The walk home was unusually quiet. I didn't make a sound, which for me, was nothing short of a miracle. Normally, I'd be narrating my every thought—well, meowing my every thought—but tonight? I had nothing. Not because I didn't have anything to say, but because I was too tired of not being heard.

Aizawa carried me in his arms, his pace steady and his expression unreadable, as usual. The streetlights cast long shadows on the sidewalk, and I watched them flicker by. Normally, I'd have wiggled free by now or at least attempted to climb onto his shoulder for a better view. But tonight, I just lay there, my tail curled neatly against his arm.

When we got home, he set me down on the couch without a word. I stretched out, blinking up at him.

"You're quiet tonight," he remarked, his voice softer than usual.

I flicked my ears but didn't respond. What was the point? He'd just think I was hungry or wanted attention.

He watched me for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. "Not even a dramatic meow? That's new."

Very funny, sensei.

I looked away, my green eyes focusing on the wall.

Aizawa sighed and went about his usual routine—feeding himself, tidying up, and checking his phone. Occasionally, I'd catch him glancing at me, as if he were trying to figure something out.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he came back to the couch and sat down next to me. "Alright, cat," he said, folding his arms. "You've been acting strange all day. If there's something going on, now's your chance to let me know."

I turned my head to look at him, one ear twitching. Was he... was he actually trying to communicate?

"I know you can understand me," he continued, his tone more serious now. "At least, I think you can. Nezu seems to think you're smarter than you let on. So, let's test that theory."

I perked up slightly, my tail swishing. Finally, a shred of hope.

"Can you understand me?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.

I gave him a slow blink. 

Yes, obviously, but keep going.

He tilted his head, considering. "Alright. If you can understand me, do something to show it. Anything."

I stood up, stretched, and then walked over to the coffee table. Carefully, I placed my paw on the remote and pushed it toward him.

Aizawa raised an eyebrow. "The remote? You want to watch TV?"

No, you idiot.

 I'm showing you that I can follow instructions.

I meowed softly, trying to convey my frustration.

"Okay," he said, rubbing his chin. "Maybe that wasn't clear enough. Let's try something else."

He leaned back, crossing his arms again. "If you really understand me, go sit by the door."

Finally, something simple.

I hopped off the coffee table and padded over to the door, sitting down neatly in front of it.

Aizawa blinked, clearly surprised. "Huh. That's... interesting."

Interesting? 

That's all you've got? 

Sensei, I'm practically screaming at you through actions here!

He stood up, walking over to me. "Alright, one more test." He crouched down to my level, his dark eyes studying me intently. "If you really understand what I'm saying, touch my hand with your paw."

I hesitated for a moment, then lifted my paw and placed it lightly on his hand.

His expression didn't change, but I could tell his brain was working overtime. He sat back on his heels, staring at me like I was some unsolvable puzzle.

"So, you do understand me," he said finally, more to himself than to me.

I nodded—or at least tilted my head in what I hoped looked like a nod.

Aizawa rubbed his temples, muttering something under his breath. "Great. Now I have a cat that's potentially smarter than half my students. What else is new?"

If only you knew, sensei.

 If only you knew.

He stood up, stretching. "Alright, cat. You've proved you're not ordinary. But that doesn't mean I understand what you're trying to tell me."

I let out a frustrated sigh, flopping onto my side. Of course you don't. Why would this be easy?

Aizawa walked back to the couch and sat down, staring at me thoughtfully. "If you could talk, what would you even say?"

Oh, you have no idea. 

I'd have a lot to say, starting with the fact that I'm Midoriya Izuku, your missing student, and I'm stuck like this!

He shook his head, running a hand through his messy hair. "This is ridiculous. I'm talking to a cat like it's going to answer me."

I stood up and padded over to him, jumping onto the couch. Carefully, I placed my paw on his knee and looked up at him, my green eyes pleading.

He stared back, his expression softening slightly. "You really want to say something, don't you?"

I let out a soft, pitiful meow, leaning against his leg.

He sighed, his hand resting lightly on my back. "Alright, cat. I'll keep trying to figure you out. But for now, let's call it a night."