Yamada sighs; the papers in his hands feel impossibly heavy.
Since the last session with Nakahara, he's been thinking hard about what he could do to help the kid.
Admittedly, Yamada doesn't have that much experience with this.
While he had always wanted to be a Pro Hero—which kid doesn't—he had never considered getting qualifications to help people in this way.
After everything that had happened with Oboro, after watching Shouta lose himself in his grief, it only felt right. If he can be there, if he can help others work through hard times and come out on the other side, then…
Then it would feel like he's doing Oboro proud.
That being said, getting the qualifications took longer than he had wanted. Unfortunately, during the first years of his Pro career, he had to focus on getting a foothold in the industry. Rookie Pros always have to work extra hard to get their names out there; only then can they take fewer shifts and focus on other pursuits.
After becoming a teacher at UA, he saw the opportunity to finally take the time to get the necessary qualifications. Nedzu had been all too willing to give him paid time off when needed, which helped when his night classes and Hero work messed with his sleep schedule.
Yamada has seen his fair share of kids, none quite like Nakahara. That's not to say the things they needed help with were insignificant; it's just…
There's a difference between being stressed about exams and being manipulated into joining the Mafia at a young age.
Nakahara seems to trust Yamada to some extent, but all that could go away with one misstep. If he brings up the wrong topic or has the wrong attitude, the kid could completely pull back and stop any progress.
The papers in his hands somehow get even heavier.
This is all the information he has on Nakahara: the initial report from the Yokohaman government, the data from his arrest, Tsukauchi's report, and the notes Yamada has made during their sessions thus far.
It's a pitiful amount really, especially since the first two documents only really focus on the kid's Ability and appearance.
Yamada's own notes are full of random notes and stories. He makes an effort to write down things that are worth remembering, such as the foods Nakahara likes, the places he goes, the games he plays, etc. It's all stuff to do with his personality, stuff that he's learnt while Nakahara has been here at UA.
Tsukauchi's report highlights Nakahara's past, vague as the information is: the age at which he joined the Port Mafia (too young, in Yamada's opinion), a vague re-telling of how he joined (he phrased it like he made the choice himself; Yamada doubts that's the whole story), and a loose idea of what Nakahara's life looked like before the Port Mafia (more violence than any child should ever see).
He wishes he had more information and an easy guide on how to help the kid.
That isn't the case, though, so Yamada will have to earn that information.
Not that he's upset about that aspect; no, he would be completely alright if Nakahara never told him anything personal. At the end of the day, it's all down to Nakahara, and Yamada respects that.
Yamada just doesn't want to make a mistake, even if he knows such things are bound to happen. Things have been going well between the two of them; a bond is beginning to grow, and Yamada loves it.
Nakahara is such a good kid. He's got a great sense of humour, one that works with Yamada's own; he's smart, and kinder than one would expect, given his background.
He's also a kid who must have been through a lot, things that Yamada probably will never hear about. Yamada isn't stupid enough to water down what the kid must have been through, what he must feel when he's reminded of those times.
On one hand, Yamada wants to know more about Nakahara so he can avoid anything that might dredge up bad memories for the kid. On the other hand, he wants to leave the subject well alone and let Nakahara decide when (or if) he tells Yamada.
Yamada sighs, and the papers in his hands wilt as if to reflect his mood.
-
"We meet again, little listener!"
Chuuya sits down across from Yamada and can't help feeling pleased. He knew Yamada would say that—well, technically, he knew Yamada would say 'little listener'—but whatever other greeting he tacked on was unpredictable. Once, he had greeted Chuuya with a Shakespeare quote, and the next day, he pretended to be a cowboy.
Anyway, Yamada always greets him with some sort of 'little listener'. It's to the point where, if Chuuya were a betting man—which he is—then he would place money on Yamada greeting him like that.
It doesn't seem to be a nickname exclusive for Chuuya, though, not with how much Yamada says it in class. Every student is a little listener, whether they want to be or not.
"Ah, I recognise that look. You have something to say, right?"
Chuuya hums, "Do you really call everyone 'little listener'?" He doesn't think so, but well, now that Chuuya is thinking about it, he has his doubts. It seems entirely possible that Yamada has looked someone like, say, All Might in the eye and joyfully called him by that nickname.
"Haha, no!" Yamada grins, "Just you kids!"
Chuuya nods; he's thought as much. Calling other adults' little listeners' would be weird as hell.
Then again, if it's part of his branding…
"What was that?"
Chuuya's head snaps up; damn, had he accidentally said that part out loud? That isn't like him, so why…
Suddenly, his mind conjures up memories of Midoriya mindlessly muttering. Has Chuuya gained that habit, too? He really, really hopes not.
Yamada is still looking at him curiously, so Chuuya sighs and speaks, "That's part of your… branding, right?"
"It is!" Yamada exclaims, "I'm all about the powers of your voice and music!"
Chuuya nods and then, somewhat belatedly, remembers that Yamada has a radio station. He had meant to check it out sometime, mainly to see if the man has good taste in music, but it had slipped from his mind as of late. "Oh yeah, you run a radio station."
Yamada seems to light up at the very mention of it, "I do! It's my pride and joy."
Chuuya nods while trying to will the information into his mind. He's not sure what type of questions to expect on the exams, but surely, this is something that could be useful. If he remembers the broad strokes, then he'll probably be fine, right?
So, Yamada, also known as Present Mic. His Quirk is called 'Voice', and he attacks people with his voice, as the name suggests. He has a radio station and is really into music and… What did he say again? Oh, right, 'the power of your voice', whatever that means.
Although, now that Chuuya's thinking about it, he doesn't even know what the name of the station is, let alone what type of music Yamada plays.
Maybe pop? That does seem to match Yamada's personality. Ah, his hero costume gives more of a rock vibe, though.
Before he can think any deeper about what music Yamada might like, and if he happens to like the musicians Chuuya likes, his thoughts are cut off by Yamada.
"That's quite the focused expression! I doubt you're that interested in my humble radio station, though," Yamada says as if his radio station isn't insanely popular.
Chuuya may not remember much about the radio station, but he does know it's popular. How couldn't it be? The host is a pro hero, one that seems to be loved by everyone.
"There's gonna be something on the exams about branding and PR stuff; that's what Yaoyorozu said anyway. I don't know many examples, though," Chuuya admits. He can remember the more theoretical parts, such as 'don't say stupid shit unless you want to get fired', but coming up with examples is harder.
1A have it easy; they've grown up surrounded by all this. Even if they don't bother to study properly, they can, without a doubt, name various pros and their branding.
In contrast, Chuuya and Dazai have to learn it all from scratch. Well, actually, Chuuya has to learn it from scratch. Dazai, the tricky bastard that he is, probably looked into various pros the moment the thought 'Let's play pretend as UA students!' crossed his mind.
Chuuya figured it would be easier to use the teachers at UA as his examples; after all, there is no way he could ever forget Yamada's yellow hair. That's not even to mention Aizawa's scruffy aesthetic and Midnight's… Well, everything.
He still wants to try and get a deeper understanding, though, something that proves he didn't just look over at a pro before the exam instead of studying.
If Chuuya is going to study, then, dammit, he wants his answers and grades to reflect that.
Yamada nods in understanding, "You should have mentioned that earlier! The bookshelf behind you, the one on the left, has study materials you can use. There should be a book on branding and PR on the third self."
"Anything on the staff at UA?" Chuuya asks. Yaoyorozu had offered to lend him one of her study books on the topic, but when Chuuya saw the two-inch thick book, he had promptly turned her down. He wants to get good grades, sure, but not that badly.
Yamada smiles in such a way that Chuuya feels he is far from the first student to ask that question. "There should be a few, yes."
Well, Chuuya thinks as he stands and tries to brush away the slight embarrassment; it's a good thing he asked about Yamada's branding.
The bookshelf, almost tall enough to touch the ceiling, is crammed full of books. Chuuya briefly glances over the shelf in its entirety and, rather quickly, feels relieved that Yamada told him where to look. If he hadn't, then Chuuya might have never found the books, not when he could barely figure out the organisational system.
It's not by title or author name, so maybe by genre? Then again, Chuuya is almost certain he can see a book about gardening next to one about historic villain attacks.
Whatever, that's not what he's supposed to be looking at anyway.
Once finding the correct self, Chuuya glances at the spines of the books to find what he's after.
Branding and PR, a student's guide!
What I learnt as a Pro Hero's PR manager.
Why do we need branding anyway? A simple guide!
How do UA teachers keep up their Pro Hero personas?
A little listener's guide to UA teachers and their branding/pr!!!!
Chuuya eyes that last one; the handwriting and phrasing are suspiciously familiar.
It doesn't take long for it to click. That handwriting belongs to Yamada, doesn't it? And as for the use of 'little listener'….
Well, anyway, now Chuuya wonders if this is an actual book or just something Yamada threw together for students to use.
Well, there's only really one way to find out. He should take that book and check to see if it's widely published later.
Then again, maybe it would be better to use the more official-looking book, 'How do UA teachers keep up their Pro Hero personas?' instead.
He wants to trust that Yamada's book is good study material, but if he were to go by the messy handwriting down the spine, Chuuya isn't so sure about that. What if the whole thing is just littered with 'little listener'?
It hits Chuuya, just as he tilts his head down to examine the spines of the books better, that he really is judging a book by its cover.
Hm.
Maybe he should give Yamada's book a chance, then? It would be the nice thing to do, considering how badly Chuuya has been judging it. Then again, it's a book, and can't get its feeli—
"Oh, little listener, I didn't know you had a tattoo!"
Chuuya feels a cold chill spread across him; any thoughts about books and their feelings flee from his mind within seconds.
The back of his neck tingles; somehow, those damn numbers feel heavier than before despite only being ink.
He gives up on carefully deciding on a book. Instead, he grabs the first one his hand touches and tries his best not to look too hasty when he turns around.
Yamada, thankfully not noticing Chuuya's sudden tension, continues, "You know, I always wanted one, but I don't think I could sit through it without moving too much."
Chuuya nods, although his heart isn't really in it. Somehow, he had completely forgotten about the numbers; they had slipped his mind somewhere between the first time he got changed in front of class 1A and now.
He mentally berates himself for forgetting; how could he forget something like this?
"So, what do the numbers mean?" Yamada's voice cuts through his thoughts.
"I- nothing," Chuuya forces out, "Just a stupid bet with Dazai." He tries for something casual, the sort of tone that he usually uses when complaining about that idiot partner of his.
It doesn't work, and when Yamada is quiet for just a moment too long, Chuuya knows he's been seen through. Yamada's facial expression is no different than usual, and yet Chuuya can tell there is no playing this off.
Yamada hums, "Really? What was the bet?"
Chuuya tries not to sound defensive, "The usual, some arcade game. Dazai totally cheated, but I never managed to prove it." If only that were the origin story, if that were the case, then Chuuya wouldn't be so on edge right now.
He can handle this. As long as Yamada doesn't push, then Chuuya should be able to get himself under control. Sure, he hates being reminded of the existence of those numbers, but Yamada making an innocent comment about it isn't that big a deal.
Yeah, Chuuya just needs a moment to collect himself, and then he'll be fine.
"I see! That actually reminds me of something that happened just a few days ago!" Yamada's voice falls a little short compared to his usual tone. His words seem particularly forced, the edges sharp and out of place. He's trying to change the subject, something Chuuya appreciates, but it just feels so… forced.
Yamada continues speaking, not that Chuuya pays him much mind at this point. He shouldn't just ignore the man like this, but it's taking all his power not to stand up and leave as it is.
It's stupid. Why is he still so affected by those numbers?
Sure, the whole… experiments thing, and everything that came from it, was rough. Terrible, really, something he wishes he couldn't remember but is cursed to never forget.
Remembering everything that happened hurts, that much he can accept. It makes sense to be upset about that stuff, the actually traumatic and horrifying parts.
The numbers, though? Compared to everything else, that should be nothing.
In an ideal world, Yamada would ask about the numbers, and Chuuya would brush it off with ease. He would respond as if the question was completely normal, something as bland as asking about the weather.
He wouldn't get so shaken up by even the tiniest mention of it.
People have asked about them before, so why—
"—then I said, he seems less like a human and more like a missile!"
Chuuya wasn't listening to Yamada's chatter, and yet he knows the man is referring to him.
'less like a human'
The words echo around his mind, and he hates how he knows what will come next.
He hates how he just knows his breath will come in short, how his hands will tighten into fists, and how the keen focus he usually prides himself on will scatter.
He hates how he'll feel so damn conflicted. One part of him will be unbearably upset at the comment, and the other will be frustrated at being upset.
He's human, he knows that. No matter what anyone else says, he is a human just like them. Even more human, if he were to ask Dazai's opinion on the matter.
Still, just as the mention of those numbers affects him, the mere mention of being inhuman leaves Chuuya breathing sharply through gritted teeth. Maybe if it was just one thing or the other, then Chuuya could deal with it or at least keep it together until the session's end.
Together, though?
Yamada has stopped talking; the silence makes things even worse.
Chuuya should say something, make a joke, or insult Dazai. He should say anything that changes the topic to something he can deal with right now, something he doesn't have to worry about making him feel worse.
Yamada's worried; he's a nice guy like that.
He should say something to alleviate that worry, something to reassure the man that Chuuya isn't upset with him but rather-
Well. Maybe he is a little upset with Yamada. Why did he have to bring up the numbers? Why did he have to say that?
He's also upset with himself because, dammit, if he had just kept himself together, then they would be talking about something else by now.
That didn't happen, though, so now Chuuya needs to say something, anything, so they can move on.
The words fight in his throat, a mix of not wanting to be said and wanting to say the wrong thing. He fights back, as he is so used to doing.
"Nakahara, I'm s-"
"I need the toilet."
Without any further delay, Chuuya stands and rushes out the door.
He feels better once he's outside; he feels even better when he begins walking down the hallway. The distance and being alone help calm him down. Now, he doesn't need to worry about keeping his face from reacting too badly.
Part of himself is annoyed about running like this. If Yamada didn't know something was wrong before, then he certainly does now.
It's too late to regret it, or so he tells himself. Now that he's out of Yamada's office, he might as well take advantage of it.
He'll hang around for a few minutes, long enough that he can get himself back under control, but not too long that Yamada comes looking. Fortunately, there aren't any toilets near Yamada's office, a fact that had once annoyed him.
Now, though, it gives him the perfect excuse to spend more time away from that office.
-
Somehow—and Chuuya really isn't sure how—he ends up on the rooftop.
He'll have to leave soon; if he doesn't, then he runs the risk of Yamada coming to find him. On an ordinary day, that would be annoying, sure, but nothing Chuuya can't handle. Today, though, after that disaster of a therapy session, he wants nothing more than to stare out at the sky without the pressure of Yamada's eyes on him.
It's not that he hates Yamada now or anything; he just wants some time away from him. Time to get his feelings in check so when he does go back, and Yamada enviably questions him, Chuuya can hopefully play it off.
Chuuya sighs as he leans against the roof's railing; below him, he can make out various UA students milling around.
For a few minutes, he just simply watches the students walk around as they talk and make dramatic gestures. It all seems so… normal.
When Chuuya arrived at UA—no, it was even before then. When he first heard of Dazai's stupid little plan, he cursed the idiot out; after all, what does Chuuya know about going to school? Sure, he can sit and listen to a lecture, but what about the rest? What about the unspoken rules and expectations that students everywhere seem to understand?
How could Chuuya fair in an environment he had never been in before?
Now, as Chuuya looks down at the UA students, he finds himself oddly at ease. Those worries from before seem so far away; part of him even feels doubt that he had felt like that once.
He had been worried about how classmates are meant to interact. Well, that hardly makes sense; it's so easy to talk with class 1A. Kaminari and Mina are always down to talk about whatever game or show they've been watching. Yaoyorozu doesn't hesitate to help Chuuya with whatever study materials he needs, and she's always willing to explain things in a way that doesn't make Chuuya feel like an idiot for not knowing. That's not even to mention the other members of class 1A, the quiet ones who are just nice to be around. They have no expectations, no horror or awe when they see Chuuya coming. Not anymore, anyway.
He had worried about what the teachers would be like and if he would crash heads with them often or not. These days, few in the Port Mafia can give Chuuya orders, so for the most part, he's free to call the shots how he pleases. He had thought he would have to follow new orders, would have to grit his teeth and pretend to respect the teachers.
And sure, Chuuya has had to do things he didn't particularly want to do, but it would be wrong to say that what he had been expecting was anything like what had happened.
He had thought the teachers, driven by their anger at Mt. Lady's death, would be strict with them.
A memory comes to mind.
"As long as whatever you do is safe, then I don't care. What I do care about is you not being where you should be. If this is to happen again, then tell me in advance where you'll be, alright?"
Aizawa hadn't yelled at them, hadn't demanded that Dazai get back to his room and stay there. All he had requested was to be informed beforehand; that's it.
Hell, Aizawa had even apologised to both him and Dazai. When was the last time that ever happened?
In the Port Mafia, you would be hard-pressed to find a higher-up willing to apologise to their underlings, especially when they weren't truly at fault.
Aizawa had done that, though. He had apologised to Chuuya and made sure to come back so he could do the same to Dazai. He had been genuine, too. There isn't a doubt in Chuuya's mind that the man actually felt bad about what happened. He wasn't just apologising to feel better or make himself seem like a good person; his apology was real and a promise to do better.
Yamada, too, despite what happened earlier, has been nothing but kind to Chuuya. He listens with a smile as Chuuya talks about whatever he wants, as he recounts stupid bets with Dazai and whatever other little story Chuuya feels like telling. He listens and remembers, too. He'll casually mention knowing a good spot to get Chuuya's favourite food, even if it's been over a week since that topic was brought up. He'll greet Chuuya with a smile, loudly exclaiming that he found a poetry book Chuuya might like.
When Chuuya talked about missing Yokohama, Yamada listened and tried to help. Nothing will ever replace Yokohama in his heart, but having those familiar comforts, knowing that he isn't barred from ever experiencing those things again, helps to settle the homesickness in his heart.
The view from UA's roof will never beat the one from back home. Still, it's calming to come up here and feel the wind and sun.
Having tea from Blue Lotus with Yamada will never beat the quiet afternoons spent in tea houses with Ane-san, not when the man can't seem to stay quiet for longer than two minutes. Still, he enjoys the tea and the company; he always leaves those sessions feeling happier than before.
He and Dazai still haven't been able to go to any arcades, but if the flyers and contact sheets Chuuya noticed on Yamada's desk mean anything, it shouldn't be long until that changes.
Being at UA is different from what he expected, and way different from his life back in Yokohama, but still, Chuuya can admit that he doesn't hate it here.
(Part of him worries about the end of the mission, about heading back to Yokohama. He wants to go back; of course, he does, but will he remember how to act? Has he gotten too used to living here at UA that he'll feel out of place back at home?)
Chuuya sighs and glances down, the study book he had taken from Yamada is still tightly grasped in his hand.
When he catches sight of exactly which book he has, the one he'd randomly grabbed, Chuuya feels like he's part of some big joke. Maybe the universe has gotten bored of watching a class of fifteen-year-olds run around all day and has decided to mess with Chuuya for a while.
Well, Chuuya thinks as he shoves the book into one of his blazer pockets; it seems he'll have to trust Yamada's writing skills now.
The book peeks over the top of his pocket just a little, something he doesn't find himself minding.
The sound of knocking breaks Chuuya's train of thought. In almost an instant, all the tension from before rushes back in, just as he was feeling better, too.
Chuuya takes a breath, gets his face under control, and turns to greet whoever has intruded on the roof.
… Or not.
He expected whoever it is to have opened the door by now, but no.
Chuuya definitely heard someone knock, though. So, with apprehension, he calls out, "Yeah?"
The door begins to open, which causes Chuuya to tense up again. It's probably Yamada, which isn't ideal, but whatever. He has a vague idea of what he can say to stop any questions about Chuuya's reactions from before, and if all else fails, he can make some bullshit up about Dazai to shift Yamada's worry.
Dazai won't be happy, but when is he anyway?
(Maybe, he fleetingly thinks, Chuuya could just say he doesn't want to talk about it, and Yamada will listen.)
The door continues to open, and out steps a figure dressed in black… Wait, in black?
"Oh, it's you."
Aizawa shrugs, "No need to sound so disappointed." He doesn't say anything more, instead he just stays quiet and lingers near the door. Chuuya gets the distinct feeling he's waiting for Chuuya to say something first, possibly waiting until Chuuya says he can come closer.
Chuuya considers this for a second. There's no way to tell why Aizawa is here. Maybe Yamada called him and explained things; maybe Aizawa independently saw Chuuya up here and came to check things out.
"Are you just gonna stand there?" Chuuya sighs and turns his attention back to the students wandering below him. Aizawa said before, back when Dazai was recovering after his attempt, that he wouldn't try to ask for any information about Yokohama or the Port Mafia.
If Aizawa pushes here, Chuuya will know the man was lying back then. That or he doesn't consider Chuuya's private thoughts as being important enough to respect.
A few seconds later, Aizawa is standing beside Chuuya, hands stuffed in his pockets and eyes looking out at the view.
Chuuya continues to watch the students below, and part of him wonders how long it will be until they've all made it back to the dorms or wherever else they're heading off to.
He watches as one boy wraps an arm around another, only to be shrugged off.
A group of kids, all mutants by the look of it, have been standing in the same spot for the last few minutes. Chuuya watches as someone runs up to them, bows, and then the group sets off.
It's only when a girl starts yelling, 'My babies!' loud enough that even Chuuya can hear it that he glances over at Aizawa.
If Aizawa notices, he doesn't say anything; instead, he just continues to look forward. His eyes seem to be tracking the students below, perhaps taking note of any that need to be given detention.
Chuuya had heard from class 1A that Aizawa had once threatened to expel anyone who didn't meet his standards. They were all relieved when it turned out to be a 'logical ruse'. Chuuya ended up asking Yamada about it, who then revealed that Aizawa had once expelled an entire class.
Knowing this, spying on students like this to see which are misbehaving seems in line with Aizawa's character.
After a few minutes of this, Chuuya breaks, "Aren't you meant to ask why I'm up here or something?"
Aizawa glances at him, and annoyingly, his face gives away nothing, "I can if you want me to."
Chuuya is slightly taken aback by that; what kind of answer is that?
That... Actually, no, it makes sense now that Chuuya is thinking about it. It seems that Aizawa really does plan to uphold his promise about not asking questions.
Which is… nice, if Chuuya is being honest. How Aizawa is acting is nice, too, which might be weird to say.
Most people would probably want someone to act all worried if they were upset. They would want that comfort and knowledge that someone cares for them. Of course, Chuuya is like that sometimes, but Dazai is the only person he'd think of being like that around right now.
As much as he likes Aizawa, Yamada, and class 1A, he doesn't trust them enough to be so vulnerable.
If Yamada had come up here, then he might have wanted to talk about what happened. Maybe he would have pretended nothing happened, or maybe he would have listened to Chuuya's request not to talk about it.
Yamada is a very emotional guy, a fact that didn't take Chuuya long to see. He cares a lot and likes to show it. Even if Chuuya had asked that they don't talk about what happened he would still he able to see the worry in Yamada's eyes, he would still be able to notice how awkward the conversation feels when Yamada really wants to ask something else.
Chuuya had seen it back when he had that meeting with Nedzu, although only through glimpses. He was too focused on talking to Nedzu and, after a certain point, yelling at him. Still, when he first walked into that room, he could see how worried Yamada was about him.
Aizawa is probably worried, curious, or a mix of the two. He's just better at hiding it.
Right now he's placed the ball in Chuuya's court, he's completely given control of the situation to him in a few ways. First he waited by the door, he waited until Chuuya let him come closer. If Chuuya had told him to piss off, then he probably would have, although he likely would have hung around nearby just in case.
He didn't ask about what happened but, when prompted, said he would if Chuuya wanted it.
He acts like there isn't even anything to talk about, like nothing out of the ordinary happened recently. If Chuuya were to ask, if he wanted to talk about it, then he imagines Aizawa would show his concern then.
… Damn, he's good, Chuuya will give him that. Giving Chuuya control would help him feel less cornered while also building up the trust between them.
Well, whatever, Chuuya will just have to take advantage of this while he can.
That reminds him; he's still yet to take advantage of the pity from Dazai's attempt. He'll have to speak with Dazai about it at some point, but with some luck, they might be able to gather some secret information from UA.
Something about the pros, maybe. Does UA just have blackmail sitting around? Probably not, but Chuuya can only hope. It would make things so much nicer if, when they get back to Yokohama, they can blackmail the pros into leaving Yokohama alone.
He might even be able to get these damn cuffs off, although Chuuya doesn't have high hopes for that. Maybe he'll ask Aizawa sometime, just to test the waters.
Coincidentally, the second Chuuya thinks about him, Aizawa speaks, "I'll need to go get Dazai soon; do you want me to bring him up here?"
Chuuya scrunches his eyebrows, "The session ended already?"
"It ended," Aizawa pauses as he checks the time. "Thirty minutes ago, but I'm sure Nedzu found something to do with the spare time."
Thirty minutes, huh? It certainly didn't feel like that much time had passed. It made sense, though; Yamada must have called for Aizawa once the session ended, and Chuuya still hadn't returned.
Part of him is annoyed that he got so lost in thought. That really isn't like him, even when he is upset about something. Usually, Chuuya is able to get upset and frustrated when he has the chance to, and then set those feelings aside when it comes time to work.
He usually has better time management, too.
Chuuya sighs, "Dazai is probably cursing me out right now." He can already feel the headache forming at that. Just what nonsense will Dazai spew when they next see each other?
Probably something like, 'Chibiiiiii, where did your sense of loyalty go?! This is why you have no friends!'
Ugh, just thinking about it annoys him.
Aizawa starts heading towards the door, but before he can get far, Chuuya reaches out and grabs his arm. "Stay, please. Just for a little longer."
Aizawa stops at that. He glances back, and his face seems to soften for a moment. Then he looks a tad disappointed as he sighs, "I can't condone you making Dazai suffer, you know."
Chuuya, despite being caught, shamelessly shrugs, "Fine. I'll start crying so you have a good excuse to stay."
Aizawa rolls his eyes, nevertheless he takes a step back and settles against the railing once more.
Chuuya lets go of his arm and turns back to look over the railing. There aren't as many students walking around now.
For a few moments neither of them speaks, instead all Chuuya can hear is the echoing yells of students and distant bird calls. He won't get to stay up here that much longer; that'll just make Dazai more annoying to deal with later, so he'll enjoy it while he can.
Aizawa, without looking in his direction, speaks, "You don't need to cry for me to stay. You know that, right? Just ask, and I'll be here."
Chuuya looks away; for some reason, he feels faintly embarrassed. "Whatever."
-
Shinsou isn't all that big on seeking out those with authority for conversations.
Maybe it's a holdover from when he was younger, and teachers would shy away from him and ignore his questions. Maybe he's just naturally introverted; who's to say, really?
The point is, unless it's an emergency, Shinsou is very much content to figure things out himself or just suffer.
It's probably not a good habit, per se, but Shinsou likes to frame it as a way to build up his perseverance and independence. That's what he says when Aizawa grills him on why he sat tied up in capture tape instead of asking for help, anyway.
So, it's just his luck that the one day he actually psychs himself up to pull Aizawa aside and make a request, the man is nowhere to be seen.
Eventually, after about twenty minutes of waiting down in the common area, Shinsou gives up and heads back to his room. He'll have to catch Aizawa tomorrow morning at some point.
Part of him wants to call it quits. Maybe this is some sign from the universe that his little idea isn't a good one after all.
Unfortunately, for that part of the universe, Shinsou can't back out now. Mainly because he's already told Midoriya, who said it was a great idea and worth trying out. If Shinsou chickened out now, and without good reason, then Midoriya would surely bombard him with questions.
He's also, maybe just a tiny bit, excited by the idea. Shinsou wants to be a Pro Hero above all else, naturally anything that pushes him further down that path is something to look forward to.
(A small, child-sized part of him is simply excited at the prospect of getting new friends.)
Most importantly, though, Shinsou will finally get to actually lead by example. Back then, he had told the class to act better around Dazai and Nakahara, that they needed to try and think past Mt. Lady's death so the two boys could have a fair chance at rehabilitation.
People have been making an effort since then, even just in small ways.
It had taken some thinking and a lot of internal debate, but Shinsou had finally come up with the perfect idea on how to bond with those two without it feeling… forced.
Shinsou still feels a little slighted by how Dazai acted back on his first day at UA. On top of that, both Nakahara and Dazai are probably still weary of his Quirk, it's annoying but Shinsou can understand why they'd think like that.
Unlike, say, Midoriya, who can just walk up and start a conversation, Shinsou had to think a little harder about it. Until Nakahara and Dazai can trust that Shinsou won't use his Quirk on them, he has to create some sort of safety net, some kind of situation where they don't have to worry about Shinsou's Quirk. That will, in turn, keep Shinsou from getting mad at them when they refuse to answer his questions.
He just needs to run the idea by Aizawa first. If the man ever shows up.
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The room is quiet, save for the ever-present whirr of machines. Soft beeps ring out every so often, the sound quickly falling into background noise after hearing it so often.
On one of the many screens before him sits a news article, one he's read a few times already.
"The Hero Killer Stain," he muses. "I didn't think he'd get caught, but everything else is pretty much as expected. Now that he's viral, those who want to wreak havoc or simply sympathise with him will seek out the League of Villains as a way to satisfy their urges."
Without moving a muscle, the screen changes to a more familiar picture. The man in this picture doesn't have the same level of intimidation as Stain, but with time, he should develop nicely.
"Shigaraki Tomura will be put in a position where he must unify many new recruits."
Expanding the League is an essential step. Currently, there are too many low-level thugs taking up space. Getting some actual Villains, ones who know how to use their Quirks for maximum destruction and death, will push the League and, by extension, Tomura into being threats on the level of Stain.
Behind him, a voice calls out, "I believe things would move faster if you were to talk to them yourself, Master."
It's a good point; Tomura has never been talented in that regard. However…
He laughs, "Then you must hurry and fix my body, Doctor."
Having Tomura deal with the new recruits will be good for his development anyway.
The Doctor sighs, "If only we'd gotten our hands on the super regeneration Quirk five years earlier. Now that your wounds are all healed, it can't really do anything to help you."
There is some movement behind him as the Doctor walks closer.
"So he's to unite the League of Villains. I wonder if the child can pull it off. How much has he really grown?"
He hums, "He'll do well, even if I have to work him to the bone. It's the only way he'll be able to take my place. He was born with the twisted mind needed to become the next me."
A smirk pulls at his lips at the thought, "I hope you're celebrating while you can, All Might. Very soon, this temporary peace will come to a violent end."