Protecting Him

Chapter 11. Blurry Truths & Candy-Canes

Of course he would want to know. Who wouldn't. He's being wary and I applaud him for that, yet this is getting more difficult to sustain the lie I fabricated about only owning two quirks.

Lying is Hiro's quirk not mine... "I manipulated his blanket, making the blanket out of a special kind of fabric that turns invisible in sunlight and wrapped Hiro in it."

Iida seemed utterly shocked. Ochaco's jaw dropped in awe. Bakugou though didn't seem to show any expression. His blank face rivaled Aizawa's. Or so I thought.

"What did I tell you about using your quirk in public?" Aizawa reprimanded me. He sighed tiredly.

"Not to use it sir. But it was necessary, I can't let Hiro be photographed." I protested, breaking out of my apathetic façade.

"Everyone head to class, I have a few words to discuss with [L/name]." Aizawa had instructed us. I secretly gulped.

Bakugou clicked his tongue. Iida urging his classmates to follow our teacher's order. Ochaco kindly offered to take Hiro into class for me. Hiro happily laid in her arms.

Aizawa and I ended having a long conversation regarding my quirks and how I needed to take thing more seriously. But he also ended up asking me the question I wished he hadn't.

"Is there a reason why you say Hiro cannot be photographed?"

"Yes." I answered truthfully. "I don't want my... father knowing about Hiro, or where we are."

"Why is that?"

"It's complicated."

He sighed heavily, "Listen [L/name], I'm not sure what you're going through but we can't help you if you don't tell us. Frankly, you saying you don't even know your own dad's identity, it leads us to believe you're hiding something. Your attitude shows me that you are."

I bit my lip. He was right but... I'm conflicted. I want to tell him... tell All Might the truth, tell someone but when the opportunity for me to do so I freeze... with fear. That's the real truth.

"Fine. There is a lot I'm going through. It's mainly getting over my traumatic past which has everything to do with the man who I'm obligated to recognize as my father. The reason I don't know his name is because he had given my mom a fake one to begin with. He was never around when she was alive but when she died and he took me in, he found me as a nuisance. Didn't even dare address me by my name. The only contact we had was him training me ruthlessly until I... resulted with memory loss due to a harsh hit on the head two years ago. My memories are blurry. Father deemed me as a broken and useless daughter, he ran off. I assume he didn't want to take any responsibility towards me. Especially after I had... Hiro."

Aizawa was quietly observing me. He looked at me with slight bewilderment; clearly not expecting me to tell him the truth. It took Aizawa a while for him to respond. "You said before, Hiro developed a mental condition at his young age. Would that have anything to do with you not wanting Hiro being photographed?"

I nodded. "Yes. He was only a baby but he witnessed violence. That man...he was always aggressive with his actions. I fear he'll find me one day and hurt me and Hiro." I truthfully spoke.

"That won't happen." Aizawa flatly stated, "As long as you confide in us, we can find a way for you and Hiro to be safe. That's why always speak the truth. Remember that."

"The truth... the key to set one free from imprisonment." I unconsciously let slip out of my lips.

"That's right."

"Thanks Aizawa-sensei." I gave a small meek smile.

"Get to class now or I'll mark you late."

I nodded quickly. A small wry smile crossing me. Heh, he's a nice teacher despite him trying to show he's not. He cares for his students a lot. Wish there were more heroes like him and All Might...