Evil....Maybe Not

Coming to an Understanding

Deku's POV:

I woke up snuggled next to a softly breathing Kacchan, the warmth of his presence a comforting anchor. I chuckled at the nickname and hugged him tighter, feeling a sense of relief that we were together. I smiled, savoring the moment, but as I took another breath, a foul odor reached my nose.

At first, I wondered if it was Kacchan, but he had showered last night. The smell seemed too strong for it to be anything else. I sniffed again and realized the unpleasant scent was coming from me. I hadn't bathed since arriving, fearing exposure. After climbing four stories, some "smexy" time, and a workout, a shower was urgently needed. I shook Kacchan awake, hoping we could get the meeting with the pro hero over with so I could finally clean up.

"Hmm, what's wrong?" Kacchan mumbled sleepily, his voice thick with drowsiness.

"I need a shower... like now," I said, my voice tinged with desperation.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Well, how the hell is that supposed to work? You'll get caught, you know how you are."

"Exactly. So can we talk to your teacher today?"

He scratched his head, looking thoughtful. "It would have to be after school hours. I could ask him for a meeting now since there are no classes."

"Wait, I thought you said it had to be after hours... but there are no classes."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, dumbass. There are still students and teachers around during school hours. After 3 PM, almost everyone's gone."

I nervously laughed at my mistake. "Oh, okay. So set up the meeting around that time and come get me so we can go together."

He ruffled my hair with a rare, affectionate grin. "Okay, nerd."

Bakugo's POV:

I got up, ready to find Mr. Aizawa. I made my way to the teacher's building, a familiar place but with a certain air of mystery. When I arrived, I found Mr. Aizawa lying on the floor with his yellow sleeping bag, looking like he was living up to the cliché of teachers who practically live at their schools.

"Mr. Aizawa!" I called out, my voice echoing slightly in the empty hall.

He jolted awake, his eyes narrowing in surprise before recognition set in. "What are you doing here, Katsuki?"

I walked in and pulled out a chair, watching as Mr. Aizawa groggily got up and sat at his desk. The long-haired pro hero looked both relaxed and ready for action—a rare combination that I respected.

"I need to set up a meeting with you later today when no one else is around. What time would work?" I asked, trying to keep my tone professional.

"Why does it need to be when no one else is around?" Mr. Aizawa's voice was steady but curious.

I sighed. "I can't really explain. I thought you'd be the most open-minded teacher."

He raised an eyebrow. "Being open-minded doesn't mean I won't ask questions. Why?"

"I need your help with someone I've known for a long time. He's been in the wrong place at the wrong time and is now trying to fix his past."

Mr. Aizawa rubbed his temples, clearly processing the situation. "I need more information."

"You'll understand when you see him. He's someone important to me, and we need your help."

Mr. Aizawa sighed, his expression thoughtful. "Alright, bring him around 7 tonight. Most teachers leave by then. Just make sure to keep his identity a secret."

I nodded, then reconsidered. "Why the secrecy?"

"You've been vague about who he is, so I assumed it's crucial to keep his identity hidden."

Mr. Aizawa gave me a sly look as I walked out. "Don't mess this up, Katsuki!"

I chuckled. "Yes, sensei!"

Deku's POV:

Kacchan and I were ready and headed out to see his teacher. He kept my face covered with a mask and hoodie to hide my identity, adding an extra layer of anxiety. The closer we got to the building, the more my nerves twisted in knots.

"Are you alright?" Kacchan asked, his hand gripping my shoulder with surprising tenderness.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, trying to steady my breath.

Kacchan's recent kindness was unusual but welcomed, and I found comfort in it.

We reached the building and climbed several flights of stairs, my heart racing with each step. The hallway, lined with blue classroom doors, seemed to stretch on forever. We entered the one labeled 1-A.

"Mr. Aizawa?" I called out, my voice echoing nervously.

A man with long black hair, seemingly perpetually disheveled, sat at a desk in the corner. His eyes, sharp and discerning, turned towards us as he waved us in. I took a seat, trying to steady my trembling hands. I kept my face covered, anxious about revealing myself.

"So, who are you, young man?" Mr. Aizawa's voice was calm, but his gaze was intense, scrutinizing me with an almost piercing quality.

I looked to Kacchan for reassurance. He gave a nod, and I slowly removed my mask and hood. Mr. Aizawa's eyes widened in recognition, and I could feel the weight of his gaze.

"You're that kid from the villain attack a few days ago!?" His surprise was evident.

I nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and apprehension.

Mr. Aizawa rubbed his temples, clearly processing the information. "I'm here to help, not judge. Can you tell me your story?"

"Do you think he could stay here?" Mr. Aizawa asked Kacchan.

Mr. Aizawa's tall figure loomed over me as he stood and knelt beside me, his presence both imposing and comforting. "I'm willing to let him stay, but do you want to be a student here while you're here?"

I thought about it, my mind racing. "I wanted to be a hero, but it doesn't seem to be in the cards for me. Maybe I'd be better off as a therapist once I sort out my own issues. So, no, I'm fine just being here for now."

I smiled bitterly, holding back tears as the reality of my situation sank in. The dream of becoming a hero felt increasingly out of reach.

Mr. Aizawa sighed, then reached under his desk for a blanket and a set of basic clothes. He handed them to me, his gesture unexpectedly kind. "These are for emergencies. There's a larger room on the same floor where Kacchan is now. You two can stay there. It has a small bathroom and kitchen. We reverted it for teachers after the initial villain attacks."

Kacchan's face lit up with an unusual grin. "Seriously!?"

Mr. Aizawa nodded and guided us out of the room. After I covered my face again, he helped us move Kacchan's belongings to the room at the end of the hall. The process took about three hours, which surprised me considering how small the original room was. As Mr. Aizawa was about to leave, he turned to me with a warm smile.

"If you ever want to meet the 1-A students, just ask. I'm sure they'd give you a chance."

His offer was both reassuring and exciting. With a final, encouraging smile, he left.

After showering and getting dressed, Kacchan and I quickly fell asleep in the queen-sized bed. It felt like a small victory, a sign that things might just turn out alright if we were patient.

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1175 words