• Benevolence •

A Hero

[TW: Referenced parental death. I'm not risking anyone's mental health. If this triggers you, don't read it. Please.]

I wake up slowly; my head fuzzy with sleep, face pressed to a warm chest. Opening my eyes, I see Hitoshi, Kirishima, and Bakugou asleep. I notice we're still on the floor.

My limbs are entangled with the other boys' as they're arranged in some makeshift sleeping pile around me. I'm laying on Hitoshi, his arms are wrapped loosely around my waist.

Glancing to his face, I see his mouth is slightly open. He looks peaceful. On my right, Kirishima is spread out awkwardly, his legs tangled with mine and Hitoshi's, gentle snores coming from him. Bakugou is in a much more comfortable looking position, his hand gripping my arm almost protectively.

A glance to my bedside table shows it's 5:37 am. We have school. Not wanting to wake the others just yet, I stay still, basking in their presence. I feel a warmth in my chest knowing that they stayed through the night until I remember why they stayed.

A jolt of pain spasms in my chest.

I fall limp against my friend and try to forget it all.

The silence is eventually broken as the sounds of people waking up fill the dorms. Hitoshi shifts under me, arms tightening before his eyes open. I sit up, jostling the other teens who wake up as well. Kirishima's voice sounds rough with sleep.

"[N/n], are you...?"

Before he can say anything else, I force a tight smile on my face, not meeting anyone's eyes.

"We should get r-ready for school."

Bakugou scoffs.

When I try to get up, Hitoshi doesn't let me. He's got a serious look to his eyes when I move to face him.

"You aren't going to class."

I shake my head, my smile trembling as I struggle to keep it in place.

"...I can't miss class, I have to-"

"You can and you should, [Y/n]. I'm sure you'll just be sent back by Aizawa sensei if you try to go anyway."

My smile crumbles away and my shoulders fall, resolve breaking.

"...I don't want to be alone, 'toshi."

"You aren't."

I glance up at the sound of Aizawa's voice, almost surprised to see him standing in the doorway. He turns his gaze to the other boys.

"He can come to class if he really wants to but I need to speak with him first. You three can go now."

Kirishima and Bakugou leave rather quickly. Hitoshi hesitates before placing a chaste kiss to my temple and rushing out after them. A spark of something lights in my chest for just a moment. If I wasn't so out of it, I'd probably be flustered.

I'm left alone with the teacher. He steps into the room, shutting the door behind him. It's quiet for a moment before he speaks.

"You don't have to come to class but I won't stop you if that's what you decide. I can keep the other students from mentioning your situation. However, if you decide not to, All Might is willing to substitute so that I can be here if you need someone."

I take a moment to think it over before looking to the floor, feeling self conscious with which option I'd prefer.

"...y-you'll stay?"

"If that's what you need."

"...please."

He walks over, dropping a hand to my shoulder before continuing.

"I'm going to let the other teachers know and speak to Nezu. I'll be back soon, alright?"

I nod in acknowledgement and the teacher leaves. Once I'm alone, I realize I'm still in my clothes from yesterday so I change into something more comfortable. I shrug on the hoodie Hitoshi gave me after a moment of consideration.

I sit back on the floor, a familiar numbness taking over as I go through my racing thoughts. It almost feels like it was all a bad dream. Like if I go to the apartment, she'll be in bed, asleep after a long shift. Like, perhaps, none of this is even real and it's all just my overactive imagination.

But it is real.

All of it is.

Ryu climbs into my lap, butting his head against my chest insistently as if to distract me. I pet him gently. Part of me remembers that I never got to introduce him to mom but I'm quick to shove the thought down.

My door opens again and I glance up to see Aizawa. He looks confused, like he wants to ask why I'm on the floor, for a split second before he crosses the room and sits next to me. It's silent for awhile until I speak up.

"...I thought she was at work."

"Hm?"

At the teacher's inquisitive hum, I elaborate. "During the- the exercise yesterday... I thought m-maybe she got called into work and couldn't make it."

"[L/n]..."

I shake my head, glancing to the floor as I toy with the necklace in an attempt to distract myself. The cold metal of the rings ground me and I can't hold back the slight bitter smile that forces it's way onto my features.

"It's just f-funny how it worked out, you k-know? Everyone else was scared for their parents yesterday... but mines the one who- who-"

When I can't keep going, an arm drapes over my shoulders and I'm pulled into a tight hug. I relax into the comforting embrace and slowly find my words.

"She's dead."

Aizawa tenses before responding.

"...she is."

"She died saving someone."

"She did."

There's another silence as I figure out what I'm trying to say. Aizawa waits patiently for me to continue.

"I... I think a p-part of me wants to be mad or bitter. It'd be easier I th-think, b-but... I'm mostly proud of her. She knew it w-was dangerous but sh-she also knew that someone had to do it. Th-that's what heroes do, right? They make hard d-decisions and put th-their lives on the l-line for people they d-do-don't even know."

"They do."

I shift in place a little before glancing up to meet the teacher's eyes. My tone sounds a little steadier than I feel.

"I'm gonna be a hero like her. Someone who w-will save people ev-even when it seems im-impossible or dangerous."

There's something I can't interpret in the man's eyes as he watches me. His expression shifts almost imperceptibly. It's quiet until he finally responds.

"You will."

---
I really hope I manage to develop the different relationships well and do each character justice.

If anyone has any hopes or ideas for the story, please feel free to comment or send me a message if you'd prefer!! I always do my best to respond quickly!!

Thank you for all your support.
It really does mean the world to me and I appreciate each and every one of you.