Popped Knuckles, Dry Eyes, and Burnt Hands

6

At the end of the day everyone filed out of the class except Aizawa, Hatake, and I; Ms. Hatake typically stayed behind to grade papers and plan classes, but Aizawa and I stayed to talk about training.

After everyone exited, he closed the doors and turned to me, "Ok, I made this proposition because sadly, I can't always be there to make sure you're ok, and that he doesn't hurt you. What days do you have free time after school to train?" he asked, walking over to Ms. Hatake's desk where I was standing.

"Well, Wednesdays I typically have to go to the Todoroki household for their 'training', but the rest of the week, including the weekends, I'm free." I leant on the edge of the desk and he mimicked me.

"Then we can work on the training Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays as long as that's ok with you," He ran a hand through his hair, "Of course Saturdays training would have to be either at my place or your place. I share an apartment with Mic at the moment, but I'm sure we could work something out." He stated, nonchalantly pulling out his cellphone.

"We could train at my house, we have a huge backyard that we could spar in so we don't break anything." I suggested and he nodded, looking up from his phone.

"Deal, training starts tomorrow at your place." He smiled.

After we exchanged addresses and phone numbers I left the classroom with my backpack and made a bee-line for the lockers; I didn't want to chance that Toya was still at school. I thought about Aizawa as I changed shoes and stuck the stuff I didn't need in my locker. He was being so nice to me even though we had just met that day and it was so jarring considering he looked intimidating as hell, but I couldn't really judge a book by it's cover I guessed. As I closed my locker, my thoughts were cut short by someone calling my name.

"Akahana!" I turned to see Natsuo running up to me, "I was wondering if I was gonna get to see you today." He smiled brightly.

I smiled wide and embraced his hug, he was three years younger than me but at least a foot taller. Trying to hug him was a workout, "I'm glad you caught me before I left, what are you still doing here? Doesn't Fuyumi take everyone home immediately?" I asked as we pulled out of the hug.

"Yea, but I stayed behind cause one of my classmates wanted to spar outside." He stated as we walked to his locker.

"Do you need a ride home?" I asked, watching him shove his bag in the tiny locker.

"Sure, but I don't wanna make you go out of your way. Especially if Toya and dad are home." He grimaced at the last part before closing his locker and turning to me.

I shook my head and smiled, "It'll be ok, I'll drop you off just close enough that they don't see my car and you can get home safely." I stated as we walked out to the parking lot.

"Thank you." He stated smiling.

I drove him home and stopped about half a block from the house and he opened the door, "Thanks again, you really didn't have to."

"Seriously, it's no problem. I'm always willing to help you and the other two out anytime." I stated, giving him a sisterly look before he leaned over and hugged me.

"We don't deserve you." he whispered softly before letting go and getting out of the car. My heart hurt as he shut the door and I watched him walk home.

I got home a little while later and sighed, checking my phone for any messages before I got out of the car. The only text I received was from Fuyumi saying thanks for bringing Natsuo home. I replied with 'it was no problem' then locked my phone and got out to go inside. When I got in I slipped off my shoes at the front door and set down my backpack next to the hall table; didn't have any homework yet so I didn't need to take it to my room. I slipped out of my uniform suit jacket and hung it on the coat hanger before rolling up my sleeves. I heard music coming from the Livingroom and I followed it. I slid open the door to find that my mom was playing her piano; she stopped for a moment and greeted me, not turning around.

"Hello sweetie how was your first day?" She asked.

I smiled and walked over to her, taking a seat on her piano bench with her, "It was alright, they haven't given us homework yet so that's a win." I stated softly, watching her hands raise to the keys again, feeling her way around.

She smiled and nodded, "That's good. You're father has a late shift at the hospital tonight so he won't be home until 1 a.m."

"Alright, well I did want to tell you that there's this student teacher that has started sitting in on my hero class, and he told me he wanted to train me to fight better. He plans to come by on Saturday's to spar with me. He's a pro hero and is apparently well known in Kyo's words." I laid my head on her shoulder as I talked, enjoying her calming presence, "He'll be by tomorrow, I promise to not be a bother."

"Oh, honey, I know you won't be, I would love to meet him. I'm so proud that he sees potential in you enough to train you. What's his name?" She asked sweetly, resting her head on mine.

"His name's Aizawa Shota; his hero name is Eraser Head. His quirk is eraser and he can look at someone and turn off their quirk as long as he doesn't blink." I informed her as my stomach let out a low growl.

My mother laughed a little and lifted her head up, "He seems like an interesting guy," she paused and moved, causing me to lift my head as she stood up, "Why don't you go change and make dinner for the two of us; your pick."

I smiled and got up, "Alright."

I helped her to the kitchen to sit before I went to my room to change into some casual clothes; skirts weren't usually my style to begin with. I pulled out one of the many pair of black leggings I own and a black tank top and changed. I grabbed my maruchan hoodie before closing my closet and pulled it on over my head, pulling my hair out after I got situated. I pushed up my sleeves and headed back to the kitchen to cook my favorite meal: tonkotsu ramen.