushing by had no idea what it was like to not need a job but want one so badly it hurt. Everyone dreams of quitting their job to live their 'dream life', they never think that a job gives you purpose in the world and that your life depends so much on that purpose however small and mundane it may be.

I'd never been artistic, I'd never fallen head over heals for any hobbies, and as a result i was left with graveyards of past hobbies I'd tried to take part in.

A note book of failed poetry lived in the drawer of my nightstand. A guitar I hadn't picked up in years in the closet at my parents home. A sketch book half filled with mediocre drawings on the bookshelf in my room. I was an avid reader for a few years I could finish a book in a day. But at this point in life, it took me months to finish a book if i could read to the end at all. Photography, painting, online classes in maths and science. My life had been doomed to nothingness.

Until i found Aizawa. Maybe if nothing else comes of this i could be brought in to help train his students. I couldn't be paid for it because UA only hired alumni of course. But it was something.

How would he take the change in my attitude towards heroics? What if he really didn't think I could and that's why he didn't want to talk about it the other night?

No, Leah, you're being silly. Don't assume his reaction. It will only harm your mind.

And with that I headed back for my apartment, to take a dip in the pool. I made goggles long ago that blocked my harmful eyes from others, while allowing me to swim comfortably. But it was the middle of the day and the indoor pool was empty, so I hung the goggles around my neck and dove in.

After a few laps I started floating, staring at the sky through the windows above me. How am I even going to start this conversation? "Hey, Aizawa I know what I've said this whole time about heroics has been pretty negative but now I'm totally down to try. Ugh." I sank under the water. This is going to be the most awkward conversation I've ever taken part of.

What time even is it? How much longer do I have to wait? I looked at my watch. Oh? School's been out for an hour? How long have I been in the pool? Did I miss his call already? This late in the day people could be on their way to the pool.

I was headed back for my apartment in a flash, mask in place and in a swimsuit. Quite the fashion combo.

"Leah?"

Oof. "Aizawa?"

He laughed. "Coming back from a swim? Can I assume you didn't have your phone with you."

"Then I did miss your call? I just looked at the time. Sorry you came all the way down here."

"Were you swimming in your mask?"

"No I swim in these." I lifted the goggles. "But wearing them walking through the apartment building looks weird."

"You're in a two piece swimsuit with cloth tied around your eyes."

I tore off the mask and glared at him. "Yes I know. Let's go inside so I can change then?" I walked past him into my apartment before he could even erase my quirk.

He chuckled as he followed, "what did you want to talk about Leah? Did you want to talk about heroics again?"

"Hang on, hang on. I still want to get out of this. Give me two minutes."

***

I stared at myself in the mirror before returning to Aizawa. "You can do this. It's just a conversation."

"Aizawa, I'd like to try training with you. I'm not sure if it's what I want yet, but I want to give it a go. I know I'll still need the mask as long as I live, but I'm not completely useless blind. I didn't go to UA, but I did finish my training. They didn't teach the style of heroics I'd need to use, but you do..." I turned away before he could blink. "Everyone else wants to be famous. But, if I can try your way, and actually do something with my life.."

He set a hand on my shoulder. "We'll start tonight."

"Really?"

"Leah, you know this is what I wanted for you. I don't want you to change your mind before you can try it."